43 Recipes for Summer Pool Parties (2024)

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43 Recipes for Summer Pool Parties (1)Julie MeyersUpdated: Mar. 17, 2024

    Splash into summer with recipes perfect for a pool party or picnic at the beach—from fun ice cream treats and decorated cookies to easy grilled pizza, fruit salads and refreshing drinks.

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    Summer Dessert Pizza

    My family enjoys this dessert pizza recipe anytime of the year, but it’s especially refreshing during the hot months. You can use whatever fruits are in season. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia

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    Start off with these easy summer appetizers.

    2/41

    Tropical Island Chicken

    The marinade makes a savory statement in this all-time-favorite chicken recipe that I served at our son's pirate-themed birthday party. It smelled so good on the grill that guests could hardly wait to try a piece! —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee

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    3/41

    Taste of Home

    Summertime Fun Cookies

    Use this basic sugar cookie recipe to make the perfect poolside treat. Kids (and adults) won't be able to get enough. —Coleen Walter, Bancroft, Michigan

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    4/41

    Taste of Home

    Maryland Corn Pops

    Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland

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    5/41

    Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

    The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

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    6/41

    Taste of Home

    Hot Dog Sliders with Mango-Pineapple Salsa

    For parties, we shrink down lots of foods, including these quick hot dogs, to slider size. Pile on the easy but irresistible fruit salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

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    7/41

    Taste of Home

    Coconut-Rum Cake Pops

    Plan your own tropical escape with these surprisingly light-tasting pops. Angel food cake is a nice change of pace.

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    8/41

    Summer Orzo Salad

    I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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    9/41

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables

    After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio

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    10/41

    Summer Celebration Ice Cream Cake

    I wanted to make my youngest son an ice cream cake one year for his summer birthday, as he prefers ice cream to the traditional cake. He picked the flavors and I decided to try my favorite brownie recipe as a crust. It worked! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon

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    11/41

    Summer Salad by the Lake

    I came up with this recipe to show appreciation to all the teachers at my son’s school. The dish had to be as special as the teachers, who always go the extra mile for their students. I think this salad did the trick! It's hearty, earthy, sweet and loaded with nothing but good stuff. —Ramya Ramamurthy, Fremont, California

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    12/41

    Taste of Home

    Refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea

    This recipe makes two gallons, so it’s a sensible thirst-quenching choice for a springtime party when you have a medium-size crowd. It freezes well, making it a timesaver for party prep. —Arlana Hendricks Manchester, Tennessee

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    13/41

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops

    These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

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    14/41

    Taste of Home

    Summer Splash Chicken Salad

    When it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh healthy chicken salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California

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    15/41

    Jersey-Style Hot Dogs

    I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

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    16/41

    Taste of Home

    Mini S'mores

    Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois

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    17/41

    Taste of Home

    Pomegranate Splash Salad

    The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois

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    18/41

    Taste of Home

    Peach Crisp Parfait Pops

    My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden pop sticks. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah

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    19/41

    Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate

    Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    20/41

    Glazed Chicken Wings

    I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba

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    21/41

    Strawberry Corn Salsa

    This recipe makes art in a bowl! All the colors of summer are captured in this salsa with a fresh, light flavor perfect for snacking between swims or to kick off a backyard barbecue. This can be served with chips or alone as a side dish. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina

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    22/41

    Taste of Home

    Our family took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway, where we got to eat incredible shrimp sandwiches like these. The crustier the bread, the better. —Monica Kolva, Millville, New Jersey

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    23/41

    Pina Colada Molded Salad

    My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

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    24/41

    Mojito Slush

    Whether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois

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    25/41

    Taste of Home

    Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

    When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida

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    26/41

    Watermelon Shark

    Take a bite out of summer boredom with this kid-friendly food project. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    27/41

    Crispy Barbecue Chicken Tenders

    These crunch-coated chicken tenders are a little sweet, a little tangy and a whole lot of fun. In half an hour, your family's new favorite dish is ready to eat. When I have extra time, I roast garlic and add it to the sauce. —Andreann Geise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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    28/41

    Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

    We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    P.S. Speaking of going to the beach, check out these beach games to get all ages in on the fun during your summer adventures.

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    Mint Watermelon Salad

    I invented this refreshing fruit salad one sultry afternoon while my friends were gathered around my pool. It was quick to prepare and disappeared from their plates even quicker. The kids loved it too! —Antoinette DuBeck, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

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    30/41

    Coconut Tres Leches Cupcakes

    Three types of milk wonderfully moisten these cupcakes. Toasted coconut on top adds an elegant touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    31/41

    Strawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California

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    32/41

    I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

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    33/41

    Frosty Watermelon Ice

    Here's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia

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    34/41

    My grilled cheese sandwich combines chicken with sweet caramelized onions, red peppers, Swiss cheese and sourdough bread. It’s oh-my goodness. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida

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    35/41

    Taste of Home

    S'mookies

    S'mores are one of my favorite desserts. I wanted to create a cookie to replace the graham cracker—that's when my s'mookie was born. Just as delicious as the classic.—Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, California

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    36/41

    Cashew-Curry Chicken Salad

    My husband and I fell hard for the curried chicken salad from our grocery store deli, and I knew I could find a way to make something similar. This greek yogurt chicken salad has become one of our favorites to take on trips to the beach. —Janine Cooper-Moren, Portland, Oregon

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    37/41

    Taste of Home

    Sand Dollar Cookies

    Before the military relocated our family, my children had never lived near the ocean. I came up with this special treat with a beach theme—it made our move even more fun!—Michelle Duncan of Callaway, Florida

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    38/41

    Taste of Home

    Orange Juice Spritzer

    Here’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet and is refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California

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    39/41

    Caribbean Chipotle Pork Sliders

    Our favorite pulled pork sliders combine the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida

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    40/41

    Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps

    This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

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    41/41

    Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad

    Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin

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    Originally Published: April 25, 2019

    43 Recipes for Summer Pool Parties (2024)

    FAQs

    What is a good food to bring to a pool party? ›

    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.

