25 Easy and Simple Summer Snacks

If you are looking for something to keep you going until dinnertime, try these easy and simple summer snacks to curb your hunger. 25 delicious recipes that are easy and quick to make.

Summer Snacks

Surely summer wouldn't be summer without a refreshing snack in one hand, cold drink in the other? But what happens when you run out of inspiration on what to serve as a summer snack?

You're fresh out of ideas but need something that is quick and easy to make. That is the role of the snack after all. A handy little dish that will keep you going until dinnertime but without the hours of prep work. What you need is something quick, easy and simple to prepare.

Below you will find 25 simple summer snacks that are going to be a hit with the whole family. From family friendly recipes that the kids will love, to snacks that are using healthy ingredients but still provide much flavour, guaranteed to tickle those taste buds. 

Healthy Swaps

The list below will provide you with plenty of inspiration for creating delicious snacks, using a variety of ingredients meaning there is something to please even the pickiest of eaters. You may also be looking at ways in which you can make a few healthy swaps within your snack selection.

But how do you ensure you are making a healthy swap that the kids love as well as the adults?

There are a few adjustments you can make to reduce sugar intake without the kids even knowing. Buying low fat or reduced sugar products means you are already cutting out the sugar intake and no one will probably even notice.

Try adding sugar free chocolate chips to greek yoghurt, for a tasty after school treat. Or promote a love for veggies by displaying a rainbow platter with a mix or peppers, carrots and cucumber all cut up into kid friendly portions, with a dip in the middle. 

Keep Food Fresh

Keeping food cool and fresh in the summer months can be hard. But the longer you can keep your food cool for, the better. Not only will it taste great, it is safer to eat as well. There are a few storage solutions you could try, such as using thermos flasks, mason jars and containers. 

A secure, clip on lid will keep your products fresher for longer. It makes life a lot easier as they can be easily transported too.

If you look for products that are microwave and dishwasher safe it means things can be heated up quickly and no washing up to do either. Win win!

#1 Simple Favourites 

A couple of simple summer snacks that are going to be super quick to prepare and serve:

• Try a homemade granola bar. This would make a great simple snack during the summer months. They can go in the freezer to keep fresh for longer and means it will be nice and cold when you eventually come to eat it.
• Snacks like granola bars, are packed with protein and can be used as an energy source, ensuring you are kept fuller for longer, while slowly releasing energy.
• Another summer snacks favourite is homemade muffins. These can be enjoyed at any time of day, adding blueberries or chunks of white chocolate for flavour.

#2 Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are perfect to enjoy in the summer when fruit is at its best. A few ways to enjoy them:

• Fruit salads are your easy, go-to option. Chop up plenty of fresh fruit such as bananas, apples, grapes and melon and add to a serving bowl with a splash of apple juice. Serve as it is or add a dollop of yoghurt for extra flavour.
• Serve a plate of fresh fruit and veggie sticks but add cheese chunks for protein. Kids love to eat cheese off sticks so you could serve the cheese on cocktail sticks to add a fun twist.

#3 Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothies

You can prepare these smoothies (or milkshakes if you prefer) with peanut butter and oat flour making them a perfect dairy free snack if you are lactose intolerant.

#4 Fruit Smoothies

Smoothies are a popular choice because they are so easy to make but also very nutritious. The freedom with a smoothie makes a great choice for kids too because they can choose their favourite fruits to add.

Why not try a banana and strawberry concoction, which is sure to be a firm favourite?

#5 Popcorn

This delicious snack shouldn't be saved for film nights. Popcorn is a healthy alternative to chips, great for sharing and easy to store.

#6 Mozzarella Sticks

You can't go wrong with mozzarella sticks. Tasty and quick to prepare. Served with a dip of mayonnaise or sweet chilli, mozz sticks are sure to be a hit with all the family.

#7 Strawberries And Chocolate

A delicious combination that is sure to be popular with kids and adults alike. Melt the chocolate in a bowl and cut the strawberries in half. It is a great idea to add the strawberries onto the end of a skewer for ease of dipping!

#8 Hummus Platter

Hummus is a great dip to have out as a centre piece with an array of vegetables ready to dip in. Try serving with carrots, cucumber, pepper and celery sticks.

#9 Cheese And Crackers

Not one to be saved just for after dinner, you can enjoy cheese and crackers after a long day with a glass of wine or favourite lager in hand. A great idea would be to get a bit creative and cut the cheese into different shapes, such as stars and triangles to make them look more presentable and tempting.

