101 Easy Summer Pool Party Food Ideas for a Crowd

Celebrate summer with these delicious and fun homemade summer sugar cookies.

Topped with a cream cheese frosting, these summer cookies are such a fun activity when it’s too hot to go outside.

Cool and creamy and loaded with chopped pickles, herby dill, and spices, this Dill Pickle Dip is a must-have for summer parties, BBQ’s, potlucks, and anytime you need a flavorful, easy dip for entertaining.

It’s delicious with crackers, chips, or veggies.

Individual Charcuterie Cups are easy to assemble, versatile and easy to hold and carry - like a more portable version of traditional charcuterie boards.

Serve them with decorative toothpicks or small bamboo skewers, and your guests can mingle and eat on the go!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an old-fashioned Southern, no-bake dessert that is always super popular at potlucks, picnics, BBQs, and summer parties.

Featuring a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a light cream cheese layer, and mouthwatering strawberry Jell-O topping filled with more strawberries!

Truly the perfect blend of salty and sweet!

Mexican Street Corn Salad is an off-the-cob version of the popular Mexican street food, Elotes.

With roasted corn, fresh vegetables and herbs, creamy mayonnaise, and Mexican-style spices is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Delicious, refreshing homemade Tomato Peach Jalapeno Salsa!

The tomatoes, fresh or canned peaches, and jalapeno combine with lime juice for a delicious, bright flavor that is perfect on chips served next to guacamole for a fun party platter.

Learn how to make the perfect vanilla milkshake with just 3 ingredients. The recipe is delicious, simple, and ready in just 3 minutes!

Mediterranean Pinwheels are the perfect finger food for your next outdoor gathering.

Tortillas 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.

Banana Split Cake recipe is an irresistible and easy no bake dessert.

It combines the classic look of a banana split into a cake with sweet creamy layers of whipped cream, cream cheese and banana pudding.

The graham cracker crust is a perfect soft texture to pair with the nostalgic flavors.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad comes together quickly and easily.

The flavors of deviled eggs and pasta salad come together perfectly in this recipe, making it an ideal summer party dish.

This quick and easy appetizer has all the flavors of your favorite everything bagel with cream cheese.

With just 4 ingredients, they’re also inexpensive and healthy, but always a crowd-pleaser.

It’s so fun to make your own Homemade potato chips, and they are SO GOOD!

They’re flavorful, crispy, salty, and better than the store-bought version. You'll never want to buy chips again after you try these.

The ultimate summer no-bake dessert is this chocolatey, gooey, toasty, & creamy S'mores Icebox Cake.

Layers of graham crackers, marshmallows creme, & chocolate pudding are the best way to bring the s'mores-making indoors.

These gorgeous Cucumber Goat Cheese appetizers are healthy, incredibly easy to make, so light, and delicious!

Each of the little cucumber bites are topped with a flavor-packed avocado and goat cheese mixture and a colorful garnish of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Outrageously cheesy, incredibly creamy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe is definitely a keeper.

Rich and creamy cheese sauce melted over tender noodles, for the ultimate in cheesy deliciousness!

Old Fashioned Baked Beans have a sweet and savory sauce, made with molasses, bacon, and yellow mustard.

They’re slow-baked to perfection for a rich and satisfying side dish and always a crowd favorite.

Mini Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple are filled with slightly spicy shrimp and diced pineapple, and topped with a creamy yogurt sauce.

These tiny tacos are healthy, easy, and perfect for parties!

Ultimate Potato Salad is a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.

Prepare for everyone to ask you for the recipe, because it might just be the best potato salad they’ve ever had.

Strawberry Tiramisu is an easy no-bake dessert made with juicy strawberries, mascarpone cheese, and ladyfinger biscuits.

With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a fantastic make-ahead party dessert that everyone will love!

Why not put all your favorite sandwich elements on an easy-to-eat kabob? It really doesn’t get better than meat and cheese skewers in any form!

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.

These Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches are a fun twist on a classic frozen treat.

With creamy cheesecake ice cream sandwiched between crisp red velvet shortbread cookies. In the shape of a star!

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.

Turn traditional watermelon feta salad into a fun snack your guests can easily eat without utensils.

This Italian Pasta Salad is the best classic homemade pasta salad recipe!

It takes simple ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and pepperoni, and a homemade Italian dressing and turns them into the perfect hot weather side dish.

Made with Greek yogurt, these Loaded Cheeseball Bites with dried apricots and bacon are a delicious finger appetizer that won’t last long!

Serve these loaded cheese ball bites with crackers and you have an easy snack or party appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

Best of all, they take just 20 minutes to put together!