    What food is good for summer beach party? ›

    Fresh fruit, skewered vegetables and one-hand sandwiches all fit the bill, and they will leave you with as little sand in your mouth as possible. Well-wrapped long, skinny sandwiches are easy to eat in bites –– think a baguette with ham, cold-cut heroes, veggie wraps or even something burrito-esque.

    How can I spice up my pool party? ›

    Come Up With a Theme

    Give your pool party a dress code and then decorate for the theme accordingly. Some ideas include tropical or all-white for a classic, dressier pool party. Or you could get weird and choose a TV show or something oxymoronic, like summer goth, for your jumping-off point.

    What time of day is best for a summer pool party? ›

    Consider your guests' schedules and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that weekends are generally the best time for pool parties. Also, afternoon to early evening is the ideal time for a pool party. Once you have a date and time in mind, it's time to start building your guest list.

    What food to take to a kids pool party? ›

    What kind of food do you serve at a pool party?
    • Fruit cones, as a colorful alternative to ice-cream.
    • Watermelon on a stick, a healthier version of a popsicle.
    • Chicken tacos.
    • Garlic or olive bread fingers.
    • Pretzel sticks.
    • Pecan cookies.
    • Homemade potato chips and sour creme dip.
    • Bacon, veggie, and fruit skewers.

    What are the most popular summer foods? ›

    Ranking Our Top 10 Summer Foods!
    1. Watermelon. Is there a more recognizably summer food than a chilled, juicy slice of watermelon on a hot, sunny day? ...
    2. Backyard Burgers. ...
    3. Avocado. ...
    4. Corn. ...
    5. Fried Chicken. ...
    6. Salads. ...
    7. Tropical Fruits. ...
    8. Berries.
    Apr 13, 2022

    What food to serve for a beach theme party? ›

    Enjoy the seashore vicariously by taking in all of this amazing beach-themed grub.
    • Octopus Hummus. ...
    • Beach Cake. ...
    • Sand Dollar Shortbread Cookies. ...
    • Beachy Cupcakes. ...
    • Watermelon Wave. ...
    • Sand Parfait. ...
    • Rice Krispie Treat Watermelon. ...
    • Beach Ball Cake Pops.

    How to make an adult pool party fun? ›

    14 Pool Party Ideas for Adults
    1. Host a Hawaiian Luau.
    2. Go for a Night Swim.
    3. Enjoy a Summer BBQ.
    4. Make It a Fiesta.
    5. Set Up a Sunscreen Centerpiece.
    6. Arrange Some Entertainment.
    7. Turn an Inflatable Pool Into a Cooler.
    8. Hand Out Drink Floaties.
    May 19, 2022

    How many hours should a pool party be? ›

    Just make sure that the date works for most of your guests. Besides, the best time during the day to have a pool party is after 3 pm of the day and it should last for 2 to 4 hours.

    How many people should I invite to my pool party? ›

    If you're unsure about how many guests to invite to your pool party, the number of guests should be relative to the size of your overall entertaining space, including the pool. Always consider that not everyone will be interested in swimming. A smart idea is to invite five extra people for every 20 on the list.

    How do you look pretty at a pool party? ›

    Put on your bathing suit, and then moisturize your skin. Apply some beach-like and preppy makeup, and then put on a cute little cover-up. Don't apply too much makeup. You want to aim for that natural look.

    How do you look cool at a pool party? ›

    How to Be Fashionable at a Pool Party
    1. 1 Go with swimwear that makes you feel confident.
    2. 2 Bring a cute cover up that complements your suit.
    3. 3 Go vintage with high-waisted shorts and a crop top.
    4. 4 Rock denim cutoffs for a cool, classic look.
    5. 5 Try a comfy two-piece outfit for a resort vibe.

    What to bring to a swim party? ›

    15 Things to Bring to a Pool Party So You're Ready for Fun
    • Westend61 via Getty Images. ...
    • Swimsuit & Towel. ...
    • Change of Clothes. ...
    • Trash Bags/Plastic Tarp. ...
    • Sun protection. ...
    • Sunglasses. ...
    • Pool Float. ...
    • Drink Cooler, Ice, and Beverages.
    May 22, 2023

    What do I bring to a pool day? ›

    The Ultimate Checklist For Packing Your Swim Bag
    1. The bag itself. Lightweight fabric is the name of the game – you'll want to sling on your bag with minimum fuss. ...
    2. Swimwear. There are plenty of options here. ...
    3. Goggles. ...
    4. Training aids. ...
    5. Sandals. ...
    6. Towels. ...
    7. Toiletries. ...
    8. Water.
    May 18, 2021

    What should I bring to my friends pool? ›

    Pool Party Checklist: What to Bring to a Pool Party
    • Swimsuit: A stylish swimsuit is the cornerstone of any pool party ensemble. ...
    • Towels: Don't forget to pack plush towels to dry off after a refreshing dip. ...
    • Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun's rays is essential.
    Jun 28, 2023

    What should I bring to the swimming pool? ›

    How to pack to the swimming pool?
    • Swimsuit or trunks. Bring them if you want to have a swim and fun at the pool. ...
    • Swim slides shoes, flip-flops. ...
    • Swim cap. ...
    • Towel. ...
    • Swimming goggles. ...
    • What skin and hair care products to use after swimming? ...
    • More things to take to the pool.
    • Spare underwear.
    Nov 12, 2019

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