The best summer snacks are the ones that are in season. Don’t tell the kiddos, but that means it’s the fresh fruits and vegetables available at your neighborhood grocer right now. That is, unless, you grow your own in your backyard like many Utahans!
Utah is a great place for growing fresh and healthy foods, but if you’re like me and would rather buy seasonal produce at the grocery store, then this guide is for you.
Seasonal Produce
Fruits:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Cantaloupes (in August)
- Peaches (in August)
- Rhubarb
- Strawberries
Vegetables:
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Corn
- Fennel
- Greens
- Green Beans
- Onions
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
For a complete guide to Utah’s seasonal produce, click here.
Seasonal Summer Snacks
Strawberries (or Peaches!) and Cream. Cut up fruit and place in bowl. Add whipped cream or milk. A sweet and simple treat.
Healthy Peach Pie Crumble. Crumble graham crackers into bottom of mug, or cup. Add cut up peaches. Add a pinch of of brown sugar. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, or yogurt for a healthier option.
Basil Pesto. Basil makes the creamy delicious pesto sauce, which can be used for pasta dishes or as a condiment or sauce.
Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Sandwich. With or without bread, this fresh combo is healthy and tasty. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into thin slices and prepare basil leaves. Simply stack the basil on top of the mozzarella and the mozzarella on top of the tomato. Yum! You can also make Bruschetta with these ingredients.
Tomato, Corn, and Basil Salad. Shuck corn and cook in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Immerse in ice bath to cool and cut kernels off cob. Add corn, grape tomatoes, and basil leaves to bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad. Cook beets and cool, then cut into cubes. Caramelize walnuts – do not burn! Allow to cool. Whisk orange juice concentrate, balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make dressing. Add beets, walnuts, and baby greens together and stir. Drizzle dressing over the top.
There are so many delicious and healthy recipes you can snack on this summer. Remember to stay hydrated and consume a lot of fruits and veggies for a balanced diet.
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