Healthy Summer Snacks & Seasonal Fruits

Make Healthy Summer Snacks Using Seasonal Fruits!

Ah, summer. It’s almost officially here! Whether you’re traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or just trying to stay cool in the heat, summer is a grand time for SNACKS. So, in honor of the season, I’m sharing some of my favorite ideas for healthy summer snacks!

My favorite snacks during summer are the cool, refreshing fruits that are in season during this time of year. There are SO many delicious summer seasonal fruits that are scrumptious all on their own, and they make some pretty sweet treats in combination. But first, why choose seasonal fruits? And which fruits are in season during summer?

Well, I’m glad you asked.

‘Tis the Season for Juicy Fruits

If you’re like me and have access to a major grocery store (or a few), we’re extremely privileged to have access to SO many different fruits and veggies year-round. But, that huge produce section can make us lose sight of which items are actually in season. Earth is pretty darn amazing—just sayin’. There’s such a wide variety of beautiful fruits and vegetables that grow on our planet, and each generally thrives during a certain time period or season.

When produce is in season, it has its most bountiful growth and is harvested when it’s ripe. Fruits and veggies that are out-of-season are generally picked unripe, spent long periods of time in storage, or are transported long distances to get to your grocery store. While it’s convenient to have some of the foods that we love to eat all year long, choosing seasonal produce has its advantages.

Seasonal fruits and veggies are more fresh, more flavorful, and often more budget-friendly! When food tastes better, everyone is more likely to eat it. And, we can even save some money at the grocery store. (I also highly recommend visiting your local farmer’s market to see what seasonal fruits and veggies are available in your area!)

Summer is the time when some of the most delicious fruits are in season! Look for these juicy delights this season (June, July, August):

Summer Season Fruits

How to Eat More Fruit This Summer

With so many scrumptious fruits in season, there are endless possibilities for healthy summer snacks! Check out some of my faves:

— Colorful Fruit Salads —

This is literally one of the simplest healthy summer snacks you can make—just toss your favorite fruits together into a naturally sweet treat! But, there are endless combinations to explore, so you’ll never get bored. Get creative with different color and flavor combinations, like in this Betty Crocker recipe for a layered fruit salad.

And, experiment with texture: chop fruit into cubes, cut into shapes, or use a melon baller. (BONUS: I learned from Laylita’s Recipes that you can freeze melon balls to use as colorful ice cubes!) Mariah’s Pleasing Plates tossed her rainbow of fresh fruit into a carved-out watermelon half, which I think is genius. 

Simple as that, you can create some pretty gorgeous snacks with summer’s naturally-vibrant fruits!

— Fruit Kebabs & Fruit Necklaces —

Everything is more fun on a skewer! Fruit kebabs are SO easy, and the perfect healthy summer snack to enjoy at a party or by the pool. For a creative twist, try making these tasty fruit necklaces from The Artful Parent! All the fun of edible candy necklaces, but made with wholesome, seasonal fruits instead.

— Fruit Pizza —

Fruit pizzas?! Yes, it’s a thing. Watermelon pizzas are an insanely refreshing treat that’s unbelievably simple to make. You just need a center, round slice from a watermelon, then top it with fresh fruits.

Feel free to use yogurt as your “sauce” like I did! (I’d probably also top it with coconut shreds, like in the version above from Netmums.) Cut it into slices and you’ve got yourself a sweet pizza!

You can also get more elaborate with your fruit pizzas by making a wholesome crust to top with your favorite fruits. There are tons of healthy crust ideas out there, using ingredients like cashews, dates, granola, dried fruit, or oats. And, many of them require no baking! With your basic crust, you’ve got a blank canvas to decorate with your favorite summer fruits.

— Fruit Sushi —

Believe it or not, fruit sushi is also a thing! And, yet again, there are no limits to what you can do with these healthy summer snacks. No recipe required—just follow your taste buds! Try slathering your favorite nut butter onto a banana, dip it into your favorite toppings (Fit Foodie Finds used pistachios, YUM), then cut it into slices.

Or, flatten out a piece of bread, layer on cream cheese and sliced fruit, then roll and cut into sushi pieces. Get even MORE kooky with Dinner at the Zoo’s “Frushi”: fresh, seasonal fruits on top of sticky coconut rice!

— Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips —

This fruit imposter is a sweet twist on the savory classic: chips and salsa! Instead of a zesty tomato salsa, try dicing up some of your favorite fruits this season to make a fruit salsa! Paired with homemade, baked cinnamon chips, it can’t be beat.

— Frozen Watermelon Slices —

These are pretty much the easiest popsicle you’ll ever make! Even The Natural Nurturer (who took this lovely photo) admits there’s really no recipe needed. Just slice up your watermelon, cut a slit in the rind for your popsicle stick, and freeze!

— Frozen Grapes —

Equally easy to make are these frozen grape skewers—just skewer your grapes, freeze, and devour! You can also make these with other fruits, like strawberries and blueberries, or a mixture. Easy, freezy, healthy summer snacks that are sure to keep you cool on a hot day!

With just a little creativity and a lot of tasty seasonal fruits, you can make this summer your sweetest yet! Get creative with fruits you love, and maybe try some new fruits this season. There are no rules and no limits when it comes to healthy summer snacks!

Fun & Healthy Summer Rolls Recipes!