Summer is here! And with the temperature rising and the sun always shining, I would say that the best way to welcome the summer season is by hosting your own pool party! And no pool party is complete without the perfect decor, refreshing food and drinks, and all the fun games and activities. If this is your first time hosting a pool party, then I am here to help as I have compiled a list of 28 fun summer pool party ideas you can take inspiration from!
28. Refreshing Summer Pineapple Sorbet
Pineapple sherbet is equally sugary, fruity, and invigorating. The only elements required to create it are pineapple, water, and a dash of sugar.
This blend offers a sweet, exotic, and primarily pineapple-flavored experience. Save this treat for those sweltering 90+ degree days, and you’ll be the hero among your poolside guests.
27. Easy to Make the Perfect for a Pool Party Tropical Hot Dog Bar
Why settle for a single dish when you could set up a hot dog station instead? Regardless of your attendees’ preferences, there’s something for everyone here.
Personally, I’m quite fond of the Maui onion coleslaw and the papaya lime condiment. Yet, all of these vibrant, island-inspired garnishes are sensational.
Admittedly, it might be a bit of an effort for just your close family members. However, if you’re expecting additional friends, it could really elevate your gathering.
26. Cheesy Party Burgers – Best Pool Party Food Idea
Large, robust burgers are undeniably delightful. However, they may prove too filling for a poolside gathering.
Fortunately, these petite cheeseburgers hit the sweet spot, as the fairy tale character Goldilocks would attest.
They encapsulate all the meaty, cheesy tastes of their larger counterparts, yet in a more manageable size, ensuring they don’t leave you feeling overly stuffed.
25. Vegan Orzo Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Immerse yourself in the summer vibes with this Plant-Based Orzo Pasta Salad filled with Grilled Veggies. The ultimate accompaniment for barbecues and poolside gatherings!
I confess that I’ve tasted a fair share of deli salads in my time. Now it seems unappetizing, but back then they were somewhat delectable.
The probability of discovering a plant-based salad in a conventional grocery store’s deli is quite low, which propels us to create them ourselves. Besides, home-prepared food invariably tastes superior (and is presumably healthier too).
This salad’s primary attractions are the grilled vegetables – zucchini, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. They contribute a fantastic texture, abundant flavor, and numerous health advantages. Prepare this salad for your next beach party or barbecue. It’s guaranteed to steal the show.
24. Blackened Rockfish Tacos
Tacos offer infinite possibilities as they can be loaded with an assortment of fillings and are suitable for any event.
These charred rockfish tacos are a delightful choice for summer and an ideal choice for celebrations like Cinco de Mayo!
So, seize some Rockfish fillets from your preferred fish market, and let’s get started!
Also, do remember to whip up the lime and cilantro tartar sauce. It truly enhances the overall taste.
Pacific rockfish, alternatively known as Pacific snapper or rock cod, is a lean white fish offering a subtle flavor palette. It’s a common fish found in the coastal waters of North America’s west. Despite the many varieties of rockfish differing in shape and size, they share a common firm texture and a mild flavor. Preparing rockfish is straightforward and fast, and its versatility makes it an excellent option for recipes that don’t specify a particular type of fish.
23. Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sliders
These effortlessly delicious Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Sliders, made with just five ingredients, are a surefire hit for any event or holiday party. Don’t expect any leftovers!
This recipe is a product of my collaboration with Buitoni, known for their refrigerated pastas and sauces, but the views expressed are solely my own.
My fascination with sliders is currently off the charts. It’s been quite a while since I last prepared a regular, full-sized sandwich, yet sliders have graced our table twice in just this week. And there’s a third round coming before the week closes.
Isn’t there something inherently charming about bite-sized food? Mini egg rolls, pint-sized pizzas, tiny sandwiches – they’re all irresistibly cute and appetizing.
These sliders, which yield 18 servings, are the ideal solution when feeding a large group at a holiday celebration or family gathering. Conveniently, slider buns are often sold in packs of 18.
Here’s a savvy hint: if you purchase connected buns, don’t pull them apart! Simply use a bread knife to slice through the buns while they’re still connected, and lay the bottom half in the pan, saving the top half for later in the recipe. Talk about a game changer!
These irresistible sliders are incredibly easy to prepare and require just five ingredients: buns, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonders!), mozzarella cheese slices, melted butter, and pesto sauce.
