5-Minute Peanut Butter Maple Syrup Dip for Fruit and Pancakes
This recipe is for the peanut butter lover! I love this quick, homemade syrup when I want a sweet and nutty drizzle for fresh sliced apples or freshly flipped banana pancakes. It’s naturally sweetened, comes together in minutes, and takes your Sunday morning breakfast game to the next level, especially when you’re cooking for friends or loved ones.
But it’s not just for pancakes. I love using this dip in other ways too. One of my favorite ways is to swirl of this sauce over strawberries and Greek yogurt. It’s warm, cozy, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Peanut Butter Syrup
I love how fast this peanut butter syrup comes together. It only takes about five minutes with a quick stir on the stovetop.
I use maple syrup to keep it naturally sweet without any refined sugar. It’s super versatile too. I drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or fresh fruit, depending on what I have around.
It’s one of those simple recipes that both kids and adults really enjoy. It’s sweet enough for a midday snack but also perfect for a weekend brunch spread.
What You’ll Need
You only need 5 simple ingredients! My favorite type or recipe.
Creamy peanut butter: Creamy for a smoothie sauce, use chunky peanut butter if you love a little crunch. Use homemade or store-bought!
Pure maple syrup: For a deeper flavor, you can swap in brown sugar.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Optional, but adds a cozy touch.
Milk: A splash helps adjust the consistency if it gets too thick (any kind works: dairy or non-dairy).
How to Make It
This recipe comes together in 3 easy steps.
Combine Ingredients In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the peanut butter, a little vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
Warm and Serve Gently heat the mixture, stirring continuously, until it’s fully combined and smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Tip: Stir continuously to prevent sticking or burning.
Serve Warm Enjoy immediately with your favorite dippers or store for later. Tip: If storing, reheat gently and add a splash of milk to thin it back out.
Variations of This Peanut Butter Syrup Recipe
This recipe can be adapted to meet your ingredients and preferences!
Want some spice!? A dash of cayenne or ginger adds a spicy kick.
For chocolate lovers, stir in 1 tsp cocoa powder to make a chocolate peanut butter sauce, additionally you could use a nut butter that is already flavored with chocolate like JEM Organics Chocolate Hazelnut
Serving Suggestions
Don’t stop at pancakes and apples, this sauce goes with so much more:
Breakfast and Snacks
Sliced pears or strawberries. A Classic
As a pretzel dip. Especially with a chocolate variation!
The perfect topping over waffles or French toast. Chocolate chips optional!
Drizzled on oatmeal or yogurt parfaits. Maybe my favorite way to use this syrup.
For a fun coffee recipe, try this swirled into latte for a Peanut Butter Cookie Latte. Add chocolate sauce for a chocolate peanut butter latte.
Desserts
Paired with dark chocolate squares
A fantastic topping for brownies, bread pudding, or ice cream sundaes. OMG BROWNIE SUNDAES.
How to Store This Peanut Butter Syrup Recipe
This peanut butter maple dip keeps well if you have leftovers, or if you want to make it ahead of time for easy breakfasts and snacks.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container or small jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave in 10–15 second intervals, stirring in between.
Tip: The dip thickens as it cools, so add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it up if needed. (I mentioned this one earlier but it really works!)
This is an easy, satisfying recipe for a high-protein meal, a side dish for a potluck, summer picnic or gathering, or a make-ahead lunch for the week. This recipe is creamy, tangy, fresh, and filling the whole family will love.
My grandmother used to make a version of this during the summer when we visited. She used sour cream instead of Greek yogurt, macaroni noodles, and either shrimp or tuna. I’ve made a few tweaks to boost the protein, fiber, and nutrition so it works as a complete meal.
I’m also a tuna fan. Cans of tuna are great to have on hand for quick, healthy meals like this one. Another favorite of mine is my spicy tuna with crispy rice bowl.
Large mixing bowl: For mixing everything together.
Rubber spatula: To gently fold ingredients without breaking the pasta.
Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning.
Cutting board + knife: To prep pickles, veggies, and herbs.
