Simple Snacks for Summer

Summertime, and the snacks should be easy! Warm, languid days bring open invitations to swim and splash. Summer is supposed to be carefree.

Of course, the nostalgic, iconic visions of summer ease and adventure can be in sharp contrast to the sharp reality of adulting: work is steadily work, routines are tossed into upheaval, and the joys of spending more genuine time with kids who are off school allure while carrying a tinge of guilt and a dab of pressure. Plus, there’s all the other stuff outside of “work” work that take up time, like the usual rota of household must-dos, appointments, unexpected but inevitable problems that need solutions, and new normal stuff like, you know, crying and protesting.

It’s all a balancing act with no set solutions, but at the very least, we can make tasty, fuss-free, snacktastic treats to fuel, refresh, and delight. Most of our favorites don’t require any kind of recipe, just an idea:

Apple “Doughnuts”: Core an apple and cut into thin (but firm enough to top and hold) rings. Brush with melted dark chocolate and top with sprinkles. Let cool before eating—these freeze well, too, and taste great straight out of the freezer!

Fruit Pizza: Slice a watermelon into a round about 1-inch thick. Go crazy with toppings, such as unsweetened shredded coconut, sliced fruit, crushed nuts. The sky’s the limit!

Stuffed Dates: The name says it all. Open Medjool dates lengthwise, remove the pit, and spoon in some nut butter or tahini. If you want to get extra fancy, dip in a little dark chocolate and/or sprinkle with salt flakes. Enjoy as is, chilled, or frozen!

Nice cream: Frozen fruit, blended with just enough plant milk to get the blender going without straining. Divine, and the possibilities are endless.

And when you’re up for the semblance of a recipe, here are a few of our favorite, still simple, low-effort goodies.

Easy Protein-Rich, No-Cook Chocolate Pudding
This silky rich, protein-packed, deceptively indulgent chocolate pudding is a perfect after-school snack, post workout replenishment, blissful dessert, and general all-around answer to satisfy any chocolate fix. Fun fact, this blend freezes well in popsicle molds for healthier pudding pops, too!

Watermelon Coolers Two Ways
There’s nothing more signature to summer than luscious, juicy watermelon! Enjoy your crisp sweet slices, and drink them, too! For a super quick, cool refreshing summer sipper, we love blending wateermelon chunks (not frozen) with a splash of lime and a sprig of mint , plus maybe a few ice cubes. Or we go fancier and make a strawberry-watermelon crush using frozen fruit. To boost electrolyes and really bolster hydration, try a Watermelon blend with coconut water and even some Hibiscus herbal Tea.

Ginger Berry Beet Sorbet
Like nice cream, but sorbet, and packed with nutrient-rich ingredients including zingy ginger and vitality-boosting beets.

Easiest Peanut Butter Cups
Melt, spoon, spread, spoon, chill. Melted dark chocolate and nuts-only peanut butter layered in mini muffin cups are even more delectable than their storebought counterparts, without any of the junk. If you’re feeling extra motivated, add an extra layer—chia jam or date caramel!

Key Lime Avocado Popsicles
Avocado and limmmmmmmmmmmme…These creamy key lime pops are richly refreshing, so easy to make, and burst with indulgent flavor and packed with wholesome goodness.