Effortlessly capture summer’s laid-back charm with this vibrant Summer Party Charcuterie Board.

With a tasty combination of classic cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and an assortment of the best seasonal fruits and veggies, this colorful spread might be the most popular dish at the party.

There’s nothing more refreshing than a no-bake summertime dessert like this Lemon Icebox Cake.

The lemon cream filling is light, airy, and creamy. It gets layered between crisp cookies that soften up enough to slice but still give the cake a contrast in texture.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is an easy-to-make authentic Hawaiian side dish that’s cool and creamy with a tangy and subtly sweet taste!

It takes just 20 minutes of hands-on time to prep and is perfect for supper BBQ parties.

Fresh fruit & soft cheese are the stars of this amazing recipe for Fig & Brie Bruschetta.

It's crunchy, creamy, sweet, savory, & spicy all in one beautiful appetizer that tastes gourmet yet is so easy to make.

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 is bright, tangy and filled with fresh summer vegetables.

It’s a delicious way to serve a healthy and colorful, light side dish to a crowd.

Pimento Cheese Spread is the ultimate in Southern summer comfort food.

A zesty blend of two sharp cheddar cheeses, tangy pimentos, mayo and just the right amount of spice, this dip will elevate your taste buds to the next level.

Turn the classic, somewhat boring veggie tray concept on its head by creating these beautiful Rainbow Kabobs.

Serve with hummus and your favorite veggie dip, and watch everyone have so much fun munching!

Strawberry Dip combines fresh strawberries, whipped topping, and tangy cream cheese to create a delicious dessert dip that’s perfect for summer.

It’s cool, creamy, and refreshing and loaded with fresh strawberry flavor!

Dill Pickle Chopped Salad is the perfect healthy dish to satisfy those pickle cravings. It's briny, citrusy, and bursting with pickle flavor!

The secret is the light & refreshing dill pickle dressing.

Creamy and rich in flavor, this easy Ham Pineapple Hawaiian Dip is loaded with ham, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and flavorful seasonings.

It’s an easy and effortless dip appetizer that guests will love.

Air Fryer Pickles are crispy, tangy, and downright addictive. And making them in the air fryer is a total breeze!

They’re a healthier finger food option that you can feel good about eating instead of the deep-fried version.

Cornbread Salad has crumbled jalapeno cheddar cornbread layered with bacon, beans, and veggies for a delicious southern favorite.

With just simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this crowd-pleasing salad is a no brainer. It looks impressive, and tastes even better.

Chewy, soft, and fudgy Lemon Brownies are a crowd favorite for any occasion!

Made with a box of cake mix and topped with a lemon glaze, they only have a few ingredients, and come together fast.

Spicy grilled shrimp at its finest, with TWO kinds of hot sauce!

Just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes are all you need for this spicy, buttery take on firecracker shrimp.

Indulge in this delectable 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.

It’s so good you’ll want to make it for every occasion - or no occasion at all!

Easy 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad takes just minutes to make and is totally packed with flavor.

With minimal cooking time, it keeps well in the fridge, so you can even make it ahead of time.

If you’re a peach lover, then you’re going to love this easy Peach Cobbler Pound Cake!

The brown sugar topping, combined with the peaches is absolutely delicious, and the rich buttery cake is moist and dense and just so tasty!

Pure summer in every bite, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a classic you might make on repeat throughout the summer months.

It’s perfect paired with simple proteins like grilled chicken or pork chops, and the Strawberry Vinaigrette gives you a double strawberry hit.

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.

It takes just minutes to put together, and once you try it, you won’t be able to stop eating it!

This easy and delicious Mediterranean Flatbread features naan and hummus topped with roasted onions and red peppers.

It’s so quick and easy to make using a handful of simple and inexpensive ingredients!

Creamy Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are flavorful delights with a spicy bite. They are awesome as is, with a cheesy smoky robust filling, but even more fabulous bacon-wrapped.

The optional bacon strip adds an extra burst of smokiness that your taste buds won’t forget.

Lemon Delight is a creamy, dreamy layered lemon dessert with sweet cream cheese, lemon pudding, and a buttery walnut crust.

Also known as Lemon Lush, this light and refreshing recipe makes enough for a crowd and is perfect for sharing.

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!

So inexpensive and simple to make, they’re always an addictive and popular appetizer or snack at potlucks and parties.

This Hot Pepper Jelly Smoked Cream Cheese will be your new go-to appetizer or side.

Warm cream cheese smoked with chopped jalapenos, BBQ rub, and then topped with your favorite hot pepper jelly makes this smoked cream cheese recipe a winner!

