11 Snack Ideas that You Will Keep You Cool This Summer

by Katie Trudeau

“Can I have a snack?” It’s practically the anthem of summer vacation.

However, when it’s pushing 90-degrees, you just don’t have a lot of energy to turn on the oven and bake something. Instead, try of these super easy -- yet totally refreshing -- snacks to help you and your kids stay cool this summer.

Faux Ice Cream

The sound of the ice cream truck is pretty much synonymous with summer, but to be honest, the selections in most ice cream trucks just aren’t that great. Most ice creams novelties are loaded with candy, artificial flavors, and who knows how long they’ve been sitting in the truck!?

That being said, I really do love ice cream, and it is a super refreshing treat on a hot day. My kids also like faux ice cream, and it’s a much healthier option.

To make faux ice cream, you need:

• ½ cup to ¾ cup of whole milk
• 1 frozen banana
• A few frozen dark cherries or strawberries
• (optional) a squirt of honey (for babies 12+ months) or real maple syrup

Blend all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender. You can adjust the milk to fit your desired consistency. This is a cold and creamy treat that you don’t have to feel guilty about!

Berry Parfait

This is another super easy snack: you simply layer fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream. That’s it! Diced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are refreshing and complement the whipped cream so well! You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the whipped cream to make it even healthier.

Chilled Cucumber Sandwiches Sans Bread

This snack falls under the savory category but it’s just as as refreshing.

What you need:

• Sliced, chilled cucumbers
• Slices of cheddar cheese -- about 2x2” squares
• Pieces of turkey or ham

To make the sandwiches, simply layer a piece of cheese and ham between two cucumber slices. You can them sprinkle dried dill, salt, and pepper on top of each sandwich.

Watermelon Popsicles

What’s more refreshing than watermelon on a hot day? Watermelon is so juicy that it does a pretty good job at helping fend off dehydration.

To make a watermelon popsicle, slice watermelon into large chunks, about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Stick a popsicle stick in the end of the piece of watermelon and stick in the freezer to get them really cold.

Tip: My kids prefer the watermelon popsicles not quite 100% frozen, but you're welcome to freeze them (or not) for as long as you like.

Frozen Fruit Cups

I’m not sure a snack could get easier than this one. Stick a fruit cup directly into the freezer. You can even keep a stock in the freezer so they are always ready. When you’re kids are ready for an ice cold snack, take a few of these cups out of the freezer.

Peaches & Cream Fruit Pops

Peaches and cream is a pretty solid “flavor of summer” and these pops do not disappoint. If you have good peaches where you live, this is a must-try recipe.

You need:

• 6 ripe peaches (peaches are ripe if they are soft but not mushy and smell like a peach)
• 6 tablespoons half & half
• 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup

What to do:

Blend the above ingredients in a high-powered blender. Pour the mixture into silicone pop molds and freezer overnight.

Strawberries & Cream Fruit Pops

This recipe echoes the recipe above except you’ll use fresh strawberries instead of peaches.

You need:

• 6 cups fresh strawberries, washed and with the stem removed
• 6 tablespoons half & half
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Blend, pour, and freeze. Yum!

Cold & Creamy Avocado Soup

Soup? In the summer? As a snack? I know, this one is a bit “out there”, but what’s the summer for if not a little adventure, right?

Bonus: if your kids do like this soup, it’s loaded with nutrients!

What you need:

• 1 cucumber, washed and peeled (use English cucumbers)
• 2-4 avocados, depending on the size
• 2 cups plain whole fat Greek yogurt
• 2 cups broth: veggie or chicken
• 4 to 8 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1-2 handfuls of cilantro, cleaned with the big stems removed
• 1/2 tsp salt (you can add more if you wish)

What to do:

Blend it all in a food processor. Eat immediately.

Tip: It can brown if you leave it in the fridge which won’t hurt you, but it may dissuade little eaters from trying it. To reduce browning, store it in a glass container -- not plastic.

Kabobs

You don’t need to grill to enjoy the novelty of a kabob. There are many ways to make kabobs with kid friendly foods.

• The fruit kabob: Grapes, melons, berries -- whatever you like!
• The savory kabob: Cubed fresh mozzarella, tomato slices -- dipped in balsamic cream for the adventurous eaters!

Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

My youngest son loves dip; if he has a dip, he’s happy. This easy dip is one of his favorites, and it pairs so well with many different types of fruit, but cold apple slices are a favorite here. We keep our apples in the fridge so it’s even more refreshing.

What you need:

• Yogurt -- I like vanilla for this recipe
• Peanut butter

A note on ratio: This one is really subjective. I like about 1-2 TBL of peanut butter in 1 cup of yogurt, but you can adjust according to your preferences

What to do:

• Put the ingredients in a mixing bowl
• Use a hand mixer to whip the yogurt together
• Enjoy!

Chocolate Avocado Smoothie

Another avocado recipe! Avocados really lend themselves to adding a creamy factor to your snacks, and although this tastes like a desserts, it’s just another sneaky way to get more fresh fruit and veggies into your kids’ diets!

What you need:

• 1 frozen banana -- about one cup of slices
• 2 cups of chocolate milk
• 1 avocado

What to do:

Blend your ingredient in a high-powered blender. For best results, pour it into a silicone container and freezer for about an hour.

What about you?

What is your favorite summertime snack?

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Kathryn is a self-proclaimed book nerd who has a passion for natural parenting and writing. As a homeschooling mother of two, Kathryn understands the dynamics of a busy family life. She is the founder of the Cor Domum movement, a mission that guides families through life so that they can parent with joy. Read more at  www.katietrudeau.com