The last thing you want to do on a sunny, humid summer day is cook over a hot stove. These light, easy-to-prepare snacks will get you out of the kitchen and into the pool, park, or playground – without sacrificing nutrition!
This summer, beat the heat with refreshing yet nutrient-packed snacks. Check out Eat Right Ontario’s website for ideas on kid-friendly options that will save you time in the kitchen. And if you have any mouth-watering recipes of your own, we’d love to hear from you!
- Chocolate milkshakes
Yes, there is such a thing as a healthy chocolate shake! Just exchange ice cream for avocados, almond butter, cacao nibs, and frozen berries of your choice. Cacao nibs provide the chocolate-y flavour, while the avocado and almond butter make it rich and creamy in texture.
- Caprese salad
Slices of tomato make for fresh, light alternatives to crackers. Spread out alternating pieces of mozzarella cheese and tomato, top with fresh basil leaves, and finish your salad off with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. - Avocado toast
Swap out heavier spreads like peanut butter or cream cheese for deliciously fresh, seasonal avocado! Just spread your mashed avocado over lightly toasted whole grain bread, and sprinkle a little crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for some extra protein.
- Homemade salsa & tortilla chips
Dive into a mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, garlic and lime, knowing that you’re just getting an extra helping of veggies! Opt for whole grain tortilla chips with no added salt to keep this snack extra healthy.
- Fresh fruit and yogurt
Update this summer classic by sprinkling some shredded coconut, almonds, or chia seeds into the mix. You’ll preserve the fresh, light feel of the snack while gaining some extra protein. - Hummus with veggie sticks
If you’re looking for a particularly healthy option, this one’s for you. Dig into your hummus with carrots, celery sticks, or even asparagus for a protein-packed snack that also counts as a serving of veggies. - Date dippers
Satisfy your sugar craving with this sweet treat. Dip pitted dates into almond butter for a quick and easy option that will boost your energy levels and give you some extra fibre and potassium. - Mini zucchini sandwiches
Use slices of zucchini as the “bread” for a plate full of mini-sandwiches. Put ingredients of your choice in between: try some sliced cheese, tomatoes, and hummus. You can let the kids experiment with their own combinations, or keep your pre-prepared sandwiches from toppling by skewering them with toothpicks. - Energy balls
After eating enough of them, granola bars can get boring. For similar nutritional benefits, try these bite-sized energy boosters. Made with almonds, hazelnuts, dates, raisins, maple syrup, and cinnamon, these are guaranteed sweet-tooth satisfiers that are perfect for picnics or trips to the beach. - Fruit pops
Replace ice cream or sugary Freezies with homemade fruit pops. Just fill your freezer mold with fruit and yogurt for a refreshing snack packed with calcium. On those extra hot summer days, use low sugar fruit juice for a lighter-tasting frozen treat.
This summer, beat the heat with refreshing yet nutrient-packed snacks. Check out Eat Right Ontario’s website for ideas on kid-friendly options that will save you time in the kitchen. And if you have any mouth-watering recipes of your own, we’d love to hear from you!
