Seven Healthy Snacks for Summer Munchies

As the summer season heats up, refreshing snacks are a great way to enliven your palate. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are an obvious choice when it comes to the warmer months, but there are many other ways you can get creative in the kitchen.

To highlight healthy eating, we have selected seven of our favorite snacks for summer munchies. You will not find junk food on this list – only the freshest, most delicious creations that can be made in 5 minutes or less.

We’ve also included complementing cannabis pairings using Sativa or Hybrid strains. Varieties that fall into these categories balance perfectly with lighter foods and will leave you with energizing side effects for the long summer days ahead. You can either include these strains in the recipe by using an infusion or consume prior to making.

Our Favorite Summer Munchies

Heirloom Tomatoes with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Nothing can beat a ripe heirloom tomato on a summer day. This highly-sought after fruit can come in many different shapes, colors and sizes. If you love salty, sweet flavors, cut the heirloom tomato into thin slices and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Top with sea salt. An infused CannaOil is also a good substitute for this snack. Click here for our recipe.

Recommended Pairing: Jack Herer. This celebrated Sativa strain is known for its earthy and forest floor aromas. This variety has higher levels of the Myrcene terpene which can also be found in tomatoes. Adding olive oil to this snack brings a richness that softens this variety's slight pine-like undertones. This summer-friendly strain will leave you feeling ready to conquer any obstacle.

Prosciutto with Melon

Summer is the perfect time to purchase fresh melons. We love this combination of salty and sweet flavors. To prepare, cut a cantaloupe into bite-size pieces and then wrap with prosciutto. Spear the pieces with a toothpick or skewers and enjoy.

Recommended Pairing: Cinderella 99 (C99). This Hybrid is a great match for this delicious combination. The strain's fruity and floral primary aromas from Linalool highlight the cantaloupe's sweetness while its bolder, more pungent undertones harmonize with the salt-cured flavors of the prosciutto. C99 is also known for its happy, euphoric side effects. This is a recommended strain to brighten your day.

Smoothies, Smoothies, Smoothies!

Fruit smoothies are ideal for summer. There are hundreds of delectable combinations that can quickly quench your thirst as temperatures rise. Make a strawberry and mango smoothie. Add the fruit, pineapple juice and a few ice cubes to the blender to keep the smoothie extra chilled. This mouthwatering mix will excite your senses and will help prevent cotton mouth due to its high levels of acidity that will make you salivate.

Recommended Pairing: Strawberry Cough. If you love the taste of fresh strawberries, this variety was made for you. This strain's intoxicating aromas are similar to a basket of red berries with high levels of Linalool and Myrcene, and penetrating undertones that blend with the mango's fibrous flavors. This strong Sativa will keep you alert with pleasant sensations of euphoria.

Sliced Pineapple and Papaya with Lime

Chilled pineapple and papaya slices are heavenly when it comes to warm weather. The aromas and flavors will transport your senses to a tropical island far, far away. Grab your bikini and swim trunks, and get ready for a flavorful adventure. Cut the fruits into bite size pieces and add a dash of fresh squeezed lime juice. Add a dash of salt if you'd like an extra layer of flavor.

Avocado with Hot Sauce and Lemon

Summer is peak season for avocados in California. This nutritious fruit is packed with nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent healthy snack. Studies have shown that eating avocados in moderation will help decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes (read here). This miracle fruit can also improve the conditions of your hair and skin just in time for swimsuit season. We recommend cutting an avocado in half and removing the center seed. Next fill the empty hole with your favorite hot sauce and squeeze lemon juice on top. Delicious and nutritious all around.

Recommended Pairing: Amnesia Haze. Known for its zesty flavors of citrus and Meyer lemon, Amnesia Haze pairs perfectly with hot sauce and fresh squeezed lemon juice. You will quickly notice this strain's zingy aromas due to Limonene followed by a hint of spicy pepper. Often considered a great morning herb, this strain will kickstart your day and perhaps lead to a few good laughs with friends.

Chili Lemon Cucumber Bites

This is a quick and easy snack that is packed with flavor. Slice a chilled cucumber into round bites. Squeeze lemon juice on top and drizzle with olive oil. Top off with chili powder, salt and pepper to taste.

Recommended Pairing: Super Lemon Haze. True to its namesake, this strain has high levels of Limonene and lemon aromas making it a perfect match for the strong citrus flavors that come from lemon juice. Super Lemon Haze is also known to leave you refreshed and energized - a perfect combination with this healthy snack.

Frozen Watermelon Popsicles

A slice of cold, juicy watermelon is guaranteed to freshen up your palate when it's hot outside. Now imagine that watermelon frozen into a homemade Popsicle - yum! You only need one ingredient for this summer classic. Cut the watermelon into thin slices and remove the rind. Place the slices onto a cooking sheet and insert a Popsicle stick. Make sure the pieces aren't touching. Put the sheet into the freezer for 3 - 4 hours or until frozen through. Yes, we know this takes longer than 5 minutes but it's worth the wait.

Recommended Pairing: Watermelon Haze. You guessed it! Watermelon Haze is the best match for watermelon Popsicles. This combination perfectly integrates the candy-like aromas of the fruit and cannabis. This is the ultimate summer Sativa pairing that will leave you with an elevated state of mind.

With many long days ahead, we encourage you to try these seven delicious summer snacks if you have the munchies. Click here for more cannabis and food tips, and to learn our pairing principles: Balance, Intention, Taste, Enjoy (B.I.T.E).

Peace, Love & Cannabis,

The Herb Somm