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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!
More Collections: Summer Side Dishes, Summer Soups, Summer Drink Recipes
Snacks and Bites To Love!
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!
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!
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Deviled Eggs
There's nothing better than a platter of these perfect deviled eggs. They are easy, flavorful, and great for parties and holidays!
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Salsa Recipe
This is such an EASY salsa recipe. It tastes just like restaurant salsa and goes perfectly with tortilla chips, tacos, and more!
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Veggie Tray
Filled with your favorite fresh ingredients and dips, a veggie tray is a quick and healthy way to feed family and friends!
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Black Bean Corn Salsa
Fresh and chunky black bean corn salsa {aka Cowboy Caviar} is a favorite dip to serve with tortilla chips!
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Spinach Puffs Recipe
Buttery spinach puffs are cheesy and savory with pops of bacon. As you can imagine, they are a hit at parties!
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How to Make a Charcuterie Board
We all love to graze during parties. Learn how to make a charcuterie board and fill it with all of your favorites!
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Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
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.
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How to Make Guacamole
For an addictingly fresh, restaurant-quality dip or side, learn how to make guacamole at home in only 10 minutes!
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Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
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!
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Easy Summer Appetizers
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.
For even more easy appetizers!
Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Simple + Savory Buffalo Chicken Sliders pack just the right amount of heat. They are great served as a dinner or appetizer!!
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Fruit Salsa
Fresh fruit salsa is a perfect pairing for our sweet homemade cinnamon chips. Ready in under 20 minutes, you can make it for any occasion!
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Barbecue Chicken French Bread Recipe
Delicious Barbecue Chicken French Bread is loaded with chicken, cilantro, cheese, avocados and ranch dressing. It is a quick & easy FAV!
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Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Just three ingredients to make our sweet and savory crock pot grape jelly meatballs – minutes to prep for the perfect dinner or appetizer!
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Zucchini Fries Recipe
These baked zucchini sticks are crusted and baked in panko, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. Zucchini fries are healthy AND delicious!
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Caesar Salad Cups Recipe
Caesar Salad Cups are a quick, simple and tasty side dish or appetizer. They're mini salads in a cup and great for parties and get togethers!
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Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Sweet and savory Pineapple Meatballs are a perfectly easy appetizer for parties and get-togethers or a delicious side dish for dinner.
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Avocado Taquitos Recipe
Avocado Taquitos aka "Flautas" are filled with avocados and cheese and fried to perfection! They're perfect for a main dish or appetizer.
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Asparagus Roll Ups
Asparagus wrapped in Puff Pastry, filled with cream cheese and topped with parmesan. So simple and delicious, it’s the perfect side for any meal.
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Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates make a tasty appetizer. The contrasting flavors combine for the perfect bite!
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Spinach Artichoke Bites
Spinach artichoke bites are encased in a flaky crescent cup for a favorite finger food appetizer, ready in 20 minutes and always a hit!
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Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Serve these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos as an easy dinner idea, or as an appetizer at your next party or get together.
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Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Spicy fried jalapeno poppers are a classic appetizer that everyone wants! Bite into these cheesy poppers for a flavor explosion!
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Brie and Pear Tarts Recipe
Decadent Brie and Pear Tarts are elegant, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes! Dazzle your guests with these refined hor d'oeuvres.
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Mexican Wontons Recipe
Mexican Wontons are a zingy twist on a classic appetizer. They are crispy with a perfectly spiced, creamy center!
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Hot Corn Dip
Perfectly spiced hot corn dip is deliciously chunky and perfect for dipping. Serve it as an appetizer or side!
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Hamburger Dip
This savory hamburger dip is always a hit at parties. It's cheesy, hearty, and made with only 4 ingredients!
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Mango Salsa Recipe
This sweet and savory Mango Salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It's full of flavor and simple to make.
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Fruit Kabobs
Colorful fruit kabobs are the best appetizer or side for any occasion! Load up your favorite fruits and get snacking.
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Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.
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Cold Summer Appetizers
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
- Fruits: avocados, lime, lemon, cantaloupe, watermelon, mango, peaches, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
- Herbs & Spices: fresh basil, mint, rosemary, oregano, dill, thyme, parsley, and sage
Tortellini Skewers Recipe
Quick + simple pesto Tortellini Skewers whip up in minutes for a tasty appetizer perfect for any occasion. They are cheesy and delicious!
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Knorr Spinach Dip
Creamy Knorr spinach dip's savory flavors pair perfectly with veggies and your favorite crackers making it a party favorite!
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Easy Bruschetta Recipe
This easy bruschetta recipe is quick and simple. With just 5 ingredients, it's the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
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Veggie Cups Appetizer
Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
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Mexican Pinwheels
Mexican pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!
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Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
Simple Greek Cucumber Cups are a light and delicious appetizer that whips up in minutes. They are a perfect low calorie snack!
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Homemade Hummus Recipe
If You Need A Quick Healthy Snack Or Party Appetizer, You Can Whip Up This Homemade Hummus In 5 Minutes Or Less!
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Bruschetta Caprese Recipe
Toasted bread rounds are topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh mozzarella to make this Bruschetta Caprese.
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Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
Easy tomatillo salsa is spicy and delicious. It's great with tortilla chips or as a sauce on top of your favorite Mexican dishes!
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Peach Salsa Recipe
Fresh peach salsa is delicious with chips, on top of fish or pork, or spooned over tacos! You'll love the flavor combinations in this recipe!
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Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Crisp and light Cucumber Salsa is delicious with tortilla chips or on top of tacos. It is best when freshly made and chilled.
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Burrata Board Recipe
This simple Burrata Board is a stunning & sophisticated appetizer. It's easy to assemble, and perfect for any occasion!
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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
This savory bacon ranch cheese ball is party-perfect. It's prepped in 10 minutes and feeds a dozen people or more!!
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Taco Dip Recipe
This taco dip recipe is a fiesta of flavor, combining your favorite taco toppings into a creamy and cheesy dip that's ready in minutes.
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A FAvorite Dip
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:
40+ Summer Appetizers
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!
Ingredients
- 5 avocados, halved, peeled and pitted
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus more for topping
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- ½ onion, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped and seeded jalapeño pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced 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
Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 278kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 16g, Sodium: 207mg, Potassium: 888mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 465IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg
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!
More Collections: Summer Crockpot Recipes, Summer Dinner Ideas, Frozen Drink Recipes
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!