Old-fashioned Fruit Salad with Cool Whip has fresh sweet and juicy fruit folded with creamy whipped topping.

It’s so easy that you’ll be making it all season long. And trust me, no one will complain about that!

Fully Loaded Guacamole takes guacamole to a new level! Avocado is combined with black beans, jicama, corn, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro and lime.

Tons of flavor and texture in every bite!

Super Easy S’mores Bars have cookie dough made with crushed up graham crackers, then layered with milk chocolate and mini marshmallows.

They taste just like s’mores, but without the bonfire. Best of all, they’re ready in just 30 minutes!

Traditional Seven Layer Salad is a Southern classic and the perfect addition to any party, potluck, or family gathering.

A guaranteed crowd favorite with layers of chopped lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, peas, hard-boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a creamy mayo-based dressing!

Smoked Salmon and Dill Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd pleaser!

Smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, red onion, lemon and capers all rolled up and dipped into a creamy and tangy dipping sauce.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars have a buttery pecan shortbread crust topped with creamy cheesecake filling and then finished off with a sweet and tangy homemade strawberry rhubarb jam.

Melon and Prosciutto Skewers are colorful, flavorful, and so fun for summer entertaining!

A variety of melon chunks, prosciutto, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves get skewered and topped with a delicious balsamic glaze.

Liven up your picnic side dishes with sweet and creamy Amish Potato Salad.

Better than Walmart’s Amish Potato Salad, it has a deliciously tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and smoked paprika.

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.

Use storebought chocolate donut holes rather than baking your own cake pops, and you’ll have them assembled in minutes!

Tortellini Caprese Skewer Kabobs are a refreshing summer appetizer with grape tomatoes, basil, tortellini, and mini mozzarella cheese balls topped in a balsamic glaze.

You'll have this wildly addictive dish ready in about 20 minutes.

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, and can be made with regular flour or gluten-free!

Packed full of chocolate, peanut butter and cream, this Monster Cookie Icebox Cake tastes just like an ice cream cake from the local parlor!

It includes every delicious aspect of a monster cookie, including the oatmeal, chocolate, m&ms and peanut butter.

Refreshing Watermelon and Basil Salad is perfect for a warm sunny day.

The juicy watermelon, salty feta cheese, crisp red onion, fresh basil, and mint create an irresistible combination.

And it's all drizzled with a sweet and tangy homemade honey vinaigrette.

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.

Savor the enticing combination of succulent shrimp and smoky bacon in these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp on a Stick.

It’s a gourmet street-food experience that brings together the sea’s bounty and the farm’s richness, perfectly grilled for a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors.

Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the small, rice-shaped pasta called orzo.

The small pasta is mixed with corn, onion, avocado, and tomatoes in a light vinaigrette sauce for a perfect pasta grilling side.

This easy Ice Cream Cake is the perfect treat for any summer celebration.

In between each layer of ice cream, you’ll find ribbons of hot fudge sauce and caramel sauce, along with salty peanuts for a bit of crunch.

With its simplicity and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

You’ll love serving this beautiful and delicious Burrata Board filled with burrata cheese, crackers, fresh seasonal vegetables, and fruit.

Roasted vegetables and pasta salad become the perfect union in this Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad.

It tastes healthy and fresh, is a great way to use up extra summer produce, and can be made ahead of time for easy serving.

Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans have a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and loaded with smoky, crispy bacon.

With only 15 minutes of prep, this unique take on baked beans will be a huge hit at your summer party.

For a kid-friendly, frozen treat, try these homemade Watermelon Popsicles! They are made with simple, fresh ingredients and don’t require any added sugar.

Fresh sweet summer corn slathered in a garlicky cilantro lime butter is the perfect grilled side dish to any meal.

It's incredibly easy to make, well-seasoned, and always a crowd pleaser!

Orange Cream Angel Food Cake is a light, flavorful cake and perfect for a spring or summer dessert.

With its refreshing citrus and vanilla flavors, this cake is reminiscent of a Creamsicle!

Leave the oven off on hot days, and try your hand at this Stovetop Mac and Cheese.

It’s an easy one pot dish of tender macaroni simmered in an ultra creamy sauce with two types of cheese. Quite possibly the best macaroni and cheese recipe of all time!

Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is the easiest snack, appetizer or dessert and takes fresh fruit to the next level.

It’s so simple to make, with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes! Watch this sweet and creamy dip disappear at your next potluck, picnic, holiday party or birthday celebration.

Crack Corn Salad is crunchy, creamy, sweet, sour, and savory all at the same time!

Make it with fresh or frozen corn, Ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese, it’s ready to serve in just about 15 minutes.

Transform a boxed cake mix into these delightful Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes.

