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Memorial Day is right around the corner and we are about to officially kick off summer! There is no better way to soak in the rays than by sitting poolside, beachside, in a boat or in a backyard with absolutely delicious food and tasty treats to share with friends and family. Today I am sharing a compilation of my favorite summer party food ideas for 2024! 

Summer party food ideas

Whether you are hosting a crowd or just needing to bring a quick and easy dish to the party, you’ll want hassle free (and mostly oven-free) dishes that will keep your house cool and save you time so you can enjoy this busy fun season!

From tasty chicken sliders, unique pasta salads, cookie bars, s’mores themed treats, and much more, you’ll find so many recipes to love in this list of summer party food favorites!

Patriotic Poke Cake

This Patriotic Poke Cake is the ideal dessert to celebrate Independence Day. Not only does it look amazing with the American Flag colors on it, but it tastes just as good. There are many desserts out there that you can make for this particular day, but this one will stand out.
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Fritos Chili Cheese Salad 

Frito Corn Salad is out of this world delicious. Using just a few simple ingredients, you will have a crispy, crunchy and creamy salad that is impossible not to binge eat. Whether you’re serving it for Memorial weekend, July 4th, or just a cookout – this Fritos Chili Cheese salad is an amazing summer party food ideas that everyone will adore.

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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a creamy, crunchy, tangy pasta salad that’s a wonderful variation from the standard pasta and macaroni salads. The dill pickle flavor really knocks the salad outta the ball park.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Tender pan-seared chicken smothered in a homemade garlic parmesan sauce then topped with melty cheese and added to toasted King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls along with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo. f you love chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls, you will adore these garlic parmesan chicken sliders!
Chicken Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
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Peach Upside Down Cakes

These super moist and tender peach upside down mini cakes are bursting with peaches in every bite. Easy to make, this recipe is a keeper for that indulgent peach season!
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Club Sandwich Sliders

Perfect for a pool party, these little guys have turkey, ham, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, and avocado.  I also brushed the sliced rolls with a garlic butter before toasting them until golden brown. One of our favorite summer party food ideas!
summer party food ideas
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Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches (No-Churn)

These homemade oreo ice cream sandwiches are easy to make and one of our favorite sweet summer party food ideas. They’re made with a two-ingredient oreo crust with a creamy no-churn oreo ice cream filling.
summer party food ideas
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Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders

If you’re looking for one of the most ultimate summer party food ideas, look no further than these tender blackened chicken sliders that are topped with tangy pickles, crunchy lettuce and Alabama white barbecue sauce. 
Alabama White Chicken Sliders
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Fudge Striped Cookie S’mores have the perfect balance of cookie, marshmallow and chocolate! Make these s’mores in the oven, microwave or around the campfire!
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Pineapple Mango Rum Punch

Pineapple mango rum punch is a special recipe that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. This recipe is super easy to make, and perfect for parties and entertaining. After one sip of this refreshing and truly delicious drink, your taste buds will be begging for more. This rum punch can be made one glass at a time or by the pitcher.
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Oreo Truffle Stuffed Strawberries

These sweet summer party food treats are a must! Made with only four ingredients, these Oreo Truffle-Stuffed Strawberries are absolutely insanely amazing! You’ll love how easy these addictive bites are.
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Pizza Pasta Salad 

Rotini pasta is mixed with spicy pepperoni, lots of veggies, creamy mozzarella & fresh basil then tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing! This is the BEST pizza pasta salad and one of your new favorite summer party food ideas.

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Chicken Grilled Cheese Bites

Using pre-made fried chicken tenders for ease, we roll them up with cheese in buttery Texas toast and pan toast them until cheddar cheese is gooey and melted and the butter-kissed bread is toasted golden brown. Then just slice them up and serve with delicious homemade burger dipping sauce. 
Crispy Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Peanut Butter Cheesecake Dip

So easy to make, this peanut butter cheesecake dip is loaded with a strong peanut butter flavor, thick creamy and fluffy texture and topped off with chocolate chips, Reese’s cups and Reese’s pieces.       

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Dip
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summer party food ideas

Creamy Pasta Salad 

This old school creamy pasta salad is loaded with peas, crispy bacon, and noodles, all covered in a smooth and creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any dinner, potluck, or barbecue and of course, perfect in our lineup of summer party food ideas!
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Pool Party Jello Shots

Pool Party Jello Shots are a fun way to unwind by the water this summer simply by swapping out your cooler filled with cans and serving these adorable, alcohol-infused sweet treats. This vodka jello shot recipe is so quick and easy to make using only fruit-flavored jello, vodka, water, and the cutest combination of candy.
summer party food ideas
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Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Loaded with Chicken, crunchy vegetables, bacon and tender pasta with a light sauce, this dish is so tasty and gives a variety of textures. When it comes to sharing food at Potlucks, this is a dish that everyone is going to like. It has a variety of flavors, tomatoes, green peppers, chicken, bacon as well as others. To save some calories, you can use a low-fat mayonnaise or change it up for a Greek Yogurt in place of the mayonnaise.
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Frozen S’mores 

Frozen s’mores are a refreshing frozen treat made with a combination of chocolate pudding, whipped topping, cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff layered between graham crackers!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Looking to steal the spotlight at your next summer cookout? These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are the perfect party appetizer  or beach food as they are just as good chilled as they are warm. They’re bound to be one of the best handheld chicken dishes you’ve ever had!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
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Patriotic (Kid-Friendly) Punch

I’m so excited to share this super fun patriotic punch with you today– perfect for your backyard holiday barbecues or pool parties this summer!!
summer party food ideas
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S’mores Campfire Nachos

Create campfire S’mores Nachos on your next camping trip. These dessert nachos can also be made on the grill or in the oven at home.
summer party food ideas

summer party food ideas

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with roasted corn, Cotija and cheddar, creamy dressing and jalapeños for a kick of heat. This is a new side dish you can bring to a potluck or picnic. If there’s one new pasta salad to try this summer, this is it ⬇️
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These patriotic sugar cookie bars are a delicious and easy recipe to make Memorial Day, Labor Day, and even any of your 4th of July celebrations. They are made with a buttery vanilla sugar cookie base and topped with a creamy buttercream frosting and red white and blue sprinkles.
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Crack Corn Salad

Check out this summer party food idea, Crack Corn Salad is crunchy, creamy, sweet, sour, and savory all at the same time! Make it with fresh or frozen corn, Ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese. This summer salad is ready to serve in just about 15 minutes. Make this quick side dish for your cookouts this summer!
summer party food ideas
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Honey Mustard Chicken BLT Sliders

These blackened chicken BLT sliders with golden honey mustard are the perfect handheld snack for gatherings, game day parties, cookouts, pool side, you name it! These are a crowd favorite and super easy to make.
Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
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Southern Macaroni Salad

The Best Ever Macaroni Salad is a potluck, cookout and party staple! Tender pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, eggs and a tangy dressing, it’s one folks will keep coming back for more!
summer party food ideas
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Jalapeno Popper Pigs In A Blanket

Jalapeno popper pigs in a blanket combine the classic jalapeno popper appetizer recipe and little smokies in a delicious and spicy snack perfect for parties, potlucks, family gatherings, and, of course, game day!
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