Hot summer weather means long, lazy days lounging by the pool. Whether you’re relaxing in the sun with girlfriends or hosting a more formal poolside affair, here are 10 light, refreshing and easy-to-make recipes perfect for any poolside party.
1. Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers
Source: The Comfort of Cooking
Juicy melon, salty prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella together on a stick? Yes, please! These skewers require zero cooking and look beautiful on a platter. What could be better than that?
2. Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Source: Gimme Some Oven
If you can boil water, you can make this beautiful salad. With only five ingredients and no mayo, this salad will fill you up without filling you out.
3. Rainbow Chicken Salad
Source: Pinch of Yum
For an effortless poolside meal, make this salad in advance and toss with the dressing right before serving. The fresh fruit and tangy feta make a great combination and the honey mustard dressing is nothing short of addictive.
4. Coconut-Rhubarb Creamsicles
Source: Not Without Salt
Creamsicles. Really, what more needs to be said? When it’s blazing hot outside these cold, creamy, tropical inspired frozen treats will have you feeling cooled and refreshed in no time at all.
5. Mango Salsa
Source: Cookie and Kate
Fresh mango brings a sweet, fresh note to traditional salsa. If you’re feeling a little fancy, serve on top of grilled fish tacos or keep it simple and pair with chips, guacamole and, obviously, frozen margaritas.
6. Honey Mint Mojitos
Source: The Roasted Root
Traditionally, mojitos are made with sugar but this recipe substitutes honey—it is delightful! You can make a large pitcher to share or ask friends to make their own according to taste in alcohol strength and sweetness.
7. Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Source: Gimme Some Oven
Fire up the grill and make these stunning rainbow veggie skewers. This recipe uses peppers, tomatoes, zucchini and purple potatoes, but you can use most any veggie you have on hand. And really, doesn’t everything taste better on a stick?
8. Cucumber Avocado and Feta Salad
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
You need only five ingredients and five minutes to make this simple, fresh salad. Crisp cucumbers, salty feta, and creamy avocados are perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day.
9. Crispy Jamaican Jerk Salmon Salad
Source: The Roasted Root
Spiced salmon on a bed of mixed greens with fresh berries and a mango basil dressing would be wonderful any time of year, but it’s just perfect on a steamy summer night.
10. M&M Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Source: Sally’s Baking Addiction
Last but not least, what would a poolside party be without ice cream? And don’t worry about the ice cream melting in the sun—these ice cream cookie sandwiches won’t last long enough to melt!
