Top 7 healthy summer snacks

Cool down with a few healthy snacks to beat the heat.

Take a look at our top seven beautiful, delicious and healthy summer snacks!

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Images of sunny beaches, warm breezes, lake swims, ice cream and the laughter of children come to mind when we think of summer - but let's face it, we ALL look forward to those delicious summer fruits the most!

There are several fast and easy ways to prepare fresh strawberries, watermelon, raspberries and more - but what are the most beautiful, healthiest and delicious?

Take a look at some of the easiest, mouth-watering snacks of summer:

Frozen Banana Bites - The Sweet Spot

Perfect for a quick bite after the gym or a great snack to share with friends and family!

Ingredients

2 bananas, sliced into 1/4" circles
Peanut butter
1 pint fresh raspberries

Directions

Place banana slices on parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in freezer minimum of 1 hour or until bananas set.
Remove from freezer and spread a bit of peanut butter on one side of each banana slice.*
Place 1 raspberry on half the slices then top with the remaining slices.
Place sheet back in freezer and let set.
Once set, move bites to freezer bag and store until ready to enjoy!

*NOTE: Banana slices thaw quickly. Work fast or remove from freezer in small batches. Re-freeze any slices that thaw too quickly.

Cucumber Crab Wraps - BodyBuilding.com

If you're hosting a Fourth of July BBQ or just want to enjoy a little something with a fancy flair, look no further!

Ingredients

3 oz crab meat
2 tbsp. fat-free mayo
1 cucumber
1/2 scallion
2 tsp. dill pickle relish
Toothpicks

Directions

Peel cucumber and cut lengthwise into thin strips.
Combine mayo, relish and scallions in bowl then mix well.
Place mixture and crab pieces on a strip of cucumber.
Roll cucumber slices then fasten with a toothpick.

Fruit Salsa - She Knows

Not only is this recipe beautiful, it is delicious and perfect for parties!

Ingredients

1/2 c fresh tomatoes, diced
1/2 c corn kernels
1/2 c onion, diced
1 tbsp. jalapeńo peppers, chopped
2 tbsp. lime juice
2 cloves fresh garlic, finely diced

Directions

Combine all ingredients
Serve with low-fat baked tortilla (corn) chips or fresh veggies, cut up.

Homemade Frozen Fruit Pops - Skinny Taste/Gina's Recipes

Enjoy these delicious fruity treats with your family and let the kids help!

Ingredients

1/3 c diced kiwi
1/3 c diced watermelon
1/3 c diced strawberries
1/3 c diced pineapple
1/4 c fresh pineapple or orange juice
4 5 oz cups
4 popsicle/craft sticks

Directions

Combine diced fruit in a bowl and fill cups with fruit.
Add 1 tbsp. of juice then insert sticks.
Place in freezer until firm - minimum of two hours
To remove pops from cups, run under cold water for a few seconds.

Watermelon Feta Bites (Honey, Ghee, & Me)
Watermelon Feta Bites - (Wolfgang Puck)

These lovely little bites are topped with mint leaves but fresh basil or arugula leaves are just as tasty!

Ingredients
1/4 whole watermelon
4 oz. feta cheese (solid block, not crumbled)
Small handful fresh mint, basil or arugula
Toothpicks optional

Optional ingredient
Balsamic glaze/vinegar

Directions

If using balsamic glaze, heat vinegar on stove until thickened and reduced to a glaze.
Set aside to cool.
Remove watermelon rind then cut into 1" thick slices
Set aside.
Cut feta into blocks slightly smaller than the surface area of the watermelon cubes.
If needed, cut feta cubes in half to make thinner.
Place one feta cube on each watermelon cube. Top with mint, basil or arugula leaf.
Use toothpick to hold each layer in place (Optional).
Drizzle with balsamic glaze (Optional).

Greek Yogurt Papaya Boat - Love + Cupcakes

If you're looking for something a little more filling than bites, take a look at these colorful papaya boats!

Ingredients
1 medium papaya
Plain Greek yogurt
1/2 c blueberries
1 banana
1/2 c granola
raw honey
chia seeds (optional)

Directions

Slice papaya in half lengthwise.
Spook out seeds and scrape away just enough meat to create small well.
Fill each side with yogurt, fruit and granola.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with a pinch of chia seeds if desired.

NOTE: Fill papaya with anything from cottage cheese to almond butter if you so desire. Make more savory with chicken or tuna salad filling for a nice lunch.

No-Bake Fig Newton Bites - The Lemon Bowl

This gluten-free, vegan recipe is sure to shine at any party - and makes an excellent "secret stash" of treats you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying!

Ingredients

3 c dried figs - hard stems removed
1 c walnut halves
1/4 c flax seed meal
1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions
Place all ingredients in large food processor and pulse until finely chopped, nearly the consistency of sand.
Scoop mixture out using small ice cream scoop.
Form mixture into balls by rolling between hands.
Enjoy at room temperature or refrigerate in air-tight container up to seven days.

NOTE: Press mixture tightly when rolling. Heat from your hands will warm the mixture and extract oils from the walnuts to help bind the balls.

There you have it! The top seven healthy summer eats! Notice each recipe calls for seasonal fruits or veggies and can be enjoyed at parties or in private.

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