Kid-Friendly Snack Boards

Delight everyone in your household with creative family snack boards and muffin tin snack trays — the perfect nutritious meals for a summer on the go.

While we’re certainly all cheering for warmer weather and summertime family fun, the last few weeks of school can be hectic, and the slow summer months quickly turn busy with family adventures, summer camps and outdoor exploration. When life gets chaotic, dining out more often can be tempting. Instead of hitting the drive-thru, try these healthy family snack board ideas to make mealtimes a breeze and add nutrition to fuel all the fun ahead.

3 tips for snack boards that satisfy

• Fill at least half of the tray or board with fruits and veggies.
• Use a muffin tin to serve and separate out the items.
• Remember that simple can still be delicious!

Breakfast on the Go

Whether kids need to eat breakfast on the way to summer camp or you’re headed for a morning out in the sunshine, quick and easy breakfast boards are sure to please every age. Include items like fruit, mini pancakes with nut butter for dipping, hard-boiled eggs, avocado or energy bites.

 

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

With only three ingredients, these pancakes are ready in no time and can be stored in the freezer as a grab-and-go option.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup rolled oats

Optional mix-ins and toppings

• Vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Berries
• Nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet on low heat.
2. Mix the bananas, eggs and oats together in a blender or food processor on low speed.
3. Grease skillet with cooking spray or olive oil and pour the batter onto the prepared skillet with a 1/4 measuring cup.
4. Add in mix-ins and toppings, if desired.
5. Once the bottom of each pancake is thoroughly cooked, flip and cook the other side.
6. Serve with maple syrup, nut butter or your favorite pancake toppings.

 

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

These protein-packed breakfast bites will start your morning off right. Plus, they freeze for up to 2 months or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 2 Tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Place in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
3. Roll into 12 balls.

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Snacktime Success

Whether you’re stuck in the end-of-year car line or headed to the pool, portable snacks are a must this time of year. Skip the ultra-processed options in favor of a healthy snack board filled with fruits, veggies and a delicious dip. Add nuts, cheese, plain popcorn or lean meats for long-lasting energy.

 

Fruit Dip
Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek, almond, soy, coconut, etc.)
• 2 tsp honey
• 1-2 dashes cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Stir all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Serve with apple slices or berries.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz can chickpeas (reserve the liquid)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic(peeled)
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2-3 Tbsp water (or liquid from beans)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup canned roasted red peppers (well drained)
• Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine all ingredients except peppers. Pulse until mixture is combined. Process until very smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Add reserved bean liquid to achieve desired consistency.
2. Add roasted peppers and pulse to desired consistency.
3. Serve with veggies, crackers and pita chips.

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Dinner Made Easy

Hot temps and busy schedules mean families need quick dinner ideas. Skip the drive-thru and make your kids’ favorite meal at home: chicken nuggets. Serve your dinner charcuterie-style with fruit, veggies and cheese cubes, making this meal extra easy to enjoy as a picnic in the great outdoors.

 

Baked Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 5 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup cornflake cereal
• 1/2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400° Lightly grease a cooking sheet.
2. Place cornflakes in plastic bag and crush.
3. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and coat with garlic powder, paprika and Italian herb seasoning.
4. Add a few chicken pieces at a time to crumb mixture. Shake to coat evenly.
5. Place chicken pieces on cooking sheet so they are not touching.
6. Bake until golden brown, about 12-14 minutes.

Get even more healthy snack boards and meal ideas at shapeyourfutureok.com/healthy-recipes.