Last-minute snacks for impromptu summer parties

There’s no doubt that summer is party season. A few friends drop by and, before you know it, you’re playing hostess. These snacks are fast without sacrificing flavor.

No one wants to spend their summer days preparing party food, so it’s good to know some delicious and refreshing snack recipes that require little prep time. Here are some creative ways to feed your guests on the fly.

Salty lime popcorn

Serves 10

Stovetop popcorn is a nostalgic treat that’s always a hit. The zip of lime in this version makes it perfect for summer entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided use
• 2/3 cup popping corn kernels
• Juice of 1 lime
• Zest of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon salt

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add several corn kernels and cover with a lid. When they begin to pop, add the remaining kernels, return the lid and shake the pot back and forth a few times to evenly distribute the kernels and coat them in butter. When the popping begins to slow, pour the popped corn into a large bowl to cool slightly.
2. In a small pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lime juice, lime zest and salt.
3. Pour the butter-lime mixture in a thin drizzle over the popcorn, using a spoon to constantly stir the popcorn to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

Tropical blueberry smoothie

Serves 2 (multiply as needed)

Smoothies are perfect warm-weather fare and practically effortless to make. This one calls for coconut milk for a tropical twist.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 orange, peeled

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to your blender and blend on high until smooth. Serve immediately.

Watermelon, feta and mint salad

Serves 10

These three ingredients are a palate party — sweet, briny and invigorating!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium watermelon
• 2 ounces feta cheese
• Handful of mint, julienned

Directions:

1. Slice the watermelon into quarters and then slice away the rind. Cut the watermelon into small chunks and place in a large bowl or on a large serving platter.
2. Crumble the feta and sprinkle the mint over the watermelon. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for an hour before eating.

Ground turkey lettuce wraps

Serves 8

Savory yet refreshing, these crunchy wraps look like a lot of work but come together in just minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 heads Bibb lettuce
• Sesame oil or neutral oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• Pinch each of salt and pepper
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 cup loosely packed basil, julienned

Directions:

1. Carefully separate the individual leaves from the heads of lettuce. Rinse them under cold water and set aside on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry.
2. Coat the bottom of a medium sauce pan with oil and place over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and a pinch each of salt and pepper and sauté until translucent. Add the turkey and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Allow the meat to brown on one side before stirring. Once the turkey is browned, continue to sauté until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat and stir in half of the basil.
3. Divide the ground turkey among the lettuce leaves and garnish with the remaining basil before serving.

More summer snack ideas

Classic summer snacks
Kid-friendly summer snacks
5 Yogurt snacks for summer