This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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

Collage of summer appetizer recipes.
Save This Recipe!
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

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!
Strawberry salsa in a bowl next to cinnamon tortilla chips.

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!

1 Easy Fruit Dip

Dessert, Snack Easy Fruit Dip
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 207 votes
Get the recipe

2 Deviled Eggs Recipe

Appetizer Deviled Eggs Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 53 votes
Get the recipe

3 Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 113 votes
Get the recipe

4 Veggie Tray

Appetizer Veggie Tray
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 16 votes
Get the recipe

5 Black Bean Corn Salsa

Appetizer Black Bean Corn Salsa
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 21 votes
Get the recipe

6 Spinach Puffs Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Puffs Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 196 votes
Get the recipe

7 How to Make a Charcuterie Board

Appetizer How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 15 votes
Get the recipe

8 Caramel Apple Dip Recipe

Dessert Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 35 votes
Get the recipe

9 How to Make Guacamole

Appetizer How to Make Guacamole
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
Get the recipe

10 Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

Appetizer Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 31 votes
Get the recipe

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!

11 Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe

Appetizer Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 18 votes
Get the recipe

12 Fruit Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Fruit Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Get the recipe

13 Barbecue Chicken French Bread Recipe

Appetizer, Bread Barbecue Chicken French Bread Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

14 Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Appetizer, Main Course Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 132 votes
Get the recipe

15 Zucchini Fries Recipe

Side Dish Zucchini Fries Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 28 votes
Get the recipe

16 Caesar Salad Cups Recipe

Appetizer, Salad Caesar Salad Cups Recipe
Total Time: 14 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

17 Pineapple Meatballs Recipe

Appetizer Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 21 votes
Get the recipe

18 Avocado Taquitos Recipe

Main Course Avocado Taquitos Recipe
Total Time: 11 minutes
4.75 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

19 Asparagus Roll Ups

Appetizer, Side Dish Asparagus Roll Ups
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.92 from 34 votes
Get the recipe

20 Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Get the recipe

21 Spinach Artichoke Bites

Appetizer Spinach Artichoke Bites
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 205 votes
Get the recipe

22 Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Appetizer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 18 votes
Get the recipe

23 Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 54 votes
Get the recipe

24 Brie and Pear Tarts Recipe

Appetizer Brie and Pear Tarts Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
5 from 6 votes
Get the recipe

25 Mexican Wontons Recipe

Appetizer Mexican Wontons Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Get the recipe

26 Hot Corn Dip

Appetizer Hot Corn Dip
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 17 votes
Get the recipe

27 Hamburger Dip

Appetizer Hamburger Dip
Total Time: 18 minutes
5 from 52 votes
Get the recipe

28 Mango Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Mango Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

29 Fruit Kabobs

Side Dish Fruit Kabobs
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 15 votes
Get the recipe

30 Caprese Kabobs Recipe

Appetizer Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

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

31 Tortellini Skewers Recipe

Appetizer Tortellini Skewers Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 13 votes
Get the recipe

32 Knorr Spinach Dip

Appetizer, Snack Knorr Spinach Dip
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 4 votes
Get the recipe

33 Easy Bruschetta Recipe

Appetizer Easy Bruschetta Recipe
Total Time: 14 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 28 votes
Get the recipe

34 Veggie Cups Appetizer

Appetizer Veggie Cups Appetizer
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Get the recipe

35 Mexican Pinwheels Recipe

Appetizer Mexican Pinwheels Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 230 votes
Get the recipe

36 Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe

Appetizer Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.91 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

37 Homemade Hummus Recipe

Side Dish Homemade Hummus Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 14 votes
Get the recipe

38 Bruschetta Caprese Recipe

Appetizer Bruschetta Caprese Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Get the recipe

39 Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

40 Peach Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Peach Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 21 votes
Get the recipe

41 Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 13 votes
Get the recipe

42 Burrata Board Recipe

Appetizer Burrata Board Recipe
Total Time: 26 minutes
5 from 6 votes
Get the recipe

43 Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Appetizer Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes
Get the recipe

44 Taco Dip Recipe

Appetizer Taco Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
Get the recipe

A FAvorite Dip

Use this tutorial to learn How To Make Guacamole that will wow any guest. This recipe is so easy and addicting, itโ€™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:

No ratings yet

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 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 5 avocados, halved, peeled and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus more for topping
  • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • ยฝ onion, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped and seeded jalapeรฑo 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.ย 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 3โ€“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

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. Kristen says:

    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.

  2. jess says:

    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!

  3. Sue says:

    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.

  4. Olivia says:

    I love all the great ideas for summer food. Light and refreshing are on the menu.

  5. Joy says:

    I love appetizers!! Sometimes, I just want appetizers as my meal!! The wings & zucchini are my favorite!!

  6. Sarah Skaggs says:

    Love all the ideas here! Thanks!

  7. Kara says:

    So many tasty recipes! I can’t wait to try the zucchini fries and empanadas. They look delish!

  8. Taylor says:

    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!