#10 Peanut Butter Brownies

This one will need to be made in advance as it tastes better once it has set in the fridge for a few hours. Use either crunchy or smooth peanut butter depending on taste.

#11 Blueberry Ice Cream

You can't have summer snacks without a bit of ice cream now can you? Blueberry ice cream is a fantastic choice for that refreshing, fruity flavour.

#12 Macaroni And Cheese Bites

Another crowd pleaser that is best made in advance so it has time to cool down before serving. Add to your list of summer snacks for a tasty and satisfying offering.

#13 Florentine Ciabatta

Ciabatta is a perfect summer snack and topped with tomatoes, spring onions and red pepper flakes, a slice of this will keep you going until your next meal.

#14 Savoury Cracker Mix

Mix up your cracker selection by offering a range of different flavours, shapes and size of crackers. Try adding flavours such as rosemary and thyme, with a hint of garlic.

#15 Chicken Chilli Dip

This recipe uses a range of beans, such as black bean and kidney beans. This adds both texture and sustenance to your dip, while the chilli and chicken add the flavour.

#16 Peanut Butter, Apple And Raisin On Bread

Peanut butter goes great with fruit such as apples and raisins. Serve on bread for a filling and tasty summer snack.

#17 Strawberry Salad

As summer snacks go, this is sure to be a firm favourite. With layers of strawberries and whipped cream, this recipe uses simple ingredients for a burst of flavor. A popular choice as an afternoon snack. 

#18 Sweetcorn And Avocado Dip

Not the most obvious combination of foods, but the avocado and sweetcorn dip is the perfect healthy snack for dipping in breadsticks or chips.

#19 Rice Cakes With Fruit Topping

Ah, the versatile rice cake, to which many a topping can be added. From jam to cream cheese and spring onions, you can add to this simple snack whatever topping you prefer. Try bananas for a healthy yet filling option. 

#20 Instant Noodles

The great thing about this snack choice is that it is quick and easy to make. Just add hot water to your instant noodles for a more filling snack full of flavors.

#21 Roasted Seaweed In Olive Oil

A healthier option, this savoury snack is something that can be kept in the store cupboard and served with no further preparation, making it an easy option.

#22 Ice Lollies

DIY or shop bought, you can stock up the freezer with ice lollies as a tasty summer snack with no prep work. 

#23 Picky Platter

A picky platter is a great snack choice for your picky eaters. The idea is you serve a plate full of different picky foods such as bread sticks, fruit, a cheesy dip, small chunks of meat and tomatoes, giving the fussy eaters a full range of different foods to pick at.

#24 Sweet Potato Fries

You can either make sweet potato fries at home using an air-fryer or buy them ready made. Serve with a sweet chilli dip.

#25 Dried Fruit In Chocolate

A quick snack that is easy to grab, try a bag of dried fruit in dark chocolate . Raisins, plums or mangos are all good options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few frequently asked questions that may provide you with further inspiration:

What Should I Put Out For Nibbles?

If you have friends or family coming over, you may want to offer a few nibbles before tucking into the main meal. Below are a few ideas that will keep all your guests happy:

• Rainbow Prawn Cocktails
• Cheese Straws
• Grilled Aubergine Stacks
• Crushed Pea and Mint Dip with Carrot Sticks
• Baked Olives with Feta
• Triple Cheese and Tarragon-Stuffed Mushrooms
• Fruit Platter
• Breadsticks and Dip

What Is The Most Popular Summer Snack?

If you need something that is sure to be a crowd pleaser you need to be thinking about a snack that is going to cool you down and be refreshing. That is the perfect summer snack right?

A few ideas for you to try:

• Banana Ice Cream
• Frozen Cheese Sticks
• A Homemade Trail Mix - a combination of popcorn, nuts and berries
• Frozen Yoghurt Sticks
• Watermelon

What Is A Good Evening Snack?

Perhaps you are settling down to watch a film, or need something to nibble on after dinner. A good idea for an evening snack is to eat something that is light and isn't going to lie too heavy on the stomach. 

Try greek yoghurt mixed with fresh fruit or some cottage cheese on a cracker. These light snacks are perfect for curbing that sugar craving without being too heavy before you go to bed.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this blog post has provided you with plenty of inspiration for easy and simple summer snacks that you can enjoy at home or while out and about. Stock up the cupboards with food that has a long life meaning there will always be something to grab when you are feeling peckish.

Remember to make good use of your freezer as well. When it comes to snacks, the colder the better during the hot summer months.