The Buitoni Basil with Pesto refrigerated sauce is my top choice for these sliders. It boasts savory, robust flavors, and using it significantly reduces the prep time, eliminating the need to make my own from scratch. The Buitoni Basil with Pesto, which is a blend of aromatic basil, pine nuts, garlic, walnuts, aged Parmesan and Romano cheeses with extra virgin olive oil, fits the bill when I’m planning party food that must be prepped swiftly.
My husband couldn’t help but express his delight (“mmmmmmmm”) as he savored these sliders the other night, indicating two things. First, they’re incredibly tasty because he doesn’t lavish his “mmmmm” on just any recipe. Second, they’re so good you’d want to make them your main dish.
These sliders are bound to be the star of your next party, that’s a guarantee!
22. Watermelon Salsa
You might be scratching your head right now, wondering, “Watermelon Salsa?! Really?” mirroring your perplexed thoughts.
But let me tell you, this innovative recipe has an unexpectedly delightful taste and caution, it’s hard to stop once you start.
Blending sweet watermelon, fresh bell peppers, tangy lime juice and a touch of honey creates a riot of flavors, especially when you scoop it up with a tortilla chip (ATTENTION: Tortilla chips are a must to experience this flavor festival).
This Watermelon Salsa, with its revitalizing nature, is perfect as a side dish for any summer meal or as a starter. Personally, I find it’s a great snack during my Netflix marathons.
The recipe calls for easily accessible fresh ingredients because salsa, undeniably, is at its best when fresh. So, get to your preferred greengrocer and gather these items.
21. Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli
Being near bodies of water evokes a desire for seafood in me, a feeling that, I’m convinced, is shared by many others.
Consequently, it shouldn’t startle you to find numerous seafood-based dishes included here.
These crisp, flavor-intense shrimp patties are airy, vibrant, and ideally suited for lounging poolside.
Requiring just a 25-minute preparation time, these make for fantastic nibbles. Even children can partake without the worry of making a mess.
20. Marshmallow Beach Balls: Pool Party Treats
I’ve had this idea for marshmallow beach balls in my head all summer and I’ve been meaning to post it, and I feel like summer just ran away from me! But, I figure now summer is in full swing and these pool party treats are perfect so I’m posting this now!
Check it here.
19. Gluten Free Fruit Pizza
Gluten Free Fruit Pizza is a sweet, lightened up dessert perfect for summer. Seasonal summer fruit like fresh berries spread on a shortbread crust with a creamy vanilla frosting make this fruit pizza a dream.
Check it here.
18. Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
This Watermelon Mint Feta Salad is sweet, tart, and so refreshing on a hot, sunny summer day. Enjoy it as a light lunch, colorful side to grilled burgers or chicken, or flavorful snack!
Check it here.
17. Blue Lagoon Mocktail (The BEST!)
This blue lagoon mocktail is a 3 minute non-alcoholic drink that everyone will enjoy! The sweet & fruity flavor comes from fresh citrus and sweet blue curaçao syrup.
Check it here.
16. Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones
These strawberry crunch cheesecake cones are such a fun and delicious dessert to make. They’re a cheesecake and strawberry filled cone, glazed, and topped with a strawberry crunch crumble.
Check it here.
15. Mexican Street Corn Salad Without Mayo
This Mexican street corn salad without mayo is such a delicious side dish that has been lightened up a little. Whether you are craving it for dinner or bringing it to a barbecue, it’s sure to be a hit!
Check it here.
14. Ice Cream Cake Pops
Our fun ice cream cake pops are a delicious treat that will make the whole family happy. They are perfect for any and every summer event.
Check it here.
13. Refreshing Aperol Tonic (Without Prosecco)
Is Aperol Tonic the new Aperol Spritz? Or simply a great alternative to the iconic drink when you’re out of Prosecco? This cocktail is lighter, less alcoholic and just as refreshing as the original. You should absolutely give it a try! And if you love simple cocktail recipes, check out our famous apple cider whisky cocktail.
Check it here.
12. Under the Sea Mermaid Honey Lime Summer Fruit Salad
Whether you are throwing a party, enjoying a cookout with friends or simply want to offer your kids a healthy snack, this Under the Sea Mermaid Honey Lime Fruit Salad is perfect! If you are trying to plan an ocean or mermaid birthday party, you know how difficult it can be to find more nutritious food to serve guests. But this fruit salad will be a hit with all ages and makes a great side dish, appetizer or addition to your dessert table!
Check it here.
