Splash into summer with recipes perfect for a pool party or picnic at the beach—from fun ice cream treats and decorated cookies to easy grilled pizza, fruit salads and refreshing drinks.
41 Recipes to Make for Summer Pool Parties
Summer Dessert Pizza
My family enjoys this dessert pizza recipe anytime of the year, but it’s especially refreshing during the hot months. You can use whatever fruits are in season. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Start off with these easy summer appetizers.
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Tropical Island Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The marinade makes a savory statement in this all-time-favorite chicken recipe that I served at our son's pirate-themed birthday party. It smelled so good on the grill that guests could hardly wait to try a piece! —Sharon Hanson, Franklin, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 296 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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Summertime Fun Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Use this basic sugar cookie recipe to make the perfect poolside treat. Kids (and adults) won't be able to get enough. —Coleen Walter, Bancroft, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 174 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
4/41
Maryland Corn Pops
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn pop: 164 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/41
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 119 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
6/41
Hot Dog Sliders
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can’t eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider (calculated without toppings): 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Coconut-Rum Cake Pops
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Plan your own tropical escape with these surprisingly light-tasting pops. Angel food cake is a nice change of pace.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake pop: 188 calories, 8g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/41
Summer Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
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Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sausage with 1 cup vegetables: 362 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
10/41
Summer Celebration Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to make my youngest son an ice cream cake one year for his summer birthday, as he prefers ice cream to the traditional cake. He picked the flavors and I decided to try my favorite brownie recipe as a crust. It worked! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 505 calories, 24g fat (14g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
11/41
Summer Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe to show appreciation to all the teachers at my son’s school. The dish had to be as special as the teachers, who always go the extra mile for their students. I think this salad did the trick! It's hearty, earthy, sweet and loaded with nothing but good stuff. —Ramya Ramamurthy, Fremont, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 269 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
12/41
Refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes two gallons, so it’s a sensible thirst-quenching choice for a springtime party when you have a medium-size crowd. It freezes well, making it a timesaver for party prep. —Arlana Hendricks Manchester, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 108 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/41
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 104 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/41
Summer Splash Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh healthy chicken salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture with 1 cup lettuce and 1 tablespoon pistachios: 262 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Jersey-Style Hot Dogs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (10 cups potato mixture)
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 453 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1261mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
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Mini S’mores
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 145 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/41
Pomegranate Splash Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with about 4-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette: 164 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
18/41
Peach Crisp Parfait Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My little ones love fruit crisps and ice pops. I created a healthy and delicious treat that combines the two. For a sweet addition, use cinnamon sticks in place of the wooden pop sticks. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 167 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat-free milk.
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Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 pints of concentrate (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 319 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (78g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/41
Glazed Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
21/41
Strawberry Corn Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes art in a bowl! All the colors of summer are captured in this salsa with a fresh, light flavor perfect for snacking between swims or to kick off a backyard barbecue. This can be served with chips or alone as a side dish. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 49 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Shrimp Sandwich
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway, where we got to eat incredible shrimp sandwiches like these. The crustier the bread, the better. —Monica Kolva, Millville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without lettuce and tomato): 534 calories, 31g fat (6g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
23/41
Pina Colada Molded Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 331 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
24/41
Mojito Slush
Total Time
30 min
Servings
13 servings (about 2 quarts slush mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 278 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
25/41
Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 306 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1203mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
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Watermelon Shark
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Take a bite out of summer boredom with this kid-friendly food project. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without candies): 129 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit, 1/2 starch.
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Crispy Barbecue Chicken Tenders
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These crunch-coated chicken tenders are a little sweet, a little tangy and a whole lot of fun. In half an hour, your family's new favorite dish is ready to eat. When I have extra time, I roast garlic and add it to the sauce. —Andreann Geise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons sauce: 411 calories, 27g fat (6g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
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Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
P.S. Speaking of going to the beach, check out these beach games to get all ages in on the fun during your summer adventures.
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Watermelon Mint Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this refreshing fruit salad one sultry afternoon while my friends were gathered around my pool. It was quick to prepare and disappeared from their plates even quicker. The kids loved it too! —Antoinette DuBeck, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit.
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Coconut Tres Leches Cupcakes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Three types of milk wonderfully moisten these cupcakes. Toasted coconut on top adds an elegant touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 342 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Strawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
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Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 kabobs (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons sauce: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Frosty Watermelon Ice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
34/41
Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grilled cheese sandwich combines chicken with sweet caramelized onions, red peppers, Swiss cheese and sourdough bread. It’s oh-my goodness. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 675 calories, 36g fat (12g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1189mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
35/41
S'mookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
S'mores are one of my favorite desserts. I wanted to create a cookie to replace the graham cracker—that's when my s'mookie was born. Just as delicious as the classic.—Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, California
36/41
Cashew-Curry Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I fell hard for the curried chicken salad from our grocery store deli, and I knew I could find a way to make something similar. This greek yogurt chicken salad has become one of our favorites to take on trips to the beach. —Janine Cooper-Moren, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 287 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
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Sand Dollar Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Before the military relocated our family, my children had never lived near the ocean. I came up with this special treat with a beach theme—it made our move even more fun!—Michelle Duncan of Callaway, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 240 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Orange Juice Spritzer
Total Time
5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet, and it's refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Pulled Pork Sliders
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our favorite pulled pork recipes combines the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these sliders a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 265 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
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Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 250 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