Colander: For draining and rinsing the pasta.
Small bowl or jar: For mixing the dressing.
Ingredients
One reason I love this recipe is because it uses simple ingredients fresh for summer!
BRAMI protein pasta: Made from lupini beans, this pasta is packed with plant-based protein and fiber. It holds its shape well and adds extra staying power, making it a great base for balanced meals.
Canned tuna: An easy, affordable source of protein, choose sustainably caught when possible
Dill pickles: Add a punch of tang and satisfying crunch
Fresh cucumber: Keeps things light, crisp, and hydrating
Celery: Adds extra crunch and a touch of natural saltiness
Red onion: Brings sharpness and color, rinse under cold water to mellow if needed
Fresh dill: The herby star that ties it all together with bright, aromatic flavor
Ingredient Spotlight: Why Tuna + Pickles Work
Tuna! Tuna is a pantry staple that is a great source of protein, omega-3s, and essential nutrients like selenium and B12. It’s affordable, satisfying, and adds a savory, meaty element that balances beautifully with bright, briny flavors.
Pickles! Dill pickles bring bold acidity and crunch that cuts through the creaminess of the dressing and the richness of the tuna. They wake up the whole dish and make every bite pop.
Together, tuna and pickles create a delicious combo of creamy, tangy, and savory, making this pasta salad feel fresh and satisfying without being heavy.
Dressing For Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and protein with a lighter touch than mayo
Mayonnaise: For richness and that classic deli-style flavor
Pickle juice: Brings a briny tang, adjust to taste
Dijon mustard: Adds depth and just a little bite
Chopped fresh dill: Yes, more dill! It builds on the herby flavor throughout
Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing, fresh-squeezed is best
Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor with a savory note
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Tip: Don’t overcook—protein pasta can get mushy if left too long. Rinse under cold water right away to stop the cooking and cool it down for the salad.
Combine the tuna, pickles, cucumber, celery, red onion, and 2 tablespoons of dill in a large bowl. Tip: Flake the tuna with a fork first so it mixes more evenly. You can rinse the red onion under cold water to mellow its bite if desired.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Tip: Taste the dressing before adding—it should be creamy, tangy, and herby. Adjust salt, pepper, or pickle juice to your liking.
Add the cooled cooked pasta to the tuna and veggie mixture. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is well coated. Tip: Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together without breaking up the pasta.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Tip: Add extra lemon juice or pickle juice for more brightness, or a pinch of salt if it feels flat.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Tip: This gives the flavors time to meld and makes the salad even more refreshing. It also holds up great for meal prep!
Variations to Try
This recipe is super flexible, feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand or what sounds good.
Switch up the type of pasta: Elbow macaroni gives it that classic feel, but penne pasta, whole grain pasta, or any short-cut shape will work. Just aim for something that holds onto the dressing.
Use a different type of tuna: Any cans of tuna will work, solid white, chunk light, or flavored varieties. Choose what you enjoy and what fits your budget.
Add more fresh veggies: Chopped red bell pepper, green onions, or even thawed frozen peas can boost color, crunch, and fiber.
Try light mayo: Swap it in for the regular mayo in the dressing if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit without losing creaminess.
Toss in fresh herbs: Not a dill fan? Try chopped fresh parsley for a different herby twist.
Boost the flavor: Add a pinch of celery seed to the dressing for a subtle, old-school deli vibe.
How to Store and Meal Prep
This pasta salad is perfect for prepping ahead, it actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld.
Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Meal prep tip: Divide the salad into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners. It holds up well without getting soggy.
Refreshing leftovers: If it looks a little dry after a couple of days, stir in a splash of pickle juice or a spoonful of yogurt to bring it back to life.
This creamy, tangy Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad is packed with protein and crunch, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. It’s a fresh, flavorful twist on a nostalgic classic.
Cook the BRAMI pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.
Prep the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped pickles, cucumber, celery, red onion, and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill.
Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna and vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts: Nutrition information is an estimate based on 6 servings. Exact values will vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.
