Healthy Snacks for the Fourth of July

The best Fourth of July snacks are those that can stand a little time outside, that transport well, and that are tasty without being loaded with fat. An impossible task? Not at all! Below are just a few ideas for healthy snacks to pack for your Fourth of July cook-out or picnic:

1. Fruit Kabobs. Skewer some melon, berries, grapes, or other favorite fruit and pop them in the freezer for a few hours. You’ll have an easy, refreshing, and healthy treat that will appeal to all ages.

2. Hummus. Take a tip from the Mediterranean cultures and whip up a batch of hummus, that delicious combination of mashed chick peas, olive oil, tahini, and garlic. Serve it with whole wheat crackers. Unlike mayonnaise-based dips, you don’t have to worry about it being out in the sun. You can also fill vegetables, such as small peppers and celery stalks, with hummus.

3. Salsa and Vegetables. Although it’s a little early for tomatoes in the Midwest, there are plenty of homemade-style salsas available commercially. Salsa adds a healthy zest to all kinds of things, from burgers to salads, but really shines as a dip for cut up vegetables. Go mild or spicy, depending on your family’s tastes.

4. Raisins. Sometimes the old reliable choice is still the best. Kids (and adults) loved Sun-Maid raisins in the 1960s and they still love them today. The company also offers mixtures that combine raisins with other dried fruit, such as apples and peaches. The traditional red box has been replaced with a zip lock packet, so you don’t have to worry about the fruit drying out.

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