10 Ways to Love Peanut Butter by Dana Angelo White in Healthy Recipes, March 1, 2011
- Dana's Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Calling all peanut butter lovers! We’re celebrating Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day and kicking off National Peanut Month by giving you 10 tummy-pleasing ways to sop up some peanutty decadence. We recommend choosing natural or homemade varieties for the truest flavor and best nutrition.
1: Solo
Peanut butter is just so good on it’s own. A light smear on celery sticks, apple slices, or whole grain crackers and you have a heart-healthy and satisfying snack. Sprinkle on some sunflower seeds for crunch or a few raisins for natural sweetness. Each tablespoon has about 110 calories so portion out to keep the calories reasonable. Ever tried making your own nut butters?
RECIPE: Make Your Own Nut Butters
2: Energy Bars
Make your own simple and delicious version of an energy bar. Peanut butter acts as the healthy glue to hold them together.
RECIPE: Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars
3: Smoothies
Who needs ice cream when you have the creamy goodness of peanut butter?! Perfect for a post-workout protein boost or breakfast on the go.
RECIPE: Peanut Butter Split Smoothie
4: Stir Fry
Melt a spoonful of PB into stir fried noodles for a silky and flavorful sauce.
RECIPE: Stir Fry Basics
5: Salad Dressing
Make a thick and creamy dressing without the unhealthy fats. Toss it up with fresh veggies, cooked chicken and a citrus punch.
RECIPE: Chicken Salad with Peanut-Lime Vinaigrette
6: Satay
Grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp love peanut butter too. Combine with soy sauce, brown sugar, lime and chili paste for a sweet, sour and creamy dipping sauce.
RECIPE: Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
7: Yogurt Dip
For another take on dips, mix creamy peanut butter with nonfat Greek yogurt for a light and tangy dipping sauce for strawberries, apple slices, carrot sticks or whole grain pretzels.
8: Sweet Treat
If you love peanut butter and chocolate, this is the munchie for you! Try to find banana chips that aren’t fried in oil to save a few calories.
RECIPE: Memphis Banana Bites
9: Quick Breakfast
A healthy and satisfying breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming – it’s as easy as 3 ingredients.
RECIPE: Peanut Butter & Green Apple Toast
10: Soup
Whisk in some peanut butter to soups and stews for a nutty flavor and unbeatable texture. Earthy vegetables like butternut squash and sweet potatoes make the best flavor combos.
RECIPE: Nutty Sweet Potato Soup
More Ways to Celebrate Peanut Butter Day
TELL US: How do you do PB?
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana’s full bio »
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Tags: peanut butter
Mmmmm as a kid, we were always making up new variations of sandwiches. A childhood fave was HAM, JAM and PB.
Family tradition! Peanut Butter on your Pancakes (it is international Pancake Day ya know) with syurp. Only way to eat Pancakes
Peanut butter and butterscotch chips added to rice krispies make the best treats!
Equal parts of peanut butter and marshmallow creme, wonderful
that's called a fluffer nutter sandwich!
Hey Jack. I was just thinking that. I'm from MA & we called them fluffernutters too. Are you from New England?
I'm thinking PB on french toast with butter and maple syrup, OMG tastes like a fresh baked cinnamon roll. Yum yum!!!
Oooh oooh oooh, I know another one, chocolate cake with PB frosting! WOW!!!
Peanut butter and swiss cheese (aged) on whole wheat, PB on both pieces of bread.
A spoonfull of crunchy peanut butter stirred into hot oatmeal is SO good! Try it, you'll like it!
I do that most every morning, ut I also add cocoa powder… Like a Reeses!
I use the creamy PB in oatmeal, and if I feel like it, I add alittle sugar free maple syrup! dd.
Goober Burger
Burger topped with PB and Mayonese
So many amazing ideas in the comments! Boring old wheat crackers with PB are my go-to 4PM snack, but when I have a little more time, I'll whip up a batch of PB-enhanced Vegetarian Soba Noodles and keep them in the fridge for those hungry mid-afternoon moments. I use about 3 Tablespoons worth, instead of the 1.