Amish (Quick) Pickled Beets Recipe with Mustard Seeds
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for simple ways to help people enjoy more vegetables, and this quick-pickled beet recipe is one I come back to often. Plus, I love same day recipes, especially for my pickles!
The natural sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the tangy brine and the subtle bite of mustard seeds. It’s easy to make, no canning required, and keeps well in the fridge all week.
Whether you’re a longtime beet lover or just warming up to them, these pickled beets work beautifully as a healthy snack, a colorful side dish, or a bright addition to salads and grain bowls.
But you will love making this recipe because it is super versatile. Enjoy it with salads and grain bowls as a simple snack, in a sandwich, and even spooned over-top cottage cheese! You will also love making this recipe because it is so much better than store bought canned beets and very easy to whip together.
Enjoy the tangy and natural sweetness of these pickled beets with the gentle pops of flavor from the mustard seeds.
What Makes This Recipe “Amish”?
This recipe reflects traditional Amish cooking through its simplicity, use of pantry staples, and practical preservation methods. The vinegar-based brine, minimal ingredients, and no-fuss approach are all hallmarks of classic Amish recipes.
Tools for This Recipe
Large Saucepan
Sharp Knife or Mandolin
16 to 24oz Sanitized Jars and Lids
plastic gloves
Ingredients for Quick Pickled Beets with Mustard Seeds
Fresh Beets (I used red beets)
White Vinegar (you could use apple cider vinegar as well)
Water
Salt
Mustard Seeds
Optional ingredients:
Honey – In my opinion, the beets do not need any additional sugar for they are naturally sweet.
Black Peppercorns – I prefer to omit these because i like chewing on the mustard seeds, however if you do not plan on doing that, Black peppercorns add a lovely spicy flavor.
How to Make This Recipe
In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, thinly slice the peeled beets.
Place beets and mustard seeds in the saucepan, ensuring they are fully or mostly immersed in enough water mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1 to 7 minutes. I like my beets to be on the crunchy side (basically raw) but cook to your liking. Cooking the beets longer for them to be slightly tender but still have a crisp bite.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pickling liquid cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, transfer the pickled beets and liquid into a clean, airtight jar.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for Success
Wear gloves when peeling if you want to avoid beet-stained hands—but skipping them is fine if you don’t mind a little color.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.
Let them sit for at least a day or two in the fridge before eating. The flavor deepens and gets better with time.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once cooled, store the pickled beets in a clean, airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. Because this is a quick pickle (not a canned product), they should always be kept chilled.
The flavor gets even better after a day or two, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean utensil to remove beets from the jar to help them stay fresh longer. If the brine becomes cloudy or the beets lose their bright color or smell off, it’s time to compost them and make a fresh batch.
Ways to Use Pickled Beets
My favorite way to enjoy these quick-pickled beets is on a pickle tray or charcuterie board alongside creamy goat cheese and a mix of other pickled veggies. But they’re also an easy way to brighten up everyday meals. Here are some simple ideas:
Tossed into a fresh salad
Added to a grain bowl with greens, grains, and a protein
Layered on pizza with goat cheese or ricotta
Tucked into a sandwich or wrap for a sweet-tangy crunch
Served over tacos with roasted veggies or pulled meat
You can even use them in breakfast dishes. Try adding them to savory oatmeal, serving them over scrambled eggs, or plating them next to hard-boiled eggs for a pop of color and flavor.
Variations to Try
This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Use sugar use white instead of brown sugar for a cleaner, more neutral sweetness.
Add whole cloves or a cinnamon stick for a warm, spiced note.
Drop in a dried or fresh hot pepper if you like a little heat.
Tuck in a few slices of onion for extra bite and tang.
Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a more herbaceous twist.
Try one or two at a time to see what you like best. This recipe is flexible, so don’t be afraid to play around with it.
Peel and slice or wedge the beets. Use a mandoline for even slices or cut them into uniform pieces by hand.
Step 2: Cook the Beets (Optional)
For a softer texture, place the beets in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can skip this step and use raw beets.
