Raw Fruits & Vegetables for Summer Picnics

Summer calls for easy snacks that travel well and taste great in warm weather. Raw fruits and vegetables are light, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Here are simple ways to enjoy common summer produce raw, along with quick tips to keep them fresh and fun.

Gala apples have a crisp texture and sweet taste that works well for snacking. Slice them at home and pack them in a small container. A light coating of lemon water helps slow browning. Bring a small jar of nut butter for dipping, which adds protein and richness. Another option is to sprinkle a little cinnamon on the slices before leaving, giving them a warm flavor.

Avocado makes a creamy snack on its own. Halve it, remove the seed, and keep the halves wrapped tightly until ready to eat. A spoon makes it easy to enjoy directly from the skin. Another way is to bring small pita bread or whole-grain crackers and scoop the avocado directly onto them. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper, or carry a small packet of lime juice for brightness. Avocado slices wrapped in lettuce leaves also make a neat finger snack.

Carrots have a sturdy crunch that holds up in the heat. Peel them and cut into sticks for easy snacking. Bring a jar of nut butter for dipping. Another option is to shred them and mix with thin apple slices for a quick salad in a cup. Carrots also taste great on their own with a sprinkle of salt.

Celery sticks stay crisp and light, even in warm weather. Fill the center with peanut butter, making them more filling. You can also bring small packs of ranch dip for a quick flavor boost. For a fresh twist, top celery sticks with thin cucumber strips for a layered crunch. Eating them plain works too, as they're naturally refreshing.

Cucumbers are hydrating and cool, perfect for summer. Slice them into rounds or sticks and keep them chilled until ready to eat. Sprinkle a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime juice for a simple flavor kick. Another way is to pack them with cherry tomatoes and make a quick snack cup. Thin cucumber slices rolled up in lettuce leaves also work well as a hand-held bite.

Figs are soft and very sweet. Eat them whole after rinsing, or slice them in half for a cleaner bite. For something quick and easy, combine them with a few almonds or walnuts in the same container. Figs also work well chilled, so pack them with an ice pack if traveling. Try our Homemade Fig Bars Recipe for a fresh, flavorful, healthy alternative to store-bought.

Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon) are sweet, juicy, and thirst-quenching. Cut them into cubes or wedges before heading out. Watermelon wedges with the rind left on are especially handy, as they're easy to hold. For something different, sprinkle a small pinch of salt on watermelon or cantaloupe for contrast. Another idea is to freeze melon cubes and let them thaw slightly before eating. Mixed melon skewers also travel well and make for easy handling.

Peaches taste sweet and juicy when ripe. Bring them whole and rinse before eating. If you prefer slices, keep them in a sealed container and chill them until needed.

Bell peppers and shishito peppers have crisp, mild flavors that make them surprisingly great for raw snacking. Slice bell peppers into strips and pack them in a container. Shishito peppers are mild enough to eat whole (although 1 out of 10 can be slightly spicy), so just wash and pack. Another idea is to stuff pepper halves with avocado before leaving. Mixing pepper strips with cucumber sticks adds variety without needing seasoning.

Plums provide a tart, juicy bite that's simple and satisfying. Eat them whole after rinsing, or cut them in half for smaller portions. Another way is to chill them before heading out, making them firm and refreshing in warm weather. Combine them with peach and honeydew cubes in one container for a varied snack.

Cherry and grape tomatoes are easy and convenient. Rinse and pack them in a small container, eating them whole on the spot. Pairing them with cucumber rounds adds crunch and freshness. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt before eating for an added burst of flavor.