If you’re planning a warm weather soirée, these easy summer appetizers are for you! You’ll find all the best seasonal flavors and ingredients in this round-up of simple recipe inspiration.
With minimal ingredients and very little hands-on time, each of these summer appetizer ideas is both delicious and simple to throw together.
My catering years were always highlighted by seasonally available summer produce. That’s why I’ve spent all these years honing in on those ingredients! I quickly learned that the most crowd-pleasing appetizers were always classic, traditional choices – but with a fresh, vibrant spin that captured the season.
Each of these recipes leans in to that idea! I’m showing you how to create an appetizer that will WOW at any event! I’ve got 30 of the best summer appetizers to share with you today – there’s a recipe for every occasion. From decadent dips to fruits, veggies, salads and hand held options, you’re sure to create something as beautiful as it is delicious.
Tips
- If you’re hosting a group of friends or family, be sure to include several appetizers to accommodate any allergies or restrictions.
- Looking for a chilled make-ahead option that can be an appetizer or a filling side dish? Don’t skip my best pasta salad recipes in this complete guide.
- Get more inspiration for summer entertaining here.
- Don’t forget dessert! Find all my favorite dessert recipes here.
30 Easy Summer Appetizers
Think of fresh produce like watermelon, mango, corn, basil and tomatoes. We’re diving right in! Find the recipes organized into three categories: Dips, Handhelds and Fruits. Click through to the printable recipe card for each recipe.
Dips and Spreads
A summer appetizer display isn’t complete without these incredible dips and spreads! They capture the vibrancy of the season with fresh ingredients that will really shine through this summer.
Baked Burrata
Topped with roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and topped with fresh basil, it is fragrant and savory… perfect for creamy burrata bruschetta or as a summer salad topper.
Appetizers
Baked Burrata Recipe
This Baked Burrata Recipe is an easy, decadent appetizer that will appeal to the masses. Garnished with roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and topped with fresh basil, it is fragrant and savory… perfect for creamy Burrata Bruschetta or as a summer salad topper. Read More
35 mins
Creamy Jalapeño Dip
This is a stand out crowd pleasing dip that’s perfect for parties, tailgates and more. It’s made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, jalapeños and monterey jack cheese for the creamiest dip with a kick!
Game Day
Creamy Jalapeño Dip
This Creamy Jalapeño Dip is an easy dip recipe to throw together and serve a crowd! It’s a stand out dip that’s perfect for parties, tailgates and will have everyone talking! Read More
25 mins
Mozzarella Bruschetta
This is an easy bruschetta recipe with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and garlic. It’s a combination that totally speaks to summer flavors.
Appetizers
Mozzarella Bruschetta
Start your dinner off in style by serving Mozzarella Bruschetta for an incredible appetizer. In just a few minutes, you’ll have the cutest little toasted bruschetta with mozzarella… topped with arguably the best combination of flavors ever invented! Read More
14 mins
Pesto Hummus
Hummus is the best way to add a creamy, craveable dip into your diet, bursting with clean healthy flavor.
Recipes
Pesto Hummus
Basil pesto hummus is the best combination of all the flavors you love in pesto and the creamy texture of hummus. You’ll love this fresh and flavorful basil hummus recipe! Read More
10 mins
Black Bean Hummus
With minimal ingredients and packed with flavor, this black bean hummus recipe is such a deliciously clean way to dip.
Recipes
Black Bean Hummus
This easy black bean hummus is deliciously creamy and full of healthy flavor! With minimal ingredients and packed with only the good stuff, this black bean hummus recipe is such a deliciously clean way to dip. Read More
10 mins
French Onion Dip
An updated take on the classic dip made with a packet! In our recipe, caramelized onions are folded into a creamy dip for amazing flavor in every bite. This dip will make you want to ditch the mix forever.
Recipes
Homemade French Onion Dip
This easy French Onion Dip is an easy crowd pleasing appetizer. Golden caramelized onions add amazing flavor in every creamy bite! Read More
35 mins
Chipotle Corn Salsa
Add Chipotle corn salsa to a taco toppings bar, or enjoy it as a dip with your favorite chips.
Recipes
Corn Salsa
This Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe is a fresh and easy dip or topping for tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more! Add this Chipotle Corn Salsa to your burrito bowls for the ultimate Chipotle copycat. Read More
5 mins
Easy Pesto Dip
You need just three ingredients for this simple recipe that’s perfect for a crowd. You can serve this as a hot dip or make it ahead of time.
Recipes
Cream Cheese Pesto Dip
This cream cheese pesto dip is so easy and quick to make. It’s the perfect appetizer for the holidays, game days or general entertaining. Read More
25 mins
Watermelon Salsa
This salsa is perfect for summer! There’s nothing like the combination of cool watermelon with a little spice – we’ve added bell peppers, jalapeño, cilantro and lime.
Appetizers
Watermelon Salsa
Mix it up with Watermelon Salsa! This fruit salsa recipe embraces the fresh flavors of summer blending watermelon with bell peppers, jalapeño, cilantro and lime. It’s perfect for dipping or for topping tacos, salads and more! Read More
10 mins
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This delicious corn salad can be served as a dip or a fabulous topping. Either way, it’s perfect for a summertime spread of appetizers at a party!
Cinco de Mayo
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican street corn salad is an incredible summer side dish. Also called equites, this salad captures all the traditional flavors of street corn in a way that’s even easier to serve! Read More
12 mins
Dill Dip
This creamy dip recipe is an easy make-ahead appetizer you can serve with vegetables, chips, crackers, and bread!