Step 3: Prepare the Pickling Liquid
In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Add the mustard seeds, black peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf (if using) to the pickling liquid. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Pickle the Beets
Place the cooked or raw beet slices into a clean jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
Allow the beets to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the jar or container and refrigerate. The beets will be ready to eat after at least 2 hours, but they taste even better after a day or two in the fridge.
In the flexitarian world, we don’t do all-or-nothing mindsets. We’re all about flexible, realistic eating habits that fit into everyday life. Going fully vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian isn’t always practical, and putting pressure on yourself to be perfect can lead to guilt or burnout.
I used to think I had to follow a specific set of food rules to eat “right.” But the more I let go of the all-or-nothing mindset, the easier it became to enjoy meals, feel good in my body, and eat in a way that supports my values, without the stress.
So, if you’re curious about eating more plants but don’t want to overhaul your lifestyle, you’re in the right place.
Small Sustainable Steps
Flexitarian eating is all about small, sustainable steps. Whether it’s changing a weekly habit, adding veggies to soups or sauces, or keeping flexitarian pantry staples on hand, it’s a gentle way to support your health and the planet, without the pressure of strict food rules.
You don’t need to be perfect to make progress, just start where you are.
So without further ado, here are 25 easy tips to help you eat more plants. Weekly habits, ingredient
25 Easy Ways to Eat More Plants
1. Weekly Habits to Try
Tip 1: Try Meatless Mondays to start your week with a plant-based focus. Tip 2: Go Vegan Before 6 like Mark Bittman for a flexible approach. Tip 3: Make one meal each day completely plant-based. Tip 4: Cook one new plant-forward recipe every week.
2. Easy Ingredient Swaps
Tip 5: Use lentils or beans instead of ground beef in tacos, chili, or pasta. Tip 6: Replace half the meat in any recipe with mushrooms, tofu, or legumes. Tip 7: Try dairy-free milk in smoothies, coffee, or baking. Tip 8: Swap mayo or cheese for hummus, avocado, or a creamy plant-based spread.
3. Sneaky Veggie Add-Ins
Tip 9: Add greens to smoothies. Spinach, kale, or frozen zucchini blend in easily. Tip 10: Stir shredded carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms into sauces and soups. Tip 11: Toss spinach or chopped greens into eggs, stir-fries, or grain bowls. Tip 12: Blend cauliflower into mashed potatoes, creamy soups, or sauces.
4. Smart Snacking
Tip 13: Keep veggies and dip ready to go. Try hummus, guacamole, or a dairy-free yogurt dip. Tip 14: Snack on roasted chickpeas, trail mix, or spiced nuts. Tip 15: Pair fruit with nut butter or enjoy a handful of seeds or nuts. Tip 16: Prep snack boxes with fruit, vegetables, crackers, and spreads.
5. Meal Prep and Pantry Staples
Tip 17: Batch-roast vegetables to use in bowls, wraps, or salads. Tip 18: Cook a big pot of grains or beans to mix and match all week. Tip 19: Keep frozen vegetables, canned beans, and whole grains stocked. Tip 20: Use flavorful sauces like tahini, pesto, or chimichurri to bring dishes to life.
6. Flex Your Favorites
Tip 21: Make veggie-forward versions of your favorite comfort foods. Tip 22: Build bowls instead of deli sandwiches using grains, greens, vegetables, protein, and sauce. Tip 23: Stretch meat dishes by mixing in lentils, beans, or chopped vegetables. Tip 24: Use theme nights to guide meals like Taco Tuesday with black beans or Stir-Fry Friday with tofu. Tip 25: Start meals by choosing the vegetables you want to use, then build the rest of the dish around them.
Start Your Flexitarian Journey
These tips are to generate some ideas for what works for you and your lifestyle. Still feeling lost? Start with one of two tips to try and go from there! Want more information on Flexitarian eating? Below, you can download my free grocery guide checklist!
This Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion is a simple sauce and magical addition to almost any meal.
I enjoy making this every fall and winter to pair simply with roasted veggies or I make this in the spring and summer to pair with fresh burrata cheese and fresh tomatoes with crust bread. This Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion elevates the simplest of dishes to unforgettable memories.
