A+ Graduation Party Food Ideas

Graduation Party Food Ideas

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Do you have a graduate in your family this year? Celebrate their accomplishments with these A+ recipes! Whether you have a high school or college grad, you can’t go wrong with these graduation party food ideas.

From dips to desserts, salads to sandwiches, we’re rounding up our best recipes for a great graduation party. We’re also sharing our favorite recipes to create a unique buffet you won’t see at other events. Let’s get started!

Delicious graduation party Dips

Get the party started with a delicious dip! These crowd-friendly dips will keep your guests happy for the whole celebration. Consider doubling or tripling each recipe, depending on your invite list.

5-Minute Vegan Queso

Vegan Queso

You can’t go wrong with 5-minute vegan queso! As the name implies, it takes mere minutes to put together. Your family’s vegan and dairy-free friends will enjoy it and your cheese-loving guests will hardly know the difference as it’s that good!

Get the recipe for 5-Minute Vegan Queso 

Lemon Whipped Feta Dip

Lemon Whipped Feta Dip

Light and airy, lemon whipped feta dip is a great choice for an outdoor graduation party.

Get the recipe for Lemon Whipped Feta Dip

Roasted Red Pepper Veggie Dip

Roasted Red Pepper Veggie Dip

This easy dip is a blend of roasted red peppers, chickpeas, sour cream, and spices. Serve it with veggies or pita bread.

Get the recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Veggie Dip

Green Goddess Veggie Dip

Green Goddess Veggie Dip

This heavenly dip is sure to keep your guests happy!

Get the recipe for Green Goddess Veggie Dip

Beet Hummus

Beet Hummus

Nothing beats this beet hummus! We love it even more than traditional hummus for parties because its vibrant color is so festive.

Get the recipe for Beet Hummus

Dill Pickle Guacamole

Dill Pickle Guacamole

This unusual dip will get your party guests talking. It combines creamy guac with crunchy pickles. Serve it with corn chips or use it as a burger topping if you’re grilling out.

Get the recipe for Dill Pickle Guacamole

Pimento Cheese dip (with Hidden Cauliflower)

Pimento Cheese with Hidden Cauliflower

Cauliflower rice gives this beloved dip a hidden veggie boost, and what party guest doesn’t appreciate that?

Get the recipe for Pimento Cheese with Hidden Cauliflower

Smart Graduation Party Salads

Next up, we have smart salads that are perfect for any graduation celebration.

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

This light, airy salad is meant to feed a crowd. The teens at the party will appreciate that it’s a TikTok favorite!

Get the recipe for TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Hazelnut Fruit Salad

Hazelnut Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is a must for any outdoor party. In addition to the essentials like melon, kiwi, berries, and grapes it also includes jicama and of course, hazelnuts.

Get the recipe for Hazelnut Fruit Salad

Greek Salad Kabobs

Greek Salad Kabobs

Balancing a salad plate and a drink at a party requires skill. Help your guests out by serving a salad that’s easy to eat, whether standing up or sitting down. Greek Salad Kabobs require no utensils or plates!

Get the recipe for Greek Salad Kabobs

Strawberry Salad Kabobs with Avocado and Spinach

Strawberry Salad Kabobs with Avocado and Spinach

Here’s another handheld salad to consider for your backyard party — this one combines strawberries, avocado, and baby spinach. Guests can nosh on a spring salad in one hand while playing bean bag toss with the other.

Get the recipe for Strawberry Salad Kabobs with Avocado and Spinach

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese salad meets pasta salad. This quick, easy salad is a hit with everyone, young and old.

Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad

grad party Sandwiches & Wraps

For the main dish, serve up one of these easy entrées that feed a crowd.

Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burgers

These black bean burgers have a meaty texture but are plant-based so your vegetarian guests can enjoy them too.

Get the recipe for Black Bean Burgers

Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower Wraps

Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower Wraps

Here’s another vegetarian-friendly option that goes over big with meat-lovers too! Just like chicken, cauliflower can be prepared to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And wraps are easy for guests to enjoy while they mingle in the backyard.

