Easy Summer Pool Party Food Ideas for a Crowd
Easy pool party food ideas for a crowd! Fun summer appetizers, finger foods, side dishes, and desserts for your outdoor summer pool party!
There’s seriously nothing better than a summer pool party.
The warm sun, the sound of people splashing and having fun – and of course, the food!
Summertime snacks, finger foods, cold salads, and summer desserts all hit different when eating poolside.
If you’re hosting or attending a pool party, you’re in luck!
I put together a list of the best pool party food ideas, so you have tons of inspiration for what to make.
If you’re hosting, you can pair these ideas with a summer grilling main dish, and your party menu will come together in no time.
And if you’re attending a pool party as a guest, any of these crowd-pleasing recipes are sure to be a hit.
Okay, let’s “dive in”!
(☀️ Looking for more delicious summer recipes? Try one of these easy grilled chicken dinners, creative camping meals, simple picnic food ideas, cheap summer side dishes, or fun summer charcuterie boards!)
Pool Party Food Ideas
Summer Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Topped with a cream cheese frosting, these fun homemade summer sugar cookies are the perfect activity for when it’s too hot to go outside.
Dill Pickle Dip
Cool and creamy and loaded with chopped pickles, herby dill, and spices, this Dill Pickle Dip is delicious with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Individual Charcuterie Cups
Individual Charcuterie Cups are easy to assemble, versatile and easy to hold and carry - like a more portable version of traditional charcuterie boards.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an old-fashioned no-bake dessert featuring a buttery pretzel crust, a light cream cheese layer, and a mouthwatering strawberry Jell-O topping.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad has roasted corn, fresh vegetables and herbs, creamy mayonnaise, and Mexican-style spices for all the flavor of Elote.
Beach Party Jello Cups
It doesn’t get much cuter than Beach Party Jello Cups, a super fun dessert crafted in just 15 minutes.
Crabwiches
Simple to make, delicious to eat, and fun to look at, these Crabwiches are just so fun to customize the filling for your favorite ingredients.
Fresh Peach Jalapeno Salsa
Homemade Tomato Peach Jalapeno Salsa features tomatoes, fresh or canned peaches, and jalapeno combined with lime juice for a delicious, bright flavor.
Perfect Vanilla Milkshake
Learn how to make the perfect vanilla milkshake with just 3 ingredients. Delicious, simple, and ready in just 3 minutes!
Mediterranean Pinwheels
Mediterranean Pinwheels are filled with hummus, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, red onion and parsley, before being rolled and cut into a crowd-pleasing bite sized appetizer.
Starfish Sugar Cookies
Colorful Starfish Cookies are perfect to enjoy for a movie night or pool party. You can make a classic sugar cookie dough, or substitute your favorite type of cookie.
No Bake Banana Split Cake
Banana Split Cake combines the classic look of a banana split into a cake with sweet creamy layers of whipped cream, cream cheese and banana pudding.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad has the flavors of deviled eggs and pasta salad come together perfectly into a crowd-pleasing cold salad.
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Peppers
With just 4 ingredients, Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Peppers are inexpensive and healthy, but always a crowd-pleaser.
Homemade Potato Chips
Homemade Potato Chips are flavorful, crispy, salty, and better than the store-bought version.
S'mores Icebox Cake
No-Bake S'mores Icebox Cake has layers of graham crackers, marshmallows creme, & chocolate pudding for the best way to enjoy s'more without the fire.
Easy Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
Gorgeous Cucumber Goat Cheese appetizers are healthy, incredibly easy to make, so light, and delicious!
Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese
Outrageously cheesy, creamy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe is definitely a keeper.
Pink Flamingo Cupcakes
Pink through and through, these festive Flamingo Cupcakes are beyond pretty, fun to eat, and oh-so pretty to display.
Old Fashioned Baked Beans
Old Fashioned Baked Beans have a sweet and savory sauce, made with molasses, bacon, and yellow mustard.
Mini Shrimp Tacos
Mini Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple are filled with slightly spicy shrimp and diced pineapple, and topped with a creamy yogurt sauce.
Ultimate Potato Salad
Ultimate Potato Salad is a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu
Strawberry Tiramisu is an easy no-bake dessert made with juicy strawberries, mascarpone cheese, and ladyfinger cookies.
