Our favorite snacks include several dips and homemade options.

If you are hitting the road this summer for the campground or the beach, packing your own snacks can save you money and provide you with healthy and yummy options.  Avoiding crowded gas stations and stops is just another added bonus.  I have several staple snacks that give an option for everybody on your list.  Revamp your snack selection with some of these options my family loves!

7 Favorite Snacks for the Campground, Road Trips, and the Beach

Dips and spreads or protein-packed nut butter are excellent options.  I like snack tray dinners, so you can combine these items in with some additional fruit or deli meats and olives for an easy meal.  Think snacks but consider this as a meal option with a few additions.

Guacamole

I make a mean guacamole that is a combination of my favorite guacamoles I have encountered as I travel.  When I watch tableside guacamole being made, I'm always scoping out what new tips and tricks I can learn.  Combine the following ingredients and serve with crackers, chips, or veggies.  The sun-dried tomatoes and orange juice are what make this guacamole unique.

• 2 to 3 ripe avocados, mashed
• salt to taste
• 1 tbsp of orange juice
• 1 to 2 tbsp of sweet hot jalapenos (or you can use fresh)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• black pepper to taste

Download a printable copy of this recipe here.

Pimento and Cheese

My roommate in college shared this recipe with me from her grandmother.  It is arguably the best pimento and cheese that I have ever had.  You can serve this on bread, crackers, or celery.  There is no wrong way to enjoy this spread.

• 2 8-ounce blocks of cheddar cheese grated
• 1 small can of crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 small jar (2 ounces) of chopped pimento
• cracked pepper to taste
• enough mayonnaise to bind
• 2 tsp of grated sweet onion

The pineapple may throw you for a loop but do it!  You won't regret it.  Download a printable copy of this recipe here.

Energy Bites

We love peanut butter at our house.  But, it is not an easy snack to manage on the road or at the beach.  But, these little energy bites are perfection.  They have peanut butter, coconut, flaxseed, honey, oatmeal, and mini chocolate chips.  It is just sweet enough.  They are small.  You can keep them in a cooler and are just the right sweet treat in the afternoon with a punch of protein.  They can easily become a breakfast item or even a sweet treat at the end of the meal!  

Hummus

You can make your own or you can buy a favorite.  Right now, I'm in love with an olive tapenade hummus that has a salty bite.  But, this is a great snack that you can enjoy with crackers, chips or veggies.  It is the easiest option because there are so many flavor options that are readily available at the store.  I love hummus with red peppers, carrots, and celery.  Pretzels are another good option.  Be sure to grab a container or two as you dash through the store!

Homemade Crackers

I've been obsessed with sourdough lately.  With the discard, I've been making Sourdough Cheddar Crackers and Rosemary Crackers.  The sourdough and cheddar crackers are some of the best crackers I've had.  The flavor is well developed and will go quickly.  The Rosemary Crackers are light and crisp.  Both of these options provide excellent and unique snacking options.  The best part of these is that they use of sourdough starter that you would discard.  Both of these are super simple and less trouble than you might think.  Once you start making them, you may never want store-bought snacking crackers again!

Homemade Sports Drinks

If you are out in the heat at the beach, biking, hiking, or at the pool, store-bought sports drinks are loaded with sugar.  You can make your own options with ingredients like lime and coconut water.  I like the flavor of these much better, and it is an excellent way to stay hydrated.  I really hate store-bought sports drinks, but these have become a summer favorite for us!  My favorite recipes for these homemade options are from Mommy Potomus.  

This summer stock your pantry with items that give your healthy options that fuel your active lifestyle.  You will feel great and operate at peak performance.  We are hitting the beach in a few weeks, and these items will be on the list!

What are some of your favorite healthy snacking options for road tripping, the campground, or the beach?  I'd love to hear from you!  Share your ideas in the comments below or drop me an email!  Check out my Campground Kitchen page for more ideas.  

Until next time...