We are getting into the dog days of Summer, and nothing says fun like trying something new! Let’s hop in and chat about these three delicious recipes I have had a blast enjoying this Summer! These 3 tasty and time-savvy summer snacks are fun, fast, and kid-friendly, so let’s get in the kitchen! 

Fun and Fruity Fruit Salsa

This fantastic recipe was written by @lifebyleanna on Instagram! We made a few minuscule tweaks that make the salsa toddler friendly! 

You will need: 

• A pineapple, diced
• 1lb of strawberries, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
• Juice of 3 limes
• Salt + sugar to taste
• Snacking foods!

Directions:

1. Prepare all produce according to directions and chop the fruit as finely as desired. I prefer this recipe with extremely finely diced fruit, but if a little one needs the fruit a little larger, don’t be afraid to keep the fruit a bit larger. 
2. Lightly toss the first five ingredients together, careful not to mash the berries.
3. Adding sugar to salsa was a tip I learned from my grandmother—it does wonders to cut the acidity and add a unique flavor! Juice the limes over the bowl, add the cilantro, and sprinkle in desired amounts of salt + sugar. Be sure to taste after each addition to control the desired flavor!

Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Squares

This recipe is a fun take on the classic Rice Krispie treat! It’s just three ingredients and lacks refined sugar, and there’s an abundance of creative twists! If you want to switch up this simple recipe, head to Pinterest! 

You will need:

1. 3 cups of Cheerios
2. ¾ cup of peanut butter (choose a butter with no sugar added or honey for a sugar-friendly option!)
3. ½ cup of honey
4. Optional: add chocolate chips, Honey Nut Cheerios, M+Ms, sprinkles, or nuts for a different taste!

Directions:

• First, using a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan on the stove, melt the peanut butter and the honey together until they are smooth, creamy, and combined.
• Take off the heat and stir in the 3 cups of Cheerios. If the pan or bowl is not large enough to accommodate the cereal, switch to a larger bowl. 
• In a parchment-lined or greased 8×8 pan, press the Cheerio mixture firmly into it. Like Rice Krispies, this mixture is sticky! Spray your hands with cooking spray. This is an excellent time for little kids to help mash them! My grandmother’s tip is to roll a small glass over the top of the mixture to compress it. The more compressed, the chewier they will be because the air will not harden the bars!
• Let chill in the freezer or fridge, slice safely into bars, and enjoy!! Think of using Honey Nut Cheerios or adding another ingredient for a fun twist!

Sweet and Satisfying Graham Cracker Dips

Next up, we have some tasty graham cracker treats. Yogurt is a fun and sweet treat, especially in Summertime! All things considered, Yogurt offers great customizable options such as flavors, sugar content, and milk variety! A frozen graham cracker provides a fast and easy base that becomes unique when frozen! These resemble ice cream sandwiches. 

You will need:

• Yogurt of your choice
• Graham crackers

Directions:

1. Break the graham crackers into manageable sizes for kid (or adult!) friendly portions.
2. Simply dip the desired amount of graham cracker into the yogurt and lay it on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. I preferred to dip my grahams about ¾ of the way into yogurt.
3. Sprinkle with sprinkles, if desired, and freeze! Enjoy! 

Be sure to tag Tiny Troops Soccer on social media when you share yourself trying these 3 tasty and time-savvy summer snacks! Cheers! Need more snack ideas? Check out this Healthy Snacks blog from Peyton, written earlier this year.

---

 

Peyton Maechtle is a former Tiny Troops Soccer Coach at our Miramar location. In addition to her passion for working with children and teaching them the great game of soccer, she also enjoys cooking and trying new recipes.