15 Easy Cold Snacks in Three Steps or Less

By

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Published on June 11, 2024

a recipe photo Tomato-Cucumber Salad Over Whipped Feta — Photo:
Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum

Stay cool in the warmer temperatures with these delicious and simple cold snack recipes. Each dish comes together in just three steps or less so you can easily stay fueled and energized between meals. Plus, they feature refreshing ingredients like cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes and yogurt for something that’s equally flavorful and nourishing. Try recipes like our Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Whipped Feta or our Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup with Magic Shell Topping to switch up your snack routine on a hot day.

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Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Whipped Feta Is Peak Summer Perfection

a recipe photo Tomato-Cucumber Salad Over Whipped Feta — Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum

The feta and cream cheese whip up into a smooth and creamy dip topped with summer-ripe tomatoes and cucumber. Each bite keeps you coming back for more! Opt for feta in brine for the best texture, as pre-crumbled feta tends to lack moisture and can make the dip grainy.

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Strawberry & Yogurt Parfait

Strawberry Yogurt Parfait in a small jar — Alexandra Shytsman

This strawberry parfait recipe combines fresh fruit, strained yogurt and crunchy granola for an easy breakfast or snack. Pack the parfait in a Mason jar for a healthy bite on the go.

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Easy Black Bean Dip

Easy Black Bean Dip

This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don't have the other spices on hand.

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Crunchy Veggie Wraps

These vegetarian wraps pack perfectly for school or office lunches.

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Healthy Chocolate Milk Recovery Drink

Healthy Chocolate Milk Recovery Drink — Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely

Recover from your next workout with this healthy chocolate milk recovery drink. Avocado adds creaminess while chocolate and peanut butter give it a satisfying salty-sweet flavor. Oats will fill you up with their added boost of fiber.

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Cottage Cheese with Raspberry Honey

Crunchy sunflower seeds add delicious flavor to this simple, light meal or snack of cottage cheese dressed up with raspberries and honey.

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Cucumber Salmon Bites

a recipe photo of the Cucumber Salmon Bites — Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Look no further for your impromptu snack—these 3-ingredient cucumber salmon bites are a surefire hit. Beyond being an ideal choice for midday, this quick and easy recipe doubles as a satisfying appetizer. If you have a bit more time and a few extra ingredients at your disposal, try enhancing the cream cheese with chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives.

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Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup with Magic Shell Topping

a recipe photo of the Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup with Magic Shell Topping — Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

This easy, high-protein snack tastes just like a Reese’s peanut butter cup. You can conveniently make it in the yogurt container for quick cleanup. Alternatively, if you don’t have a single-serve container, scoop 1/2 cup yogurt from a larger container into a small bowl. Any nut or seed butter would work well in this four-ingredient recipe.

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Caprese Skewers

Tomato-Basil Skewers — Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer or simple snack. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.

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Carrot Smoothie

Two tall glasses filled with carrot smoothie, garnished with an orange wedge — Diana Chistruga

This type of drink tends to be pricey in the big city juice bars. Now you can make the recipe at home.

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Avocado Hummus

This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn't be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

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Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls

blueberry lemon energy balls — Ali Redmond

If you're looking for a midday pick-me-up, these irresistible blueberry-lemon balls come together in minutes and make a perfect on-the-go snack. Walnuts add a boost of plant-based protein and help keep you energized, while a bit of maple syrup adds sweetness.

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Strawberry & Brie Bites

Strawberry & Brie Bites

Strawberries, Brie cheese, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar come together in this delicious one-bite appetizer or snack.

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Tomato, Peach & Feta Salad

Tomato, Peach & Feta Salad — Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh

This juicy salad is the perfect snack in the height of summer when tomatoes and peaches are at their best.

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Creamy Strawberry Smoothie

Creamy Strawberry Smoothie — Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly Raibikis

It's hard to beat this recipe for quick and easy strawberry smoothies. All you need is five ingredients and five minutes. It's versatile too: you can use any unsweetened milk for creaminess, your preferred yogurt, and the maple syrup or honey is optional. The vanilla extract acts as a great flavor backdrop that will work with most fruits. Get blending!

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