Splash Into Flavor: Pool Party Food Ideas
Who doesn't love spending a day poolside in the summer? The warm sun, refreshing water, and your favorite people create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable pool party. But all that diving and swimming works up an appetite.
If you’re planning the fiesta, you’ve got to ensure there’s enough fuel on hand to keep the fun going! Whether planning a casual get-together or a full-blown celebration, here are some easy and delicious pool party food ideas to keep your guests happy and satisfied.
Chill Out, Grill Out
Grilling is synonymous with summer celebration. The smoky aroma, the sizzle of meat on the grill, and the casual, relaxed vibe of a BBQ make it a perfect match for your poolside party. Grilling not only provides a variety of food options but also allows guests to enjoy the process and mingle while their meal is being prepared. Here are some of our favorite grill-out pool food options.
1. The Classics: Burgers, Brats, and ‘Dogs
When you think of food for a pool party, you probably think of these cookout staples: burgers, brats, and hot dogs. Why not fire up the grill and let the enticing aroma of sizzling summer classics fill the air?
Create an assembly-line setup with toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, cheese, and other condiments. That way, your pool party guests can customize their burgers and hot dogs to their liking. Don't forget to include vegetarian options like veggie burgers and grilled portobello mushrooms for those who prefer to keep it plant-based.
2. Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are a great finger food option that can be easily eaten without utensils. Marinate chicken pieces in a flavorful marinade (barbecue, spice, or even a zesty pineapple). Then, thread them onto skewers and grill until cooked. Serve with a side of dipping sauces for extra flavor.
3. Mini Sliders
Mini sliders are a fun and easy-to-eat option for pool parties – and a great way to ensure you’ve got small portion sizes on hand for little ones. Offer a variety of sliders, such as classic beef, pulled pork, and grilled chicken. These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for snacking and can be customized with different toppings and sauces.
Dive Into Deli-Style Dining
For a more laid-back vibe, you can’t go wrong with deli-style dining. This approach allows guests to graze as they please, picking up a sandwich or wrap when hunger strikes. It’s an easy, no-fuss option perfect for hot days by the pool.
4. Sandwiches and Wraps
Sandwiches and wraps are another solid, easy pool party food idea. Deli-style dining is easy to prep – and easy to eat. You can prepare sandwiches beforehand with different fillings, such as turkey and avocado, ham and cheese, or a classic BLT. For a healthy pool party food option, try whole-grain wraps filled with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a light dressing. You’re well on your way to a poolside feast – bonus: no utensils needed.
5. Poolside Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a great way to incorporate healthy carbs into your pool party menu. Prepare a big bowl of pasta salad with whole-grain pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the mix. Yum.
6. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic party food. They’re a certified crowd pleaser… and easy to prepare. Want to deviate from the classic deviled egg? Add your own twist by incorporating different flavors like bacon and chive, sriracha, or avocado. Just ensure you don’t let them bake in the sun too long!
Keep It Light & Healthy
As the temperature rises, it's important to keep your guests refreshed with light and healthy options. Providing fresh fruits, vegetables, and other hydrating snacks will not only cool your guests down but also keep the energy up for more fun in the pool.
7. Fruit Platters
On a hot summer day, nothing is more refreshing than a platter of fresh fruit. Arrange a colorful assortment of fruits like watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, and melon. Fruit platters not only add a burst of color to your table but also provide a hydrating and healthy snack option for your guests.
8. Veggie Trays with Dips
Everyone loves a little crunch on their plate. Keep things light with a veggie tray filled with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Pair them with various dips, such as ranch, hummus, and spinach dip, for a tasty and healthy pool party snack.
9. Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a refreshing and elegant option perfect for poolside snacking. Skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. This bite-sized version of the classic Caprese salad is both beautiful and delicious.
10. Frozen Grapes
For a simple yet refreshing treat, serve frozen grapes. These icy bites are sweet, hydrating, and perfect for a hot day by the pool. Plus, they’re easy to prepare in advance — just pop them in the freezer, and they’re ready to go.
