Cool Down This Summer with 6 Healthy Ice Pops
Light and refreshing, ice pops make for the perfect summertime treat.
As a light and refreshing alternative to ice cream, ice pops are a great way to get your fruit (and veggie) fix while still satisfying your sweet-tooth cravings. Though ice pops might typically be on your grocery list, you’ll be surprised to know that they are actually easy to make at home. These fun pops are zesty, fruity and even fudgy, but they’re still healthy enough to keep your summer diet on track.
There’s no question that honeydew melon is the star in Food Network Kitchen’s beautiful green pops (pictured above). But cilantro and lime zest deserve a nod, too, as they help give the pops a bright citrus flavor and great color. By stirring the cilantro into a simple syrup, you’ll get a sweetness throughout without any overpowering herby taste. Add lime zest for visible specks of green and a tangy bite.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Perhaps the best part about Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian Ice Pops is that you can make them year-round. Giada uses frozen raspberries for convenience, and she adds mint and lemon juice for freshness. Pour the blended mixture into an ice cube tray, then insert wooden sticks for a fun shape.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Food Network Kitchen’s pops are a fun way to put a twist on your usual breakfast routine. Combine traditional breakfast ingredients like fresh peach slices, almond milk, oats and peach preserves in a blender and pour into ice pop molds the night before; wake up to a refreshing breakfast treat.
Decadent and fudgy, this treat will definitely round up all nearby chocoholics. Start with a bittersweet chocolate base, then add Food Network Kitchen’s secret weapon: Greek yogurt. It’ll make the pops rich and creamy, plus give a boost of protein in every serving.
Featuring a sweet orange juice base, these pops from Food Network Kitchen are a fun and refreshing way to get your daily dose of vitamin C. Add orange zest for freshness, plus Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy twist on those orange-cream-flavored treats you enjoyed as a kid.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Follow Food Network Kitchen’s lead and turn classic smoothie ingredients into pops for a delicious grab-and-go breakfast. Get your fruit and veggie fix with kale and banana, then add Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein. Blend in maple syrup for sweetness and a bit of fresh ginger for some kick.
