When summer finally arrives, it’s time to make the most of it by packing the calendar with favorite pastimes. From beach days to ball games to hearing bands at a local musical festival, there’s no wrong way to celebrate the season – as long as you include delicious food, that is. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed snack for your trail hike or an icy quencher to stay cool and hydrated, we’ve got a seasonal recipe for every occasion.
Beach:
Triple Melon Fruit Salad
This refreshing fruit salad is a beach-friendly snack that will also help you stay cool and hydrated. On summer’s hottest days, toss the combo of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew into the freezer for extra chill, reserving the fresh mint until you’re ready to pack and go.
Get the recipe: Triple Melon Fruit Salad
Rainbow Roll-ups
When you’re ready to roll out for a day of big waves, this vegan-friendly wrap will keep hunger at bay. Rainbow slaw and fresh spinach add color and crunch to your favorite protein-packed hummus spiraled inside a flavored tortilla.
Get the recipe: Rainbow Roll-ups
Best-Ever Margarita
Shake up this margarita recipe, pack it in a thermos, and forget about the rest. A little agave sweetens the classic cocktail made with the bright zing of fresh lime juice. If serving in cups, spice things up by adding a rim of internet-trendy Tajin seasoning.
Get the recipe: Best-Ever Margarita
Cobb Salad in a Jar
For an oceanside lunch that will fill you up without weighing you down, it’s hard to beat cobb salad. Strategic layering (check out the easy how-to video!) of veggies, chicken, hardboiled eggs, bacon, and blue cheese lets you pack everything to-go in a sealed jar without spilling or getting soggy.
Get the recipe: Cobb Salad in a Jar
Camping:
Campfire Breakfast Hash with Eggs
Whip up a hot and hearty breakfast in a single pan, whether you’re in the great outdoors or at your stove. Shortcuts like frozen peppers and prepared potatoes help bring this stick-to-your-ribs meal together in under thirty minutes.
Get the recipe: Campfire Breakfast Hash with Eggs
Mountain Pizza Pie
Pizza on a camping trip? Hot and crispy mountain pies make it possible. Just layer sauce, cheese, and pepperoni between slices of bread and toast to gooey perfection over an open fire.
Get the recipe: Mountain Pizza Pie
Potato Chip Nachos
Nachos on the grill?! Heavy-duty foil makes it possible. This Tex-Mex game-changer layers potato chips, cheese and classic nacho toppings inside foil packets that get heated over the grill or campfire for an outdoor-friendly snack. Make the foil packs mini and personalize each with your family’s favorite toppings.
Get the recipe: Potato Chip Nachos
Banana-Hazelnut S’mores
Two simple ingredients elevate everyone’s favorite campfire dessert to an unexpected gourmet treat. Slices of fresh banana and chocolate-hazelnut spread take the classic combo of marshmallow and graham cracker to a new level of s’mores.
Get the recipe: Banana-Hazelnut S’mores
Music festival:
Sunflower Seed Snack Mix
Granola bar meets snack mix in this tasty combo loaded with protein and filling fiber. Bite-sized chunks of crunchy pistachios and sunflower seeds get a kick of flavor from fennel seeds and a pinch (or more if you’re a spice-lover) of cayenne pepper.
Get the recipe: Sunflower Seed Snack Mix
Raspberry Hand Pies
Enjoy this flaky treat without missing a beat of your favorite tunes. Raspberry hand pies are a snap to make using a combo of fruit preserves and fresh berries wrapped inside frozen puff pastry.
Get the recipe: Raspberry Hand Pies
Hiking and Biking:
Energy Trail Mix Cookies
Fuel your next adventure with these better-for-you cookies made to energize. Bananas and dates add natural sweetness, while classic trail mix ingredients like sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and pistachios add crunch and protein.
Get the recipe: Energy Trail Mix Cookies
Lentil-Chorizo Empanadas
These savory empanadas are big on flavor, but easy to prepare, thanks to a few store-bought shortcuts. Canned lentils and Mexican-style chorizo bulk up a filling studded with raisins and olives baked inside thawed discs of frozen pre-made dough.
Get the recipe: Lentil-Chorizo Empanadas
Birthday Cake Bites
Don’t let the name fool you, these kid-friendly treats are loaded with nutrients to fuel your ride. Medjool dates add natural sweetness to a pop-able combo of rolled oats and your favorite nut butter decked out with sprinkles.
Get the recipe: Birthday Cake Bites
Baseball Game:
Grilled Brats with Honey-Mustard Onions
If you love the taste of a ballpark frank, you’ll love this five-ingredient upgrade that’s easy to make when you’re enjoying the game from home. Caramelized honey-mustard onions add a touch of sweetness that makes these sausages a little special, perfect for impressing friends and family at the next little league game or backyard barbecue.
Get the recipe: Grilled Brats with Honey-Mustard Onions
Spicy Micheladas
Being a superfan on the sofa is twice as nice with this Mexican-inspired cocktail in hand. The refreshing combo of tomato juice and light beer takes its cues from a Bloody Mary, with fresh lime for tartness and chili powder and hot sauce for a kick of spice.
Get the recipe: Spicy Micheladas
Drive-In Movie
Spicy Caramel Bacon Popcorn
You’ve never had movie theater munchies like this before! Everyone’s favorite breakfast food adds smoky crunch to warm, salted popcorn drizzled with a microwave-ready homemade caramel sauce.
Get the recipe: Spicy Caramel Bacon Popcorn
Spicy Ranch Snack Mix
Skip the line at the concession counter and make your own movie-ready snack mix at home. Ranch seasoning and a pinch of fiery cayenne add irresistible spicy-savory flavor to a combo of crunchy cereal squares, pretzels, and cheese crackers.
Get the recipe: Spicy Ranch Snack Mix