Get the recipe for Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower Wraps

Crockpot Apple and Pulled Chicken Pita Sandwiches

BBQ chicken and apple sandwiches

Pulled pork is always a party favorite and this recipe is extra delicious as it’s made with SweeTango apples.

Get the recipe for Crockpot Apple and Pulled Chicken Pita Sandwiches

Crunchy Apple Salad On Croissants

Crunchy Envy™ Apple Salad

Similar to the classic Waldorf salad, this apple salad is held together with Greek yogurt rather than mayo for a lighter flavor. It’s a great sandwich for an outdoor celebration.

Get the recipe for Crunchy Apple Salad

Berry Pinwheels

Berry Pinwheels

A little savory, a little sweet, and a whole lot of fun! These berry pinwheels are a perfect party food. Try all four combinations and see which your guests love best.

Get the recipe for Berry Pinwheels

Unique Graduation Party Buffets

Want to throw a graduation party that stands out from all the others? These unique buffets will delight your guests’ eyes and tastebuds.

Waffle Bar + Waffle Pops

Waffle Pops (Waffles on a Stick)

Throw a graduation brunch and serve up a waffle bar. Let guests create their own waffle pops that they can carry around as they mingle. Fun, festive, and delicious!

Get the recipe for Waffle Pops 

Fruit and Veggie Infused Water & Lemonade

infused lemonade

Brunch, lunch, or dinner, no matter what time of day your graduation party is, guests are going to want a refreshing drink. Include a few of these refreshing infused water or lemonade combinations on your buffet.

How to infuse water 

How to infuse lemonade

Jarcuteries

Jarcuteries: Mini Individual Charcuterie Boards

These hygienic party snacks are a handy alternative to traditional charcuterie boards. Guests can simply grab a pre-assembled jar and they have a little bit of everything to keep their bellies happy.

How to make Jarcuteries

Mango Jarcuteries

Mango Jarcuteries

These jarcuteries feature mango and have a tropical vibe that will keep guests happy on a hot day.

How to make Mango Jarcuteries

Baked Potato Bar

Stuffed Potato Bar

Let guests assemble their own gourmet baked potato. Simply prepare the baked potatoes in the microwave, set out a variety of toppings, and let guests make their own delicious creations.

How to make a Baked Potato Bar

graduation party Desserts

Every graduation party needs a delicious dessert or two… or three! These crowd-pleasing desserts are easy to make and look beautiful on a dessert table.

Mango Cheesecake Dip

Mango cheesecake dip
Give guests the decadent flavors of homemade cheesecake without the stress or mess of baking an actual cake. This rich and creamy cheesecake dip is perfect for your graduation dessert board.

Get the recipe for Mango Cheesecake Dip

Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Chocolate-dipped peanut butter stuffed dates taste just like a candy bar. Even better, they require just four ingredients and about fifteen minutes to make. We suggest making extra because your guests will surely gobble them up!

Get the recipe for Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Chocolate and Caramel Apple Bites

Chocolate and Caramel Apple Bites

Four ingredients and five minutes are all it takes to whip up these bite-sized treats.

Get the recipe for Chocolate and Caramel Apple Bites

Red, White, & Blueberry Mini Trifles

Red, White, & Blueberry Mini Trifles

These mini trifle cups look festive and graduation guests will love that they can grab a pre-portioned dessert instead of scooping their own.

Get the recipe for Red, White, & Blueberry Mini Trifles

Dried Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dried Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Party attendees will love these warm, gooey cookie filled with chocolate chips, dried cherries, and walnuts. The cherries gives them a summertime flavor perfect for a graduation celebration.

Get the recipe for Dried Cherry and Chocolate Chip Cookies

What foods will you be serving up at your graduation party? Which of our recipes will make your menu? Share in the comments below.

For more party inspiration, follow The Produce Moms on Instagram and Pinterest.

Graduation Party Food Ideas

About Kristin

Kristin Ahaus is the Director of Content and Communications for The Produce Moms. Her focus and passion is helping all of TPM's brand partners share their stories while also helping consumers understand how to select, serve and store fresh produce. Connect with Kristin on LinkedIN.

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