This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
These pool day food ideas are made for relaxing weekends. You’ll find fresh salads, frozen treats, sliders, and creative snacks that can all be prepped ahead.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
These delicious meals hold up well outdoors, so there’s no room for soggy sandwiches or sad salads here!
They’ll work not just for summer, but for parties all year round.
Use these recipes as a guide and customize them based on the ingredients you have on hand.
Pasta Chips
These pasta chips are just like your favorite bag of chips but way more satisfying.
You’ll love how easy it is to prep and how much flavor comes from such simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Make the most delicious meals in the air fryer.
These corn ribs have smoky-sweet flavors! You only need a few simple ingredients, including garlic powder and liquid smoke.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
These savory treats are made with little smokies, bacon, butter, and light brown sugar.
You can prep them ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
If you’re planning to serve a crowd by the pool, these sliders are a great option.
They’re loaded with bacon, turkey deli meat, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Bake a double batch of these sausage balls because they’re sure to disappear fast from your table.
Arrange them on a wooden board with dipping sauces on the side. Try honey mustard and garlic aioli.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Hot Girl Summer Salad
This salad belongs at every pool party and summer get-together.
It’s zesty, slightly spicy, and incredibly fresh, thanks to cucumbers, green bell peppers, and lemon juice.
Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad
Bacon Jam
This jam is thick and spreadable with bits of chopped bacon throughout.
It’s definitely better than those store-bought ones! You can use smoked bacon or any kind you have on hand.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Jam
Creamy Mango Popsicles
If you love mangoes, you’ll instantly fall in love with this treat.
It’s naturally sweet and healthier than other desserts. If you want, you can also use coconut water instead of coconut milk!
Get The Recipe: Creamy Mango Popsicles
Copycat Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Beat the heat with this vibrant homemade refresher that tastes just like the one from Starbucks.
Main ingredients include dragon fruit, green tea powder, coconut milk, and mango juice.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
Big Mac Tacos
These tacos taste just like your favorite fast food burger.
They’re made with ground beef, cheese slices, pickled cucumbers, mayo, and seasonings. The perfect companion to a cold root beer!
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
This recipe takes the average grilled cheese to the next level.
It results in the ultimate comfort sandwich featuring Roma tomatoes, pesto, vegan butter, and vegan cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Black Bean Brownie
Don’t let the secret ingredient scare you. These brownies are super delicious and every bit as good as the classic kind.
Aside from black beans, you’ll need cocoa powder, oats, unsweetened applesauce, and other pantry staples.
Get The Recipe: Black Bean Brownie
Tropical Fruit Salad
This chilled fruit salad is like sunshine in a bowl!
It has pineapple tidbits, grapes, apples, berries, and bananas. As always, include your favorite fruits to make it even more exciting.
Get The Recipe: Tropical Fruit Salad
Sushi Spring Rolls
In search of something healthier? These sushi spring rolls are perfect for a hot day.
They’re light and crunchy, with sweet potatoes, asparagus, spinach, avocados, and quinoa.
Get The Recipe: Sushi Spring Rolls
Watermelon Appetizer
Look at how elegant and refreshing this watermelon appetizer is.
It’s also customizable, so you can easily turn it into a plant-based treat. You can use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based feta.
Get The Recipe: Watermelon Appetizer
3-Ingredient Pistachio Ice Cream
Yes, you can make mouthwatering ice cream with just three simple ingredients.
This one is packed with irresistible pistachio flavor. Once it’s done, you can add coconut shavings, chocolate chips, and other toppings.
Get The Recipe: 3-Ingredient Pistachio Ice Cream
Dill Pickle Dip
This dip pairs well with veggie sticks, pretzel rods, and lots of other snacks.
Chill it for about an hour to let the flavors blend, then serve it cold.
Get The Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip
Mango Pico De Gallo
Salsa with a fun twist? This pico de gallo is juicy, sweet, and spicy with just the right amount of tang.
If you don’t have mangoes, you can also use peaches or red plums.
Get The Recipe: Mango Pico De Gallo
Vegan Cucumber Sandwiches
These vegan sandwiches are made with cucumbers, vegan cream cheese, fresh dill, chives, and lemon juice.
They’re so easy to make, you don’t even need to peel the cucumbers.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Cucumber Sandwiches
Watermelon Lemon Mint Spritzer
Prepare lots of snacks and appetizers, but don’t forget the drinks.
Try this one next. Pour it into tall glasses with mint sprigs and lemon slices.
Get The Recipe: Watermelon Lemon Mint Spritzer
Healthy Basil Lime Hummus (10 Minutes)
Make this basil lime hummus in just 10 minutes.
It’s something you can pair with carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, whole wheat crackers, and even grilled shrimp skewers.
Get The Recipe: Healthy Basil Lime Hummus (10 Minutes)
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Dill Pickle Pinwheels
Pinwheels are always a great option, whether it’s for pool parties or family weekend gatherings.
Try this recipe. These pinwheels are made with cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Dill Pickle Pinwheels
Boozy Stuffed Strawberries
Want to enjoy strawberries but not in the mood for indulgent desserts?
This simple recipe only requires five ingredients. Serve them with chocolate-dipped pretzels or sparkling wine.
Get The Recipe: Boozy Stuffed Strawberries
Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad
This salad will stand out on any summer table.
It comes with a delicious dressing made with lime juice, hot honey, and kosher salt. Enjoy it with grilled shrimp or lamb skewers for a more filling meal.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Watermelon Salad
Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)
Make this flavorful veggie sandwich and impress everyone! It features hummus, cucumbers, feta cheese, and roasted red pepper slices.
You don’t need to cook anything. Just prep the ingredients, toast the bread if you want, and assemble.
Get The Recipe: Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Don’t worry if you’re not a “kitchen person.” These pool day recipes are totally doable anytime!
Why not start with fresh, nutritious options?
Cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, mangoes, and avocados are flavorful ingredients you can toss into anything and everything, from sandwiches to salads.
25 Make Ahead Desserts You Can Prep Tonight and Serve Tomorrow
These make ahead desserts are perfect for potlucks and weeknight treats. From cookies and brownies to cakes and pies, you’re sure to find a new favorite.
Read it here: 25 Make Ahead Desserts You Can Prep Tonight and Serve Tomorrow
25 Healthy Weekend Dinners That Don’t Feel Like a Diet
Need some healthy weekend dinners that don’t taste bland? These dinner ideas are easy, healthy, and don’t skimp out on flavor.
Read it here: 25 Healthy Weekend Dinners That Don’t Feel Like a Diet
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more easy recipes? These sweet and savory options are great for laid-back gatherings with friends and family: