Need some ideas on what to serve at your next poolside gathering? Check out these 15 delicious and easy-to-eat snacks. From refreshing fruit skewers to savory mini sandwiches, these finger foods and cold treats are sure to delight your guests while they enjoy the sun and water.
Kids will love MOST of these…but you’ll have to decide if they’re right for your guests.
Snacks that are Great for Pool Parties
15. Fruit Skewers
Thread a variety of fresh fruits like pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, oranges and grapes onto skewers.
These tasty fruit make a great treat for a hot day by the pool.
14. Mini Subs and Sandwiches
Prepare an assortment of mini subs sandwiches using fillings like ham and cheese, turkey and avocado, or cucumber and cream cheese.
They’re easy to handle and great for snacking.
13. Veggies and Dip
Get a platter of veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers and serve with some dip like ranch, hummus or guacamole.
This makes for a healthy snack and by providing a variety of dips, it will appeal to a larger group of people.
12. Shrimp Cocktail
Serve chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce in individual cups.
This classic appetizer is easy to eat and perfect for a poolside party.
Just keep in the fridge or cooler until you’re ready to serve them.
11. Watermelon Slices
Does anything say “Summer treat” quite like watermelon?
Cut watermelon into easy-to-handle slices or cubes.
It’s hydrating, sweet, and a makes a perfect poolside snack for kids and adults.
10. Cheese and Crackers
Arrange a platter with various cheeses, crackers, and some grapes or apple slices. This is a simple snack that is still a hit with all ages.
Just make sure everyone has dry hands before touching the crackers.
9. Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a fresh and flavorful snack.
The flavor may not appeal to all kids, but eating food off a stick is kind of fun, so they may be willing to give it a try.
8. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Serve chicken salad in crisp lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing snack.
It’s easy to eat with your hands and perfect for warm weather.
Need a recipe? Here is a popular chicken salad recipe from the Natasha’s Kitchen.
7. Cold Pasta Salad Cups or Bowls
Prepare a simple pasta salad and serve in individual cups or small bowls for easy handling.
It may be debated whether this is a true “snack” or an appetizer or a side dish, but whatever you want to call it, cold pasta salad is refreshing on a warm summer day.
The website Inspired Taste has a popular pasta salad recipe you may want to check out.
6. Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs with a creamy filling are a tasty and portable snack.
Sprinkle with paprika for a bit of extra flavor.
Make sure to keep them cool in the fridge or cooler until they are ready to be enjoyed. (Warm deviled eggs just aren’t as appealing on a hot summer day….to me anyway.)
Want a recipe? Downshiftology.com has a popular deviled eggs recipe.
5. Mini Quiches
These little delights may not immediately come to mind when you’re thinking about pool party snacks, but they’re delicious cold, and are a great protein-rich finger food.
Bake mini quiches in a muffin tin with fillings like spinach, bacon, and cheese.
4. Guacamole and Chips
Want to add a Mexican fiesta feel to your pool party? Serve guacamole with a side of tortilla chips.
This dip is always a crowd-pleaser and bring a warm-weather vibe to any gathering.
Just make sure the towels are nearby so people can dry off their wet hands before touching the tortilla chips. (I hate the thought of soggy chips!)
3. Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
Kids and grownups will enjoy nibbling on this cold summer treat.
These are blueberry yogurt popsicles from the website SallysBakingAddiction.com
2. Antipasto Skewers
Thread salami, cheese cubes, olives, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. These are fun to eat and pack a lot of flavor.
1. Frozen Grapes
Freeze grapes for a cool, bite-sized treat.
They’re refreshing and perfect for a quick, healthy snack on a hot day.
If they’re frozen too solid, just having them outside for 10 minutes or so will be adequate to soften them slightly.
Full List
- Fruit Skewers
- Mini Sandwiches
- Veggies and Dip
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Watermelon Slices
- Cheese and Crackers
- Caprese Skewers
- Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
- Cold Pasta Salad Cups
- Deviled Eggs
- Mini Quiches
- Guacamole and Chips
- Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
- Antipasto Skewers
- Frozen Grapes
These pool party snacks are designed to be easy to eat, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying by the water (just have towels nearby to dry off wet hands).
Enjoy your poolside gathering with these treats that are perfect for warm summer days.
Up Next:
Check out these refreshing Watermelon recipes (use this summer fruit in surprising ways)
Need some desserts that are perfect for summer? Check out these easy Strawberry desserts.
Make the most of the weather and get out there with these tasty Picnic Snack Ideas.
What does summer taste like to you? Check out these summer food ideas – cold appies and finger foods.
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