15 Best Pool Party Snacks

Ice Pops
Photo: Jody

So you've selected the cutest swimsuit, ticked off your essential list of sunscreen, sunglasses, a fun book, and a fluffy towel, and are blessed with blistering temps and bright, clear skies. All set for an afternoon at the pool, right? But what happens when hunger strikes? Being wet and sun-woozy isn't exactly ideal for making last-minute dashes to the kitchen.

That's where this selection of tasty pool snacks comes in. With just a little bit of advanced planning, you'll have enough tasty nibbles, thirst-quenching beverages, and even indulgent desserts to last all day. So from the time the sun comes up, to the time it winds down, you'll barely have to budge from your lounge chair! Browse this full collection of pool snacks to find just the ones you want for your day by the water.

01 of 16

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs
LaurenM

Ranch dressing locks in the moisture and adds zesty flavor to these fun-to-eat sticks of juicy chicken, kissed with smoke from the grill. Served hot or cold, it's a fast and easy pool snack.

02 of 16

Fish Tacos

two fish tacos with toppings
thehappening

"I'm from San Diego and these taste just like home!" vouches BREESE823. Served with homemade pico de gallo and lime wedges squeezed on top, these Baja-style tacos are bound to bring a sunny SoCal vibe to the pool party, no matter where you live. Plus, the tortilla shells keep soggy hands from ruining the tasty fillings.

03 of 16

Sue's Baba Ghanoush

Baba Ghanoush
LYNNINMA

Why default to grazing on that omnipresent chickpea dip (hummus) when you can just as easily throw together its equally delicious, eggplant-based cousin, baba ghanoush? All the creamy veggie needs is a spin in the microwave to get it succulently soft, and ready to blitz in a blender with nutty tahini, minced garlic, fruity olive oil, and a spritz of fresh lemon.

04 of 16

Balsamic Bruschetta

Balsamic Bruschetta
Molly

The vibrant toast topping of plum tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and sweet/sour balsamic actually tastes best if it sits for a couple of hours before serving. Sounds like the perfect make-ahead pool snack for a laid back day at the water.

05 of 16

Ajo Blanco con Uvas

Ajo Blanco con Uvas
METROWESTJP

Soup in the summer? Absolutely, especially if it's this chilled white take on gazpacho. "This is a cold garlicky soup. In fact it is never cooked at all!" says Day-Star. "In Spain they use fresh almonds, just out of their shells, so the taste will be different than the soup you had in Spain unless, of course, you have access to fresh almonds. You can also substitute melon for the green grapes."

06 of 16

Prosciutto e Melone (Italian Ham and Melon)

Prosciutto e Melone (Italian Ham and Melon)
Buckwheat Queen

If you were to simmer down the essence of summer into a single bite, this elegant Italian appetizer could well be it. But since it highly depends on the quality of ingredients, be sure to use the most fragrant cantaloupe you can find, along with good, cured Parma ham.

07 of 16

City Ceviche

City Ceviche
Aja

LADYJANE1 turns to her favorite recipe for tangy seafood ceviche in summer temps. "The true way to 'cook' the fish is to marinate it in citrus juice overnight, but I find that the poaching process is faster and an easy way to judge if it is indeed cooked," she advises. "I often buy precooked shrimp (but NOT frozen!) and just poach the scallops. Best when served with cold beer and fresh limes. And using quality and sturdy tortilla chips is essential!"

08 of 16

Sesame Noodle Salad

Sesame Noodle Salad
OkinawanPrincess

Wonderful at just about any temperature, this lettuce and mayo-free salad won't wilt or go bad if left to sit in the sun. And it won't weigh you down either, making it the perfect light lunch for enjoying while out at the pool.

09 of 16

Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Aioli

Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Aioli
Chef John

"You'll notice a glaring lack of ingredients in this recipe," said Chef John. "Thanks to the intensely flavored cured lemons, the aioli sauce needs little more than some fresh tarragon to reach its full potential. Having said that, you are well within your rights to toss in some garlic or hot pepper if you're in the mood."

10 of 16

Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Wraps

Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Wraps
Jesse Nelson

This sports bar snack gets a poolside, summertime makeover, when wrapped in crunchy, salty bacon and thrown on the grill.

  • Recipes for People Who Love Jalapeño Poppers
11 of 16

Avocado and Sun-Dried Tomato Spring Rolls

Avocado and Sun-Dried Tomato Spring Rolls
Soup Loving Nicole

"Avocado and sun-dried tomatoes are like secret treasures sealed inside these marvelous spring rolls, along with other vegetables, crabmeat and chicken," enthuses contributor Louise. "This recipe is particularly exciting, because the ingredients may be adjusted or altered to taste. You may want to prepare several batches of spring rolls -- they'll go fast."

12 of 16

Cucumber Lemonade

Cucumber Lemonade
Molly

Lemonade is already a must-have beverage for summer. But adding rounds of crunchy cucumber contributes a spa-like element, transforming an average day at the pool into an afternoon sojourn to some posh resort.

  • 16 Ways to Flavor Lemonade
13 of 16

Beer Margaritas

a margarita in a glass with salt rim and lime garnish
docswife

"Who would believe that beer would be the perfect solution to eradicating fluorescent green margaritas?" exclaims Big Surprise, of this ultimate, warm weather drink mashup. "Best to use not-so-micro brews to avoid an overpowering beer flavor. Use the limeade can to measure the ingredients, and adjust with extra water if the mixture seems too sweet. Straining the pulp is always a good idea, unless, of course, you like pulp!"

14 of 16

Ice Pops

Ice Pops
Jody

No need to hail down the Good Humor truck, as it doesn't get cuter than these artfully crafted pops. Instead of just freezing juice, these ice pops are made with flavored gelatin and soft drink mix. It doen't get much easier.

15 of 16

Dreamy Orange Cupcakes

Dreamy Orange Cupcakes on a cooling rack
KGora

Like a creamsicle in cupcake form, these adorable treats are packed with pure citrus flavor, and crowned with clouds of whipped topping and orange butter cream.

  • Refreshing Summer Drinks to Satisfy Every Thirst
16 of 16

Creamy Lemonade Ice Pops

Creamy Lemonade Ice Pops
Yoly

Instead of sipping your poolside lemonade, lick it! "These creamy ice pops are quick to make," writes recipe creator Yoly. "I like them on the tart side so I don't use too much sugar but feel free to adjust the sweetness level to your liking."

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