Summer is here, bringing backyard BBQs, outdoor movie nights, and kids set on enjoying their time off from school.
And you know what that means — snacks galore! Whether you’re hosting a backyard party for the neighbors or want to fuel your active kids, having a variety of yummy and easy-to-make treats under your sleeve is a must.
Today, we’re sharing our 12 favorite summer snacks that bring smiles all season long:
1. Gourmet Popcorn
Popcorn isn’t just for movie night. Light, crisp, and fluffy, it’s also the kind of snack we like to munch on when the sun’s out and the whole crew is over.
While buttery popcorn will always be a classic, what’s awesome about popcorn is that you can change it up. Sweet, salty, spicy — it goes with virtually anything.
Here are some summer-worthy flavors worth trying:
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Garlic parmesan popcorn: Melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Then drizzle over your popcorn and sprinkle parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Strawberry popcorn: Combine melted white chocolate with pulsed freeze-dried strawberries, drizzle the mixture over your popcorn, and sprinkle remaining freeze-dried berries for garnish. Check out this strawberry popcorn recipe for more details.
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Sriracha popcorn: Tangy and zesty, this popcorn packs a punch with every bite. Just mix melted butter with sriracha, honey, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, and coat your popcorn in it.
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Coconut curry popcorn: Cook popcorn in coconut oil, toss it in curry powder, turmeric, and other spices, and top it with roasted coconut flakes. Get the recipe here.
PRO TIP: For best results, make stovetop popcorn with a Popsmith! This stainless steel popper leaves no kernels burnt and unpopped, so you’re guaranteed consistently amazing popcorn.
2. Watermelon Feta Skewers
This is probably the simplest of all the easy summer snacks on this list!
Just alternate cubes of juicy watermelon with feta cheese and fresh mint leaves on skewers. For an extra special touch, you can also drizzle a balsamic reduction over the skewers.
3. Elote en Vaso
This Mexican street food is cheesy, tangy, creamy, and spicy — once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so popular! We love making it when it’s sweltering outside.
Just grill corn on the cob, cut off the kernels, and combine them with cotija cheese, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Then serve in small cups with spoons for easy eating.
RELATED: Say Hello to Elote Popcorn, Your Next Favorite Snack
4. Gazpacho Shooters
This next idea is a summer staple in Spain and Portugal. It’s a cold soup made of blended vegetables and is super refreshing.
To prepare it, blend ripe tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, and sherry vinegar until smooth. Then chill thoroughly before serving in small glasses.
PRO TIP: Swap the sherry vinegar for lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you’re making this for kids. It’s a genius way to get them to eat their veggies!
5. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Beat the heat with this cool summer snack-slash-dessert! Spread yogurt on a parchment-lined baking sheet, top with summer berries, add a drizzle of honey, and sprinkle some granola. Freeze until solid, break into pieces, and enjoy.
6. Frozen Chocolate Bananas
Next on our list of summer snacks are these frozen chocolate bananas. Peel ripe bananas, insert popsicle sticks, dip in melted dark chocolate, roll in toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles, and freeze until solid.
PRO TIP: Making these for young kids? Slice the bananas in half for more manageable portions.
7. Tropical Fruit Popsicles
Want a healthier popsicle idea? Blend your favorite fruits with coconut milk, pour into popsicle molds, and wait till completely frozen. Imagine having this on a hot sunny day after a dip in the pool. It’s so refreshing!
8. Tortilla Pinwheels
These make-ahead bites are perfect for kids and summer gatherings.
Simply spread tortillas with a creamy filling, roll them up, then slice into pinwheels. You can fill them with hummus and tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired snack or stick to good old ham and cheese — really, whatever’s in your kitchen works.
Pro Tip: For the cleanest cuts, wrap the rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing.
9. Peach and Goat Cheese Crostini
Grill peaches for a minute on each side, then lay them on a crispy baguette with a tangy goat cheese spread. Top with a small basil leaf and a drizzle of honey, and you’ll have a sophisticated summer snack ready to devour.
10. Cucumber Rounds with Tzatziki
Slice cool cucumbers into rounds and top with a dollop of homemade tzatziki (Greek yogurt with cucumber, herbs, and garlic). Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a light bite.
Serving this at a backyard party? Fill a container with ice, place your serving platter on top of it, and arrange the rounds on the platter.
11. Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa with Baked Cinnamon Chips
With diced strawberries, jalapeno, red onion, and lime juice, you can create a sweet and spicy salsa that screams summer. It pairs perfectly with cinnamon tortilla chips.
To make the cinnamon chips, cut flour or corn tortillas into triangles, brush lightly with melted butter, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over them, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden.
12. Snack Board
You can never go wrong with a grazing board. Fill it with seasonal fruits, popcorn, nuts, cheeses, crackers, cured meats, and dips for a customizable snack that allows everyone to pick and choose their favorites.
Stay Cool and Snack On
Summer snacks don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these ridiculously tasty ideas in your arsenal, you’ll be ready for whatever the sunny season throws your way — from impromptu pool parties to the inevitable “I’m hungry!” cry from kids on break.
Looking for more snacking inspiration? We have several popcorn recipes for you on the blog, plus birthday party snack ideas, hosting tips for a backyard party, and more!
