30 Fun Pool Party Food Ideas

This fruity, refreshing cocktail will transport you and your guests to the tropics with the perfect balance of creamy coconut, juicy pineapple, and rum (though you can leave out the booze for the kids).

Get the Pina Colada recipe.

Buy a blender

After a day at the pool, take yourself back to the good old days with a melt-in-your-mouth white bread sandwich, which features summer tomatoes and garlic aioli for a sophisticated summer experience.

Get the tomato sandwich recipe.

Just because you’re swimming in the pool instead of the beach doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a refreshing seafood dish. This perfect summer pasta salad features tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and elbow noodles tossed in a delicious creamy dressing.

Get the shrimp pasta salad recipe.

This creamy frozen treat has all the charm of a nostalgic orange creamsicle, plus it’s even creamier than the original citrus drink, thanks to frozen orange juice concentrate and vanilla ice cream.

Get the Orange Julius Milkshake recipe.

This refreshing mango-based salad is sweet, spicy, and everything savory. Packed with summery ingredients like mango tips, bell peppers, and a dash of chili-lime seasoning, it’ll provide all your guests with a refreshing, nutritious boost after a day of splashing around in the water.

Get the mango salad recipe.

Buy serving bowls

It doesn’t have to be a birthday party to enjoy cake: this no-bake dessert is easy to make before a pool party and is chock-full of creamy filling and layers of Oreos and berries.

Get the recipe for Oreo Icebox Cake.

This fresh, easy-to-eat dessert will be the highlight of your pool party snacks. Made with summer tomatoes, avocado, poblano peppers and jicama, it’s the perfect combination of pico and guacamole. Serve with tortilla chips and you’ll watch the bowl empty in no time.

Get the avocado salsa recipe.

What’s better than a cold citrus drink by the pool? This classic Italian cocktail made with Prosecco and Aperol, Sparkling water is the stuff of summer dreams!

Get the Aperol Spritz recipe.

Elevate your pool party potluck by serving fresh lobster rolls. Whether you’re in New England or not, this classic recipe is sure to transport you to the seaside. Inspired by chilled Maine lobster salad rolls, this dish features lobster mixed with mayonnaise, celery, lemon juice, chives and spices, wrapped in a split-top bun.

Get the lobster roll recipe.

Who needs an ice cream truck when you can have homemade strawberry shortcake bars stashed away in your freezer? These frozen treats are super easy to make, with just five store-bought ingredients: strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream, vanilla ice cream, crispy sugar cookies, and freeze-dried strawberries.

Get the recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars.

Buy a wooden stick

Watermelon is undoubtedly delicious on its own on a summer day, but combining juicy summer watermelon with salty feta cheese and crunchy arugula is sure to be a hit at any pool party.