Choose Location

10 great snack ideas for the pool

Something almost everyone looks forward to at pool parties is the food. But, the odds are against you – the host. You have to make snacks that are light enough to enjoy between swims, but that won't wilt in the sun. If you're fresh out of ideas, here are 10 great snacks for pool time. 

1. Shrimp skewers
Stir-fry, saute or grill shrimp the day before the party. Cook up some fresh green beans, red peppers and asparagus in some lemon juice and garlic. Put all of the items on skewers and voila. It's inexpensive, but it doesn't look cheap. 

2. Fruit kebabs
Why not make one tray of shrimp skewers, and another of fruit kebabs? Simply dice up your favorite treats: grapes, watermelon, raspberries and pineapple. Avoid using any options that brown easily, like apples or avocados. Keep this snack in the fridge until you're ready to serve it. 

3. Flip-flop cookies
Who says making party food has to be a chore? In no time at all, you can look prepared and put together. Pick up a few packages of your favorite oval-shaped cookies. Then, use frosting to draw lines on each one to look like flip-flop straps. They're adorable and quick. 

4. Beach pail trail mix
Most people who like to cook would agree that how you serve the food is almost as important as how it tastes. Go for an aesthetically-pleasing display. Grab a few brand new beach pails and fill them with raisins, pretzels, cereal, nuts and other bite-sized snacks that won't melt. Put an unused shovel inside the bucket and let your guests scoop out their own servings.

5. Bears at the beach
Your friends might not want to eat this snack because it's so cute. Thanks to The Chickabug Blog, this treat is easy to make. Fill plastic cups about two-thirds of the way with blue Jell-O, and the rest of the way with white custard. Once it's ready, place a few gummy bears on top and stick a drink umbrella in the cup. It'll look like the bears are relaxing in the sun

6. Fancy peanut butter sandwiches
Skip the jelly and instead make your PB&Js with fresh fruit. Leave the open-face sandwiches on a platter so everyone can pick whether they want strawberries or blueberries. 

7. Mini chips and dip
Every party needs this classic snack, but it's so overdone. Be more original with this suggestion, courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything blog. In mini plastic cups layer sour cream, diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, guacamole, taco seasoning, refried beans, sliced onions and olives. Stick one or several tortilla chips in the top of each cup, and they're ready to go!

8. Homemade veggie chips
They're healthy and delicious. Roast a tray or two of green beans, sweet potatoes and thinly sliced zucchini, all doused in olive oil and salt. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes when you're ready to serve them. 

9. Lettuce wraps
Again, this snack should be kept in the fridge and out of the sun, as lettuce wilts quickly. Place chicken salad, tuna fish and anything you'd like in large folds of romaine lettuce. Leave them open or secure each one with a toothpick.

10. Fish and chips
Perfect for a kid's party, this play on fish and chips was recommended by Chronicles of a Knaptime Knitter blog. Pour potato chips and cheddar Goldfish into a giant bowl and stick a sign in it that reads "Fish and Chips." Most little ones will love this simple snack.

Don't forget to have your pool cleaned and inspected before and after the party. All of those yummy treats might get in the water. Call Fort Worth, San Diego or Phoenix pool service professionals if you need assistance.