The ninth season of the must-see kids’ cooking competition show MasterChef Junior just started, and one of the show’s hosts, Daphne Oz, stopped by the Today Kitchen to celebrate the premiere by sharing some healthy recipes that help keep her fueled on set. Chewy oat bars packed with protein Italian-style chopped salad with pickled red onions.
Honey Nut Protein Bar
Daphne Oz
This is the ultimate upscale breakfast or snack bar that’s super easy to make and perfect for a busy week (it can also be frozen). The bar’s base is old-fashioned oats, giving it a classic chewy texture and nutritious flavor, and the honey and dates give it just the right amount of sweetness for a delicious treat.
Instead of traditional protein powders, I like to make my own natural version without any additives or fillers. It’s super easy to make: just finely mix chia seeds, flaxseed meal, and hemp seeds. The result is an incredibly protein-rich mixture that also contains healthy fats and fiber to give you energy. I love to drizzle it on smoothies and yogurt, but make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge (it will last for about a week).
When sweetening these bars, I always try to use whole, natural ingredients. Chopped dates and honey are my choice as they have a subtle caramel flavor that pairs well with walnuts and pecans. These protein bars can be part of your healthy breakfast arsenal or are great as an afternoon snack.
Italian Chopped Salad
Daphne Oz
This is a homemade version of my favorite lunch on the set of MasterChef Junior. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make ahead or as an on-the-go meal. I use grilled or blackened chicken breast instead of the traditional salami, and I also like to add pickled red onions, which have a slightly mild, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the bright, salty flavor of the pepperoncini.
If you like kid-friendly recipes, you should also try these.
Daphne Oz’s Ground Turkey Tacos
Daphne Oz
Daphne Oz’s Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese
Daphne Oz