Sandwich Kabobs
Bread, deli meat, cheese, lettuce, and maybe some black olives, pickles, or ripe cherry tomatoes, are all fun ideas to include in these easy Sandwich Kabobs.
Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
These Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches feature creamy cheesecake ice cream sandwiched between crisp red velvet shortbread cookies.
Watermelon Feta Salad Skewers
Watermelon Feta Skewers are an amazing mix of sweet and salty! They are a perfect party appetizer for the summer months and whip up quickly.
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad uses simple ingredients like vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, and a homemade Italian dressing and to create the ideal cookout side dish.
Loaded Cheeseball Bites with Apricot & Bacon
Made with Greek yogurt, Loaded Cheeseball Bites with dried apricots and bacon are a delicious finger appetizer with crackers - in just 20 minutes!
A Day at the Beach Cake
A Day at the Beach Cake is such a festive summer treat. It celebrates everything we love about the beach - sun, and sand!
Summer Party Charcuterie Board
With a tasty combination of classic cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and the best seasonal fruits and veggies, this vibrant Summer Party Charcuterie Board might be the most popular dish at the party.
Lemon Icebox Cake
No-bake Lemon Icebox Cake has a light and airy lemon cream filling layered between crisp cookies that soften up enough to slice but still give the cake texture.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is an easy, authentic Hawaiian side dish that’s cool and creamy with a tangy and subtly sweet taste in just 20 minutes.
Fig and Brie Bruschetta
Fig & Brie Bruschetta are crunchy, creamy, sweet, savory, and spicy, all in one beautiful appetizer that tastes gourmet yet is so easy to make.
Patriotic Snack Mix
Try this simple but delightful patriotic snack mix that will be a huge hit with "kids" of all ages. No one can resist the sweet and salty combination.
Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado
Light and colorful Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado is bright, tangy and filled with fresh summer vegetables.
Pimento Cheese Spread
Pimento Cheese Spread is the ultimate in summer comfort food, with a zesty blend of two sharp cheddar cheeses, tangy pimentos, mayo and just the right amount of spice.
Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Turn the classic, somewhat boring veggie tray concept on its head by creating these beautiful Rainbow Kabobs.
Strawberry Dip
Strawberry Dip combines fresh strawberries, whipped topping, and tangy cream cheese to create a delicious dessert dip that’s perfect for summer.
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad is the perfect healthy dish to satisfy those pickle cravings. It's briny, citrusy, and bursting with pickle flavor!
Hawaiian Dip
Creamy and rich in flavor, Hawaiian Dip is loaded with ham, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and flavorful seasonings.
Air Fryer Pickles
Air Fryer Pickles are crispy, tangy, and downright mouthwatering. And making them in the air fryer is a total breeze!
Cornbread Salad
Cornbread Salad has crumbled jalapeno cheddar cornbread layered with bacon, beans, and veggies for a delicious southern favorite.
Lemon Brownies
Chewy, soft, and fudgy Lemon Brownies are made with a box of cake mix and topped with a lemon glaze. Just a few ingredients!
Spicy Grilled Firecracker Shrimp
Spicy Grilled Firecracker Shrimp have just 5 ingredients, and 10 minutes are all you need for this spicy, buttery take on firecracker shrimp.
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza, adorned with dreamy cream cheese frosting and generously topped with a medley of your favorite fruits, all drizzled with an irresistible glaze.
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Easy 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad takes just minutes to make and is totally packed with flavor.
Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
Easy Peach Cobbler Pound Cake has a brown sugar topping, combined with peaches ito create rich buttery cake that's moist and dense and just so tasty!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Pure summer in every bite, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a classic you might make on repeat throughout the summer months.
Pineapple Salsa
Sweet and savory Pineapple Salsa is a bright and fresh combination of ripe pineapple, peppers, onions and cilantro, all tossed together and seasoned with lime juice.
Easy Mediterranean Flatbread
This easy and delicious Mediterranean Flatbread features naan and hummus topped with roasted onions and red peppers.
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Creamy Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are flavorful delights with a spicy bite. They are awesome as is, with a cheesy smoky robust filling, and even more fabulous when bacon-wrapped.
