One thing about beach days is that they are even better with snacks! And a cooler full of refreshing drinks, of course. You can experience the true essence of beach trips with these picnic-in-the-sand-friendly recipes.
From refreshing bites that keep you cool to hearty treats that fuel your fun, this collection brings the flavors of the shore right to your fingertips. Whether you are lounging under the sun, exploring the waves or just wishing you were on vacation, these recipes will make any beach day more memorable.
Corona Sunrise
Topped with a lime wedge, the Corona Sunrise is a fizzy and flavorful beer version of the Tequila Sunrise. With orange juice, tequila, grenadine syrup and your favorite Mexican lager, it’s a refreshing choice for sweltering sunny days. You can make it right in the beer bottle for easy enjoyment on the beach.
Get the Recipe: Corona Sunrise
Tuscan White Bean Dip
This Italian-inspired dip with white beans, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs is a perfect choice for enjoying on the beach. Its vibrant flavors and refreshing ingredients will make it a memorable appetizer for your summer hangout.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip
Peach Salsa
Capture the essence of summer with Peach Salsa. Made with fresh peaches, tomatoes and peppers, this salsa offers a fresh and fruity taste. Serve this delicious dip with tortilla chips at all your beach hangouts.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salsa
Cheese Popcorn
Elevate your snacking experience on the beach with homemade cheddar cheese popcorn. It’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed for an afternoon snack, adding a savory and cheesy twist to your beach snack menu.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Popcorn
Bourbon Slush
Make a big batch of Bourbon Slush for those hot summer days. Made with iced tea, orange, lemon and bourbon whiskey all frozen together, this frozen cocktail is so refreshing and delicious. It is almost effortless to make with just four ingredients and easily serves a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Slush
Kitchen Sink Cookies
These loaded chocolate chip cookies will be a hit with beach-goers alike. Filled with chocolate chips, candies, nuts, pretzels, and potato chips, they offer a sweet-and-salty treat that will satisfy everyone’s cravings during a beach hangout. Be sure to stash them in the cooler so they aren’t too melty!
Get the Recipe: Kitchen Sink Cookies
Easy Jello Shots
A beach party isn’t complete without jello shots! These easy-to-make shots can be customized with various flavored gelatin and vodka combinations. Serve them up in vibrant colors and fun flavores to add a festive touch to your beach gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Jello Shots
Beermosa
Whip up a unique and refreshing cocktail right on the beach with the Beermosa, which is made with light beer and zesty orange juice. Yhis unconventional beverage is surprisingly delicious. Beer lovers will appreciate its distinctive flavors during a beach brunch or morning walk on the beach.
Get the Recipe: Beermosa
Chip Dip
Elevate your beach snacking with a creamy and flavorful Chip Dip. It’s a must-have accompaniment for crunchy chips, adding a delicious kick to your snacking experience. Enjoy this savory dip while soaking up the sun.