What Is Agrodolce Sauce?
Agrodolce is a classic sour Italian condiment that balances sweet flavors with sour flavors, its name literally means “sour and sweet” in Italian. It’s typically made by combining sweet elements like honey or sugar with vinegar or another acidic ingredient to create a sauce that’s bright, bold, and versatile.
Agrodolce can be thick and syrupy or light and pourable, depending on how long it’s reduced. It’s a delicious way to bring contrast and complexity to everything from roasted vegetables and grains to meats and seafood. There’s no single way to make it, taste as you go and adjust until you find your favorite balance.
Why I Made This Agrodolce Recipe
I love simple recipes with big flavors. This scrumptious sauce can be added to simple roasted or air-fried squash, Brussel sprouts, root vegetables, salmon, chicken, or baked tofu.
Red Onion: Another onion like shallots can be used
Herbs: Like rosemary and thyme
Avocado Oil: Olive oil works as well.
Honey: Option to sub for maple syrup
Red Chili Flakes: For a little kick
Apple Cider Vinegar: Option to use red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or other vinegar of choice.
Salt & Pepper
Swaps and Additions
One of my favorite things about this recipe is it is so easily customized to the cooks liking! Because this recipe is flexible and easy to customize it goes well with almost everything!
Swap the onion: While red onions bring a vibrant color and natural sweetness, you can also use yellow onions for a slightly milder flavor or sweet onions for a sweeter sauce.
Switch up the fruit: Tart cherries are a great alternative, especially if you enjoy a tangier bite. Other add-ins include golden raisins, dried chopped cherries, sliced grapes, or other fruits that add a pop of sweetness and texture.
Citrusy finish: Juststir in a little lemon zest.
For Balance: To balance the sweet and sour, try seasoning with black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle, savory smokiness.
How to Make This Recipe
Sauté the Aromatics In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the rosemary, thyme, and red onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and fragrant.
Add Sweeteners and Vinegar Stir in the honey and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything starts to thicken slightly and take on a syrupy consistency with a touch of heat. Turn off the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
Final Step: Season and Store Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile condiment brings the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion:
Chicken Agrodolce: Spoon it over seared or roasted chicken thighs or chicken breasts for an easy, flavor-packed dinner.
Air Fryer Tofu: A little goes a long way with crispy tofu for a plant-based twist.
Roasted or Cooked Vegetables: Especially delicious with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots.
Meaty Fish: Try it with salmon, mackerel, or even swordfish for a restaurant-worthy meal.
Grain Bowls & Salads: Drizzle over farro, quinoa, or warm greens for extra depth.
Pizza & Sandwiches: Add a layer of flavor to veggie or cheese pizzas, paninis, or grilled cheese.
Cheese Plates: Serve alongside creamy goat cheese, aged cheddar, or burrata for an elevated appetizer. Make it even better with some fresh crusty sourdough bread!
Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or fresh rosemary to tie everything together. This sauce also makes a festive addition during the holiday season, perfect for entertaining or gifting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like agrodolce has a few spots where things can go sideways. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Rushing the onions Don’t crank the heat too high. For that rich, caramelized flavor, let the onions cook slowly over medium heat until soft and golden. If you rush this step, they’ll end up bitter instead of sweet.
2. Skipping the acid The vinegar is what gives agrodolce its signature tang. Without it, the sauce will taste flat and overly sweet. Don’t skip it, and don’t add it too early or it may cook off before it has a chance to balance the flavors.
3. Overdoing the sweeteners It’s easy to go overboard with honey or dried fruit. Use a light hand and adjust to taste at the end. You’re looking for a perfect balance of sweet and sour, not a sticky syrup.
4. Not seasoning to taste Always finish with salt and black pepper. These simple seasonings enhance all the other flavors and make the sauce pop.
This Agrodolce Sauce with Red Onion is sweet, sour, and delicious. It is the perfect compliment for roasted veggies, baked tofu, or sandwiches, and salads.