Lemon Delight
Light and refreshing Lemon Delight is a creamy, dreamy layered lemon dessert with sweet cream cheese, lemon pudding, and a buttery walnut crust.
Potluck Pickle Wraps
Also known as Minnesota Sushi in some parts of the U.S., these Potluck Pickle Wraps Are tasty and easy to put together – with just 3 ingredients!
Hot Pepper Jelly Smoked Cream Cheese
Hot Pepper Jelly Smoked Cream Cheese has warm cream cheese smoked with chopped jalapenos, BBQ rub, and topped with your favorite hot pepper jelly.
Old Fashioned Creamy Fruit Salad
Old-fashioned Fruit Salad with Cool Whip has fresh sweet and juicy fruit folded with creamy whipped topping.
Fully Loaded Guacamole
Fully Loaded Guacamole takes guacamole to a new level! Avocado is combined with black beans, jicama, corn, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro and lime.
Easy S'mores Bars
Super Easy S’mores Bars taste just like s’mores, but without the bonfire. Best of all, they’re ready in just 30 minutes!
7 Layer Salad
Traditional Seven Layer Salad is a Southern classic and the perfect addition to any party, potluck, or family gathering.
Smoked Salmon and Dill Pinwheels
Smoked Salmon and Dill Pinwheels get all rolled up and dipped into a creamy and tangy dipping sauce.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars have a buttery pecan shortbread crust topped with creamy cheesecake filling and finished with a sweet and tangy homemade strawberry rhubarb jam.
Melon & Prosciutto Skewers
Melon and Prosciutto Skewers are colorful, flavorful, a variety of melon chunks, prosciutto, mozzarella pearls, and basil, topped with a delicious balsamic glaze.
Amish Potato Salad
Better than Walmart’s Amish Potato Salad, this repice has a deliciously tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and smoked paprika.
Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Kabobs
Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Kabobs are the perfect sweet treat for a backyard barbecue or pool party. They’re made on skewers, giving that BBQ cookout feel.
Tortellini Caprese Skewers
Tortellini Caprese Skewer Kabobs are a refreshing summer appetizer with grape tomatoes, basil, tortellini, and mini mozzarella cheese balls topped in a balsamic glaze.
Mini Jalapeno Corn Dogs
Mini Jalapeno Corn Dogs are a spicy twist on the traditional well-loved corn dog recipe. They’re so fun for summer holidays and BBQ cookouts.
Monster Cookie Icebox Cake
Packed full of chocolate, peanut butter and cream, this Monster Cookie Icebox Cake tastes just like an ice cream cake from the local parlor!
Watermelon Basil Salad
Refreshing Spicy Watermelon Salad includes juicy chunks of fresh watermelon, charred corn, lots of herbs, and a spicy jalapeño-lime dressing.
Green Goddess Dip
Cold and tangy Green Goddess Dip is perfect to serve on hot days! Pair it with fresh vegetables and sliced baguette - it’s super flavorful but still light.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Savor the enticing combination of succulent shrimp and smoky bacon in these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp on a Stick, perfectly grilled for a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors.
Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad is delicious and refreshing, with corn, onion, avocado, and tomatoes in a light vinaigrette sauce.
Easy Ice Cream Cake
In between each layer of ice cream in this Easy Ice Cream Cake, you’ll find ribbons of hot fudge sauce and caramel sauce, along with salty peanuts for a bit of crunch.
Burrata Board
You’ll love serving this beautiful and delicious Burrata Board filled with burrata cheese, crackers, fresh seasonal vegetables, and fruit.
Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad
Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad is healthy and fresh, and a great way to use up extra summer produce.
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans have a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and loaded with smoky, crispy bacon.
Watermelon Popsicles
Homemade Watermelon Popsicles are made with simple, fresh ingredients and don’t require any added sugar.
Grilled Corn with Cilantro Lime Butter
Fresh sweet summer corn slathered in a garlicky cilantro lime butter is the perfect grilled side dish to any meal.
Orange Cream Angel Food Cake
Orange Cream Angel Food Cake is a light, flavorful cake with refreshing citrus and vanilla flavors - like a Creamsicle!
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Leave the oven off and try this Stovetop Mac and Cheese with an ultra creamy sauce and two types of cheese.
Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip takes fresh fruit to the next level, and is made with just 4 ingredients in 5 minutes.
