Summer is here, making it the ideal time to gather friends and family for some fun by the pool. With everyone soaking up the sun, it's the perfect occasion to serve a delightful summer menu. Whether you plan on serving sheet pan fajitas, grilled steak, veggie burgers, or flatbread pizza, poolside snacks are a must for those post-swim cravings. These pool party snacks are sure to impress your guests.
Nothing beats jumping out of the pool and diving into a snacking spree. With these summer snacks, you can indulge without feeling guilty. In fact, you could munch on enough snacks to make a meal out of it, adding to the overall relaxation of the day. After all, it's a pool party—rules are meant to be broken.
These snacks not only cater to adults but will also delight kids (minus the tequila-infused watermelon slices!). No matter who's munching, everyone will love what's on the table. Try one or several of these delicious snacks at your next gathering, sit back, and watch your guests rave about your culinary creations.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
Drinks
Kombucha Cocktails, 3 Ways
Why We Love It: A pool gathering is the perfect time to enjoy bubbly drinks. This summer, we're focusing on our gut health with refreshing kombucha cocktails. These three variations—Paloma, Spicy Margarita, or Moscow Mule—are not only delightful but can easily be made into mocktails.
Hero Ingredient: Kombucha adds a fizzy, unique flavor that we absolutely adore.
Why We Love It: Experience summer in a glass with our take on the classic Aperol Spritz. This easy and fruity cocktail is perfect for updating your summer drink repertoire.
Hero Ingredient: Lillet Rosé is a refreshing, fruit-forward aperitif that embodies the season.
Why We Love It: Summer inspires us to embrace mangoes in all forms, from popsicles to icebox cakes and refreshing drinks. This fruity mojito combines mint, mango, and lime for a tropical treat.
Hero Ingredient: The mango brings sunny vibes to this cocktail.
Limoncello Spritz Cocktail
Why We Love It: Is there anything better than a taste of Italy in summer? Camille's favorite drink combines limoncello, lemon, Prosecco, and a few garnishes for a standout beverage.
Hero Ingredient: A bottle of limoncello is a must-have in any refrigerator.
Why We Love It: Perfect for those limiting alcohol or seeking functional beverages, this non-alcoholic adrenal cocktail combines coconut water, orange juice, and Himalayan sea salt. With three variations, there's something for everyone.
Hero Ingredient: Coconut water brings hydration and essential electrolytes.
Dips
Carrot Turmeric Hummus With Veggies
Why We Love It: This healthy dip is a perfect accompaniment for your pool party. Made with carrots instead of chickpeas, the hummus includes garlic, lemon, olive oil, and turmeric for a refreshing twist.
Hero Ingredient: Roasted sunflower seeds on top provide a satisfying crunch.
Why We Love It: Tzatziki is a light and cool option after a day in the sun. Serve it with crunchy sugar snap peas, endive, and romaine leaves for a refreshing poolside treat.
Hero Ingredient: Lightly grilling the romaine leaves adds a savory twist to the tzatziki.
Why We Love It: Mango and avocado create a delicious partnership in guacamole, especially when paired with salty chips. This classic pool party favorite is refreshing and packed with flavor.
Hero Ingredient: Chipotle chilies in adobo sauce give the mango guacamole a smoky kick.
Salads
Simple Citrus Salad
Why We Love It: This salad is a summertime favorite for a reason. It's vibrant and refreshing, perfect for snacking. Arrange sliced citrus on a platter alongside salty Marcona almonds and zingy onions to create a delightful balance of flavors.
Hero Ingredient: Buttery Marcona almonds add crunch and flavor.
Why We Love It: This chickpea salad serves as a unique grazing option. Loaded with spices and topped with mint chutney, it pairs well with baked naan for scooping.
Hero Ingredient: Chaat masala, cumin, and ginger transform the flavor profile into something irresistible.
Appetizers
Italian Salsa Verde
Why We Love It: Unlike the sweeter Mexican salsa verde, this Italian version features green olives and rich olive oil for a smooth, fruity dip that pairs beautifully with fresh bread.
Hero Ingredient: High-quality olive oil is essential for the best flavor.
Summer Cheese Board
Why We Love It: Cheese boards are perfect for any gathering. This summer version highlights seasonal fruits like blackberries and figs paired with standout cheeses, making it a crowd pleaser.
Hero Ingredient: Invest in a high-quality cheese to elevate your board.
Why We Love It: This straightforward bruschetta showcases peak-season tomatoes and creamy ricotta on thick sourdough, topped with fresh basil for a satisfying snack.
Why We Love It: These spring rolls, filled with cool cucumber, creamy avocado, and seasoned tempeh, are perfectly complemented by a spicy sriracha dipping sauce. Feel free to include any veggies you have on hand.
Hero Ingredient: The sriracha sauce, made with honey and sesame oil, enhances the entire dish.
Watermelon Skewers
Why We Love It: These vibrant skewers are packed with seasonal produce, making them a hit. Layering watermelon, feta, and blackberries with a sprinkle of mint creates a refreshing, easy snack to enjoy poolside.
Hero Ingredient: A drizzle of olive oil and sea salt enhances the flavors beautifully.
Why We Love It: This simple four-ingredient appetizer relies on fresh ingredients. Using ripe figs, creamy burrata, and crusty bread results in a scrumptious treat.
Hero Ingredient: Burrata shines in this dish, delivering rich creaminess that enhances the overall experience.
Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Flatbread With Lemony Cream Cheese
Why We Love It: This easy-to-share flatbread is ideal for pool parties. Guests can grab a slice and enjoy the layers of everything bagel crust, lemony cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh herbs.
Hero Ingredient: Salty capers add a delightful burst of flavor.
Why We Love It: Cookies are an easy and delightful pool party treat. These shortbread cookies elevate the classic with edible flowers, making them a stunning seasonal addition.
Hero Ingredient: Edible flowers are the standout feature of these cookies.
Mango Lassi Popsicles
Why We Love It: These creamy popsicles are a fantastic poolside dessert. Reminiscent of mango lassi, they're a hit with guests of all ages and can be made in advance.
Hero Ingredient: Grinding your own spices enhances the flavor, especially cardamom, which adds floral sweetness.
Tequila-Infused Watermelon Pops
Why We Love It: These adult-only watermelon pops are a fun twist for pool parties. They combine zesty mint and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the watermelon.
Hero Ingredient: Lime zest is essential for maximizing flavor in these treats.
