It’s hot. The kids are home. And suddenly, everyone’s hungry — all the time. You want them to eat something decent, but you’re not trying to be a short-order cook all summer long.
These five ideas are refreshing, flexible, and made to work with real schedules and real attention spans. Bonus: most of them let the kids help (or take over entirely).
Customizable & Low-Stress
Build-Your-Own Nacho Plates
When it’s too hot to cook, keep it cold and customizable. Layer tortilla chips in small plates and set up a “bar” with beans, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and leftover grilled chicken.
Shortcut tip:
Top with a quick salsa made from 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 tsp Shawhan Farms Hatch Chile Salsa Starter. It’s got just enough smoky chile kick to keep things interesting — without overwhelming little palates.
Want more snack-style meals that keep kids engaged? Try these kid-friendly summer recipes from FoodCorps.
Mini & Make-Ahead
Pasta Salad Cups
Make pasta salad fun-sized by serving in small bowls or reusable cups. Let kids mix in cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, or cubes of cheddar. Flavor it with a lemony vinaigrette or stir in a spoonful of your favorite Italian seasoning blend. Add a few pinches of parmesan on top and call it lunch.
Rainbow Veggie Wraps
Spread cream cheese or hummus on a tortilla, then let the kids add their own strips of bell pepper, carrots, and cucumbers. Roll, slice, and serve like sushi. You can even use leftover grilled chicken or lunch meat for a protein boost. This one works great as a picnic item or make-ahead pool snack.
Hands-On Freezer Fun
DIY Yogurt Pops
Skip the boxed ice cream and blend your own yogurt pops with fruit and honey. Let kids pour the mixture into molds, add their own toppings (granola, crushed freeze-dried berries), and freeze overnight. Looking for fun combos? Try strawberry-banana with honey, or blueberry-lime. Serve poolside or as a refreshing treat after camp pickup.
Kid-Made & Campfire-Ready
Pizza Bagels with a Twist
Classic, nostalgic, and endlessly flexible. Slice mini bagels, add sauce and cheese, then let the kids build their own flavors. Try a Tex-Mex version with beans, corn, and a tiny sprinkle of Shawhan Farms Molly’s Texas-Style Chili Seasoning (no link — just a mention). Bake for 5–7 minutes at 375°F until golden and melty.
It’s Still a Meal (Even if It’s a Snack Plate)
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just one picky eater, the name of the game is flexibility. Let them assemble. Let them dip. Let them help.
👉 Need more summer-friendly recipes for real life? Browse the full Shawhan Farms Recipe Collection — perfect for snack boards, picnic sides, and weeknight wins.
Shawhan Farms:
Proudly U.S. woman-owned. Born in Kentucky. Made with care in Texas.