When the dog days of summer become too much to handle, there’s nothing better than planning a get together with friends and loved ones for a fun filled day around the pool . Whether you’re visiting your local pool or are hosting a fun backyard splash at home, one thing is certain: snacks, flavorful lunches, and cooling treats are necessary. We’ve rounded up our best eats for hungry swimmers to keep your guests fueled and refreshed.
Easy Italian Ice
Fun in the sun can leave one tired out, but this four-ingredient dessert is the ultimate summer refresher. Mix and match any of your favorite summer fruits for a cooling treat that never gets old.
Get the recipe: Easy Italian Ice
Prosciutto Panini with Pistachio Pesto
No panini press? No problem. This Italian-inspired sandwich with pistachio-flecked pesto is pressed on the grill with a cast iron skillet.
Get the recipe: Prosciutto Panini with Pistachio Pesto
Ranch Water Freezer Door Cocktail
Mix up this cocktail in the tequila bottle for big-batch prep, perfect to pour for a party of friends. Like a margarita, this 5-ingredient drink has a tangy flavor from limeade and seltzer.
Get the recipe: Ranch Water Freezer Door Cocktail
Chili-Lime Watermelon Wedges
Transport your guests to Mexico with this riff on a popular street snack. Wedges of watermelon get a spicy-salty finish from a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning, cotija, and fresh mint.
Get the recipe: Chili-Lime Watermelon Wedges
Bloody Mary Panzanella Salad
Add the flavors of a classic cocktail to an Italian bread salad for this unforgettable mashup. This hearty side dish is a great complement to grilled meats or vegetables.
Get the recipe: Bloody Mary Panzanella Salad
Virgin Piña Coladas
What goes together better than pool parties and tiny umbrellas? Virgin pina coladas will turn any get-together into a party for guests of all ages.
Get the recipe: Virgin Piña Coladas
Strawberry-Raspberry Ice Pops
Frozen fruit pops are a no-brainer after the fun of a long swim. Make your own in just 10 minutes with fresh strawberries and raspberry sorbet.
Get the recipe: Strawberry-Raspberry Ice Pops
Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches
Last minute guests? Ice cream sammies to the rescue! These bite-sized summer treats come together with just two ingredients.
Get the recipe: Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches
Grilled Shrimp Paella Foil Packets
Spanish paella hits the grill in this quick and easy foil packet dinner. Pre-chopped peppers speed prep for the combo of shrimp, chicken sausage, and veggies over rice.
Get the recipe: Grilled Shrimp Paella Foil Packets
Mozzarella, Tomato, and Plum Salad
While it might sound like an unusual combination, ripe plums and juicy heirloom tomatoes are a match made in flavor heaven. Add fresh mozzarella crisp arugula for a 5-ingredient appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for summer pool days.
Get the recipe: Mozzarella, Tomato, and Plum Salad
Rainbow Roll-Ups
These colorful,veggie-filled bites are quick to make and full of flavor. Hummus adds creamy texture and protein to this easy make-ahead recipe that kids will love.
Get the recipe: Rainbow Roll-Ups
Mango and Shrimp Summer Rolls
Skip the stove and serve hungry swimmers a rainbow of flavor with these refreshing summer rolls. Pre-cooked shrimp and fresh mango wrapped with bright herbs delivers a taste of Southeast Asia.
Get the recipe: Mango and Shrimp Summer Rolls
Mexican Street Corn Dip
This easy appetizer combines a crowd-friendly dip with the traditional flavors of Mexican street corn. Serve with tortilla chips for a snack everyone will devour.
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip
Ice Cream Cupcakes
These adorable, no-bake cupcakes combine two desserts in one. Chocolate and berries top handheld bites made in a muffin pan with two flavors of ice cream.
Get the recipe: Ice Cream Cupcakes
Chocolate Vanilla Black Cherry Floats
This nostalgic treat tastes like it came from an old school ice cream parlor. Whip it up with vanilla and chocolate frozen yogurt – or swap in ice cream – and finish with a double dose of cherry soda and fresh cherry garnish.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Vanilla Black Cherry Floats
Frozen Banana-Mango Yogurt Bites
These 5 ingredient yogurt bites are perfect for people of all ages. Blend the fruit, yogurt, and honey together, spoon into cupcake liners and freeze. Pull out for a light and refreshing afternoon treat.
Get the recipe: Frozen Banana-Mango Yogurt Bites
Frozen Honeydew Mojitos
Fresh summer mint shines in our take on Cuba’s favorite cocktail. Honeydew melon adds a touch of sweetness to this frozen refresher with fresh lime and rum.
Get the recipe: Frozen Honeydew Mojitos
Frozen Fruit and Yogurt Bark
This protein and vitamin-rich bark looks as good as it tastes. Keep it on hand in the freezer as a treat for unexpected guests that doubles as a grab-and-go breakfast.
Get the recipe: Frozen Fruit and Yogurt Bark
Savory Cashew Cream Cheese
Being in the sun all day can lead to a draining day. You want to make sure not only do you have snacks that are delicious, put are also high in protein. This cashew cream fits the bill! Set out with your favorite cut veggies or toast that people can easily snack on, for a quick energy boost.
Get the recipe: Savory Cashew Cream Cheese
Greek Pasta Salad with Shrimp
If you’ve got 15 minutes, your guests can enjoy a light but satisfying meal straight from the Greek isles. Frozen cooked shrimp and pre-cooked pasta are the speedy secret weapons that’ll have you back in the pool in no time.
Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad with Shrimp
DIY Pineapple Whip
Get that theme park feeling without leaving the pool with this luscious frozen treat. Pineapple and banana give tropical vibes while vanilla yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt for a vegan-friendly version) makes it irresistibly creamy and smooth.
Get the recipe: DIY Pineapple Whip
Sunset Slushies
These colorful slushies are a fruity treat for kids that easily transforms into a frozen cocktail for grownups. Just add a splash of tequila or rum to the blended combo of peaches, strawberries, and frozen mango.
Get the recipe: Sunset Slushies
Herbed Cheese Spread
Calling all cheese-lovers! This easy spread is a homerun appetizer that makes good use of any leftover bits of cheese you have in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Herbed Cheese Spread
Grinder Sandwich
Grinder, sub, hoagie, hero…whatever you call it, this fully loaded sandwich is certain to satisfy hungry swimmers. Italian dressing and pepperoncini add zesty kick to layers of prosciutto, salami, provolone, and crisp veggies stacked on a pillowy roll.
Get the recipe: Grinder Sandwich