11. Homemade Frozen Lemonade for Day in the Sun
I wasn’t planning on sharing another drink this week, but I couldn’t help myself. Last week Wes and I visited the Target cafe while shopping to get his usual mango smoothie. Unfortunately it is no longer there. Minute Maid has replaced Jamba Juice so Wes chose a frozen lemonade instead. It was pretty good but very tart and turned to just ice faster than we would have liked. We decided we should make our own frozen lemonade at home. Since I had almost an entire bag of fresh lemons to use up anyway, the timing was perfect. This Homemade Frozen Lemonade turned out amazing!
Check it here.
10. Frozen Pornstar Martini (Passion Refreshing Fruit Cocktail)
The Pornstar Martini is the fanciest and most glamorous passion fruit cocktail. It’s chic, elegant and never fails to impress. For summer, I decided to make a frozen version that is even more refreshing!
Check it here.
9. The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is everyone’s favorite game day or party appetizer! Made with juicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, hot sauce, and loads of cheese, this easy and delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip is then baked until golden, bubbly, and perfect for dipping.
Check it here.
8. How to Host an Epic Pool Movie Night Party
Watching a movie outside is a great way to spend a summer night. And if you have a pool in your yard, why not take your movie night up a notch with a dive-in movie night? Hosting an epic pool movie night party is a great way to spend time with your friends and enjoy a fun movie at the same time. If you’re wondering how to put together a dive-in movie, check out these amazing pool party ideas.
Check it here.
7. Creamy Mango Popsicles for Summertime!
Creamy mango popsicles are the perfect way to cool down this summer! These healthy popsicles make a great snack for kids & toddlers, too!
Check it here.
6. Coconut Mint Ice Cream w/Fresh Mint for Summer Day
Coconut mint ice cream with fresh mint is the perfect no-churn ice cream recipe for summertime! Fresh mint ice cream is so simple and easy!
Check it here.
5. Best Red Sangria Recipe
This Red Sangria Recipe is the best you will try! Blackberry brandy and amaretto, mixed with delicious wine and fruit make the most refreshing summer cocktail!
Check it here.
4. 3 Ingredient Party Punch Recipe
This party punch recipe has just 3 ingredients and is the best punch recipe for a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower! Make this for any occasion and it’s a hit!!
Check it here.
3. Take-Along Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Mint Pesto
These take-along watermelon skewers with feta and mint pesto dressing are a quick and easy appetizer or snack for your next outdoor gathering, BBQ or picnic! Enjoy these delicious and healthy watermelon skewers on a hot summer day!
Check it here.
2. Savory Avocado Bean Dip – Serve at Your Next Pool Party!
Avocado Bean Dip is the perfect party appetizer dip! Made in the food processor in under 10 minutes, it’s a delicious cross between Guacamole and Hummus. Super creamy with fresh basil flavor, this is our go-to “what to bring” dish for game day or a backyard barbecue!
Check it here.
1. Healthy Sweet Woodruff Lemonade
Healthy Sweet Woodruff Lemonade Recipe: Refreshing, flavorful and fragrant summer drink made with sweet woodruff, lemon, honey and water.
Check it here.
28 Easy and Tasty Summer Pool Party Recipes
Summer is here! And with the temperature rising and the sun always shining, I would say that the best way to welcome the summer season is by hosting your own pool party! And no pool party is complete without the perfect decor, refreshing food and drinks, and all the fun games and activities. If this is your first time hosting a pool party, then I am here to help as I have compiled a list of 21 fun summer pool party ideas you can take inspiration from!
Ingredients
- Rotisserie Chicken Hawaiian Sliders
- Marshmallow Beach Balls: Pool Party Treats
- Gluten Free Fruit Pizza
- Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
- Blue Lagoon Mocktail (The BEST!)
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones
- Mexican Street Corn Salad Without Mayo
- Ice Cream Cake Pops
- Refreshing Aperol Tonic (Without Prosecco)
- Under the Sea Mermaid Honey Lime Fruit Salad
- Homemade Frozen Lemonade
- Frozen Pornstar Martini (Passion Fruit Cocktail)
- The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- How to Host an Epic Pool Movie Night Party
- Creamy Mango Popsicles
- Coconut Mint Ice Cream w/Fresh Mint
- Best Red Sangria Recipe
- 3 Ingredient Party Punch Recipe
- Take-Along Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Mint Pesto
- Avocado Bean Dip
- Healthy Sweet Woodruff Lemonade
Instructions
- Choose any Fun Summer Pool Party Ideas from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Fun Summer Pool Party Ideas and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.