Get the Recipe: Chip Dip
Red Wine Brownies
Rich and velvety Dark Chocolate Red Wine Brownies are easy and indulgent. Make these beautiful, decadent chocolate treats for an over-the-top brownie sundae with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Brownies
Homemade Lemonade
Quench your thirst on the beach with homemade lemonade. Fresh lemons, water, and sugar make it a simple yet satisfying beverage that is perfect for a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lemonade
Cheese Straws
Add a touch of luxury to your beach hangout with a batch of cheese straws. These slightly spicy and cheesy crackers are a delightful treat to enjoy on your beach picnic.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Straws
Ranch Water
Enjoy a light and refreshing low-carb tequila cocktail with a Ranch Water. Made with lime juice, tequila and sparkling water, it’s a perfect choice for those who want a margarita-like drink without the heaviness. Sip on this thirst-quenching beverage while lounging on the beach for the ultimate paradise.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Water
Strawberry Rosé Sangria
Indulge in the ultimate summer refresher with Strawberry Rosé Sangria. Its light and sweet flavors, with hints of berries, make it a delightful choice for beach hangouts. Prepare a big pitcher to stash in your cooler and dole out glasses to your fellow beach-goers for a refreshing libation.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rosé Sangria
Mexican Corn Salad
Add a burst of flavor to your beach picnic with the Mexican Corn Salad. Packed with sweet corn, creamy butter, lime juice, diced Jalapeños, chili flakes and cheese, it’s a perfect side dish beach vacation. Its street stall flavors will transport you to a beachside fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad
Dirty Shirley Cocktail
The Dirty Shirley is the cocktail of the summer and a nostalgic twist on the classic Shirley Temple. This vodka-infused drink will bring back memories while you relax on the beach.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Shirley Cocktail
3-Ingredient Onion Dip
Whip up this quick and easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip for a flavorful addition to your picnic or beach spread. It’s a simple yet tasty dip that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Onion Dip
Michelada
Enjoy the savory and saltiness of a Michelada, a delicious cocktail featuring Mexican beer. It’s a delightful twist on a Bloody Mary — the lager beer base makes it a refreshing option for beach gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Michelada
Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches
These Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches feature crisp, sliced cucumber, pepper jack cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, creamy dill sauce and fresh spring mix for an easy, delicious sandwich that’s great for beach days.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Cucumber Sandwiches
Berry Spa Water
Keep cool with this Berry Infused Water. Stash this refreshing and hydrating beverage in the cooler for your beach outings. The colorful berries and apples add a touch of summer to every sip.
Get the Recipe: Berry Spa Water
Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
Capture the fun and nostalgia of childhood with Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats. These fruity and gooey bars are the perfect no-bake snack for lounging on the beach.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Breakfast on the beach is possible with make-ahead Peanut Butter Overnight Oats. These make-ahead breakfasts are nutritious and convenient. Prepare them in advance and enjoy a satisfying and energizing meal or snack on the go.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Mexican Macaroni Salad
Experience a fusion of culinary traditions with a Mexican-inspired macaroni salad. It features tender pasta, kidney beans, green peppers, black olives, and a homemade taco dressing. This delightful and refreshing salad will enhance your beach picnic menu.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Indulge in a delicious and decadent no-bake dessert with these Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars. These grown-up Rice Krispy Treats combine chocolate and maraschino cherries for a delightful beach snack that’s easy to enjoy. Stash these in your cooler to keep the chocolate from melting.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate lovers will be delighted by these Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. With a rich dose of chocolate in the dough and from two kinds of melty chocolate chips, they offer a crunchy and gooey treat that’s perfect for indulging on the beach.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tomato Salsa
This classic salsa recipe is a fantastic addition to your beach snack menu. Filled with Mexican flavors, it takes only 5 minutes to make but will be forever have a place in your favorite recipes list.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa Recipe
Cold Brew Iced Tea
Skip the store-bought iced tea and make your own Cold Brew Iced Tea for your beach hangout. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and yields the smoothest and richest iced tea. Customize the sweetness and flavor to your liking and enjoy a refreshing beverage on the beach.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew Iced Tea
No Bake Brownies
Treat yourself to irresistible no-bake brownies, perfect for a beach picnic. With a blend of creamy graham cracker crumbs, nuts, marshmallows, and dark chocolate, these fudgy confections are ready to enjoy without the need for baking.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Brownies
Texas Caviar
Texas Caviar is here to make your beach day unforgettable! This salad is loaded with beans, corn, and peppers, and dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s hearty, healthy and holds up like a champ under the summer sun.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar
Red Skin Potato Salad
This deliciously creamy red skin potato salad is made with bacon for an extra savory kick. Enjoy this classic side dish at all your summer beach gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad
Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
This pesto orzo salad recipe highlights bold, delicious ingredients. Basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh, peppery arugula combine to create a bright, fresh, flavorful summer salad great for picnics and beach trips!
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes