Perfect Poolside Snacks and Summer Charcuterie Board Ideas
It’s that wonderful time of year — the season for pool parties, beach days, and warm nights. Swimming and being outside all day makes kids hungry. So, we’re sharing practical poolside snacks and pool party charcuterie board ideas.
And as parents know all too well, with summer fun also comes the need to add more meals to your everyday menu. But it’s too nice outside to get caught up in the kitchen! That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite summer charcuterie boards and pool day snacks. These snackable trays are as picture-ready as they are tasty and easy to make.
Some of these are fairly conventional, but you can still get plenty of ideas from them. Just choose healthier / organic / junk-free versions your family likes and enjoy!
And find a refresher on how to make a great kid-friendly charcuterie board here.
Taco Bout a Board
Tacos are a classic family favorite that are quick to whip up and easy to personalize. Your kids will have fun choosing their own toppings. And you can choose to use ground chicken, traditional beef, or a meatless substitute as the main protein.
Need inspiration on how to arrange your taco board? Find all the elements plus a great video on how to pull them together at The Baker Mama.
We also love this Easy Taco Recipe Board from Reluctant Entertainer.
Fruit & Berry Kebabs
Fruit and berries make an easy, healthy summer snack. While our berry salad with Greek yogurt is a summertime favorite, skewers help keep outdoor snacking less messy.
You can make these delightful fruit and berry kebabs by Emily Enchanted in advance. Or you can have all the elements ready and let kids create their own for a picnic or pool party. Just be careful with the sticks!
Caprese Pool Day Snacks
A simplified take on the summer charcuterie board, we love these Caprese Skewers from Whole Lotta Yum because they are simple to make, easy to eat by the pool, and still manage to look like you’ve put some effort in — but with no cook-time required.
Mini Burger Board
When you think “pool day snack”, you want something that’s easy to eat and manage while being outside. A pretty platter of mini sliders will be a crowd pleaser that can be eaten without a lot of fuss—you might not even need a plate, mini cocktail napkins can do the trick!
Try this Slider Burger Board from Kelly Nan. Customize it with any type of meat or meat-free protein your family likes.
As with any pool party charcuterie board, there are plenty of ways to keep your summer gathering low waste and eco-friendly. And if you need the perfect board to serve it, try the round one from Cailini Coastal’s limited edition navy and white set.
Ice Cream Truck Tray (but add some fruits & berries)
Ok, this one is very conventional, but it’s great for inspiration. Make it healthy by choosing grass-fed dairy or coconut ice cream with fresh strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and blackberries.
Nothing says summer like a nice cold tray of all of your favorite ice cream choices. Keep everyone cool and happy with a Build Your Own Ice Cream Sundae board like this one from The Baker Mama. With the help of a little ice, you can keep your cones and pops from melting. The ice also adds some visual dimension to your pool day snack platter.
S’mores Board
A classic summertime favorite, we love this DIY S’mores Dessert Board from Number 2 Pencil. You can mix up the classic pool day snack by using dark chocolate and healthier graham crackers.
Classic Chips and Dips
It’s almost impossible to go through a summer without indulging in a little a chip and dip fun! You’ll be able to please everyone by incorporating various kinds of chips and complementary dips. You can also make your own if you want to keep processed foods to a minimum. Try out The Baker Mama‘s Homemade Chips and Dips recipe.
Backyard Lemonade Bar
You can keep this lemonade stand in your backyard, no cash required — that is unless you want to setup a tip jar for yourself! A Self Serve Lemonade Bar like this one from Alex Daynes is simple to set up and even easier to use, and it certainly looks cute!
Hungry for more summer charcuterie board ideas, check out these summer snack boards! Have some favorite poolside snacks we’ve missed? Tell us your faves in the comments!
