Summer is all about sunshine, adventure, and making memories – but let’s be honest, it’s also about the snacks! Whether you’re lounging by the pool, packing up for a beach day, or spending time on the lake, this post contains 31 summer snack ideas so you’ll never run out of ideas.
Now, I am lucky enough to live on a lake and snacks are an essential part of the weekend! When you’re out and about all day, with hungry little ones, it’s best to be prepared with some small bites. While most of these options are perfect to throw into a cooler for days at the beach or on the lake, some are ideal for appetizers for summer parties.
There is a variety of delicious snack ideas for those sunny summer days. I’ve also include some “functional” snacks with extra protein and fiber.
The Ultimate Summer Snack List
I tried to select snack ideas that I would want to make this summer, specifically with the beach, pool and lake in mind. Most of these ideas are portable with the help of a cooler and great for entertaining as well!
Easy Salad Kabobs (Sunglow Kitchen)
These deconstructed salad kabobs are prepped in under 20 minutes and require no cooking at all. Each skewer combines tomatoes, cucumber, basil, cheese, olives and balsamic. A classic combination of flavors!
Watermelon Caprese Skewers (Toshi’s Table)
On the same note, these simple caprese skewers are made with watermelon, mozzarella cheese, and basic. They’re easy to bring to a party or the beach for a refreshing little bite-sized snack. You can make these ahead of time and chill them until ready to serve! Just wait to garnish with the balsamic glaze until just before serving.
Melon Prosciutto Skewers (In the Kitch)
Fresh melon and prosciutto skewers are the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Just 4 ingredients and easy to throw in a cooler for beach days, BBQs, or social events.
Mini Greek Pita Pizzas (Haute and Healthy Living)
I mean, talk about the perfect healthy yet delicious snack! These mini Greek pita pizzas are the most delicious bite-sized snack or appetizer. Hummus is spread on a pita with olives, feta cheese, onions and vegetables. You could easily store in an airtight container as long as they’re in one single layer. Eat them fresh out of the oven or even cold. I think these would be delicious even if they aren’t baked.
Beach Pudding Cups (Zen and Honey)
These beach pudding cups are a little more labor intensive but super cute! The pudding is colored turquoise blue for the water and then topped with crumbled cookies and gummy bears. Your kids will love this fun and festive dessert which is great for entertaining.
Zucchini Corn Fritters (Happy Kitchen)
These zucchini and corn fritters are a great option for a nutritious snack. Make a large batch for your next summer outing. Eat them warm or cold!
Healthy Fruit Wrap (Natural Beach Living)
A healthy fruit wrap that’s portable adult and kid-friendly. Cream cheese and powdered sugar is combined with fresh fruit and wrapped in a tortilla. Cut them into little bite-sized snacks. You could even substitute the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a healthier version. I will definitely be bringing these on the boat this summer!
Snickers Stuffed Dates (Simple and Fraiche)
These Snickers stuffed dates are healthy way to curb a sweet tooth! Dates have anti-inflammatory properties and are packed with fiber! They’re simple to prepare and could totally be thrown in a cooler for a fun snack. These stuffed dates can even be stored in the freezer for 3 months.
Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches (Butter and Baggage)
These mini tea sandwiches with cream cheese and cucumber take just 10 minutes to prep! They’re light, refreshing, and easily customizable. They’re best served the day they are made but could easily be packed in a cooler for the beach.
Frozen Green Grapes with Tajin (Midwexican)
Fresh, juicy grapes seasoned with Chamoy and Tajin seasoning – making them sweet, tart, and a little spicy. Store in a freezer gallon bag in your cooler between ice cubes to keep them frozen. They’re best after sitting out for a few minutes anyways. Such a fun and healthy treat! I am very curious about this flavor combination.
Summer Fruit Salad (The Salty Marshmallow)
You just can’t go wrong with a simple summer fruit salad! The dressing consists of orange juice, lemon juice, and honey, keeping the fruit fresh for the day so you can easily pack it in a storage container for your summer adventures.
Beachy Sweet and Salty Snack Mix (Sustain My Cooking Habit)
Your kids will love this themed snack idea! Instead of just bringing boxes of store-bought snacks, you could create these cute little beachy snack mixes consisting of muddy buddies, Cheerios, whale crackers, fruit snacks, and pretzel Goldfish.
No Bake Energy Bites (Get Inspired Everyday)
Another one of my favorite snacks of all times? Energy bites! You just can’t go wrong with them. They’re packed with nutrient-dense ingredients plus they’re very tasty. This specific post offers 10 different flavor variations, like strawberry, monster cookie, and cake batter.
The best part is that the recipe makes 20 bites that can be stored in the freezer for a couple of months. They’re so easy to throw into a cooler for a delicious healthy snack.
