If there’s one thing we can say about this summer, it’s the fact that it’s been a hot one, and for many of us, the heat will be sticking around for a while. It may be hot, but chances are, that’s not stopping your kids from wanting to soak up their last few weeks of summer. How can we blame them? So for all you caretakers out there, we’ve provided you with a few delicious summer treats that’ll help you and your kids beat this summer heat!
Homemade Fruit Pops
What’s better on a 90 degree day than to cool off with a frozen popsicle in hand? Not much that we can think of. We’ve done some digging and found a variety of healthy, easy-to-make fruit pops at home! All you’ll need to get started is a blender or food processor and popsicle molds (linked here). We’ve listed out a few of our favorites below, along with ingredients and preparation tips, from Jessica Galvin and Sugar and Charm.
Peach Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
What’s in it? Strawberries, peaches, honey, and vanilla greek yogurt!
Preparation Tip: Layer your popsicle mold as follows: strawberry puree, yogurt, peach puree, yogurt and repeat for a fun striped pattern.
Minty Watermelon Popsicles
What’s in it? Watermelon, mint leaves, coconut water, lime juice, and honey!
Preparation Tip: If your popsicle sticks aren’t staying upright, use tape to hold them in place until your watermelon pops freeze.
Blackberry Lemon Popsicles
What’s in it? Lemon juice and zest from lemons, vanilla greek yogurt, blackberries, and mixed berry greek yogurt!
Preparation Tip: Layer your popsicle mold as follows: lemon/yogurt mix, blackberry/yogurt mix and repeat. Swirl layers for a more abstract look!
Orange Mango Coconut Popsicles
What’s in it? Mango, coconut milk, orange juice, and honey!
Preparation Tip: Dice a portion of your mango into ¼ cubes and evenly distribute amongst popsicle molds. Then, pour your mango puree into your mold and tap it on the counter to ensure it fills in the diced mango spaces.
Dragon Fruit Coconut Popsicles
What’s in it? Just sliced dragon fruit and coconut water!
Preparation Tip: Turn your freezer to the coldest setting and be sure to leave about a quarter-inch of space at the top of the popsicle molds to let the mixture expand as it freezes.
Looking for even more of what you see so far? Check out this post from the Money Minded Mom for even more homemade fruit popsicle recipes and flavors!
Fruit Salads, Acai Bowls, & More
Let’s say fruit popsicles aren’t your favorite, or maybe you’ve just had your fill, but you still want to have a healthy treat on a hot summer day. Not to worry, we’ve listed out a variety of recipes found from bloggers who had that same mindset.
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Ambrosia salad is always a fan favorite, especially around Easter and summer time, but this recipe tops the original – and it’s better for you! Swap your marshmallows and cool whip for greek yogurt and add in some sugar and vanilla for an equally sweet flavor.
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Crisps
Dessert and dip at the same time? That’ll certainly be a crowd pleaser. This fruit salsa recipe allows you to get playful with your ingredients and add in any of your favorite fruits! Serve alongside baked cinnamon crisps for dipping and you won’t be able to resist.
5 Acai Bowl Recipes
These smoothie bowls are ready in minutes and make for the perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack! Whether you are looking for something protein-heavy or one on the lighter side, this post gives you 5 different recipes to fit your needs. Wondering where to buy acai? Because it has become so popular, you can now find acai puree in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Just look where you would find frozen fruit or frozen juice!
Watermelon Fries with Mango Coconut Dip
This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes but will prove to be a summertime favorite again and again. With a dash of kosher salt and lime, these watermelon fries bring salty and sweet together seamlessly! They are kid-proof and such a fun way to incorporate fruit into you and your family’s diet.
Now you’re ready to fully embrace these last few summer weeks! Let us know if you try any of these recipes out! Tag and follow us on social media @myhotlunchbox!
Written by: Shelby Candler
Photo by: Daniel Öberg on Unsplash
