Instead of being stuck in the kitchen, pool party season is all about being in the pool! These eighteen effortless, fun pool party recipes are designed to be made, served, and enjoyed in a matter of minutes so you can just set it and forget it while you dive in and enjoy your own party! Most of these recipes come together in a matter of minutes.
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1) Caprese Skewers
All the charm of a caprese salad, ready and easy for you to grab and go.
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Ingredients
Method
- Thread a tomato, a folded basil leaf and a mozzarella ball onto each small skewer, then repeat.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and serve chilled.
Notes
2) Watermelon Feta Bites
It is sweet, salty, and super refreshing. You’ll want a whole tray to yourself!
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the watermelon into even bite-sized cubes and pat dry.
- Top each cube with a small cube of feta and a mint leaf, securing with a pick.
- Whisk the lime juice and honey together.
- Drizzle the lime-honey over the bites just before serving.
Notes
3) Guacamole with Blue Corn Chips
Our creamy, zesty guac is always a hit! It'll be gone in seconds!
Ingredients
Method
- Mash the avocados in a bowl, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the lime juice, red onion, cilantro and jalapeno.
- Season with salt and taste, adjusting lime as needed.
- Press plastic wrap onto the surface to keep it green, then serve with blue corn chips.
Notes
4) Mango Salsa with Pineapple
Sunshine in a bowl! Super tasty and tropical!
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the mango and pineapple into small, even pieces.
- Combine with the red onion, cilantro and jalapeno in a bowl.
- Stir in the lime juice and salt.
- Chill 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve with chips.
Notes
5) Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
The traditional sweet and salty combination that always seems a little bit fancier.
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the cantaloupe into 12 thin, peeled wedges.
- Tuck a basil leaf against each wedge and wrap with a slice of prosciutto.
- Arrange on a platter and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Finish with a crack of black pepper and serve chilled.
Notes
6) Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp with zippy sauce is a great option for a poolside party.
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water with the lemon halves to a boil.
- Add the shrimp and poach 2 to 3 minutes until pink and just cooked.
- Drain and plunge the shrimp into ice water to chill, then pat dry.
- Stir together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and hot sauce for the sauce.
- Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce over ice and serve.
Notes
7) Mini Lobster Rolls
Small, buttery rolls take you back to those coastal pool days!
Ingredients
Method
Notes
8) Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
These beautiful little swirls appear to be very complicated, but take only minutes to roll up.
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Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with dill, lemon juice and capers until smooth.
- Spread an even layer over each tortilla.
- Lay smoked salmon over the cream cheese, covering the surface.
- Roll each tortilla up tightly and chill 30 minutes.
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange cut-side up on a platter.
Notes
9) Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Little bursts of gentely creamy and herby delights all wrapped up in one neat little package.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the tops off the cherry tomatoes and scoop out the seeds.
- Set them upside down on a paper towel to drain.
- Beat the cream cheese with chives, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Pipe or spoon the filling into each hollowed tomato.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
10) Cucumber Herb Sandwiches
Refreshing and light, these are perfect for sipping lemonade by the water.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with dill, chives and salt.
- Spread the herb cream cheese over all the bread slices.
- Layer thin cucumber slices over half the slices.
- Top with the remaining bread and press gently.
- Trim the crusts and cut into triangles or fingers.
Notes
11) Tropical Fruit Kabobs
A stick with a rainbow at the end is something that children and adults alike go crazy over.
Ingredients
Method
Notes
12) Hummus with Veggie Sticks
The easy-to-make and everyone loves it, keeps people munching away happily.
Ingredients
Method
- Blend the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin and salt until smooth.
- Drizzle in 2 tablespoons olive oil and a splash of water until creamy.
- Taste and adjust the lemon and salt.
- Spoon into a bowl and swirl the remaining olive oil on top.
- Surround with carrot, cucumber and pepper sticks for dipping.
Notes
13) Avocado Deviled Eggs
A picnic classic that everyone fights over, but this one has a creamy green twist.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil; cook 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cool the eggs in ice water, then peel and halve them.
- Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash with the avocado, lime juice, mayo, cilantro and salt.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
- Dust with paprika and serve chilled.
Notes
14) Grapes and Cheese Kebabs
One of the most simple two-bite snacks that gives the impression that you put in more effort.
Ingredients
Method
Notes
15) Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Crispy toasts stacked with fresh tomato-basil toppings.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, brush the baguette slices with olive oil, and toast 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
- Combine the diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic and remaining olive oil in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper and let it sit 10 minutes.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread just before serving.
Notes
16) Mini Caprese Pizzas
These mini pizzas are perfect for tiny hands! They include all the fresh flavors of caprese.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and arrange the rounds on a baking sheet.
- Spread a spoonful of marinara over each round.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and top with cherry tomato halves.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
17) Grilled Zucchini Rolls
Grilled ribbons with a smoky taste paired with a creamy and herby filling.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin ribbons and brush with olive oil.
- Grill the ribbons 1 to 2 minutes per side until tender and marked, then cool.
- Mix the goat cheese with basil, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of the cheese over each zucchini ribbon.
- Roll up each ribbon and secure with a small pick.
Notes
18) Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups
These crispy little cups filled with a warm and savory filling disappear quickly!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and set the phyllo cups on a baking sheet.
- Saute the spinach and garlic in olive oil until wilted, then cool slightly.
- Stir in the feta, egg, salt and pepper.
- Spoon the filling into each phyllo cup.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes until set and the cups are golden, then serve warm.
