The weather is warming up and we’re heading to the lake! Whether you’re lakeside, poolside, beach-bound, boat-floating or camping in the woods – fruits and veggies are your ultimate sidekick. They’re hydrating, refreshing, colorful and easy to pack!
While it’s easy to throw some bags of chips and cookies along with simple sandwiches in the cooler and go, including produce is just as easy, too. Plus, you get hydration, fiber and an energy boost from these flavorful fruits and veggies.
Here’s how you can easily incorporate fruits and veggies into all your outdoor adventures this summer.
Low-Prep Produce Picks
This quick list of fruits and veggies travel well and don’t require much prep, so they’re great for stashing in a cooler on-the-go.
- Grapes – freeze for a cooler treat!
- Apples – pre-slice and toss with lemon juice to keep from browning
- Berries or cherry tomatoes – toss ‘em in a reusable cup for poppable, no-fuss snacking
- Oranges or mandarins – nature’s portable hydration
- Watermelon slices or cucumber rounds – an extra hydrating snack
- Snap peas – no-prep needed and satisfyingly crunchy
Simple Dips For Satisfaction
Quick dips and pairings can help make produce more crave-worthy and help you stay full for longer. Try these combos:
- Hummus + veggie sticks
- Peanut butter + apple slices
- Greek yogurt + berries
- Guac + mini bell peppers
- Salsa + cucumber slices
Quick & Fun Lakeside Recipes
These recipes require a little more planning but are sure to make enjoying fruits and veggies by the lake a fun treat!
- Elote Corn Dip With Walnuts – creamy, crunchy and made for scooping
- PB & Berry Tacos – a sweet twist on a classic
- Banana Split On A Stick – these give campfire s’mores a run for their money
- Greek Pasta Salad – tangy, veggie-packed and cooler-friendly
- Cowboy Caviar – a dip, side or scoopable salad
Pack Like A Pro
Keep your lake snacks fresh and food-safe with these pro tips, because nothing kills chill vibes like a soggy sandwich or mushy berries.
- Be sure to rinse your produce just before packing it. If you’re bringing packaged fruits and veggies that are labeled “ready-to-eat,” “washed” or “triple washed,” they should not be washed at home – just grab them and go!
- When packing a cooler, keep the produce separate from any raw meat, seafood, poultry and eggs. Be sure to use plenty of ice to keep the cooler at or below 40°F.
- Pack foods in your cooler in reverse-use order – pack foods first that you are likely to use last.
- Keep drinks in a separate cooler from foods. The beverage cooler will be opened frequently while the food cooler stays cold.
- Don’t let food sit out for more than two hours. On a hot day (90º F or higher), reduce this time to one hour.
Make produce your go-to snack sidekick this summer! Grab a few of these and soak up the lake vibes (with extra crunch and color).
