12 deliciously easy dishes for a poolside buffet everyone will talk about

Wednesday 6 August 2025 21:00 - Daniele Mainieri
12 deliciously easy dishes for a poolside buffet everyone will talk about

Sun’s out, pool’s glistening, and your friends are on the way... now all that’s missing is the food. Whether you’re throwing a summer birthday bash, hosting a casual poolside hangout, or just want an excuse to gather in the garden, the key to a successful buffet is simple: food that’s easy to prep, light to eat, and impossible to resist.


Forget soggy sandwiches or last-minute crisps, this is your chance to serve up a spread that feels effortless but tastes like you planned it all week. From fresh pasta salads to vibrant veggie skewers, cool canapés to icy-sweet desserts, these 12 ideas are made for al fresco entertaining. They're colourful, crowd-pleasing, and just the right level of fancy.


Dive into the list and get inspired to build a buffet worth toasting to.


Here are all the best recipes for a poolside buffet


Cold pasta with avocado cream, almonds and cherry tomatoes: vegetarian and very tasty!

A new creamy cold pasta is ready to accompany your warm days. This time we made it with avocado cream, almonds and tomatoes . A great recipe for this season: it is very quick to make, while you cook the pasta you can prepare its seasoning and...


Fruit salad: peach apricot raspberry super gourmet!

Here's a summer fruit salad that's as simple as it is delicious! With peaches, apricots, raspberries and a squeeze of lime, you get a juicy, fragrant and ultra-gourmet mix. And for a crunchy touch? Toasted slivered almonds , sprinkled just before...


Spelt and tuna salad: light, tasty and perfect year-round recipe

Spelt and tuna salad is a fresh, balanced dish that is perfect for any occasion. Great as a light lunch, meal to take to work or quick dinner, it is an ideal choice for those who want to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. In our version,...


Spring rolls - shrimp and chicken

Fresh and easy to make, recreate these spring rolls even better than in Asia! Filled with chicken and shrimp, they will delight you during lunch as both an appetizer and a main dish accompanied by a mixed salad. For appetizers, consider cutting them...


Fresh avocado, shrimp, and grapefruit verrines: the perfect summer appetizer!

Here's a no-cook, ultra-fresh appetizer to impress: avocado, shrimp, and grapefruit verrines. This sweet and savory combination with a hint of acidity will add a burst of flavor to your meal right from the start! Feel free to serve them in smaller...


How to make homemade franui? try these trendy chocolate raspberries!

Discover the recipe that's creating a buzz on social networks: "Franui "! These chocolate-covered raspberries have become our favorite snack . Imagine delicious raspberries coated in two layers of chocolate (white and milk), for maximum indulgence...



Watermelon feta arugula sandwich, the freshest viral recipe for summer!

Fancy an ultra-fresh, original sandwich? This watermelon , feta and arugula sandwich replaces bread with juicy slices of watermelon, for a 100% summer version :) It's the viral recipe that's taking social networks by storm, and it's easy to see...


Lemon posset, the no-bake lemon dessert that you will love, with only 3 ingredients!

If you like your desserts light, refreshing and simple, Lemon Posset is the perfect choice. This British classic, made with just cream, sugar and lemon , stands out for its creamy texture and delicious citrus flavor . Plus, you don't need to bake...


Roasted apricots, arugula and burrata on toast

Fancy a slice of toast with a hint of summer? Here's a simple recipe full of flavor: roasted apricots, arugula and burrata toast . Between the melt-in-your-mouth caramelized fruit with honey and rosemary, the peppery freshness of the arugula and the...


Smoked salmon tart with potato base

No more shortcrust or puff pastry in the fridge for your tart? Don't panic! Try this original version with potatoes and smoked salmon ! Forget the classic pastry, here the potatoes form a crisp, melt-in-the-mouth base . Perfect for a light...


Vegetable tagliatelle salad with peanut sauce

The sun is starting to shine, and we've been looking forward to preparing some light, gourmet salads for our picnics and barbecues :-) We're kicking off summer with this colorful, crunchy salad featuring cucumber and carrot tagliatelle , topped with a...


Mango and lime sorbet with only 3 ingredients and ready to eat in 5 minutes!

You wanted an ice cream recipe to make without an ice cream maker , extra fresh and fruity? Well, you've come to the right place! With only 3 ingredients , you will be able to enjoy a delicious mango sorbet in no time. There's nothing like a good...


And now it's your turn: tell us about your ideal buffet!

Ready to wow your guests and soak up every bite of summer? Whether you're mixing up mocktails, laying out mezze, or ending the day with chilled desserts, these 12 dishes are designed to impress without the stress.


If you give any of them a try or if you have a go-to summer recipe that’s always a hit, we’d love to hear about it. Share your favourites and let’s build the ultimate poolside menu, one bite at a time!

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

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