Easy summer party food for a crowd! These cheap summer party food ideas include fun summer appetizers, make ahead desserts, finger foods, and bbq side dishes.
One of the best parts of any summer party is the food!
(Besides the weather and visiting with people you like, of course.)
Summer food is its own special kind of delicious, with the light and bright flavors …
… and those tasty dishes we tend to only make during the warm months.
To help you plan your celebration menu, I put together a list of the best summer party food ideas!
These amazing party foods are so fun and perfect to make for your backyard bbq, summer dinner party, outdoor potluck, or family reunion.
To give you tons of inspiration, I included recipes for:
- Summer salads and cookout side dishes
- Appetizers and finger foods (that everyone loves)
- Effortless make ahead cold dishes
- Fun summer treats and desserts
If you’re hosting, you can pair these ideas with a summer grilling main dish, and your party menu will come together in no time.
And if you’re attending a summer party as a guest, any of these crowd-pleasing recipes are sure to be a hit.
Okay, let’s dive in!
(☀️ Looking for more delicious summer recipes? Try one of these easy grilled chicken dinners, creative camping meals, simple picnic food ideas, cheap summer side dishes, or fun summer charcuterie boards!)
Easy Summer Party Food Ideas
1
Dill Pickle Dip
Photo Credit: www.flavorfuleats.com
Cool and creamy and loaded with chopped pickles, herby dill, and spices, this Dill Pickle Dip is a must-have for summer parties, BBQ’s, potlucks, and anytime you need a flavorful, easy dip for entertaining.
It’s delicious with crackers, chips, or veggies.GET THE RECIPE
2
Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
Photo Credit: ericasrecipes.com
All your favorite Mexican Street Corn flavors, delivered in deviled eggs!
Easy, elegant, and outright delicious, they’ll be the talk of your party.GET THE RECIPE
3
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Photo Credit: thecookinchicks.com
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an old-fashioned Southern, no-bake dessert that is always super popular at potlucks, picnics, BBQs, and summer parties.
Featuring a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a light cream cheese layer, and mouthwatering strawberry Jell-O topping filled with more strawberries!
Truly the perfect blend of salty and sweet!GET THE RECIPE
4
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Photo Credit: oliviaskitchen.com
Mexican Street Corn Salad is an off-the-cob version of the popular Mexican street food, Elotes.
With roasted corn, fresh vegetables and herbs, creamy mayonnaise, and Mexican-style spices is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.GET THE RECIPE
5
Fresh Peach Jalapeno Salsa
Photo Credit: mytherapistcooks.com
Delicious, refreshing homemade Tomato Peach Jalapeno Salsa!
The tomatoes, fresh or canned peaches, and jalapeno combine with lime juice for a delicious, bright flavor that is perfect on chips served next to guacamole for a fun party platter.GET THE RECIPE
6
Mediterranean Pinwheels
Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com
Mediterranean Pinwheels are the perfect finger food for your next outdoor gathering.
Tortillas are filled with hummus, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, red onion and parsley, before being rolled and cut into a crowd-pleasing bite sized appetizer.GET THE RECIPE
7
No Bake Banana Split Cake
Photo Credit: shesnotcookin.com
Banana Split Cake recipe is an irresistible and easy no bake dessert.
It combines the classic look of a banana split into a cake with sweet creamy layers of whipped cream, cream cheese and banana pudding.
The graham cracker crust is a perfect soft texture to pair with the nostalgic flavors.GET THE RECIPE
8
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: cincyshopper.com
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad comes together quickly and easily.
The flavors of deviled eggs and pasta salad come together perfectly in this recipe, making it an ideal summer party dish.GET THE RECIPE
9
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Peppers
Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com
This quick and easy appetizer has all the flavors of your favorite everything bagel with cream cheese.
With just 4 ingredients, they’re also inexpensive and healthy, but always a crowd-pleaser.GET THE RECIPE
10
Homemade Potato Chips
Photo Credit: peaktoplate.com
It’s so fun to make your own Homemade potato chips, and they are SO GOOD!
They’re flavorful, crispy, salty, and better than the store-bought version. You’ll never want to buy chips again after you try these.GET THE RECIPE
11
S’mores Icebox Cake
Photo Credit: theshortordercook.com
The ultimate summer no-bake dessert is this chocolatey, gooey, toasty, & creamy S’mores Icebox Cake.
