Cool & Refreshing Healthy Summer Treats the Whole Family Will Love
Summer is here, and with it comes the heat. At least where I live in Utah! It is not even as hot as it will get during the peak of summer yet—we are only in the 80s—and already my kids and I are craving cool, refreshing treats. There is just something about a hot summer afternoon that makes you want to reach for a frozen or cool snack after spending time outside. Cool drinks are always great, but there is just something about a cool or frozen treat to slowly enjoy that just hit’s the spot.
This year, our family is trying to be a little more intentional about what we eat. Instead of filling the freezer with boxes of popsicles, ice cream, and otter pops (as delicious as those are), we have been looking for healthier alternatives that are just as refreshing. Many of these treats use fresh fruit, berries, yogurt, or protein-packed ingredients to create snacks that feel like a treat while still offering some nutritional benefits.
If you are looking for healthy summer treat inspiration for your kids, teens, or even yourself, these ideas are sure to help you stay cool all summer long. Many of these recipes require simple ingredients you may already have on hand, while others use basic kitchen tools like popsicle molds, popsicle sticks, baking sheets, and a good blender. If you do not already have those items, I have put together a list of my favorite supplies that make creating healthy summer treats quick and easy. Check them out HERE.
1. Homemade Yogurt Popsicles
Yogurt popsicles are one of my kids’ favorite frozen summer treats—and honestly, one of mine as well. They are incredibly easy to make. All you need is a popsicle mold, your favorite yogurt, and a freezer. Simply fill the molds with yogurt and freeze until solid.
One of the things I love most about yogurt popsicles is how customizable they are. You can keep them simple or mix in fun additions before freezing. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mango, and other fruits all work wonderfully. You can even swirl in a little fruit puree for extra flavor and color.
The result is a creamy, refreshing treat that feels like dessert while still providing protein and probiotics. You can use regular yogurt, but I especially like using Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost and a thicker, creamier texture.
If you want to take your yogurt popsicles to the next level, here are a few delicious recipes to try:
Get the recipe for these Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles over at Farmhouse on Boone
Get the Recipe for these Breakfast Yogurt over at I heart Naptime
Orange Creamsicle Yogurt Popsicles over at Homemade in the Kitchen
2. Frozen Banana Popsicles
This is another treat I grew up enjoying during the summer. Simply cut bananas in half, insert a wooden popsicle stick into the cut end, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze.
If you want a slightly more decadent version, you can dip the frozen bananas in melted chocolate and sprinkle them with chopped nuts. But honestly, plain frozen bananas are surprisingly delicious all on their own.
For younger kids, turn them into Banana Ghosties by adding mini chocolate chips for eyes and a mouth before serving.
3. Frozen Protein Shake Popsicles
These protein popsicles remind me of homemade creamies. I recommend using ready-to-drink protein shakes rather than protein powder. My personal favorite is Premier Protein in either Chocolate or Vanilla.
Just pour the shake into popsicle molds and freeze. The result is a creamy frozen treat packed with protein, making it a great afternoon snack or post-workout treat.
4. Green Smoothies & Fruit Protein Smoothies
I am a huge fan of homemade smoothies. They are nutritious, filling, and incredibly refreshing on hot summer days.
My favorite green smoothie combines spinach, kale, frozen mixed berries, bananas, fresh lemon juice, and water. The berries completely mask the flavor of the greens while turning the smoothie a beautiful purple color.
Another family favorite uses vanilla Greek yogurt, a vanilla protein shake, frozen berries, and bananas. It is thick, creamy, and tastes almost like a milkshake while offering far more nutrition.
Note: A good blender is definitely worth having when working with frozen ingredients.
Here are some smoothie recipes I want to try:
Get the recipe for the Blueberry Spinach Smoothie over at Kristine’s Kitchen
Get the Recipe for the Cherry Green Smoothie over at Kara Creates
Get the Recipe for the Peach Smoothie over at Mae’s Menu
5. Fruit Kabobs
For some reason, everything is more fun on a stick. My kids absolutely love fruit kabobs.
Simply cut your favorite fruits into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto wooden skewers. They are colorful, refreshing, and perfect for backyard barbecues, pool days, or summer parties.
6. Chilled Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is one of my favorite summer side dishes to bring to potlucks and family gatherings.
I usually combine grapes, strawberries, and blueberries, then add peaches, nectarines, blackberries, or whatever fruit I happen to have on hand. I generally skip fruits that brown easily, such as apples and bananas, so the salad stays looking fresh longer.
Many recipes call for a sweet dressing, but my family actually prefers fruit salad plain. The natural sweetness of the fruit is enough.
7. Yogurt Parfaits with Fresh Berries & Granola
Yogurt parfaits are perfect as a light breakfast, afternoon snack, healthy dessert, or even a quick lunch.
