During summer, the perfect snacks are light, satisfying, and quick. I’ve compiled a list of some of my personal favorite snacks for summer. I didn’t include specific recipes or links to specific recipes, but everything below is easily searchable on Google for tons of possible recipes there.
1. Granola Balls
With a combination of the carbohydrates in the dried fruit and oats and the long-lasting energy of the fat from the nut butter, chia seeds, or flax, granola balls are highly satiating. I like to take these on roadtrips or hikes because they keep me full and the energy they provide is sustaining.
2. Stone Fruit Salad
I know it probably sounds extremely obvious to suggest you try some fruit this summer, but not too many people take advantage of the short (but sweet) stone fruit season. Nowadays, we can pretty much get strawberries, apples, etc. all year round, but stone fruit–think apricots, plums, cherries–are unmatched during the late spring and early summer. They won’t taste nearly as good in a few months, so eat up while you can! Cut up all of your favorites and toss them in a ball for the perfect snack.
Packed with vitamin C, your immune system will thank you! This summer, I have practically been living off of apricots, since I know I can only enjoy them for a few months.
3. Chia Seed Pudding
Like granola balls, chia seed pudding is a satiating snack that will keep you full for a long time. Whether you make it with frozen blueberries, lemon, matcha powder, or almond butter, there are tons of variations online, so you’ll never get bored. Since the chia seeds require a bit of time anyways to absorb the liquid and form a "pudding," this snack is the perfect food to meal prep. Personally, I like to make a big batch that's plain on Monday and enjoy it all week, spicing it up with different flavors or variations each day.
4. Egg Bites
Egg white bites are the perfect way to pre-cook eggs because they keep well while retaining all of the flavor of scrambled eggs or an omelet. In your bites, there are tons of different ingredients you can add–onion, tomato, spinach, sausage–and their protein and healthy fat content make them perfect to bring along with you for some fuel. I like to eat these in the morning before I work out, since they are light and nutrient dense.
5. Watermelon with lime
Watermelon is a classic summer favorite, but have you tried it with lime on top? Besides elevating the flavor, lime is packed with antioxidants, and (obviously) watermelon is highly refreshing, making this a perfect healthy treat. You can also add mint for an even more complex flavor combo, or try blending all the ingredients for a delicious drink.
The lime also keeps the watermelon fresher, so you can bring it on the go. I've been packing this for the beach these past few weeks and really enjoying it.
6. Edamame
Most people wouldn't think of legumes as a fun snack, but edamame can be a really enjoyable way to get some protein in between meals. Edamame doesn’t need to (and shouldn’t!) be confined to sushi restaurants. It’s a great source of protein, and it’s also high in antioxidants and vitamin K. You can buy them ready to be defrosted and enjoyed at most grocery stores.
They are great by themselves or with some salt, but you can also try edamame with chili oil, garlic, or sesame oil. I love to eat edamame after school (a perfect way to ignore my homework), but it's also a fun afternoon appetizer in the summer.
7. Air-fried Potatoes
If you don’t have an air-fryer yet, I don’t want to say you’re missing out, but you’re kind of missing out (although this could probably be made just fine in a regular oven). Depending on how you cut and season your potatoes, the possibilities with the air fryer are endless: whether you make them into fries, chips, or wedges, the air-fryer is a perfect way to make a satiating snack that’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods and a tastier alternative to oven-fried foods.
Besides being healthier, these potatoes are also great because it's somehting easy to make at home that feels like it's taken out of a restaurant.
I hope you found some sort of inspiration on this list! During summer, it’s especially important to eat nutritious and easy foods, not because it’s swimsuit season, or we will be showing more skin, but because summer is an active time, and we all deserve fuel that will sustain us and make us feel our best.
