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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!
1 Fruit Dip Recipe
2 Deviled Eggs Recipe
3 Salsa Recipe
4 Veggie Tray Recipe
5 Black Bean Corn Salsa
6 Spinach Puffs Recipe
7 How to Make a Charcuterie Board
8 Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
9 How to Make Guacamole
10 Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups 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
12 Fruit Salsa Recipe
13 Barbecue Chicken French Bread Recipe
14 Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe15 Zucchini Fries Recipe
16 Caesar Salad Cups Recipe
17 Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
18 Avocado Taquitos Recipe
19 Asparagus Roll Ups
20 Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
21 Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
22 Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
23 Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
24 Brie and Pear Tarts Recipe
25 Mexican Wontons Recipe
26 Hot Corn Dip
27 Hamburger Dip Recipe
28 Mango Salsa Recipe
29 Fruit Kabobs
30 Caprese Kabobs 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
32 Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe33 Easy Bruschetta Recipe
34 Veggie Cups Appetizer
35 Mexican Pinwheels Recipe
36 Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
37 Homemade Hummus Recipe
38 Bruschetta Caprese Recipe
39 Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
40 Peach Salsa Recipe
41 Cucumber Salsa Recipe
42 Burrata Board Recipe
43 Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
44 Taco Dip 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, 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
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
Nutrition
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!