Graze in the Sun Rays
Sometimes, you only need a quick pool party snack to keep the hunger at bay. Set up a grazing station with various snacks guests can enjoy throughout the day. This allows everyone to nibble as they please without interrupting the flow of the party.
11. Chips and Dips
No party is complete without chips and dips. Offer a variety of chips, including potato chips, tortilla chips, pita chips, and veggie chips, along with a selection of dips like guacamole, salsa, hummus, and queso. These snacks are easy to munch on and perfect for a poolside gathering.
12. Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
Want a show-stopping pool party food display? Break out the cheese and crackers. Create a cheese and charcuterie board with sliced cheeses, cured meats, nuts, fruits, and crackers. This elegant snack option adds a touch of sophistication to your pool party and provides a delicious variety for your guests to graze on as they please.
13. Popcorn Bar
Set up a popcorn bar with different flavors and toppings for a fun and interactive snack station. Offer classic buttered popcorn, as well as unique flavors like cheddar, caramel, and kettle corn. Provide toppings such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a sweet and salty treat.
14. Pretzel Bites
Soft pretzel bites are another great snack option. Serve them warm with various dipping sauces, such as cheese, mustard, and even a sweet cinnamon glaze. They’re easy to grab and go, making them perfect for poolside munching.
Summery Sweet Treats
No pool party is complete without a sweet treat to cap off the day. Offering a variety of desserts will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth and provide a delightful ending to your poolside feast.
15. Ice Cream
Cool down with some delicious ice cream. Set up an ice cream station with various flavors and toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fresh fruit. This will be a hit with both kids and adults, providing a sweet end to your pool party feast.
16. Cupcakes and Cookies
Need a bite-size dessert option? Why not offer an assortment of cupcakes and cookies? These treats are easy to serve and can be decorated in fun, summery themes to match the pool party vibe. Make them yourself or pick them up from your local grocery store.
17. Fruit Kabobs
Searching for a healthy kids' pool party food option? Try this spin on classic kabobs. Fruit kabobs are a fun and healthy dessert option that kids and adults will surely devour. Skewer pieces of fruit like strawberries, pineapple, melon, and grapes for a colorful and refreshing treat.
18. Popsicles
Whether homemade or store-bought, popsicles are a refreshing way to cool off poolside. For a healthy and delicious option, make your own with fruit juice, yogurt, or blended fruit.
Burrachos Pool Party Catering You Can’t Beat
Catering isn’t just for events and fundraisers. Why not cater your pool party, too? When it comes to flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing food, Burrachos has you covered on pool party catering ideas. With these delicious offerings, you can bring a taste of Mexico to your pool party that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy. And you won’t have to cook!
19. Create Your Own Taco Bar
Portable, delicious, and oh-so-nutritious. Yep, we’re talking about a taco bar from Burrachos. Set up a station with taco shells, seasoned ground beef, tender chicken, juicy carnitas, and our signature guac. Don’t forget an array of toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Plus, rice and beans on the side. This interactive setup allows guests to build their own tacos as they like. “Taco” ‘bout a good time.
20. BYO Burritos and Burrito Bowls
Burritos and burrito bowls are another fantastic option for poolside dining – they’re delicous, easy to eat, and sure to satisfy your crew. Burrachos offers a variety of options, from hearty beef burritos to veggie-packed burrito bowls. You choose the fillings, we’ll do the rest.
21. Nachos: Your Way
No Mexican feast is complete without Burrachos nachos. We’ll cater your nacho bar with layers of tortilla chips, melted cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. You can add protein options like seasoned beef, carnitas, guac, or chicken, too.
22. Chips and Queso
Round out your Burrachos favorites with a certified classic: chips and queso. Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right dash of spice, Burrachos queso is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with our crunchy tortilla chips.
Hey, it’s your pool party, and we think you should be able to enjoy it, too! That's hard to do if you're running around prepping and cooking the food. Turn to Burrachos for tasty pool party catering, including burritos, burrito bars, and taco bars. Your guests are sure to love munching on delicious Mexican food while they relax in the sun. All you’ve got to do is make the call, take the bow, and enjoy your summer party. Reach out today to price and customize your order!