Crack Corn Salad
Crack Corn Salad features fresh or frozen corn, Ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese. It’s ready to serve in about 15 minutes.
Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
Transform a boxed cake mix into these delightful Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes that turns all the flavors of the classic dessert into individual-sized treats.
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers make such a great party food! Easy to make in advance, have all the classic antipasto flavors on an easy-to-eat kabob.
Ambrosia Salad
Creamy and light Old Fashioned Ambrosia Salad is a vintage fruit salad made with Cool Whip, coconut, and canned fruit.
Jalapeno Creamed Corn
Zero prep is needed for this spicy Jalapeno Creamed Corn! You’ll have a satisfying summer side dish ready in less than 10 minutes.
Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches feature ice cream is sandwiched between two perfectly chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and decorated with a variety of toppings.
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad is loaded with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and tender pasta, all tossed in a creamy dressing.
Red White and Blue Blondies
Patriotic Red White and Blue Blondies are rich and chewy with a slightly gooey center and buttery brown sugar vanilla flavor.
Lemon Dill Rice
Lemon Dill Rice is about turning easy ingredients into big flavors. It’s light and aromatic, and a fun twist to traditional BBQ sides.
No-Bake Peach Delight
Smooth, sweet, and creamy cheesecake atop a perfect, graham crust that has been piled high with fresh peaches.
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Vibrant and fresh Mexican quinoa salad is loaded with quinoa, bell peppers, red onions, black beans, and fresh cilantro lime dressing for tons of bold flavor.
Easy Blueberry Lemon Cobbler
Blueberry Lemon Cobbler is so easy to put together, and made with simple ingredients. Perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little bit of whipped cream.
Mango Pico de Gallo
Homemade Mango Pico de Gallo has the perfect balance of sweet mango flavor, tangy lime juice, and a kick of spice from fresh chiles.
Blue Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake
red, White and Blue Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes are SO easy to make with a few smart hacks included.
Chimichurri Potato Salad
Chimichurri Potato Salad is full of fresh herbs and garlic, a little heat from the red pepper, and it's delicious served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Sausage and Summer Squash Casserole
Easy Sausage Squash Casserole is a tasty vegetable side dish to serve at your summer gathering, made with yellow or zucchini squash or a mixture of both.
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
You cannot go wrong with any lemon dessert, and these Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are so good and SO easy - just 4 ingredients!
Crispy Baked Greek Potato Wedges
Ultra-crispy Baked Fingerling Potatoes are coated in Greek seasonings and cooked to golden brown perfection.
Blackberry Yogurt Popsicles
Blackberry Yogurt Popsicles are the perfect healthy treat! Instead of reaching for ice cream, you'll want to grab these delicious and light ice pops on pool days.
Skillet Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Easy Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread has fresh jalapeños gives the lightly sweetened, cheesy cornbread the perfect kick of heat and flavor!
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad is a nostalgic side dish with apples, walnuts, celery, grapes, and raisins in a simple dressing for a unique and totally delicious flavor combination.
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Deviled Egg Potato Salad is a delicious combination of two classic favorites tossed in a quick creamy dressing with just a little tang.
Patriotic Brownie with Berries
This Patriotic Brownie with fruit is super easy to whip up, thanks to storebought brownie mix, frosting, and fresh berries.
Burrata Bruschetta with Peaches and Tomatoes
Simple and beautiful Burrata Bruschetta has sweet cherry tomatoes, juicy ripe peaches, fresh basil, creamy burrata cheese atop toasted slices of bread.
Tzatziki Dip
Tzatziki Dip uses refreshing cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh dill and comes together in just 10 minutes!
Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomatoes
Burrata Stuffed Tomatoes are a light and bright bite-size finger food with only 4 ingredients. Quick, simple, and colorful, and looks pretty on a platter.
Fennel-Cucumber Bites with Creamy Tuna
Fennel Cucumber Bites are crunchy with a delicious creamy tuna filling and a combo of salty and naturally sweet flavors.
Ready to try some of these fun pool party foods?
I hope these easy pool party food ideas have given you tons of inspiration for what to make or serve at your next outdoor gathering.
Stock your cooler with cold drinks, whip up a few of these fun summer recipes, and enjoy the day!
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