This easy dessert brings all the flavors of the classic dessert into individual-sized treats.

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.

Old Fashioned Ambrosia Salad is a vintage marshmallow fruit salad made with Cool Whip, coconut, and canned fruit.

It’s sweet, creamy, light, and fluffy, just like Grandma used to make!

Zero prep is needed for this spicy Jalapeno Creamed Corn. Simply heat up all of the ingredients in a pan over medium heat and you’ll have a satisfying side ready in less than 10 minutes.

These Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a classic (and totally customizable) summer treat!

Ice cream is sandwiched between two perfectly chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and decorated with a variety of toppings.

Get ready to dig into a delicious twist on the classic pasta salad!

BLT Pasta Salad is loaded with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and tender pasta, all tossed in a creamy dressing.

These Patriotic Red White and Blue Blondies are rich and chewy with a slightly gooey center and buttery brown sugar vanilla flavor.

They only require 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, and look gorgeous on your table.

Lemon Dill Rice is about turning easy ingredients into big flavors. It’s light and aromatic, and a fun twist to traditional BBQ sides.

Smooth, sweet, and creamy cheesecake atop a perfect, graham crust that has been piled high with fresh peaches.

With just one bite, you'll know why this family favorite dessert is called Peach Delight!

Vibrant and fresh Mexican quinoa salad is essentially a party in a bowl.

Loaded with quinoa, bell peppers, red onions, black beans, and combined with a fresh cilantro lime dressing for tons of bold flavor.

Blueberry Lemon Cobbler is so easy to put together, and made with simple ingredients.

The combination of blueberries and lemon is the best part, and it’s extra amazing when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little bit of whipped cream.

Homemade Mango Pico de Gallo is a fun tropical twist on the classic salsa.

It has the perfect balance of sweet mango flavor, tangy lime juice, and a kick of spice from fresh chilies. It tastes delicious with tortilla chips on top of grilled meats.

These red, white and blue raspberry lemonade cupcakes will have all kids of all ages begging for more!

They're SO easy to make with a few smart hacks included.

Chimichurri Potato Salad has no mayonnaise and no fuss.

Full of fresh herbs and garlic, a little bit of heat from the red pepper, it's an easy to prepare side dish that is delicious served warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Easy Sausage Squash Casserole is a tasty vegetable side dish to serve at your summer holiday potluck, family reunion, or backyard bbq!

The sausage is optional, but it sets it apart from all other squash and zucchini casseroles.

Make it with yellow or zucchini squash or a mixture of both

You cannot go wrong with any lemon dessert, and these Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are so good and SO easy - just 4 ingredients!

They’re soft and chewy thick cake-like cookies, packed with lemon flavor and topped with an easy lemon glaze.

Ultra-crispy Baked Fingerling Potatoes are coated in Greek seasonings and cooked to golden brown perfection.

They’re easy to make, and they’re completely irresistible - you won’t be able to stop eating them!

​​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 those hot summer days.

Take your side dish game to the next level with this easy Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread.

This classic recipe with fresh jalapeños gives the lightly sweetened, cheesy cornbread the perfect kick of heat and flavor!

Waldorf salad is a classic side dish with a nostalgic flair. Apples, walnuts, celery, grapes, and raisins unite in a simple mayonnaise dressing for a unique and totally delicious flavor combination.

Deviled Egg Potato Salad is a delicious combination of two classic favorites and perfect for potlucks or barbecues.

Potatoes and deviled eggs come together in this salad tossed in a quick creamy dressing with just a little tang.

This Patriotic Brownie with fruit looks like a Fourth of July cake and is the perfect festive addition to your summer holiday celebrations.

It’s super easy to whip up, thanks to storebought brownie mix, frosting, and fresh berries.

With all the flavors of summer, this simple and beautiful Burrata Bruschetta has sweet cherry tomatoes, juicy ripe peaches, fresh basil, creamy burrata cheese atop toasted slices of bread.

With simple ingredients and requiring less than 30 minutes prep time, they come together perfectly in sweet and savory harmony.

Tzatziki Dip uses refreshing cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh dill and comes together in just 10 minutes!

Thick and creamy - and never runny - serve it with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers, or top of your favorite grilled meat or sandwich.

Burrata Stuffed Tomatoes are a light and bright bite-size finger food, perfect for summertime.

With only 4 ingredients, it’s quick, simple, and colorful, and looks pretty on a platter.

These Fennel Cucumber Bites are crunchy with a delicious creamy tuna filling and a combo of salty and naturally sweet flavors.

Soft Brie cheese mixed into tuna, parsley, olive oil, and capers create lots of hearty Mediterranean flavor.