Homemade Raspberry Fruit Leather (Chef Ani)
Homemade raspberry fruit leather is a sweet and healthy snack that will give you a boost of antioxidants. It’s made with just four ingredients and no refined sugar. A great option for just about any summer outing with the family.
BBQ Cauliflower Wings (Vegan Huggz)
These BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a tasty alternative to traditional wings. They are baked to perfection with a crispy panko coating and a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or tasty side dish. They’ll disappear fast!
Healthy Street Corn (Roots and Radishes)
An easy and delicious healthy street corn dip to throw in your cooler. Prep time is just 20 minutes and this dip features creamy spicy Greek yogurt, feta, jalapeños, chipotle seasoning, red onion, cilantro, and lime. A functional dip with summer flavors and some extra protein due to the Greek yogurt!
Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip (Heavenly Spiced)
A healthier ranch alternative with whipped cottage cheese as the base – no one will ever know the difference. Plus, it’s super simple to make with fresh herbs and spices. Serve it with fresh vegetables, crackers or chips.
Mango Habanero Salsa (Pure and Simple Nourishment)
This quick and easy mango salsa takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. It features mango, tomatoes, lime and spices which blend together for the ultimate sweet and spicy bites. Fresh, flavorful and bright!
Cowgirl Caviar (Rebecca Taig)
Cowgirl caviar is a “healthier” version of cowbowy caviar (which you just can’t go wrong with in my book). Hearty vegetables and beans are combined with a homemade zesty vinaigrette without any refined sugars. It comes together quickly and is always a crowd pleaser!
Ultra Creamy Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus (Bless This Meal)
A homemade creamy jalapeno hummus with fresh cilantro, inspired by the Trader Joe’s jalapeno hummus. Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, this protein and fiber-packed dip is refreshing and also healthy snacking at its’ finest.
Peanut Butter Protein Rice Krispy Treats (Sungrown Kitchen)
These peanut butter rice krispy treats offer a little more nutrition than the traditional store-bought snack. There is extra protein from the peanut butter, oats, sunflower and flax seeds. Kids and adults will love them! It’s like a dessert and healthy snack in one. For Fourth of July, you could even use red, white and blue M&Ms.
Healthy Lemon Zucchini Muffins (The Oregon Dietitian)
Lemon zucchini muffins can easily be thrown into a bag for the beach or pool – no cooling required. They’re budget-friendly with that vibrant citrus flavor.
Crack Chicken Pinwheels (The Cookin’ Chicks)
If you’re looking for a filling, hearty snack, these pinwheels are a bite-sized version of the classic crack chicken. They’re extremely portable and can be made up to 2 days in advance! These are a great option to keep you full before you have dinner while you’re sipping on some summer cocktails.
Green Summer Rolls with Homemade Peanut Sauce (Six Hungry Feet)
If you have 30 minutes of prep time, give these summer rolls a try for a light and refreshing snack. They’re a mix of tofu (could omit) and fresh vegetables with a homemade peanut sauce. Store in the fridge keep them cold in a cooler.
Summer Charcuterie Board (Life Ambrosia)
A summer charcuterie board is the ultimate snack idea to bring to parties, on picnics, or even for some small bites at the beach. This board features 3 different kinds of cheese, meat, olives, honey and crackers.
Popsicles
Popsicles can be a fun and refreshing snack option. They’re a great vessel for a snack that also offers some nutritional benefits: like increasing protein, probiotics, or fresh fruit consumption. If you have a quick drive to the pool or beach, they might even stay frozen in your cooler.
Kombucha Popsicles (Champagne Tastes)
Kombucha popsicles that contain just two ingredients – berries and kombucha. They are packed with probiotics while also cooling you down on those hot summer days. A refreshing way to increase that good bacteria in your gut!
Birthday Cake Protein Popsicles
These fun birthday cake inspired popsicles have 13 grams of protein per popsicle! They’re made with Greek yogurt so they’re super creamy with fun additions like strawberries, white chocolate chips and sprinkles. Filling the popsicle molds can be a bit messy (see my tips) but these are my new favorite summer treat!
Also try my Birthday Cake Cottage Cheese Bark – it’s like yogurt bark but made with cottage cheese.
Easy Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars (An Edible Mosaic)
Creamy, whipped cottage cheese bars covered in a chocolate shell! Each bar has 6 grams of fiber. Before serving, let the ice cream bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften a little. They might even hold up in a cooler!
More Popsicles
- Vanilla Pineapple Popsicles (An Edible Mosaic)
- Lemon Berry Protein Popsicles
- Creamy Homemade Mango Popsicles (The Oregon Dietitian)
If you found this helpful, make sure to check out these Summer Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes – the perfect solution for an easy dinner after a long day at the beach!