Lip-Smacking Snacks

Summer days are often spent with family and friends enjoying warm-weather activities. Complement this year’s summertime excitement with delicious food that matches your enthusiasm for the season.

Whether your routine includes planning complex meals or quick recipes, snacks fit in. Dips are good for afternoon pick-me-ups or evening appetizers when the whole family comes together, or you are entertaining guests.

This Apple Guacamole dip can be made in mere minutes by combining mashed avocados and seasonings with chopped Granny Smith apple pieces. Avocados are low in saturated fats and high in healthy fats such as oleic acid, which has been associated with reduced inflammation levels. Their antioxidants include the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are very important for eye health. Granny Smith apples contain pectin, which can promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut and help you break down foods more efficiently.

Frozen pops are often the perfect way to cap off a summer day, and fresh fruit makes these treats even tastier. In the morning, you can blend the watermelon, blueberries, raspberries and honey before adding to ice pop molds and freezing them. They make a great afternoon snack and an easy dessert.

With the addition of refreshing watermelon, you’re opting for a no-fat fruit. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and provides high levels of lycopene — an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection. Blueberries are known for their strong antioxidants, and they add iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and Vitamins C and K. Raspberries’ benefits include good portions of Vitamin C and fiber, which can help manage obesity and cholesterol levels. Finally, honey’s nutritional assets include antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure and reduce risk factors for heart disease.

For additional summertime snack recipes, visit watermelon.org and culinary.net.