The Best Summer Finger Foods

Watermelon is a cool, refreshing summer snack.

Summer cooking focuses on simple, fresh ingredients that require little cooking. Finger foods are perfect to pack for picnics, ballgames or the pool. Healthy options like fruit, veggies and sandwiches are delicious choices. To avoid food-borne illnesses, keep perishable foods chilled.

Fruit

Peaches are in season in late summer.

Abundant in the summer, fruit is a cool and delicious finger food. Try sliced or cubed watermelon, peaches, pineapple or mangoes. Thread cubed fruits onto toothpicks for fruit kabobs. Try frozen grapes for a frosty summer treat. Mix cream cheese and strawberry yogurt together for a yummy dip. Choose seasonal fruits that are ripe and bruise-free for best flavor.

Popsicles

On a hot day, kids love frosty popsicles.

What child doesn't love popsicles? Grocery stores carry many varieties of popsicles, from kid-themed superhero popsicles to all-natural fruit popsicles. Mix pureed fruit, juice or yogurt together. Pour into paper cups or popsicle molds. Add popsicle sticks and freeze to make your own. Try unusual flavors, like fresh lime juice with ginger and sugar.

Vegetables

Vegetables are nutritious and tasty.

Fresh, crunchy vegetables provide a healthy summer finger food. Try carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, snap peas or sliced jicama. Make a quick dip by mixing sour cream and ranch dressing mix. Cut a small opening in the top and fill cherry tomatoes with a mixture of mayonnaise, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions and Parmesan cheese.

Grilled Jalapeno Poppers

Grilled jalapeno poppers are an easy, spicy summer finger food.

Use the grill to avoid heating the kitchen. Wash 20 fresh jalapenos and cut in half lengthwise. Clean out the seeds. Saute 1 tbsp. minced garlic in 1 tbsp. butter. Add one 8-ounce cube cream cheese. Fill the jalapeno halves with the cream cheese mixture and wrap with a piece of cooked bacon. Grill for one to four minutes, being careful not to burn the bacon.

Pitas

Pita bread pockets make easy, portable sandwiches.

Miniature or regular pita breads hold a variety of fillings. Try a mixture of cubed chicken, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, alfalfa sprouts and diced cucumber. Top with Greek salad dressing. Or whip together diced chicken, mayonnaise, chopped pecans, diced grapes, celery and a bit of salt, dill and cardamom for a delicious chicken salad pita.

Tortilla Wraps

Flour tortillas are versatile.

Fill tortillas with a variety of ingredients and roll to make delicious tortilla wraps. Kids love peanut butter and honey. For adults, try turkey, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, basil leaves and ranch dressing. Hummus also makes a tasty spread.

Tags: cream cheese, finger food, cherry tomatoes, cooked bacon, ranch dressing, summer finger