10 Healthy Summer Snacks to Keep You Refreshed and Recharged
Summer is full of warmth, joy, and of course… vibrant, delicious food . Whether you’re packing a picnic, preparing a poolside treat or just grabbing a quick bite, having the perfect summer snacks makes all the difference during the hot and humid days. To help you stay cool, collected and nourished this summer, we have rounded up our top favorite healthy snacks that are refreshing during these hot months. Let’s dive into the perfect colorful treats this season brings!
Try These Tasty Treats to Help You Beat the Heat
1. Raspberry-Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt Bark
Nothing beats a refreshing treat after a sunny day and let’s be honest, fresh raspberries just taste like summer. Enjoy this easy snack that’s perfect for both on-the-go and as a summertime dessert. Not only does this treat embody the essence of a colorful summer, it’s rich in protein, and sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients:
- 3 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces raspberries, halved lengthwise
Directions:
Step 1:
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Stir yogurt, honey, lemon juice and vanilla together in a medium bowl. Spread on the prepared baking sheet into a 10-by-15 inch rectangle. Scatter raspberries on top and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Step 3:
Freeze until firm, at least 3 hours. To serve, cut or break into pieces.
Recipe from: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/7908063/raspberry-lemon-greek-frozen-yogurt-bark/
2. Carrot Cake Energy Bites
Feel fueled with these no-cook carrot cake energy bites packed with healthy fibers and fats. Not only are these easy to make, they are full of nutrients to give you that energy boost under the summer sun. These delicious bites are the ideal snack for a guilt-free treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Servings: 22
Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 medium carrots (about 4 oz. total), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of ground pepper
Directions:
Step 1:
Combine dates, oats, pecans, and chia seeds in a food processor; pulse until well combined and chopped.
Step 2:
Add carrots, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper; process until all ingredients are well chopped and a paste begins to form.
Step 3:
Roll the mixture into balls using a scant 1 Tbsp. each.
Recipe from: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/273188/carrot-cake-energy-bites/
3. Homemade Multi-Seed Crackers
Made with brown rice and quinoa, this snack is loaded with fiber, whole grains and nutritious seeds. Lightly toasted to perfection and tasting like an everything bagel-minus the bagel, these yummy crackers pair perfectly with hummus, cheese, or any other summertime dip. Talk about the perfect flakey and crunchy snack… this is one thing you need in your pantry!
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 25 min
Total Time: 1 hr
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice, at room temperature
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, at room temperature
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup flaxseeds
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Directions:
Step 1:
Place oven racks in upper and lower sections of the oven. Preheat to 350 degrees F. Cut 3 pieces of parchment paper the size of a large baking sheet.
Step 2:
Divide the dough in half. Place 1 piece of dough between 2 sheets of the prepared parchment paper. Roll out as thin as possible. Remove the top sheet of parchment and place the dough with parchment on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and prepared parchment.
Step 3:
Bake for 15 minutes. Switch the position of the baking sheets and continue baking until dark around the edges and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes more. Remove from oven and carefully break into roughly shaped crackers. If some crackers aren’t fully crisp, return them to the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes more.
Recipe from: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/267766/homemade-multi-seed-crackers/
4. 5-Ingredient Granola Bars
Elevate your snack game with these easy-to-make 5 ingredients granola bars. The perfect sweet and savory breakfast or an on-the-go snack, these treats are packed with healthy fats and give you that boost of energy we all need.
Servings: 10 bars
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
- 1 heaping cup packed dates
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- Chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.
Directions:
Step 1:
Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a “dough” like consistency.
Step 2:
Optional step: Toast your oats (and almonds if raw) in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Otherwise, leave them raw – I prefer the toasted flavor.
Step 3:
Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl – set aside.
Step 4:
Warm maple syrup (or agave or honey) and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout
Step 5:
Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper and press down until flattened
Step 6:
Cover with parchment paper and let harden in fridge for 15-20 minutes
Step 7:
Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 bars.
Recipe From: https://minimalistbaker.com/healthy-5-ingredient-granola-bars/
5. Mediterranean Hummus Dip
Summertime calls for refreshing dips and we’ve got the perfect one for you and all it takes is a handful of ingredients. Enjoy this cool and creamy hummus dip paired with veggies or crackers as an appetizer, dip, or healthy summer snack. After all, who doesn’t love a heavenly hummus?
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min
Ingredients:
- 1 (15oz) can chickpeas or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup well-stirred tahini,
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
- Dash ground paprika
Directions:
Step 1:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then process for 30 seconds more.
Step 2:
Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the whipped tahini and lemon juice. Process for 30 seconds, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and then process for another 30 seconds or until well blended
Step 3:
Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the remaining chickpeas and process them until thick and relatively smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4:
The hummus will likely be too thick and still have tiny bits of chickpea. To fix this, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water or aquafaba with the food processor turned on until you reach the perfect consistency.
