Starting with seasonal produce is essential when it comes to creating the perfect summer snacks. Fruits, veggies, and refreshing treats are what come to mind – but I still crave flavor, just not anything too heavy. Some of my go-to favorite summer treats have to be homemade popsicles and fruit salads, which are both bright, fresh, and packed with goodness.
When I’m in the mood for something salty, I find myself indulging in spicy Alabama fire crackers or zesty guacamole – but either way, the best summer snacks should be quick, easy to prepare, and light enough that you can still hit the beach right after.
Mini-Fruit Pizzas
Kids often have a hard time eating their recommended daily dose of fruits and veggies. A creative solution is to serve them as toppings for a ‘pizza.’ To simplify the prep process, store-bought cookies can be used instead of making homemade ones. Soft sugar cookies are a personal favorite, but any type will work just fine. However, it’s essential to remember that assembling these bites too far in advance may cause the fruit to become dehydrated and release juices into the frosting and cookie.
Paula Deen Banana Bread
Renowned for its irresistible aroma and mouthwatering taste, banana bread is a timeless favorite that never fails to satisfy my cravings, regardless of how often I bake it. This beloved treat is characterized by its exceptional texture – moist, sweet, and tender – making it the perfect companion for a light mid-day snack or afternoon pick-me-up.
A recipe fit for royalty, this particular version boasts an impeccable pedigree, courtesy of none other than Paula Deen, the southern queen of culinary delights. As one might expect from a true connoisseur, this recipe eschews oil in favor of rich, velvety butter, imbuing it with an unparalleled depth of flavor. The crowning glory, however, lies in its generous sprinkling of crunchy pecans, adding a delightful textural element to each and every bite.
Easy Watermelon Popsicles
Often associated with warm weather, watermelon can be reimagined as a refreshing cold treat that’s perfect for any season. To create this icy delight, simply blend seedless watermelon in a blender until smooth. Next, squeeze in some fresh lime juice and pour the mixture into a mold of your choice. I recently discovered these fantastic Tovolo zombies ice pop molds, which have been an absolute hit with both kids and adults alike.
Not only are they fun to use, but they’re also incredibly easy to clean – simply toss them in the dishwasher when you’re done using them.
Fruit Salad With Peach Pie Filling
Renowned chefs and home cooks alike often overlook one crucial element when preparing a fruit salad: the dressing. While it may seem like an afterthought, trust us – it makes a world of difference! A simple orange juice sauce or zesty lime syrup can elevate those fruity flavors to new heights. This recipe is a masterclass in subtle yet effective flavor enhancement, leveraging peach pie filling for its vibrant hue, rich taste, and built-in dressing properties.
Apple Nachos with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Years ago, I discovered that kids love beets when they’re paired with a sweet and savory combination of flavors, like peanut butter and chocolate chips! Yielding to their cravings is easy – just drizzle the beets with an abundance of peanut butter and chocolate chips. You can’t go wrong with this simple yet inventive summer snack. Younger children might enjoy using sweeter apples, such as fuji or pink lady varieties, but feel free to experiment with other types too.
If you have a peanut allergy in the family, consider swapping out the peanut butter for almond butter. Alternatively, if you need a nut-free option, try drizzling caramel sauce over the beets instead.
Alabama Fire Crackers
Certainly, these spicy treats are not for the faint of heart! The first step is to combine vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, ranch dressing mix, and red pepper flakes in a Ziploc bag. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly, either by shaking the bag with your hands or by mixing them in a bowl beforehand. Once well-combined, add your crackers to the mixture, ensuring that you have a large enough bag to shake it around and coat every last piece evenly.
Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
Dining visually appealing meals is all about creating an experience that engages our senses. The phrase ‘We eat with our eyes’ drives home the importance of presentation in making a dish irresistible. These colorful fruit kabobs not only tantalize our eyes but also offer a healthier alternative to artificial food coloring. Their vibrant colors are entirely natural, ensuring you’re getting a treat that’s both healthy and free from additives.
To achieve this stunning display, it’s essential to incorporate a variety of different colored fruits into your kabobs. For instance, pairing the sweetness of mango with the tartness of kiwi and pineapple creates an appealing contrast. Adding plums to the mix when they’re at their ripest can also elevate the dish, making each bite a delightful surprise.
To Die For Blueberry Muffins
Keeping in mind that most berries are at their peak ripeness during the summer months, blueberries take center stage. They’re plump, big, and incredibly juicy, making them a staple in many households, including mine. In fact, I often find myself buying too many, which leads to an abundance of delicious baked goods, particularly my famous blueberry muffins.
What sets these sweet treats apart is the irresistible combination of brown sugar and cinnamon streusel topping that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Game Day Veggie Dip Cups
While game day may be a popular occasion for serving these veggie cups, they’re actually a staple in my household all summer long. One of the reasons I love them is because they offer a convenient individual portion size, making them perfect for snacking on-the-go or as part of a larger meal without the mess. I’ve experimented with different dips, and while ranch remains a classic favorite, I’ve also enjoyed serving them with tzatziki and hummus.
When it comes to choosing vegetables, sliced bell peppers and baby carrots work beautifully, but I find that cherry tomatoes tend to take up too much space and are harder to dip due to their size and texture.
Strawberry Milkshake Without Ice Cream
Personally, I find milkshakes to be a bit of an anomaly when it comes to temperature – they’re cold, yet incredibly rich and decadent. For me, if the mercury rises above 90°F outside, the last thing I want is something so heavy and calorie-dense. Fortunately, this particular milkshake recipe has caught my attention, as it offers an innovative twist on the traditional treat.
