A vegan diet can have many positive health benefits. In fact, some people say removing animal products from your diet can help you lose weight and lower your risk of diabetes. Still, going vegan comes with challenging—like finding tasty snacks that fit into your diet restrictions. Fortunately, with a few extra minutes and a little creativity, you can make some delicious—not to mention, healthy—vegan snacks right in your own kitchen.

Here are five easy vegan snacks to get you started.

Mac and Peas

This Mac and Peas Recipe from Livingwell-Nutrition.com is a simple snack you can make in minutes. What’s better? It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Start with:

• Box of pasta
• Margarine
• A can of peas
• 2 handfuls of flour
• Mustard
• Hot Sauce

Cook and drain the pasta according to the instructions on the box. On a separate pan, melt two scoops of margarine. Add in the whole can of peas. Throw in the flour and the yeast. Mix in one spoonful of mustard and  one a dash of hot sauce. Once the sauce is done, mix it with the pasta and it’s ready to eat! It’s quick, easy and delicious.

Cashew Ambrosia Salad

A delicious salad like this Cashew Ambrosia Salad from The Vegan Stoner Blog is the perfect morning or afternoon snack.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 cup of cashews
• ½ cup soy milk
• 2 Tbsp. of Agave
• 2 cups of mixed fruits
• Handful of shredded coconut

First, soak the cashews for two hours. Using a blender, blend the cashews with the soymilk and the agave. Once it’s all mixed in, pour the mixture on the chopped fruit and stir. Add in the shredded coconut on top and you’re done!

Strawberry Oat Squares

If you’re looking for a fruity breakfast, or a sweet snack before heading out for an afternoon work out, try these Strawberry Oat Squares from OhSheGlows.com.

Use the following ingredients for the oat base:

• 1.5 cups regular oats
• 1 cup whole-grain Kamut flour ( You can also use a mix of white and whole wheat)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 chia egg
• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp.  Earth Balance, melted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp. almond milk
• 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds (for topping only)

For the strawberry chia seed jam, use:

• 2 & 1/4 cups chopped strawberries, finely chopped into 1/4 inch pieces OR
• Approximately 1 cup pre-made jam
• 3-4 Tbsp. sugar, to taste
• 1-2 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Oil the sides and base. In a pot, add the strawberries with the sugar. Heat over low until strawberries begin to sweat and there’s a watery consistency. Once it cools down a little, mix in the chia seeds, and stir well. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low to medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Once it begins to thicken, turn off the stove and let it cool down for 5 to 10 minutes.

In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients (The flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, baking soda etc.). In a small bowl mix the almond milk, melted earth balance, chia egg and maple syrup and stir well. Combine the dry and wet ingredients.

Take a ½ cup of the dough and set it aside. Pour the remaining oat mixture onto the prepared baking pan and press down with your fingers. Pour in the strawberry mixture. Add in another layer of the remaining oat mixture. Sprinkle sesame seeds or coconut according to taste. Bake for 30 minutes at 350F. Once the time is up, let it stand for 30-40 minutes before removing from pan.

The Hummus That Changed Everything

Love hummus? There’s no need to waste money on the store-bought kind. Make your own yummy hummus at home with this Hummus Recipe from OhSheGlows.com.

Start with:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas ( reserve liquid and set aside)
• Kosher salt to taste
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 7-8 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. reserved chickpea liquid (or water)
• 4-8 drops of Tabasco sauce (amazing), to taste
• Olive oil
• Paprika

Place all ingredients (except the kosher salt) into a food processor and process. This will result in a hummus that’s coarsely pureed. Add in salt to taste. Scoop into a container or bowl, then drizzle with olive oil and decorate with the paprika. The recipe makes about 2 cups. Make sure to store it in the fridge in a sealed container, and it will last you 4-5 days.

Festive Salsa

This Salsa Recipe from Peta.org. is a perfect snack when you have guests over. All you’ll need is some corn chips and you’ll have a fiesta going!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Tbsp. roasted hot oriental peppers
• 1 cup fresh or frozen green or red mild to medium chili peppers
• 1 cup tomatoes
• 1 cup white onion
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 2-3 tsp. vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

First you must prepare the ingredients:

Chop the hot oriental peppers. Seed and chop the tomatoes finely. Peel and chop the onions and garlic finely.

Once all the ingredients are prepared, you must mix them together in a blender for a few seconds. The result should be a thick juice with some chunky pieces mixed in.

Five Is All You Need

Whether you’re trying to satisfy the munchies, or impress a group of houseguests, there are plenty of great recipe that fit perfectly into a vegan diet. Keep these five recipes handy and you’ll have a delicious snack in no time!