If you’ve been outside for any length of time recently, you’ve definitely felt the unbearable heat we’ve been suffering through since the official start of summer. There’s no escaping it! So in light of this heat wave, I’ve compiled a list of my Top 6 Summer Snacks that are perfect for the days you feel like melting! 

Number one on my list is smoked salmon roll ups. Doesn’t sound very summery does it? But let me tell you, this snack is perfect because it’s light but also very filling. Here’s how you make it. All you need are these three ingredients: smoked salmon, cream cheese, and soft tortillas. Smooth the cream cheese onto the tortilla, then layer the smoked salmon on top. Roll up, slice into bite size pieces, then refrigerate for at least an hour to chill. Deliciously addicting, these roll ups are hard to resist! 
 

Second is a personal favorite: smoothie popsicles. Super easy to make, it’s a very refreshing way to enjoy a summer treat without feeling guilty! All you need is blender, frozen fruit, guava nectar, and yogurt (frozen for a more solid mixture). Blend it all together just enough that you get an almost ice cream like texture. Once that is complete, grab some popsicle molds (can be found at Wal-mart or the dollar store) and popsicle sticks. Pour the smoothie in the mold, sticking in the popsicle stick once its filled, and place on a level surface in the freezer. Let freeze, and voila! A delicious guilt free summer treat! 

Something always associated with summer when I was growing up was pasta salads. So number three on my list is, you guessed it, a summery pasta salad. Make pasta as usual, but boil for a couple minutes less than recommended for al dente.  I recommend rotini as it’s bite sized and flavor clings to the spirals. Once cooked and drained, run under cold water and drain again- this prevents sticking. Drizzle some olive oil over the pasta, and add some grilled vegetable seasoning. Be generous with the seasoning. Next, mix in some tomato pesto, and some parmesean cheese. Chop up some peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and mix it all together. Let chill in the fridge over night, and it’s ready to go for a day at the beach! 

Watermelons have always been a staple of summer, so number four on my list is a delicious watermelon lemonade refresher. Cut up a few slices of watermelon, making sure to avoid the seeds, and put in a blender. Add some lemonade to taste, a dash of sugar if you have a sweet tooth, and blend together. Poor into a glass and use frozen strawberries as ice cubes, you have a perfect summery drink! 

Fifth is a fruit salad taco. Similar to a normal taco, this fruit taco is a summer specialty. Finely chop up a variety of fruit- strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew, whatever you want, and mix it all together in a bowl. You can drizzle honey over it for a sweeter taste, or leave it as is. Store in the fridge. Next, make some crepes. Make sure they’re fairly big, as they’ll be your taco. Once that’s done, you’re ready to go. Pile on the fruit, and you have a tasty summer treat! 

Last is a fruity Mountain Dew popsicle. Using the blue Mountain Dew, Voltage, pour into popsicle molds. Add in some frozen raspberries, strawberries, and blue berries then freeze. So simple, anyone can do it!