|

Fresh Summer Snacks & Sides

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

May 12, 2015

From picnics to barbecues to camp outs, summer is full of opportunities to get together and snack. Stay fit and lean in these warmer months with tidbits that offer more than slices of melon and fresh fruit. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite before the beach, heading off to a day at the pool or just looking for something new to take to your next picnic we have some great snacks for you to nosh on all summer long.

Snack Attack

Fruit skewers are fun but let’s leave the traditional array to the kiddos this season. Instead make watermelon ball kabobs with chunks of feta cheese and spears of mint. Fresh from your herb garden or from the store it makes a great snack or party appetizer. Go savory and stick a few grape or cherry tomatoes onto a skewer with basil leaves and part-skim mozzarella balls for another snack on the stick. Each one is perfect for picnics and parties too.

Just 62 calories in one whole cup, frozen grapes are not only cool on the taste buds but a quick and fun treat for grown-ups and kids alike. Just wash, dry, and stick in the freezer for a fast snack any time.

Party Picks

Next time you are asked to bring a dish to a potluck, try whipping up a batch of summer fruit bruschetta.

Ingredients: 10 strawberries, chopped into small pieces, 3 fresh peaches diced into small pieces, 2 tbsps. Raspberry white balsamic vinegar (regular balsamic vinegar is another option), 1 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into small pieces, 1 log of cranberry goat cheese.

Slice a baguette, toast it and store it for the party, if not serving right away. In a medium bowl combine the strawberries, peaches, basil and balsamic vinegar. Spread the cranberry goat cheese onto the toasted bread. Place the fruit and basil mixture over each bread slice. Serve immediately. Serves 10-12 people.

Pop over to your local farmer’s market for some in-season foods. The next few weeks will be bountiful indeed. Take advantage of all that the summer has to offer and mix up a batch of nectarine and radish salsa for your next get together, cook out or family night spent on the deck.

Ingredients:  Dice 2 ¼ cups of nectarines (about 2 nectarines), 1 ½ cups thinly sliced radishes, ½ cup chopped cucumber, ¼ cup chopped red onion, 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, 2 tsps. chopped cilantro, 1 ½ tsps. sugar, ¼ salt. 

Combine in a large bowl until mixed well.  Let stand for 30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Welcome summer!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *