Recipes! Lemony Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches, Smashed Potato Salad, Island Breeze Blue Punch and more

What to cook during the week ahead, from Post Food editors.

So far, this has been the Summer of the Pool at our house. My son has taken to the water like a fish and befriended so many neighborhood kids (and adults) that every visit feels like a reunion. That means long afternoons and evenings spent hanging out on the pool deck, often with snacks or dinner packed into a cooler and enjoyed amid the steady drumbeat of water dripping off our bathing suits.

I've started planning meal prep around options that are portable and pool-friendly. Sandwiches fit the bill. You can't do better than Aaron Hutcherson's Lemony Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches. Especially if you use store-bought rotisserie chicken, this is a no-cook recipe ready in minutes. Regarding the croissants: If you're taking this on the go, pack the salad and croissants separately to avoid soggy pastry. Just assemble once you reach your destination.

Since we're already talking about creamy salads, do not miss Anna Rodriguez's Smashed Potato Salad With Tzatziki Dressing. Anna riffs on a popular TikTok recipe, as well as the cookout classic, for a fresh side that features extra-crispy potatoes (boiled, then roasted) in a punchy dressing made with Greek yogurt, pickles, garlic, dill and more.

This week's lineup included a few more dishes designed for outdoor cooking and eating. Julia Turshen's Pita Sandwiches With Grilled Peppers, Eggplant and Ricotta tuck an array of colorful vegetables into soft bread with lemon-accented cheese. Ellie Krieger grills the cheese itself for Halloumi Skewers With Nectarines and Mint Chimichurri, which are a delectable mix of sweet, salty, spicy and savory. I'd venture to say that Joe Yonan's Vegan BLTs, featuring a tofu and rice paper "bacon," would be fine alfresco fare, too.

If you're not lucky enough to find yourself sitting by the pool — or the ocean — whip up Carrie Allan's Island Breeze Blue Punch. Setting a big bowl of this slightly fruity, cerulean beverage on your table is sure to conjure the same relaxation you get by staring at a big body of water.

On to more refreshment: Ice cream floats! Last week I shared Allison Robicelli's formula for this summer treat and asked for your favorites. Here's some of what you sent (edited for length and clarity)!

"Root beer with vanilla ice cream is the best ice cream float!" — Krista F., Highland Mills, N.Y.

"My fave float memory would have to be at the A&W, root beer and vanilla soft-serve, I think?" — Maria R., Cold Spring, N.Y.

"My favorite was one developed by my grandfather, who owned a pharmacy in Jackson, Mich.," Hershey's chocolate syrup, club soda or seltzer and vanilla ice cream. — Sherry A., Hillsborough, N.C.

"A Boston cooler, which has nothing to do with Boston. It's Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream." — Mary F., Augusta, Mich.

"Lime sherbet with 7-Up or Sprite. It's incredibly refreshing." — Anne C., San Francisco

"The best floats I ever had were at the old drug store on Main Street in Smiths Grove, Ky.: scoops of rich vanilla ice cream barely blended with sugar-sweetened root beer in a shiny metal cup on the milkshake machine and poured into a tall, chilled glass." – Carolyn H., Bedford, Ind.

"My favorite float is chocolate ice cream and Coke." – Anne P., Bethesda, Md.

"Worth every red lip stain was the one made with Vess Cream Soda and ice cream." – Penny S., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

I'd love to hear more about what else is keeping you cool and satiated right now. So be sure to join the live weekly chat I host with Aaron on Wednesdays at noon Eastern, when we'll also answer your cooking questions, which you can submit now.

Until next time, happy cooking.