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When I think summer, I think BBQ! And what is better at a party or gathering than some tasty finger foods? Whether chilled snacks, dips, or grilled delights, I have the perfect summer appetizers for your next soiree!
With the kids home, vacations, and ALL of the parties, I always have a few snacks or appetizers up my sleeve and am ready to go!
This collection of summer appetizer ideas contains all sorts of appetizers that are perfect for summertime, whether you’re just trying to keep hungry kiddos fed during the day, or entertaining company at a backyard barbecue!
Why we love these recipes:
All of the options! From cold appetizers to both sweet and savory dips, there are plenty of summer favorites to choose from.
Seasonal produce. There are so many summer fruits and veggies that make fresh and delicious appetizers.
Party tips. Along with deliciously easy appetizers, we’ve included planning and serving tips!
Planning Tips
Summer appetizers are great to serve before a lunchtime picnic, afternoon BBQ, or evening party. Here are some tips on how to make the perfect amount:
For 10 or fewer guests offer 2-3 different types of appetizers. Add another dish for every 5-8 more people.
If serving dinner, plan a total of 3-5 appetizers per person.
For an appetizer-only party, plan about 12 pieces during the first 2 hours and add 5 more for every hour after.
Chips and salsa: Plan 1 quart salsa and 1 pound of chips for every 10 people.
Best Appetizers for the Summer
From our famous Fruit Dip to our most-requested Salsa, we have some of our best appetizers, and all of them are summer perfection!
5 from 207 votes
Easy Fruit Dip
Fresh and creamy fruit dip is one of our top requested recipes, it whips up in no time, and ALWAYS vanishes in minutes!
The creamiest and most delicious Caramel Apple Dip you’ll ever find. Just a few ingredients are required, but dark brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk make this recipe out of this world and a crowd pleaser at any get together.
These delicious Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups are made from a rolled tortilla filled with Ranch Veggie dip, and chopped veggies, making them the perfect bite-sized party appetizer!
Tasty appetizers don’t have to be complicated! Many of these summer appetizer recipes come together in minutes, use few ingredients, or can even be made ahead of time! Make your next cookout a breeze with any of these outstanding options.
From Peach Salsa to Veggie Cups, many of our favorite cold apps use an array of produce. Some of my favorite fruits and vegetables include, but are not limited to:
Veggies: sweet corn, cucumbers, lettuce, bell peppers, green onion, zucchini, olives, and red onion
Use this tutorial to learn How To Make Guacamole that will wow any guest. This recipe is so easy and addicting, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Is there anything better than a big bowl of fresh creamy avocado mixed with spices and added flavor? If you pair it with our Tortilla Chips, we don’t think so!
Here is the recipe:
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40+ Summer Appetizers
By: Lil’ Luna
When I think summer, I think BBQ! And what is better at a party or gathering than some tasty finger foods? Whether chilled snacks, dips, or grilled delights, I have the perfect summer appetizers for your next soiree!
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutesmins
Total: 10 minutesmins
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
5avocados,halved, peeled and pitted
2tablespoonslime juice,plus more for topping
½teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoonground cumin
¼teaspooncayenne pepper
2Roma tomatoes,seeded and diced
½onion,chopped (optional)
2tablespoonschopped fresh cilantro
1tablespoonchopped and seeded jalapeño pepper
1teaspoonminced garlic
Instructions
Combine avocado and lime juice in large bowl, and mix until fully coated.
Use a potato masher or back of spoon to mash the salt, cumin, cayenne, and avocado together.
Gently stir in onions, cilantro, tomato, garlic, and jalapeno.
Squeeze extra lime juice on top to keep guacamole fresh. Serve with tortilla chips
Notes
Make ahead of time. To store guacamole, place it in a bowl and pour a thin layer of lime juice on top of the guacamole. Cover with plastic wrap and push the plastic down to touch the guacamole. This will prevent air pockets and will keep the guacamole from browning. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
perfect summertime appetizers
Appetizers are our favorite way to start a meal – and sometimes we even eat them as a meal in themselves! These appetizers are all so perfect for serving this summer and are as easy as they are delicious!
Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!
this is the best thing I could have found for all summer parties! thank you so much for sharing! that peach salsa and the buffalo chicken taquitos are calling my name!
I needed some ideas for some appetizers and this really helped me, one of the things I made was the peach salsa and it was delicious.
this is the best thing I could have found for all summer parties! thank you so much for sharing! that peach salsa and the buffalo chicken taquitos are calling my name!
I tried the Fiesta Pin Wheels off of this list and they are really easy to make. I wasn’t sure about the creamy taco idea, but it was delicious.
I love all the great ideas for summer food. Light and refreshing are on the menu.
I love appetizers!! Sometimes, I just want appetizers as my meal!! The wings & zucchini are my favorite!!
Love all the ideas here! Thanks!
So many tasty recipes! I can’t wait to try the zucchini fries and empanadas. They look delish!
This is going to be my go-to list for summer! Lots of great recipes and tips for serving outdoors. That strawberry salsa is calling my name!