Layers of graham crackers, marshmallows creme, & chocolate pudding are the best way to bring the s’mores-making indoors.GET THE RECIPE
12
Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese
Photo Credit: thecookinchicks.com
Outrageously cheesy, incredibly creamy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe is definitely a keeper.
Rich and creamy cheese sauce melted over tender noodles, for the ultimate in cheesy deliciousness!GET THE RECIPE
13
Old Fashioned Baked Beans
Photo Credit: www.beyondthechickencoop.com
Old Fashioned Baked Beans have a sweet and savory sauce, made with molasses, bacon, and yellow mustard.
They’re slow-baked to perfection for a rich and satisfying side dish and always a crowd favorite.GET THE RECIPE
14
Ultimate Potato Salad
Photo Credit: thecookinchicks.com
Ultimate Potato Salad is a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
Prepare for everyone to ask you for the recipe, because it might just be the best potato salad they’ve ever had.GET THE RECIPE
15
No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu
Photo Credit: cookingorgeous.com
Strawberry Tiramisu is an easy no-bake dessert made with juicy strawberries, mascarpone cheese, and ladyfinger biscuits.
With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a fantastic make-ahead party dessert that everyone will love!GET THE RECIPE
16
Watermelon Feta Salad Skewers
Photo Credit: noshingwiththenolands.com
Watermelon Feta Skewers are an amazing mix of sweet and salty! They are a perfect party appetizer for the summer months and whip up quickly.
Turn traditional watermelon feta salad into a fun snack your guests can easily eat without utensils.GET THE RECIPE
17
Italian Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com
This Italian Pasta Salad is the best classic homemade pasta salad recipe!
It takes simple ingredients like vegetables, cheese, and pepperoni, and a homemade Italian dressing and turns them into the perfect hot weather side dish.GET THE RECIPE
18
Loaded Cheeseball Bites with Apricot & Bacon
Photo Credit: homeschoolandhappiness.com
Made with Greek yogurt, these Loaded Cheeseball Bites with dried apricots and bacon are a delicious finger appetizer that won’t last long!
Serve these loaded cheese ball bites with crackers and you have an easy snack or party appetizer that everyone will enjoy.
Best of all, they take just 20 minutes to put together!GET THE RECIPE
19
Summer Party Charcuterie Board
Photo Credit: maplevinekitchen.com
Effortlessly capture summer’s laid-back charm with this vibrant Summer Party Charcuterie Board.
With a tasty combination of classic cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and an assortment of the best seasonal fruits and veggies, this colorful spread might be the most popular dish at the party.GET THE RECIPE
20
Lemon Icebox Cake
Photo Credit: savorthebest.com
There’s nothing more refreshing than a no-bake summertime dessert like this Lemon Icebox Cake.
The lemon cream filling is light, airy, and creamy. It gets layered between crisp cookies that soften up enough to slice but still give the cake a contrast in texture.GET THE RECIPE
21
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Photo Credit: www.sugarandsoul.co
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is an easy-to-make authentic Hawaiian side dish that’s cool and creamy with a tangy and subtly sweet taste!
It takes just 20 minutes of hands-on time to prep and is perfect for supper BBQ parties.GET THE RECIPE
22
Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado
Photo Credit: freshapron.com
Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado is bright, tangy and filled with fresh summer vegetables.
It’s a delicious way to serve a healthy and colorful, light side dish to a crowd.GET THE RECIPE
23
Pimento Cheese Spread
Photo Credit: www.seasonedkitchen.com
Pimento Cheese Spread is the ultimate in Southern summer comfort food.
A zesty blend of two sharp cheddar cheeses, tangy pimentos, mayo and just the right amount of spice, this dip will elevate your taste buds to the next level.GET THE RECIPE
24
Rainbow Veggie Skewers
Photo Credit: twohealthykitchens.com
Turn the classic, somewhat boring veggie tray concept on its head by creating these beautiful Rainbow Kabobs.
Serve with hummus and your favorite veggie dip, and watch everyone have so much fun munching!GET THE RECIPE
25
Strawberry Dip
Photo Credit: justdiprecipes.com
Strawberry Dip combines fresh strawberries, whipped topping, and tangy cream cheese to create a delicious dessert dip that’s perfect for summer.
It’s cool, creamy, and refreshing and loaded with fresh strawberry flavor!GET THE RECIPE
26
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad
Photo Credit: hildaskitchenblog.com
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad is the perfect healthy dish to satisfy those pickle cravings. It’s briny, citrusy, and bursting with pickle flavor!
