15 Best Pool Party Snacks

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Ranch dressing locks in the moisture and adds zesty flavor to these fun-to-eat sticks of juicy chicken, kissed with smoke from the grill. Served hot or cold, it's a fast and easy pool snack.

Fish Tacos

"I'm from San Diego and these taste just like home!" vouches BREESE823. Served with homemade pico de gallo and lime wedges squeezed on top, these Baja-style tacos are bound to bring a sunny SoCal vibe to the pool party, no matter where you live. Plus, the tortilla shells keep soggy hands from ruining the tasty fillings.

Sue's Baba Ghanoush

Why default to grazing on that omnipresent chickpea dip (hummus) when you can just as easily throw together its equally delicious, eggplant-based cousin, baba ghanoush? All the creamy veggie needs is a spin in the microwave to get it succulently soft, and ready to blitz in a blender with nutty tahini, minced garlic, fruity olive oil, and a spritz of fresh lemon.

• Browse all of our Dips and Spreads.

Balsamic Bruschetta

The vibrant toast topping of plum tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and sweet/sour balsamic actually tastes best if it sits for a couple of hours before serving. Sounds like the perfect make-ahead pool snack for a laid back day at the water.

Ajo Blanco con Uvas

Soup in the summer? Absolutely, especially if it's this chilled white take on gazpacho. "This is a cold garlicky soup. In fact it is never cooked at all!" says Day-Star. "In Spain they use fresh almonds, just out of their shells, so the taste will be different than the soup you had in Spain unless, of course, you have access to fresh almonds. You can also substitute melon for the green grapes."

• 10 Refreshing Cold Soups To Chill Out Your Sizzling Summer

Prosciutto e Melone (Italian Ham and Melon)

If you were to simmer down the essence of summer into a single bite, this elegant Italian appetizer could well be it. But since it highly depends on the quality of ingredients, be sure to use the most fragrant cantaloupe you can find, along with good, cured Parma ham.

City Ceviche

LADYJANE1 turns to her favorite recipe for tangy seafood ceviche in summer temps. "The true way to 'cook' the fish is to marinate it in citrus juice overnight, but I find that the poaching process is faster and an easy way to judge if it is indeed cooked," she advises. "I often buy precooked shrimp (but NOT frozen!) and just poach the scallops. Best when served with cold beer and fresh limes. And using quality and sturdy tortilla chips is essential!"

Sesame Noodle Salad

Wonderful at just about any temperature, this lettuce and mayo-free salad won't wilt or go bad if left to sit in the sun. And it won't weigh you down either, making it the perfect light lunch for enjoying while out at the pool.

• 10 Cold Noodle Bowls for Refreshing Summer Dinners

Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Aioli

"You'll notice a glaring lack of ingredients in this recipe," said Chef John. "Thanks to the intensely flavored cured lemons, the aioli sauce needs little more than some fresh tarragon to reach its full potential. Having said that, you are well within your rights to toss in some garlic or hot pepper if you're in the mood."

Grilled Bacon Jalapeno Wraps

This sports bar snack gets a poolside, summertime makeover, when wrapped in crunchy, salty bacon and thrown on the grill.

• Recipes for People Who Love Jalapeño Poppers

Avocado and Sun-Dried Tomato Spring Rolls

"Avocado and sun-dried tomatoes are like secret treasures sealed inside these marvelous spring rolls, along with other vegetables, crabmeat and chicken," enthuses contributor Louise. "This recipe is particularly exciting, because the ingredients may be adjusted or altered to taste. You may want to prepare several batches of spring rolls -- they'll go fast."

• Spring Rolls vs. Summer Rolls: What's the Difference?

Cucumber Lemonade

Lemonade is already a must-have beverage for summer. But adding rounds of crunchy cucumber contributes a spa-like element, transforming an average day at the pool into an afternoon sojourn to some posh resort.

• 16 Ways to Flavor Lemonade

Beer Margaritas

"Who would believe that beer would be the perfect solution to eradicating fluorescent green margaritas?" exclaims Big Surprise, of this ultimate, warm weather drink mashup. "Best to use not-so-micro brews to avoid an overpowering beer flavor. Use the limeade can to measure the ingredients, and adjust with extra water if the mixture seems too sweet. Straining the pulp is always a good idea, unless, of course, you like pulp!"

• Browse all of our Margarita Recipes.

Ice Pops

No need to hail down the Good Humor truck, as it doesn't get cuter than these artfully crafted pops. Instead of just freezing juice, these ice pops are made with flavored gelatin and soft drink mix. It doen't get much easier.

Dreamy Orange Cupcakes

Like a creamsicle in cupcake form, these adorable treats are packed with pure citrus flavor, and crowned with clouds of whipped topping and orange butter cream.

• Refreshing Summer Drinks to Satisfy Every Thirst

Creamy Lemonade Ice Pops

Instead of sipping your poolside lemonade, lick it! "These creamy ice pops are quick to make," writes recipe creator Yoly. "I like them on the tart side so I don't use too much sugar but feel free to adjust the sweetness level to your liking."