My Favorite Summer Recipes (Snacks & More)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from gaining the quarantine fifteen, it’s that I know how to snack. And while I’m as basic as the rest of us and fawn over pumpkin spice treats in the fall, it’s the sweet and tart tastes of summer that really satisfy my snacking heart.
Envision, if you will, a little summer scene: It’s just after midday, the sun is high in the sky, beating down on your (hopefully sunscreen-slathered) skin — there’s a slight breeze, but it’s warm. You’re spinning ever so slowly on a raft in a cool pool, feet lazily slung just below the water’s surface. Someone comes toward you with a tray that glitters in the sun’s rays. What’s on the tray?
That’s right. A refreshing, adjective, adjective, whatever you thought of. *wink*
Couldn't think of anything? Don't fret. I’m no stranger to DIY fruit popsicles, summer salads, or an ice cream cone (or two), but I wanted this list to capture the summer staples we’ve all come to love and elevate them just ever-so-slightly. While each of these items serves a delicious purpose, I challenge you to use these recipes as a baseline and make each your own as you experiment in the kitchen.
My Favorite Summer Snack Recipes
Refined Flavors
Arugula, Stone Fruit & Mozzarella Salad
Cravings by Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy’s go-to summer salad — and for good reason. It’s delicious, gorgeous, and made in literally only five minutes.
Roasted Berry and Honey Yogurt Popsicles
Cookie and Kate
Raspberries, blueberries, honey, lemon juice, yogurt — these popsicles are as easy as they are beautiful.
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber
Dinner at the Zoo
This watermelon salad is full of sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese and mint, all tossed in an easy lime dressing.
For the Young (& Young-at-Heart)
Rainbow Fruit Cups
My Frugal Adventures
Pick your favorite fruit, prep ahead, and pop these into the fridge. They make for a quick cool down or snack on-the-run.
Homemade Gummies
Kirbie's Cravings
Did you know that homemade fruit snacks are easy to make? It only takes about ten to fifteen minutes and three ingredients!
Apple Slice Sandwiches
Whole Foods
A crisp apple with your favorite nut butter, chocolate chips, and granola makes for a fast and healthy summer snack.
Death by Dessert
Lemon-Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes
Delish
These bite-sized snacks pair well with just about anything. Read the comment section for a few tried-and-true tips!
Frozen Peanut Buter Pie Pops
Cooking Channel TV
Chocolate, peanut butter, heavy cream — is there a better combination? Go ahead, I'll wait. Take your time. No? Exactly.
Kiwi Summer Limeade
Pie
Midwest Living
Tangy, light, and refreshing, this Midwest Living 2011 recipe contest finalist is a real crowd pleaser — and looks the part, too.
What’s your go-to summer snack? Do you keep it simple or go all-out? Let us know on Instagram @avecdavid.