Shore Things: The Best Foods for Your Beach Bag

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Conch-er Your Hunger

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Beach volleyball and sand-castle building are bound to work up an appetite, but you can do better than sandy cold cuts and store-bought chips. These "sea foods" are portable, refreshing, and heat-resistant (or at least cooler-friendly). You might even say they're a shore thing.

Shrimp on the barbie is a classic, and you’ll love this tropical take. Stack your skewers at home and keep them on ice until ready to feast. Spicy Thai Shrimp and Curried Indian Shrimp are two of our other favorite ways to skewer up.

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Chicken and Mango Summer Rolls

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Of course this mess-free finger food screams "summer" -- it’s right there in the name! Pack your cooler with these and our Vegetarian Summer Rolls, and you’ll be the belle of the beach.

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Salsa Trio and Homemade Tortilla Chips

Mikkel Vang
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Summer’s short-lived tomato crop is plenty reason to opt for a DIY dip. Our salsa trio includes tomatillo, roasted-tomato, and chunky cruda varieties.

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Lemon, Sesame, and Garlic Hummus

Kristen Strecker
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In a wrap; on a cracker; why, even with crudites -- we’ll savor this hummus any way we can. Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Dip is just as versatile (and crazy addictive, to boot).

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Caramelized-Poblano-Chile-and-Onion Dip

Johnny Miller
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This creamy dip is worthy of cooler real estate. Don't sleep on it -- save your winks for a satisfied post-snack nap in the sun.

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Ants on a Log

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We love the cream cheese version pictured here, but peanut or almond butter makes a tasty refrigeration-free substitute. Just call it “crabs on some driftwood.”

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Grilled Ratatouille Muffaletta

Andrew Purcell
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No one likes a soggy sandwich, but one made on the beach can be heavy on the sand. Crusty bread with a filling meant to marinate makes a hero in every respect. Hearty appetites should try our Antipasti Sandwich, too.

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Mediterranean Chicken Wrap

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A well-wrapped wrap falls prey to neither gritty innards nor soggy bread. We love the high-impact flavors in this one -- see a similar veggie option here.

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Tabbouleh

James Baigrie
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This durable dish is one you can feel good about eating. For easier beach- or poolside consumption, dole it out in pita pockets. You’ll tabbou-love it.

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Three-Bean Salad with Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette

Quentin Bacon
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Beans and greens hit a sweet note in this perennial picnic fixture. For best results, pack undressed in a plastic bag; just before eating, add the vinaigrette, shake, and enjoy. Lemony Lentil Salad is a crowd-pleaser, too.

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Cold Soba-Noodle Salad with Chicken, Peppers, and Cucumber

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Noodles aren’t just for slurping lazily on the couch. This soba salad’s hydrating crunch will cool the stickiest summer day.

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Tomato-Pesto Frittata

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Tomatoes and basil star in this seasonal frittata, like a Caprese salad you can devour by the slice. Stash this one in the cooler -- or this one in the shade.

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Four-Berry Salad

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Fruit salad, we know what glorious heights you can achieve! This tangy jumble of peak-season berries is a far cry from the sad, watery scene at the buffet.

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Tequila-Soaked Watermelon Wedges

Helen Norman
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Embrace the art of boozy beaching -- let watermelon be your spirit guide. The super-absorbent fruit makes an ideal vehicle for tequila, vodka, Campari, or rum.

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Cold Fruit Sushi with Honey Dipping Sauce

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If you’d prefer to take your fruit in a more civilized manner, a plate of fresh fruit sushi (frushi?) can make an everyday sandbar feel like St. Barth’s. This one belongs in your cooler as well.

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Double-Chocolate Brownies

Kirsten Strecker
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Oat flour, egg whites, and prune puree have led us to dub these “bikini brownies.” Fortunately, they don’t taste it. Your secret’s safe with us.

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Blackberry Crumb Bars

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These crumble-topped squares are a trade-up from the Snickers that used to lurk in your beach bag. Even better, you won’t catch these snacks melting in the heat (though you might want to keep them out of the sun's direct line of fire).

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Peach and Cornmeal Upside-Down Cake

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A simple snack cake keeps well and travels even better. Between ripe peaches, lavender, and cornmeal’s elegant complexity, this one’s sure to make a splash.

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