Lake days are the BEST, filled with sunshine, swimming, and good times.
And good food makes those lake days even BETTER, right?
But sometimes, thinking of what to pack can feel like a bit of a puzzle.
You want something delicious, easy to carry, and PERFECT for eating outdoors.
Forget complicated recipes or the same old boring sandwiches!
We’ve gathered some REALLY fun and tasty food ideas for your next trip to the water.
Get ready to make your lakeside meals as awesome as the lake itself!
1. Pimento Cheese Celery
Pimento Cheese Celery is a truly delicious and easy snack option. This recipe makes wonderful pimento cheese appetizers or a satisfying low-carb treat. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
2. Summer Grilled Shrimp Salad
This Summer Grilled Shrimp Salad makes for a light, crisp, and refreshing gluten free dinner. You’ll love the succulent grilled shrimp paired with fresh fruit, tangy goat cheese, and a zingy Strawberry Lime Poppyseed Vinaigrette. It’s a truly satisfying dish packed with flavor.
3. Cucumber Crunch Salad with Tahini Dressing
This Cucumber Crunch Salad brings a delightful crispness and refreshing flavors.
The creamy Tahini Dressing perfectly complements this healthy and delicious dish.
4. Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to savor these delicious Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars. Each bite brings the creamy, sweet flavors of banana pudding combined with rich cheesecake, making these banana pudding cheesecake squares a delightful dessert.
5. Vegan Roasted Red Potato Salad
Enjoy the delightful Vegan Roasted Red Potato Salad, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic.
This roasted red potato salad captures all the familiar tangy flavors of your favorite American deli style, with plenty of satisfying texture.
6. Smoked Chicken Thighs
Smoked Chicken Thighs offer incredibly tender and flavorful bites, coated in a delicious homemade spice rub.
Serve these delicious smoked chicken thighs at your next outdoor gathering with your favorite barbecue sauce.
7. Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Mexican Stuffed Peppers offer a colorful and flavorful meal experience.
These vibrant peppers are filled with a seasoned Mexican filling that bursts with taste.
Each one is then topped with melty cheese for a truly satisfying dish.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
This Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil recipe makes perfectly cooked grilled corn every time.
The kernels simmer right on the grill in a pool of butter, making them incredibly tender and toasty.
It’s the easiest and most flavorful way to prepare grilled corn on the cob for your next meal.
9. Strawberry-Ricotta Popsicles
Strawberry-Ricotta Popsicles are the perfect sweet treat to cool down with.
Enjoy their creamy texture and bright strawberry flavor for a delightful and refreshing bite.
These easy-to-make popsicles are a fantastic addition to any warm day.
10. Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp
Enjoy a delicious Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp that delivers serious coconut flavor in every crunchy bite.
This easy recipe is perfect for making crunchy coconut shrimp in an air fryer, skillet, or deep fryer.
11. Chewy Baked Tofu
This Chewy Baked Tofu offers the perfect chewy texture with minimal ingredients. It’s oven baked for easy clean-up, making it a delicious plant-based protein for any meal or snack. You’ll love this easy baked tofu recipe.
12. Mini Lime Tartlets
Mini Lime Tartlets offer a delightful tangy bite.
These little treats have a hint of cream and are wonderfully low carb and keto-friendly.
They’re the perfect way to enjoy a sweet, zesty dessert without the sugar.
13. Mexican Fruit Salad
Mexican Fruit Salad is a delicious blend of tropical fruit. This sweet and savory fruit salad is perfectly topped with a zesty chili lime seasoning. It’s so good, everyone will want seconds!
14. Banana Icebox Cake
Enjoy the delightful Banana Icebox Cake, a simple treat that needs no oven.
This graham cracker icebox cake features luscious layers of creamy banana pudding and sweet ripe bananas.
It’s the perfect easy dessert for any occasion.
15. Vegan Fuzzy Peach Smoothie Bowl
The Vegan Fuzzy Peach Smoothie Bowl delivers all the sweet and sour taste of your favorite candy, but with real fruit. It’s a delightful and refreshing peach smoothie bowl, perfect for a vegan breakfast or lunch.
16. Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are the perfect fun breakfast or brunch treat.
These golden sticks are coated in sweet cinnamon, making them incredibly delicious.
You’ll love how quick and easy they are to make in your air fryer.
17. Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
These Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a fantastic and easy appetizer everyone will love.
Whole water chestnuts are wrapped in savory bacon and soaked in a delightful sweet and savory sauce.
18. 2-Ingredient Strawberry Soda Cupcakes
Whip up a batch of delicious 2-Ingredient Strawberry Soda Cupcakes in no time. These incredibly easy cupcakes are made with just strawberry cake mix and a can of Sprite. It’s the perfect simple dessert for any occasion.
19. No Bake Raspberry Pretzel Pie
This No Bake Raspberry Pretzel Pie perfectly blends sweet and salty flavors.
Enjoy creamy cheesecake and refreshing raspberry jello over a delightful crunchy pretzel crust.
20. Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken
Enjoy the taste of classic southern comfort with this Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken recipe. These crispy fried chicken strips are just like the ones you love from Cracker Barrel.
21. Peanut Butter Banana Snacks
Peanut Butter Banana Snacks are super quick and easy to prepare.
These healthy snacks are perfect little bites for kid friendly fun in the kitchen.
Enjoy a delightful treat that’s simple to make with your favorite nut butter and granola.
22. Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
Enjoy a scoop of delicious Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream, so easy to make right at home. This no churn ice cream recipe is incredibly creamy and wonderfully healthy. You will love this simple vegan treat!
23. 5 Minute Sweet and Salty Snack Mix
Whip up this delicious 5 Minute Sweet and Salty Snack Mix in no time.
It’s the ultimate combination of sweet and salty, making it the perfect cheerios snack mix for any occasion.
This easy snack mix will quickly become a household favorite.
24. Grilled Watermelon Steaks
Grilled Watermelon Steaks are an amazing and easy BBQ side dish perfect for any gathering. This recipe features sweet, juicy grilled watermelon topped with savory feta cheese and a delicious balsamic reduction.