Summer is in full swing, which means endless pool days! Whether you’re lounging on a pool float, reading under an umbrella, or hosting a poolside party with friends, having tasty snacks on hand can make the day unforgettable. The perfect summer snacks should be easy to grab, refreshing, and shareable, so we’ve gathered some of the best poolside eats to bring with you next time you’re headed to the water.
Pool Dip
Pool dip is a trending summertime favorite! The mix is super simple, ultra-creamy, and customizable dip made for snacking in the sun.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. dry ranch dressing mix (from 1 [1-oz.] envelope)
- 1/2 cup frozen unseasoned fire-roasted corn, thawed, plus more for garnish (from 1 [12-oz.] pkg.)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, plus more for garnish (from 1 [8-oz.] bell pepper)
- 1 (4-oz.) can mild chopped green chiles, drained
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1/8 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp. chili powder
- 1/8 tsp. ground cumin
Whether you serve it with crunchy chips or fresh veggies, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Frozen Grapes
Simple, sweet, and seriously refreshing—frozen grapes are the ultimate poolside snack. They’re naturally juicy, bite-sized, and taste like little pops of sorbet. Best of all, they take minimal effort and are perfect to keep on hand for a pool day.
How to Make Them:
- Rinse: Rinse your grapes with cold water for about 30 seconds, gently rubbing as you go. (Grapes are part of the “Dirty Dozen,” so this helps wash away bacteria and pesticides.)
- Sort & Prep: Pick out any mushy or broken grapes, then carefully pull the good ones off the stems.
- Bag & Freeze: Toss the clean grapes into a Ziploc bag or freezer-safe container.
- Chill: Pop them in the freezer overnight (or at least 8 hours) until they’re firm and frosty.
Serve straight from the freezer for a crisp, cooling treat that’s perfect for hot days by the water. Bonus tip: try mixing green and red grapes for extra flavor and color!
Mini Sandwich Sliders
Who doesn’t love a sandwich by the pool? Regular sandwiches are a classic, but they tend to get messy and soggy fast. Instead, we suggest trying mini sliders! Use Hawaiian rolls in place of sliced bread and make your sandwich into any variation: ham and cheese, turkey with cucumber and cream cheese, or even a simple PB&J. The possibilities are endless, and the mess is nonexistent.
Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
For a protein-packed snack that’s easy to eat by the pool, turkey and cheese roll-ups are a perfect choice. Simply take slices of deli turkey and layer them with your favorite cheese, like cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella. To add some crunch, layer with fresh lettuce, then add a smear of creamy avocado or mustard for extra flavor. Roll them up tight and slice into bite-sized pieces! These energizing bites are great for a long day of swimming and sunshine.
Savory Popcorn
If you want a light, crunchy snack that’s easy to munch on between dips in the pool, savory popcorn is a fantastic choice. Skip the sweet stuff and go for flavors like garlic parmesan, spicy chili lime, or classic herb and sea salt. You can even make your own by tossing freshly popped popcorn with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. It’s a low-calorie snack that’s shareable and perfect for snacking! If you’re having a poolside party, try serving this snack in classic popcorn cups!
Cowboy Caviar
Looking for a fresh, colorful dip to bring poolside? Cowboy Caviar is the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and summer vibes. This chunky salsa-style dip is loaded with black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a flavorful homemade dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1½ cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1½ cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- ¾ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 avocado (optional, add just before serving)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar or lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–1½ tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the beans, corn, chopped veggies, and cilantro. Hold off on the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh and green.
In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well blended. Pour over the bean and veggie mixture, toss to coat, and taste for seasoning. Add more vinegar for tang or olive oil for richness if needed.
The best part is that this dish is super versatile, so you can serve it with tortilla chips, spoon it over greens for a salad, or eat it straight from the bowl!
Classic Guacamole
No pool party is complete without a bowl of fresh guac! This crowd-pleaser is creamy, zesty, and has just the right kick. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect dip to enjoy between swims. Bonus: it pairs perfectly with chilled drinks and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados, pitted
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup finely chopped white or red onion
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the avocados, jalapeño, cilantro, onion, lime juice, and salt. Using a fork, gently mash and mix while turning the bowl—this helps keep a chunky texture instead of turning it into mush. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are fresh, simple, and full of flavor, bringing all the vibes of a summer appetizer with none of the mess or work. These are great to assemble ahead and keep in a cooler until ready to eat!
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt & pepper
- Balsamic glaze or olive oil
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions:
Alternate a tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball on each toothpick. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze or a little olive oil for that classic Caprese taste in one perfect bite.
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Frozen yogurt bark is a sweet, creamy snack that’s fun to make and eat. It’s very customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings, and it looks beautiful on a party spread by the pool!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ cup sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup granola
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, stir together yogurt and honey. Spread the yogurt evenly over the baking sheet, about ½-inch thick. Sprinkle fruit, granola, and chocolate chips on top. Freeze for 4–6 hours or overnight, then break into pieces. Store in a cooler until ready to serve and eat poolside.
Chilled Pasta Salad Cups
Pasta salad is always a fan-favorite at summer gatherings, and serving it in individual cups makes it poolside-friendly, mess-free, and easy to enjoy while lounging in the sun.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Mini cups or bowls, for serving
Instructions:
Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl until well mixed. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the pasta salad into small plastic cups for easy, single-serve portions. Chill until ready to serve and enjoy cold!
No pool day is complete without the right snacks. Whether you’re spending the afternoon reading in the sun or hosting a get-together with friends, having food that’s easy to grab and enjoy makes things more relaxing and fun. From frozen grapes to mini sliders and savory popcorn, these options are low-effort, super portable, and great for sharing. Pack a few of these next time you head to the water!
