Summertime is all about getting together with your friends, soaking up some sun, and devouring delicious food. However, barbecues, parties, and picnics don't always have a healthy spread for those of us keeping an eye on our macros.
Don't get me wrong: I have a serious weakness for steak and potato salad, but sometimes it's nice to add a little healthy variation to traditional summer snacks. My favorite way is to pair fresh fruits and vegetables with protein ... and add a skewer!
These five recipes are quick and easy because my adventures and social life are a high priority. That's what summer is all about, after all. Most of them only have about four ingredients and take about five minutes to prepare. But trust me, they look and taste like restaurant-quality appetizers!
So the next time you're headed to a party, bring some of these simple, fresh skewers and snacks to share. Better yet, feel free to be selfish and hide them all in your fridge!

1
 CAPRESE SALAD

This Italian specialty is probably one of the most delicious combinations of flavors ever created. Layer fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil, and you have a beautiful dish that is impossible not to like!
Ingredients
  • 2 vine tomatoes
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves
    • OPTIONAL
  • Walden Farms balsamic vinegar
  • Sea salt and olive oil
Directions
  1. Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes in quarter-inch slices.
  2. Layer them on a plate with the basil leaves.
  3. Optional: Drizzle balsamic vinegar or try a little sea salt and olive oil combination.
NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: Recipe makes 8
Amount per serving
Calories 74
Total Fat5g
Total Carbs1g
Protein5g

2
 RED PEAR AND PROSCIUTTO SKEWERS

Putting together sweet pears with salty prosciutto is a seriously tasty treat. The combination of textures just makes it even better. Bring this dish to a get-together and I bet you won't even get to eat one.
Ingredients
  • 2 red pears
  • Package of prosciutto
  • Walden Farms balsamic vinegar
  • 4 skewers
Directions
  1. Chop the pears into triangular wedges.
  2. Roll slices of prosciutto and then cut into halves.
  3. Alternate pears and prosciutto on the skewers.
  4. Plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: Recipe Makes 4
Amount per serving
Calories 118
Total Fat6g
Total Carbs12g
Protein8g

3
 TURKEY AVOCADO SKEWERS

If you're watching your carb intake, these skewers are a great choice. The healthy fats from the avocado and the lean protein from the turkey are a perfect way to meet your nutritional goals without any extra or empty calories.
Ingredients
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • Organic roasted turkey breast, sliced
  • Raspberry vinaigrette
  • 8 skewers
Directions
  1. Peel and chop avocados into triangular wedges.
  2. Roll turkey slices and cut into halves.
  3. Alternate avocado and turkey pieces on the skewers.
  4. Plate and drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette.
NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: Recipe makes 8
Amount per serving
Calories 104
Total Fat7g
Total Carbs4g
Protein6g

4
 CUCUMBER CRAB WRAPS

The tuna and crackers snack is good, sure, but sometimes you need to add a little "fancy" to your nutrition. Instead of crackers, use fresh cucumber, and eat crab instead of tuna. It's a wonderfully refreshing low-cal play on an old favorite.
Ingredients
  • 3 oz crab meat
  • 2 tbsp fat-free mayo
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1/2 scallion
  • 2 tsp dill pickle relish
Directions
  1. Peel cucumber and cut lengthwise into thin strips.
  2. Combine mayo, relish, and scallions in a bowl and stir.
  3. Place mayo mixture and crab pieces on a strip of cucumber, roll the cucumber, and fasten with a toothpick.
NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: Recipe makes 6
Amount per serving
Calories 22
Total Fat1g
Total Carbs3g
Protein1g

5
 TERIYAKI TANGELO CHICKEN SKEWERS

These excellent skewers are made with an Asian twist. The tangelos and teriyaki go perfectly with protein-packed chicken. It's a yummy, healthy, fun dish that's secretly easy but looks gourmet.
Ingredients
  • 2 tangelos
  • Organic oven-roasted chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fat-free teriyaki sauce
  • 8 skewers
Directions
  1. Peel and divide tangelos into triangular wedges.
  2. Roll the chicken slices and then cut into halves.
  3. Alternate tangelos and chicken slices on the skewers.
  4. Plate and drizzle with teriyaki sauce.
NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: Recipe makes 8 
Amount per serving
Calories 45
Total Fat1g
Total Carbs4g
Protein5g