The secret is the light & refreshing dill pickle dressing.GET THE RECIPE
27
Hawaiian Dip
Photo Credit: homeschoolandhappiness.com
Creamy and rich in flavor, this easy Ham Pineapple Hawaiian Dip is loaded with ham, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and flavorful seasonings.
It’s an easy and effortless dip appetizer that guests will love.GET THE RECIPE
28
Cornbread Salad
Photo Credit: ericasrecipes.com
Cornbread Salad has crumbled jalapeno cheddar cornbread layered with bacon, beans, and veggies for a delicious southern favorite.
With just simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this crowd-pleasing salad is a no brainer. It looks impressive, and tastes even better.GET THE RECIPE
29
Lemon Brownies
Photo Credit: lemonpeony.com
Chewy, soft, and fudgy Lemon Brownies are a crowd favorite for any occasion!
Made with a box of cake mix and topped with a lemon glaze, they only have a few ingredients, and come together fast.GET THE RECIPE
30
Spicy Grilled Firecracker Shrimp
Photo Credit: mytherapistcooks.com
Spicy grilled shrimp at its finest, with TWO kinds of hot sauce!
Just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes are all you need for this spicy, buttery take on firecracker shrimp.GET THE RECIPE
31
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com
Easy 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad takes just minutes to make and is totally packed with flavor.
With minimal cooking time, it keeps well in the fridge, so you can even make it ahead of time.GET THE RECIPE
32
Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
Photo Credit: shesnotcookin.com
If you’re a peach lover, then you’re going to love this easy Peach Cobbler Pound Cake!
The brown sugar topping, combined with the peaches is absolutely delicious, and the rich buttery cake is moist and dense and just so tasty!GET THE RECIPE
33
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Photo Credit: getinspiredeveryday.com
Pure summer in every bite, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a classic you might make on repeat throughout the summer months.
It’s perfect paired with simple proteins like grilled chicken or pork chops, and the Strawberry Vinaigrette gives you a double strawberry hit.GET THE RECIPE
34
Pineapple Salsa
Photo Credit: www.dinneratthezoo.com
Sweet and savory pineapple salsa is a bright and fresh combination of ripe pineapple, peppers, onions and cilantro, all tossed together and seasoned with lime juice.
It takes just minutes to put together, and once you try it, you won’t be able to stop eating it!GET THE RECIPE
35
Easy Mediterranean Flatbread
Photo Credit: loveincrediblerecipes.com
This easy and delicious Mediterranean Flatbread features naan and hummus topped with roasted onions and red peppers.
It’s so quick and easy to make using a handful of simple and inexpensive ingredients!GET THE RECIPE
36
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Photo Credit: wholemadeliving.com
Creamy Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are flavorful delights with a spicy bite. They are awesome as is, with a cheesy smoky robust filling, but even more fabulous bacon-wrapped.
The optional bacon strip adds an extra burst of smokiness that your taste buds won’t forget.GET THE RECIPE
37
Lemon Delight
Photo Credit: ericasrecipes.com
Lemon Delight is a creamy, dreamy layered lemon dessert with sweet cream cheese, lemon pudding, and a buttery walnut crust.
Also known as Lemon Lush, this light and refreshing recipe makes enough for a crowd and is perfect for sharing.GET THE RECIPE
38
Potluck Pickle Wraps
Photo Credit: ramshacklepantry.com
Also known as Minnesota Sushi in some parts of the U.S., these Potluck Pickle Wraps Are tasty and easy to put together – with just 3 ingredients!
So inexpensive and simple to make, they’re always an addictive and popular appetizer or snack at potlucks and parties.GET THE RECIPE
39
Hot Pepper Jelly Smoked Cream Cheese
Photo Credit: stefseatsandsweets.com
This Hot Pepper Jelly Smoked Cream Cheese will be your new go-to appetizer or side.
Warm cream cheese smoked with chopped jalapenos, BBQ rub, and then topped with your favorite hot pepper jelly makes this smoked cream cheese recipe a winner!GET THE RECIPE
40
Old Fashioned Creamy Fruit Salad
Photo Credit: theshortordercook.com
Old-fashioned Fruit Salad with Cool Whip has fresh sweet and juicy fruit folded with creamy whipped topping.
It’s so easy that you’ll be making it all season long. And trust me, no one will complain about that!GET THE RECIPE