15 Easy Summer Beach Snacks to Pack In Your Cooler

They can all be stored and served cold.

By

Alexandra Domrongchai

Published on June 6, 2024

side view of pinwheels scattered on plates — Photo:
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

There's something about relaxing on a beach with a cooler full of ice-cold drinks and snacks that is unmatched. In fact, I look forward to summer each year to kick back in the sand with beach snacks like fruit salad and sandwiches, just enjoying the day. Packing your own beach snacks not only saves you money, but also allows you to pack exactly what you're craving. That's why we rounded up 15 easy and delicious snacks that are perfect for your next beach day. They all can be stored and served cold—and are guaranteed to make your beach day one to remember.

01 of 15

Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

overhead view of Pasta Salad with homemade dressing served in a large bowl — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This was an amazing and light pasta salad. The dressing is so good!!The only change I made was I didn't use cucumbers and added garbanzo beans. I also doubled the dressing to have some of needed later. I will definitely be making this again!!" — Julie Heim

02 of 15

Granola Bars

A square of granola bars cut into 8 individual bars — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Great recipe – I make this every Sunday to last us through the week. I bake for 6 to 7 minutes at the end so they still hold their shape. Thanks for the recipe!" — Anna

03 of 15

Party Pinwheels

side photo of pinwheels on a white plate — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Delicious and a party favorite. When I ask what I should bring to a party, everyone requests pinwheels. This recipe is awesome as it is, but there are literally tons of variations that you can try on your own, or by looking at other reviews. I make them a day before I cut them and they cut nicely when they're cold." — Rvines1003

04 of 15

Barbie's Tuna Salad

low angle looking at two halves of Barbie's tuna salad sandwiches on a plate — DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"My go to tuna salad recipe. Been making this for couple years now. It's so good, and the flavors are just right. The curry is the secret ingredient that really makes it so good. Would have never thought of it myself. The family really loves it. I usually make a quadruple batch, and have it for snacking for several days!" — Wkreeg68

05 of 15

Super Summer Kale Salad

an overhead view of a colorful Summer kale salad topped with nuts and seeds. — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Excellent salad even if you're not crazy about Kale. I followed the recipe exactly and it was very delicious. It's become a requested dish at pot lucks." — Lulu4696

06 of 15

Mango Salsa

mid angle looking at a bowl of mango salsa with a side of tortilla chips — DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"I made this and didn't change a thing. It was spectacular. I made it to top some blackened grilled grouper, but we ate the leftover salsa with chips later on. So good. A new staple in the house." — Genelady825

07 of 15

Frittata Wrap with Ham and Cheese

Frittata Wrap with Ham and Cheese — Stasty Cook

"A very nice idea for a lunch on-the-go. I skipped the broiler part and cooked it like a regular frittata flipping it over to cook it on both sides. Thank you for the recipe." — Buckwheat Queen

08 of 15

Watermelon Salad

Freshly prepared watermelon salad with cucumber and herbs in a beige bowl. — ALLRECIPES / QI AI

"What a great way to serve a little taste of summer. The cucumbers, the feta and of course, the watermelon come together to have such a refreshing salad. It’s the kind of salad where you feel like you could eat the whole bowl, it’s that light." — LovesCooking

09 of 15

Homestyle Potato Chips

white bowl of chips — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Awesome recipe! Super easy, too. I had the idea to look up how to make chips after accidentally slicing way too much potato for dinner and trying to figure out what else to do with the slices. This worked perfect." — Percy Lee

10 of 15

Homemade Pita Chips

A bowl of homemade pita chips served with a small bowl of hummus on the side — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These pita chips were so good and so simple to make. You can really use whatever spices you like. My daughter loved them and said they were way better then the store bought pita chips. Will be making these regularly." — DBellino

11 of 15

Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad in a bowl — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Very good recipe, my mother is Greek and this [recipe] is like home. Only a couple changes, I omitted the olives and just had a side of olives with pit, just a preference. I also added dill, turned out well!" — Mary Davies

12 of 15

Best Fruit Dip

close up view of cream dip served with strawberries, grapes pineapple and kiwi pieces on a white platter — DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"Have made this recipe many times and it is loved by all. Very simple. The only change I did was to use the strawberry flavored cream cheese. Gives it a nice color when blended with the marshmallow fluff." — Donna

13 of 15

Club Sandwich Wrap Hack

Club Sandwich Wrap Hack

"I love clubs and this was a creative idea for having one. I had turkey bacon instead, and diced my tomatoes. Perfect!" — Michelle Vignail

14 of 15

Perfect Summer Fruit Salad

Perfect Summer Fruit Salad in a trifle bowl — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Yummy fruit salad! I made this fruit salad recipe for a family get together and it worked great! I forgot to add vanilla into the sauce but it still tasted great! Since I was in a bit of a rush, I just mixed orange juice with a bit of lemon juice. Delicious!" — Carolyn Bennett

15 of 15

Cowboy Caviar

Unknown

"This is my go-to recipe. I love to make this for lunch at work and for family functions. It's delicious. You can make it hotter by using jalapenos or you can make it mild by using green chiles. Delicious! Love it! It also makes a huge portion." — Carol

More Inspiration

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

You’ll Also Love

Watermelon Popsicles

4th of July Fruit Kabobs

Cranberry Nut Oatmeal Granola Bars

Mandarin Pumpkins (Healthy Halloween Snack)

A green bowl of ranch oyster crackers

Ranch Oyster Crackers

Easy Santa Treats for Kids

A plate of best ever popcorn balls

Best Ever Popcorn Balls

Healthy Chocolate Smoothie

Easy Beet Chips

closeup of snack mix made from cereal squares and powdered sugar

Ranch Oyster Crackers

Vegan Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Trail Mix Bars

close up view of a Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bar on a white plate

Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Avocado Smoothie

Pumpkin Spinach Toddler Muffins