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These summer appetizers highlight the best produce of the season! Everyone will love these dips and finger foods.
Throwing a party, or need a great way to start a meal? Here are our top ideas for summer appetizers! This season is ripe for parties, with the abundance of fresh produce and great weather for eating al fresco. These appetizers for the summer capitalize on seasonal produce: juicy tomatoes, sweet peaches, and sunny sweet corn. Make a few dips, or go big on finger food with skewers, bruschetta or crostini. Anything goes in summer!
And now…our top ideas for summer appetizers!
Here’s a fun summer appetizer that pleases nearly everyone: Caprese Skewers! This easy recipe is visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, spearing all the components of a Caprese salad onto a skewer. There’s nothing better than basil and tomatoes in summer, and combined with seasoned mozzarella and a balsamic glaze: you won’t be able to eat just one!
Here’s a tasty summer appetizer with a party vibe: Texas caviar! Also known as cowboy caviar, the combination of black eyed peas, veggies and a vinaigrette dressing is equal parts zesty and comforting. This recipe has loads of colorful veggies, cilantro and jalapenos, and a simple zingy dressing with the perfect flavor.
Got ripe summer tomatoes? Try Pan Con Tomate, a Spanish tapas recipe with only a few ingredients but immeasurably massive flavor. Take one bite and it’s like ingesting the pure soul of a tomato: all its memories of growing plump in the summer sun.
Accessorize those summer vegetables with this Veggie Dip! It’s creamy and savory, and simple to whip up with just the right combination of spices. No need for prepackaged ranch seasonings here! This healthy veggie dip is a summer appetizer everyone will love: and it comes together in just 5 minutes.
Here's an inventive summery appetizer: Watermelon Tequila Skewers! Yes, you’ll most often see watermelon and tequila paired in a cocktail (and who could turn down a watermelon margarita?). But sprinkle some over watermelon cubes and it’s absolute genius! Don't want the alcohol? Skip it to make Watermelon Lime Skewers: they're just as good.
Here’s a creamy, irresistibly spiced appetizer you need in your life: our perfect Taco Dip! It comes together in minutes, and we can confidently say almost no one turns this one down. This one is even better than the standard: it’s got a quick homemade seasoning blend, Greek yogurt, and a colorful mix of fresh toppings for the absolute best flavor. Here’s how it’s done!
Here’s a summer appetizer that’s ideal for parties and entertaining: Hummus Dip! Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese. Each bite is a burst of tangy, bright and creamy flavor! It’s best with crunchy pita chips, but anything goes here.
Here’s a fabulous way to celebrate summer: Mexican-style corn dip! It’s absolutely irresistible, pairing corn with a tangy sauce and bursts of salty cheese. Enjoy with crunchy tortilla chips.
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer has become ubiquitous all over the world because of its easy-to-love flavors. Who can say no to crunchy, toasted bread piled with tasty toppings? The most popular way to serve bruschetta in America is with chopped tomatoes, garlic and basil: but it’s actually not the traditional Italian way.
Nothing's better in summer than a big bowl of guacamole! What makes this recipe so great? It’s classic and has the perfect balanced flavor: perfectly savory, creamy, and tangy. Serve it up with tortilla chips and your guests — and you — won’t be able to stop eating it.
Looking for a fun summer appetizer? Try Fruit Skewers! Everything tastes better on a stick, right? This is a simple concept that’s more like an idea than a recipe: but it makes everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit. Use whatever fruits you like and if desired, serve with our favorite 3 ingredient fruit dip!
Here’s a summer appetizer that we’re head over heels with: caponata! This Sicilian specialty is a sweet and sour ratatouille with cooked eggplant, tomatoes and onion, often spread on crusty bread as an appetizer or antipasti. It’s so full of tangy, garlicky flavor that once you’ve taken one bite, you’ll likely want to devour the entire serving dish.
Here’s a tasty dip that will surprise you with its irresistibly creamy flavor: Black Bean Hummus! This spin on the traditional Mediterranean chickpea dip might sound fun, but here’s the thing. It tastes even better than it sounds! Black beans, lime, tahini and a bit of smoked paprika make creamy dip magic.
Ever tried peach salsa? This summer appetizer is ideal for juicy peaches when the season is right. Not only is the blend of the sweet juicy peaches with cilantro and zingy lime incredibly delicious, but it’s quite versatile. Serve it with chips or pita chips as an appetizer.
Here’s an easy summer appetizer that looks stunning and relies on simple, spot-on flavors: Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites! The classic combination of smoked salmon, dill, cucumber and cream cheese is a hit every time. Mix the cream cheese with fresh dill, green onion and Dijon for a rich, zingy pop.
