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Snack Into Summer with Kid-Friendly Recipes

Long summer days call for cool treats, colorful snacks, and fun time in the kitchen. Whether you need a quick afternoon bite or an easy activity to keep kids busy, these simple recipes make snack time part of the summer fun.

The recipes below have been tested, tasted, and approved by the Florida Nutrition Education team. (And their kids!) They are easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and designed for kids to help create. Younger children can stir and mix, while older kids can practice safe food prep skills with adult guidance.

We’re starting with sweet favorites that celebrate Florida’s fresh summer produce. Pair the Sweet Tangy Yogurt Dip with watermelon fries or fruit skewers for a refreshing treat. Craving something savory instead? Swap the fruit for vegetables and enjoy veggie skewers with a creamy ranch dip. No matter what your family is in the mood for, our team has a fun snack to match.

Kitchen Safety Tip: Kids can use a plastic knife or a child-safe knife to help prepare these recipes. Always supervise children and choose tasks that match their age and skill level.

Sweet Tangy Yogurt Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Lime zest (optional)
  • Fresh fruit for dipping

Directions

  1. Put the yogurt, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.
  2. Stir until smooth.
  3. Sprinkle lime zest on top if you like.
  4. Serve with your favorite fruit.

Tips

  • Yogurt adds calcium to snack time.
  • Short on time? Use low-fat vanilla yogurt as an easy fruit dip.

Click here to see the recipe graphic! 

Watermelon Fries

Ingredients

  • 1 watermelon

Directions

  1. Cut the watermelon in half.
  2. Cut each half into slices.
  3. Remove the rind.
  4. Cut the watermelon into sticks.

Tips

  • In Florida, watermelon is in season during the summer.
  • Look for a watermelon with a yellow-orange spot. This means it had time to ripen and may be sweeter.
  • Use a crinkle cutter to make fun-shaped fries.

Click here to see the Watermelon Fries recipe graphic>>

Fruit Skewers

Ingredients

  • Assorted fresh fruit, cut into chunks
  • Bamboo skewers

Directions

  1. Wash and cut the fruit into small pieces.
  2. Slide the fruit onto the skewers.
  3. Mix different fruits to create colorful patterns.
  4. Serve with the Sweet Tangy Yogurt Dip.

Tips

  1. Use fruits with different colors to make bright and fun skewers.
  2. Try fruits like strawberries, grapes, melon, pineapple, blueberries, or kiwi.

Click here to see the recipe graphic for Fruit Kabobs>>

Veggie Pinwheels

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons low-fat whipped cream cheese or hummus
  • 1 whole-wheat tortilla (8 inches)
  • 1/2 cup raw vegetables, chopped
  • 1/2 cup leafy greens, such as spinach or romaine lettuce

Directions

  1. Place the tortilla on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave for 10 seconds to make it easier to roll.
  3. Spread the cream cheese or hummus over the tortilla.
  4. Add the vegetables and leafy greens.
  5. Roll the tortilla tightly.
  6. Cut the roll into 8 slices.
  7. Stand the slices upright on a plate and serve.

Tips

  • Add a slice of turkey for extra protein.
  • Use vegetables that are in season for the best flavor and lower cost.

Click here to see the Veggie Pinwheels recipe graphic!

Power Protein Ranch Dip

Looking for a savory snack? Turn your fruit skewers into veggie skewers by using vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and carrots. Pair them with this creamy ranch dip for a crunchy, protein-packed treat.

Ingredients

  • 1 container (24 ounces) low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • Fresh vegetables for dipping or skewers

Directions

  1. Add the cottage cheese and ranch seasoning to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Serve with your favorite vegetables.

Tips

  • Store leftover dip in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Try using the dip with veggie skewers for an easy savory snack.

Click here to see the recipe graphic>>

 

Find more: Recipes, tips, and nutrition information on the Florida Nutrition Education website. www.floridanutritioned.org

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