Eid-al-Adha 2025: 7 nutrition-packed tasty snacks for the evening feast

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of faith, sacrifice, and the importance of community, offering Muslims an opportunity to reflect on these values and partake in the joy of the occasion while sharing delicious meals with loved ones.

While traditional dishes take center stage, incorporating nutritious snacks can enhance the festive experience without compromising on flavor. Incorporating these nutritious snacks into your Eid al-Adha celebration allows you to enjoy the festivities while maintaining a balanced diet, as each dish offers a unique combination of flavors and health benefits, ensuring that your evening feast is both delightful and nourishing.

Here are seven healthy yet delectable snack ideas to consider for your evening feast:

Grilled chicken skewers are an instant hit option that combines lean protein with vibrant vegetables. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander imparts rich flavors. Threading the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with colorful bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, adds both taste and some color pop for the party. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve with a refreshing yogurt-based dip flavored with mint and lemon zest for an added touch.

For a lighter alternative, tandoori chicken lettuce wraps offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, garlic paste, ginger paste, and a pinch of red chili powder. Grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked, then slice it into thin strips. Wash and dry large lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce, and use them as wraps. Fill each lettuce leaf with the sliced tandoori chicken, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or raita. Roll up the lettuce wraps and secure them with toothpicks if needed, then serve as a light and delicious snack.

Air-fried masala fish is a healthier take on a traditional favorite. Marinate fish fillets, such as pomfret or kingfish, with a mixture of ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt. Coat the marinated fish fillets with rice flour or gram flour. Place the fish fillets in an air fryer and brush with oil. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Serve hot with lemon wedges and onion rings for a delicious and spicy Eid party snack.

Medjool dates are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. For a wholesome snack, pit the dates and fill them with a spoonful of nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter. You can also opt for toppings like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or dark chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. These stuffed dates make for a delightful and energy-boosting treat during the evening festivities.

A vibrant fruit salad can never go wrong and can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of traditional dishes. Combine an assortment of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and grapes in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice to create a zesty dressing. Pour the dressing over the fruit salad and gently toss to coat. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving this colorful and nutritious addition to your Eid spread.

Vegetable and paneer skewers are a delightful vegetarian option that combines the goodness of paneer with a variety of colorful vegetables. Cube paneer and marinate it with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers, alternating with diced vegetables like capsicum, onion, and zucchini. Grill the skewers until the paneer is golden and the vegetables are tender. Serve with a side of tangy mint condiment for dipping.

If you have a sweet tooth, for a healthy dessert option, vegan firni offers a creamy and flavorful treat. Made with brown rice, plant-based milk, and sweetened with dates or jaggery, this pudding is both nourishing and satisfying. Garnish with blanched almonds, pistachios, and edible rose petals for an elegant finish. This dessert is perfect for those seeking a plant-based alternative during the festivities