Last Updated on December 17, 2023
Spring is in the air, and the dog days of summer are right around the corner. When the weather turns super hot, there’s nothing better than indulging in a summer snack in the shade that hits the spot and cools you off. The good news is along with all of the gorgeous flowers in bloom, so is all the delicious fruit, making it a great time of year to get creative in the kitchen and have fun with all the beautiful produce. Let’s take a look at some easy summer snacks that are fantastic to enjoy solo or to make in batches for outdoor events you may be hosting.
Melon Madness
There are many delicious melon varieties to indulge in during the summer months – mainly watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydew melons. You can make some delectable mixed drinks incorporating any of these melons, virgin or alcoholic, to enjoy solo or served at parties. Look up a recipe for watermelon soup, a chilled soup that is an excellent palate cleanser between courses, and can be enjoyed as a midday snack or dessert. Take advantage of all these deliciously sweet and juicy melons this season.
Go More Exotic
Some fruits may not be native to where you live but are still available in natural foods stores and even some bigger box grocery stores during the summer months. If you love jackfruit, soursop, or other exotic fruits, keep a special eye out for them when produce shopping during the summer. If you have a hard time finding them, you can order them online; they’ll likely come in the form of frozen dragon fruit, soursop, etc. but can quickly be thawed or incorporated into recipes frozen with your Vitamix or any other processor. When hosting a summer party, exotic fruits sliced also make a beautiful and edible garnish to dishes. Not to mention their flavor is out of this world!
Utilize Flowers
If you’re an avid home chef, you likely have dabbled in the use of edible flowers, especially in baking. Some popular flowers that can be used in your culinary endeavors and are safe to eat are carnations, dandelion, lavender, begonia, and Lillies, to name a few. They make an excellent addition to a cake or garnish; they work beautifully in mixed drinks. Especially if you’re hosting a tea or garden party, try using them to add a unique flair to your guests. Additionally, if you’re having a bad day, cheer yourself up by making a beautiful arrangement of flowers for your kitchen and enjoying some flowers with your home meal that day.
Crudité Away!
In the dog days of summer, you’re likely not interested in a hot meal that will weigh you down and make you feel tired – enter crudité! Who doesn’t love grazing a beautiful display of cheeses, bread, and seasonal vegetables (even when they’re alone)? Like many people, you’re focused on living a healthier lifestyle, and the simple ingredients on a crudité platter ensure you’re eating unprocessed natural foods. Heirloom rainbow carrots, homemade bread, seasonal tomatoes, cucumbers, and even snap peas can make your plate look and taste phenomenal. And, don’t forget to pick up some cheese of your liking from your local farmers market to seal the deal.
Summer Smoothies
While many of you probably enjoy a smoothie year-round as a healthy breakfast option, smoothies are the perfect snack during the summer and taste their best because the fruits are in season. Smoothies also make an easy snack you know your children will love if you’re a parent – getting them involved in making the smoothie is even better. You can get an antioxidant-rich snack that everyone will enjoy from fresh-picked strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and beyond. To make your smoothie as healthy as possible, try using a base of cruciferous vegetables like kale, use water instead of milk and add healthy omegas like flax and chia. You’d be surprised how amazing just a four-ingredient smoothie tastes, not to mention refreshing!
Summer, like all seasons, brings with it fun and exciting ingredients to use in our day-to-day cooking. You likely already have some delectable summer recipes you rely on, but hopefully, this list gave you a few new ideas to try this summer and hit the spot. Happy Cooking!