The Best Quick & Healthy Snack Recipe to Improve Weight Loss, Boost Energy, and Support a Balanced Diet with Simple Ingredients at Home
Introduction
Sometimes the simplest combinations are the most satisfying. Juicy, naturally sweet pears paired with the creamy, savory touch of low-fat cheese create a snack that is as nourishing as it is delicious. This pairing brings together the best of both worlds: the freshness of fruit and the comfort of cheese.
Why this snack works
- Protein + fibre: protein from the cheese and fibre from the pear slow digestion, which helps you feel full for longer.
- Low prep time: you can make this in under two minutes.
- Flexible: it suits mid-morning hunger, an afternoon pick-me-up or a light dessert.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 1 medium ripe pear (about 180 g / 6 oz)
- 40 g (approx. 1½ tbsp) low-fat cottage cheese or 40 g low-fat ricotta
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, a few drops to stop browning)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional add-ons
- 1 tsp chopped walnuts or almonds (for healthy fats)
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (if you want extra sweetness)
- Fresh mint or a grind of black pepper for a savoury twist
Step-by-step:
Quick version (2 minutes)
- Wash and dry the pear; slice into wedges or halved pieces.
- Spoon low-fat cheese over the pear.
- Add a nut sprinkle or dash of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Elevated version (1–2 portions, 5 minutes)
- Cut the pear in half and scoop out a little core.
- Mix ricotta with a teaspoon of honey and a few chopped walnuts.
- Fill halved pears with the ricotta mix, top with a tiny mint leaf. Serve as a small dessert or canapé.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)**
| Component | Pear + 40g low-fat cottage cheese | Pear + 40g low-fat ricota |
|---|---|---|
|
Calories |
~150 kcal |
~170 kcal |
|
Protein |
~8 g |
~7 g |
|
Fat |
~2.5 g |
~4 g |
|
Carbohydrate |
~30 g |
~30 g |
|
Fibre |
~5 g |
~5 g |
Notes: adding 1 tsp honey (+20 kcal) or 1 tbsp chopped nuts (+50–70 kcal) will raise totals.
Variations & swaps
- Lower sugar / diabetic friendly: choose smaller pear or slice half a pear; omit honey.
- Higher protein: add 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt or increase cheese to 60 g.
- Vegan option: use a plant-based, high-protein spread (pea or almond based).
- Kid friendly: cut into fun shapes and present with small wooden picks.
Storage, meal-prep and packing tips
- Whole fruit: store pears at room temperature until ripe; then refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Cut pears: toss slices with a little lemon juice to slow browning for up to a few hours.
- Cheese: pack cheese in a separate small container and assemble just before eating to keep texture fresh.
- Batch prep: pre-portion cheese and nuts in small pots for grab-and-go snacks.
FAQs
Yes — as part of a balanced diet. Watch portion sizes if you track calories.
Anjou and Bosc are great for texture; Bartlett is sweeter and softer.
Low-fat cuts calories; full-fat can be slightly more satisfying for some people. Choose what fits your goals.
Roughly 150–170 kcal per serving using 40 g low-fat cheese.
Final Notes
Pear with low-fat cheese shows how simple ingredients can come together for a healthy, satisfying snack. It’s quick, light, and supportive of better digestion — making it a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their eating habits.
If you found this recipe helpful, you’ll enjoy diving deeper into other nutrition-focused resources. Take a look at our guide: 7-Day Gallbladder Diet Menu: A Comprehensive Guide to discover how easy meal planning can support your health goals.
For more wholesome recipes, expert tips, and meal-prep ideas, explore GoodLife today.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the pear thoroughly and slice it into thin wedges.
- Arrange the slices on a small plate.
- Add a spoonful of cottage cheese or place thin slices of low-fat cheese on top of the pear.
- Enjoy immediately as a refreshing snack.