What’s better for parties than a good spinach dip? This one is so easy to make: it’s the kind that’s served cold, perfect for dipping pita chips or serving in a bread bowl. The recipe is a little healthier than most, relying on Greek yogurt for much of the creaminess.
Burrata is a revelation: gooey, fresh mozzarella that’s hiding a secret: an even gooier, creamier interior. Once you taste this, you’ll be forever a burrata aficionado. Here’s the best way to serve burrata as a summer appetizer: with fresh summer fruits or tomatoes, herbs, olive oil, and sea salt.
Here’s a summer salsa everyone should try: Cucumber Salsa! Turns out, cucumber is just the veggie for pairing with jalapeño, cilantro and lime! It adds a cooling essence and a hydrating crunch to each bite. Zingy and zesty, it’s ideal for dipping chips or showering over tacos.
Love dill pickles? Love dip? Because we’ve got the perfect dip for you: dill pickle dip! Creamy and tangy, the flavor is like biting into a dill pickle spear. It’s absolutely perfect with potato chips or cucumber slices.
Let’s make tuna tartare! Pairing the bold flavors of soy sauce, lime and toasted sesame oil makes magic with this sushi-grade fish. It’s the ideal spread for crackers or toasts. This classic appetizer came on the scene in the 1980s as a spin-off on the French beef-based version.
Try this peanut butter dip with apples! It’s just 4 ingredients and surprisingly tastes like frosting. It works for any occasion: a quick snack for kids, a family party, or a big snacks table. Or if you’re me, use it for a sweets craving after a meal! I make it for me and our son Larson after a meal, and it disappears in a flash (he calls it “mama’s favorite dip”). This is a go-to healthy treat for us: and we’re thrilled to share with you.
There’s nothing more fun than food on a stick, right? Here’s an easy party appetizer that capitalizes on this idea: Antipasto Skewers! They’re everything that’s great about an antipasto platter, in skewer form. Thread olives, mozzarella, marinated artichokes and tortellini pasta onto a skewer, and it’s easily devoured by eaters of all ages.
This creamy dip is a Lebanese classic with a smoky finish to the flavor that makes it absolutely irresistible for dipping. Turns out, it’s actually very simple to make at home, and a fabulous summer appetizer. Whiz it with tahini and lemon and prepare to be amazed. Serve with homemade Pita Chips.
Looking for a fun, creamy summer dip that’s simple to whip up for guests? Try this homemade French Onion Dip recipe! Sure, you can easily grab a tub at the store. But making this classic dip at home takes it to a new level. The flavor is fresh, savory, rich and tangy: ideal for drowning salty potato chips or crunchy veggies.
Here’s a go-to recipe will immediately go in your back pocket for summer entertaining: this easy Fruit Dip! Get this: it’s 3 ingredients, takes 2 minutes, and tastes like a dream. That’s right: no need to buy store-bought dip, which is often overly sweet or artificial tasting. This one tastes beautifully natural, simply sweet, and a base of Greek yogurt keeps it healthy and natural.
Here’s a fun summer appetizer or snack: Apple Nachos! This simple combination of sweetened yogurt, almonds and apple slices is so refreshing and delicious, it’s hard to stop sneaking bites. It’s really just loaded apple slices, but it’s all in the branding, right?
Here's a fun summer appetizer that's an easy alternative to the standard guacamole: this creamy Avocado Dip! Dip a chip into this luxuriously creamy, intensely savory magic sauce and pow! The meld of avocado, lime, cilantro and cumin is like a heightened version of your favorite guac. Even better: unlike guacamole, it magically stays green in the refrigerator for days!
More appetizer ideas
Want more recipe inspiration? Here are a few more ideas to choose from:
- Pick from 50 Easy Appetizer Recipes Everyone Will Love
- Try 25 Top Party Food Ideas
- Grab 15 Finger Food Ideas for Parties
- Opt for 10 Favorite Healthy Appetizer Recipes
25 Fun Summer Appetizers: Caprese Skewers & More!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers 1x
Description
Caprese skewers are a fun and easy summer appetizer! This spin on the classic salad is ideal to impress guests or for a meal al fresco. For all summer appetizers, see the recipe links above.
Ingredients
- 16 small fresh mozzarella balls (Ciliegine), drained
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 32 round cherry tomatoes
- 32 small fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction (purchased or homemade)
- 16 short skewers
Instructions
- Dry the mozzarella and toss in bowl with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and kosher salt.
- Thread each skewer as follows: cherry tomato, basil leaf (folded in half), mozzarella ball, basil leaf, cherry tomato. Place all skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately. Skewers can sit at room temperature up 2 hours (you can refrigerate leftovers but the basil can turn dark over time.). If making ahead, make no more than 3 hours in advance.
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Summer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Summer appetizers, appetizers for the summer
Let us know if you have any questions!
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