My 3 Favorite Summer Snacks (That Actually Get Eaten)

Every summer I have good intentions.

I'll prep beautiful snack boards.
Slice every fruit.
Wash every vegetable.
Pack perfectly organized coolers.

Then real life happens.

We're rushing out the door to the pool, heading to the park, or running to another summer activity, and suddenly everyone is hungry.

That's why I come back to the same few snacks every year. They're simple, nourishing, easy to pack, and they actually get eaten.

1. Spinach Yogurt Dip with Vegetables 🥒

This is one of my favorite ways to make vegetables a little more exciting while adding protein from Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby spinach

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 large carrot, cut into sticks

• 1 large cucumber, cut into sticks

• 2 celery stalks, cut into sticks

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

Directions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat and add the spinach with a splash of water.

2. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.

3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Roughly chop the spinach and stir it into the Greek yogurt.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve with the prepared vegetables.

I love making this at the beginning of the week because it makes grabbing vegetables so much easier.

2. Strawberry, Almond & Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix 🍓

This snack couldn't be easier, which is exactly why I make it so often.

It keeps well, travels well, and is perfect for tossing into a beach or pool bag.

Ingredients

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds

• 1 cup sliced almonds

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or container.

2. Mix well.

3. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

3. Turkey, Cheese & Pickle Stuffed Mini Peppers 🫑

If you're looking for something a little more filling, this is one of my favorite high-protein snacks.

It has the flavor of a deli sandwich without needing any bread, and it's easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

• 12 mini sweet peppers

• 6 slices turkey breast

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 slices cheddar cheese

• 6 baby pickles, sliced

• Everything Bagel Seasoning

Directions

1. Cut the tops off the mini peppers and remove the seeds.

2. Slice each turkey slice in half.

3. Fill each pepper with cream cheese.

4. Place a piece of cheddar cheese and a few pickle slices on each piece of turkey.

5. Roll up the turkey and press it into the pepper.

6. Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning and enjoy.

These are perfect for pool days because they're easy to pack in a container and require no utensils.

Healthy Summer Snacking Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that healthy eating becomes much easier when you keep it simple.

Having a few go-to snacks ready means less time wondering what to eat and more time enjoying everything summer has to offer.

If you're looking for even more ideas, download our FREE Summer Picnic Recipe Collection. It's packed with appetizers, snacks, sides, and desserts that are perfect for backyard cookouts, pool days, picnics, and summer gatherings.

👉 Download your free Summer Picnic Recipe Collection here:
https://gretchenspetzrd.myflodesk.com/summerrecipes