Recipe from: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/15938/easy-and-smooth-hummus-recipe/
6. Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
Fresh and flavorful are the perfect words to describe this summertime snack. The warmer months bring juicy tomatoes and what better way to enjoy them than to make bruschetta. Served atop toasted bread, this simple yet delicious dish is everything you need for the fan favorite among summer snacks.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 15 min
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta:
- 2 cups cherry, or grape tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup basil, chopped (or more if desired)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, optional
For the Baguette Slices:
- 1 large whole wheat baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- 1 clove garlic, sliced in half
Directions:
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2:
To make the bruschetta, slice the tomatoes and place in a bowl and mix in the chopped garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt/pepper and set aside to let marinate.
Step 3:
Slice the baguette into about 16 slices and lightly brush them with olive oil. Place each slice oiled-side down on a sheet pan and toast in the over for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly toasted.
Step 4:
Once the bread is lightly toasted, rub garlic on each slice and spoon on the tomato mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired, and enjoy!
Recipe from: https://www.eatyourselfskinny.com/tomato-and-basil-bruschetta/
7. Mango Fruit Leather
Anything fruity and sweet says summer. With only three ingredients, this simple fruit snack is a kid-friendly and parent-approved treat that everyone enjoys!
Serving: 7
Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 5 hrs 30 min
Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe mangoes, peeled and flesh cut away from the pit
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions:
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line in a large rimmed baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat.
Step 2:
Puree mangoes, water and lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Pour into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, partially covered, until reduced to about 2 cups puree, about 20 minutes.
Step 3:
Pour the puree onto the prepared baking sheet. With a rubber spatula, very evenly spread into a thin rectangle, no thicker than 1/8 inch thick.
Step 4:
Bake until dry to the touch, 4 to 6 hours. Let cool completely.
Step 5:
Transfer the fruit leather to a piece of parchment paper (or wax paper) about the same size. Leaving the parchment underneath, roll the fruit leather closed into a long cylinder. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut into 2-inch wide strips.
Recipe from: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/259995/mango-fruit-leather/
8. Apple Nachos with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Fruit, protein, and chocolate…what more could you ask for? Sneak in your nutrients in a sweet and savory way. These apple nachos are a perfect choice for a fun and easy treat that you can share around the table. Just make sure to save us a piece!
Serving: 2
Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 5 min
Ingredients:
- 1 Fuji apple, cut into thin slices
- ¼ cup smooth peanut butter, melted
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- Handful of chocolate chips for topping, optional
Directions:
Step 1:
Cut apple into thin slices and arrange on a plate.
Step 2:
Drizzle melted peanut butter over apple slices with spoon and do the same with the melted chocolate.
Step 3:
Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the plate as topping and serve.
Recipe from: https://www.trialandeater.com/apple-nachos-with-peanut-butter-chocolate/
9. Summer Fruit Smoothie
The ultimate thirst quencher, this creamy mango smoothie is your go-to summertime treat for cooling down and escaping the heat. Blend up this refreshing delight in under 10 minutes and enjoy the sweet flavor that will keep you feeling energized and refreshed all day long.
Serving: 1
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups frozen mango chinks
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen sweet pineapple
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
Directions:
Step 1:
Pour orange juice into a blender. Add fruit and blend until fully puréed.
Step 2:
Add yogurt and blend again until completely combined.
Step 3:
Pour into tall glass and enjoy!
Recipe from: https://www.aberdeenskitchen.com/2015/07/tropical-summer-fruit-smoothie/
10. Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad
Saving the best for last, fruit salads are arguably one of the best summer snacks. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or chilling by the pool, this dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser and the perfect way to taste the rainbow.
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries chopped
- 1 lb chopped fresh pineapple,
- 12 oz fresh blueberries
- 12 oz red grapes, sliced into halves
- 4 kiwis, peeled and chopped
- 3 mandarin oranges*
- 2 bananas sliced (optional)
Honey Lime Dressing:
- ¼ cup of honey
- 2 tsp lime zest (zest of 2 medium limes)
- 1 ½ tbs fresh lime juice
Directions:
Step 1:
Add fruit to a large mixing bowl
Step 2:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lime zest, and lime juice
Step 3:
Pour over the fruit and toss to evenly coat, serve immediately.
Recipe from: https://www.cookingclassy.com/honey-lime-rainbow-fruit-salad/
Make the most of this season with these delicious and easy summer snacks. These treats are sure to add a burst of flavor and color into your afternoons. From lounging by the pool to hosting a backyard BBQ, these recipes are the perfect way to stay hydrated and healthy. Embrace the season with these snacks and let each bite become a celebration of the sunny days and joyful moments this summer brings.