Layer yogurt with fresh berries and granola, then serve immediately or prepare them ahead of time for busy days. They are simple, delicious, and packed with protein.
Here is a great make-ahead parfait recipe over at Fav Family Recipes
8. Fresh Cut Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew & Pineapple
Fresh melon is one of the most refreshing foods you can eat during the summer.
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and pineapple are all naturally hydrating and incredibly satisfying on hot days. I like cutting them into bite-sized cubes and keeping them chilled in the refrigerator for easy snacking.
9. Liquid IV Slushies
I used to make Gatorade slushies until I discovered Liquid IV.
To make them, mix a packet of Liquid IV with water and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays. When you are ready for a slushie, blend the frozen cubes with a little additional prepared Liquid IV. The result is a refreshing frozen Slushie-style drink packed with electrolytes and hydration.
Perfect for when you have been active outside and want not only a cool treat but also need to get those electrolytes back up.
10. Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls take your favorite smoothie and turn it into a filling meal or snack.
Top your smoothie with granola, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor. They are beautiful, customizable, and incredibly satisfying.
Need topping inspiration? Try these smoothie bowl recipes:
Get the recipe for the Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl over at Purely Kaylie
Get the recipe for the Strawberry Smoothie Bowl over at Baking Your Happier
Get the recipe for the Peaches & Cream Smoothie Bowl over at Plant Based on a Budget
11. Frozen Grapes & Blueberries
Frozen blueberries are one of my personal favorites. In fact, I often prefer them frozen over fresh. They make a simple, refreshing snack straight from the freezer, but they are also delicious when coated in yogurt before freezing for an extra creamy treat.
I have also heard amazing things about frozen grapes and fully intend to try them this summer. They could not be easier to make—simply wash, dry, and freeze. That’s it! Both frozen grapes and blueberries become naturally sweet little bites of frozen goodness that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
For the easy instructions, to freeze Grapes check out this post at Clean Eating Kitchen
For the easy instructions, to freeze Blueberries check out this post at No Fuss Kitchen
Get the recipe for
12. Chilled Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
This simple snack has become a staple in our house.
Whether the apples are chilled or served at room temperature, they pair perfectly with peanut butter. The fruit provides natural sweetness while the peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats to help keep everyone feeling full longer.
13. Homemade Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream and can be made in a variety of flavors.
I have not made it myself yet, but I have seen some delicious recipes online that are definitely on my summer bucket list. Here are a few recipes I am excited to try:
Get the recipe for this Lemon Frozen Yogurt over at Chocolate Cover Katie
Get the recipe for this Strawberry Frozen Yogurt over at The Kitchen Girl
Get the recipe for this Peach Frozen Yogurt over at Valerie’s Kitchen
14. Frozen Yogurt Bites
These bite-sized treats are easy to make and perfect for kids.
Simply place small dollops of yogurt onto a lined baking sheet, optionally top them with fruit, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for easy snacking.
Find the Easy Instructions for making these over a Kids Kubby
15. Fruit Popsicles
Fruit popsicles are another refreshing alternative to store-bought frozen treats.
Add chopped fruit to popsicle molds, then fill with juice or coconut water before freezing. Experiment with different fruit and liquid combinations to find your family’s favorites.
Here are some fun recipes for inspiration:
Get the recipe for these Juice Fruit Popsicles over at Tastes Better From Scratch
Get the recipe for these Coconut Water Fruit Popsicles over at Eat Well With Lex
16. Yogurt Bark
If you have heard of chocolate bark, think of yogurt bark as its healthier summer cousin.
Spread yogurt onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with fruit, granola, nuts, or coconut, and freeze. Once frozen, break it into pieces and enjoy.
The flavor combinations are nearly endless. Here are a few recipes I want to try this Summer:
Get the Recipe for the fruit Yogurt Bark over at All Nutritious
Get the Chocolate Peanut Butter Yogurt Bark Recipe over at I Heart Vegetables
17. Chilled Cinnamon Apple Slices
This simple snack became a family favorite after a friend served it during a visit.
There is no complicated recipe involved. Simply slice apples and sprinkle them with cinnamon. That’s it.
They are delicious, refreshing, and incredibly easy to prepare.
When the temperatures start climbing, it is easy to reach for sugary frozen treats. While there is certainly a place for the occasional ice cream cone, I love having healthier options on hand that help my family stay cool while still providing some nutritional benefits.
Whether you choose frozen yogurt popsicles, fresh fruit, protein smoothies, or simple apple slices with peanut butter, these healthy summer treats are sure to become favorites throughout the season.
What are your favorite healthy summer treats? Let me know in the comments—I am always looking for new ideas to add to our family’s summer snack rotation.
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