10-minute healthy snacks for Diwali that can be made in advance

Diwali is around the corner and it is that time of the year, when families and friends come together to celebrate some good times. The festival of lights is simply incomplete without some amazing sweets and delightful traditional snacks, and if you too are planning to host a party this year, then we have some simple make ahead snack ideas that you can make and store for that big day. So, here are some healthy and tasty Diwali snacks that take just 10 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead to serve fresh when guests arrive.

Roasted chickpeas are crunchy, delicious, and packed with protein and fiber. Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, salt, chaat masala, and red chili powder. Spread on a baking tray and roast them till crispy in a preheated oven. Cool and store in an airtight container for a ready-to-eat crunchy snack.

A steamed, spongy snack made from fermented gram flour batter, dhokla is light, rich in probiotics and protein. Make a batch ahead, cool, cut into squares, and garnish with mustard seeds, coriander, and green chilies. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Dry roast peanuts with a sprinkle of black salt, chili powder, and cumin powder. Peanuts are a rich source of protein and heart-healthy fats and can be prepped well in advance for immediate serving.

Mix dates, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (chia, flax), and a pinch of cinnamon in a food processor. Roll into small bite-sized balls and refrigerate. These nutrient-dense bites are a perfect busy-day snack option rich in healthy fats and fiber.

Mix soaked oats with grated vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas, seasoned with herbs and spices. Shape into small cutlets and cook on a pan with minimal oil. Cool and store to warm lightly before serving.

Lightly roast makhana in ghee or oil with turmeric, black pepper, and rock salt until crunchy. Makhana is low-calorie, rich in antioxidants and magnesium. These make a great Diwali snack that can be stored for days in an airtight container.

Make a quick batter of chickpea flour, water, chopped onions, green chili, and coriander. Cook small pancakes on a non-stick pan. These protein-rich snacks can be made early and reheated or served cold.

Boiled or microwaved corn kernels mixed with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, coriander, green chili, chaat masala, salt, and lemon juice make a refreshing and antioxidants-rich salad. Make this salad a few hours ahead and keep it chilled for a fresh burst when served.

Cut cucumber and carrot into thin sticks. Prepare a dip with yogurt, mint, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The fresh veggies stay crisp for hours and the dip can be made ahead, stored chilled.

An assortment of dry fruits mixed with chaat masala, black salt, and lime juice. This can be made hours ahead and kept chilled to refresh the palate amid rich Diwali foods.