The star of the show here is the fresh strawberry flavor, which shines through beautifully alongside a generous dollop of cream. But what really sets this recipe apart is its clever use of frozen fruits to create a creamy texture without relying on ice cream – a stroke of genius that allows you to indulge in the sweet stuff without adding extra calories. Just be sure your blender is up to the task, as you’ll need to blend those big, juicy berries into a smooth and silky consistency.
Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels
Root Beer Float
Getting ready to take a trip down memory lane with this classic dessert recipe! The combination of sweet, fruity root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream served up in a frosted mug is a match made in heaven. Root beer has a distinctive flavor profile that’s worth splurging on – don’t settle for generic brands! Similarly, when it comes to the ice cream, go for high-quality and premium options.
To enhance the experience, consider layering the two ingredients in the glass, allowing the sparkling soda and swirling vanilla to mingle perfectly.
Ants On A Log
Certainly, memories of childhood snack time come flooding back when thinking about this classic treat. It’s astonishing how something as simple as celery could elicit such excitement in kids – and not just because it was paired with peanut butter and raisins. The fun name added an extra layer of appeal, making us overlook the fact that we were essentially eating a crunchy green vegetable. But for some reason, this combination worked, and many of us still look back on these snacks fondly.
Frozen Yogurt Bark with Berries Recipe
Among all the refreshing summer snacks on this list, one stands out as particularly patriotic. Its vibrant red, white, and blue colors make it a perfect fit for Independence Day celebrations or any other occasion that calls for a pop of color. But what truly sets it apart is its simplicity – it’s essentially just frozen yogurt and fruit, making it a guilt-free treat that’s easy to indulge in.
To create this colorful concoction, start by using non-fat vanilla or Greek yogurt as the base, then add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup for sweetness. Once you have the mixture spread out in a lined baking tray, feel free to get creative with your fruity toppings – berries are always a great choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with unique combinations.
Healthy Sour Candy Frozen Grapes
A game-changer for fans of Sour Patch Kids who’ve previously shied away from indulging due to sugar content is just around the corner. This innovative recipe proves that it’s possible to satisfy your cravings without sacrificing taste or nutrition. To make this recipe a reality, you’ll need to search online or scour the health food section of your local supermarket for suitable alternatives to traditional sugar.
According to the recipe, monk fruit sweetener stands out as the most palatable option.
Rice Krispie Treats
Joining in on a nostalgic favorite is easier than ever when it comes to Rice Krispie treats. This classic summer treat for kids has become a staple that’s also enjoyed by adults seeking a sweet and crunchy delight. When preparing the marshmallows, it’s essential to maintain low heat while melting them. This helps prevent burning, which can result from moving too quickly on the stove.
Moreover, it’s crucial not to melt them entirely – I prefer leaving some unaltered and incorporating them into the mixture with the cereal, allowing for bursts of chewy goodness throughout.
Iced Lemon Cookie Granola Bars (No-Bake!)
Taking a break from the usual chocolate and peanut butter or blueberry granola bars that we’re all familiar with is not only refreshing but also exciting. The combination of flavors and textures in these classic bars can get repetitive, so it’s great to mix things up every now and then. In this case, luscious lemon bars are the perfect summer snack option!
5-Ingredient Chewy Coconut Macaroons
Generally speaking, making macaroons can be a challenging process if you’re without the aid of a stand mixer.
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Crisps
Delighting guests at gatherings with unique appetizers has become increasingly popular in recent years. Often, the key to success lies not only in the flavors but also in the textures of the dish. One such example is a simple yet impressive recipe that combines fresh and fruity elements with crispy cinnamon sugar-coated tortillas. To create this delightful treat, you’ll finely chop fresh apples, strawberries, and melon to make a sweet pico de gallo-style topping.
Meanwhile, flour tortillas are coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before being baked until crispy. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring minimal effort yet yielding maximum impact.
Trisha Yearwood Creamy Grape Salad Recipe
Achieving a rich and creamy base for this delectable salad is accomplished by combining cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla in perfect harmony. This unique blend creates a taste experience that’s remarkably similar to a faux-cheesecake flavor, which is why I also like to add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top to further enhance its appeal.
Adding green and red grapes not only provides an excellent balance of flavors but also adds a vibrant pop of color to the dish, making it visually stunning as well as delicious.
Key Lime Pie Energy Bites
Surprisingly, energy bites have become an ideal summer snack due to their light, sweet, and extremely portable nature. Not only are they perfect for days spent at the beach or pool, but also for those long road trips. One of the best things about these bite-sized treats is that they cater to various dietary needs, being both vegan-friendly and gluten-free. What’s more, they can be prepared in a remarkably short amount of time, taking only minutes to whip up.
To make them, simply combine dates, cashews, coconut, key lime zest and juice, and maple syrup in a food processor, then blend until the mixture reaches a smooth dough consistency.
25 Easy Summer Snacks
Often when it comes to summer gatherings or picnics, finding the perfect snack can be a challenge. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry, as many delicious options are both light and easy to prepare.
Instructions
Prepare yourself for a quick and delicious treat by first selecting your favorite recipe. Next, gather all the essential ingredients and have them at the ready. Once you have everything you need, you can easily prepare a refreshing summer snack in 30 minutes or less.
