40 Pool Party Food Ideas That Will Make a Splash This Summer
Dip into these refreshing snacks and drinks.
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Summer's here and the pool is calling! As you gear up for the peak of summer, you can be sure to count on lots of backyard BBQs and lively pool gatherings on your calendar. Speaking of a refreshing dip in the pool, Ree Drummond often recalls her fond childhood memories of "sitting next to a sparkling pool, sipping a Shirley Temple," she says. But if you don't have a pool nearby, worry not—you can have a backyard bash with inflatable pools and these pool party food ideas! Or, you can create a waterside picnic at a local pond or lake for some summer fun.
No pool party is complete without a spread of snacks and treats that make a splash as big as a cannonball! From grilling recipes to summer desserts, this list has all the pool party food ideas you need. Kick things off with party dips and refreshing snacks, like grilled watermelon, mango salsa, and coconut shrimp. Then, whip up a main course that's easy to serve poolside, like Ree's Hawaiian pizza burgers, beef kebabs, or grilled chicken sliders. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with ice cream or the piña colada cake! Of course, you'll also find tons of summer cocktails that are sure to keep guests cool. Just be sure to grab your sunscreen and pool games before diving in!
Shrimp Fajitas
Spice up your pool party menu with these sizzling fajita delights featuring smoky, seasoned shrimp, charred veggies, and all the fixings for a build-your-own feast. They'll add plenty of flavor to the fun!
Get Ree's Shrimp Fajitas recipe.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Healthy, bite-sized pizza? Yes, please! These zucchini rounds serve as a low-carb base for cheesy, saucy mini pizzas topped with pepperoni. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
This sweet-and-tangy summer treat is sure to be a hit at your next pool party! They're a colder, creamier take on an already beloved summer dessert, featuring soft white chocolate chip cookies and strawberry ice cream.
Air Fryer Hot Dogs
These hot dogs \ are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly charred—just like they came off the grill. Ready in under 10 minutes, they're tasty, fun, and easily handled for guests.
Get the Air Fryer Hot Dogs recipe.
Freezer Door Margaritas
Guess what? These make-ahead cocktails with fresh lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and a hint of salt, can stay freezer-fresh for up to two months. Simply mix, freeze, and serve poolside!
Get Ree's Freezer Door Margaritas recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Here's a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes amazing at room temperature! The colorful dish combines tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil all tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts
Featuring a golden puff pastry base, creamy pesto ricotta, and a medley of fresh veggies, these tarts are as beautiful as they are delicious. They’re bursting with summer flavor and sure to be the star of your snack table!
Get the Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Pink Lemonade Cupcakes
The bright pink color of these cupcakes is just perfect for sunny weather! Zesty flavor is in both the batter and creamy frosting, topped with adorable candy lemon wedges and paper straws.
Get the Pink Lemonade Cupcakes recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Packed with zesty buffalo chicken, ranch dressing, and fresh veggies, inside a soft tortilla wrap, these handheld bites are bursting with bold flavor. Quick, easy, and so ideal for poolside snacking!
Get Ree's Buffalo Chicken Wraps recipe.
Caesar Salad
Keep things cool and classic at your pool party with a Caesar salad featuring all the ingredients you know and love like crisp romaine, crunchy homemade croutons, parmesan cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing.
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Piña Coladas
This fruity and refreshing cocktail will transport you and your guests straight to the tropics! It's the perfect balance of creamy coconut, juicy pineapple, and rum (although the liquor can surely be omitted for the kiddos)!
Get the Piña Coladas recipe.
Tomato Sandwich
Throw it back to the good ol' days with a melt-in-your-mouth white bread sandwich after a day spent in the pool! This one features summer tomatoes and garlic aioli for a sophisticated summer kick.
Get the Tomato Sandwich recipe.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Just because you're swimming in the pool rather than the beach doesn't mean you can't enjoy a refreshing seafood dish! This summer-ready pasta salad features tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and elbow noodles tossed in a delicious creamy dressing.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe.
Orange Julius Milkshakes
This creamy, frozen treat is everything you love about the nostalgic orange creamsicle and then some! It's even creamier than the original citrus beverage, thanks to frozen orange juice concentrate and vanilla ice cream.
Get the Orange Julius Milkshakes recipe.
Mango Salad
This refreshing salad is the definition of sugar, spice, and everything nice! Packed with summery ingredients like mango spears, bell peppers, and a dash of chili-lime seasoning, it'll be a source of nourishment for all your guests after a long day of splashing around in the water.
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
Oreo Icebox Cake
It doesn't need to be a birthday party to enjoy a slice of cake! This no-bake dessert is so easy to make ahead of the pool party and is chock full of creamy filling and layers of Oreos and berries.
Get the Oreo Icebox Cake recipe.
Avocado Salsa
This fresh, scoop-able delight will be the highlight of your pool party snack spread! Featuring summer tomatoes, avocado, poblano peppers, and jicama, it's the perfect cross between pico and guac. Serve it with tortilla chips, and watch as the bowl empties in seconds!
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
Aperol Spritz
Is there anything better than sipping an ice-cold citrus beverage by the pool? This classic Italian cocktail made with prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water is what summer dreams are made of!
Get the Aperol Spritz recipe.
Lobster Rolls
Class up your pool party potluck by whipping up some fresh lobster rolls for the crowd! Whether or not you're in New England, this classic recipe is sure to transport you to the seaside. It's inspired by cold lobster salad-style rolls found in Maine, featuring lobster tossed with mayo, celery, lemon juice, chives, and spice in a split-top bun.
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Who needs an ice cream truck when you can stash these homemade bars in your own freezer? This frozen treat is so easy to make as it calls for only five store-bought ingredients.
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