Appetizers
Easy Dill Dip Recipe
Classic and flavorful, this easy dill dip recipe is always a crowd-pleaser for holidays, game days and summer gatherings. The flavors really pop in this dill veggie dip with the help of dried herbs and spices (hello, Beau Monde!). This creamy dip recipe is an easy make-ahead appetizer you can serve with vegetables, chips, crackers, and bread! Read More
5 mins
Queso Blanco
This creamy, cheesy queso is made on the stovetop (or in a slow cooker) with just four ingredients; white cheese, heavy cream, jalapeño and tomato!
Appetizers
Queso Blanco
Queso Blanco, a recipe for a restaurant-style white queso dip without a lot of effort. This creamy, cheesy Queso Blanco is made on the stovetop (or in a CrockPot) with just four ingredients; white cheese, heavy cream, jalapeño and tomato! Read More
10 mins
Homemade Pimento Cheese
This is an easy recipe to slather over sandwiches and burgers, or use it as a spread for crackers, crostini, or vegetables.
Recipes
Easy Pimento Cheese Recipe
An easy Pimento Cheese recipe with cream cheese is an incredible topping for burgers, hot dogs or the gooiest grilled… Read More
10 mins
Mango Guacamole
If you love traditional guacamole, why not give it a fresh, summer-inspired spin with a little mango, too? My catering years taught me that folks sure love a fun spin on a classic recipe – this one is no exception!
Recipes
Mango Guacamole Recipe
This easy mango guacamole is an incredible appetizer and a delicious topping for tacos, salads and more! It’s fresh, vibrant, sweet and spicy and ready to serve in just 10 minutes. Read More
10 mins
Crazy Good Corn Dip
An oldie but such a goodie! It’s a classic corn dip recipe with jalapeños, green onions, cheese and amazing flavor!
Recipes
Crazy Good Corn Dip
This heavenly corn dip is perfect for picnics, parties, game day, holidays and more. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this crack corn dip in minutes! Read More
5 mins
Handheld Hors D’oeuvres
These summer appetizers are great for serving and make a beautiful display.
Jarcuterie
This one is as much fun to make as it is to serve! Instead of a board or platter, charcuterie elements are served in individual containers or jars.
Appetizers
Charcuterie Jars
Jarcuterie is the cutest spin on the ever-popular charcuterie boards that are forever loved by families and party-goers across the world! Charcuterie Jars make for the most delicious way to entertain. Read More
10 mins
Cheese and Crackers
Get all the best upgrades for this classic snack display! You can make such a beautiful, crowd-pleasing appetizer with just a few easy tricks!
Appetizers
Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are a classic snack with so many fun variations! This timeless combination is so easy to customize. It’s fast, easy and nutritious, and makes an effortless appetizer. Read More
5 mins
Gnocco Fritto
Light and fluffy pastry pillows are topped with olive oil, prosciutto and sea salt for heavenly bites. Fried to golden brown perfection in a matter of seconds, this classic Italian dish is always delicious.
Appetizers
Gnocco Fritto
Gnocco Fritto is an easy 10-minute appetizer when made with the ultimate shortcut: puff pastry! These light and fluffy puff pillows are topped with olive oil, prosciutto and sea salt for heavenly bites. Fried to golden brown perfection in a matter of seconds, this classic Italian dish is always a favorite. Read More
10 mins
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
This is an appetizer that is truly timeless, and loved by so many – but now you can make your own in the simplest possible way.
Appetizers
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
If you love a classic shrimp cocktail for a party appetizer, you’re going to be so excited about this roasted shrimp cocktail recipe! This is an appetizer that is truly timeless, and loved by so many – but now you can make your own in the simplest possible way. Read More
15 mins
Mini Tacos
Who doesn’t love a miniature version of their favorite food? Make these mini chicken tacos or mini beef tacos and put some serious fun back into your next gathering!
Recipes
Mini Tacos
Mini tacos are such a fun and festive party food! They are easy to customize and easy to eat in multiples – because who doesn’t love a miniature version of their favorite food? Make these mini chicken tacos or mini beef tacos and put some serious fun back into your next gathering! Read More
30 mins
Guacamole Bites
These guacamole bites are gluten free and FULL of zesty flavor. They’re so cute to serve and a total crowd-pleaser.
Appetizers
Guacamole Bites
Looking for an easy appetizer that can be made in a flash? These guacamole bites are just the ticket. Read More
10 mins
Handheld Endive Salad
Endive lettuce is naturally so easy to hold… your guests will keep coming back for more! This is an easy and delicious hors d’oeuvre you can feel good about serving!
Appetizers
Handheld Endive Salad
This easy endive appetizer is everything you crave for entertaining! It’s healthy, gorgeous, and simply bursting with fresh flavor. Bonus? Endive lettuce is naturally so easy to hold… your guests will keep coming back for more! Read More
10 mins
Avocado Deviled Eggs
You can always make our favorite classic deviled eggs, but if you love avocado, these are going to blow you away! This avocado egg combination is rich, creamy and satisfying.
Appetizers
Avocado Deviled Eggs
If you love deviled eggs and you love avocado, these Avocado Deviled Eggs are going to blow you away! This is a combination that is rich, creamy and satisfying. Read More
10 mins
Peach Crostini
These are perfect for entertaining, and best served with a glass of chilled Prosecco in an outdoor setting! Learn how to make homemade crostini here.
Appetizers
Peach Crostinis
These peach crostini are a great summer appetizer that are easy to make and a real crowd pleaser. They are perfect for entertaining and best served with a glass of chilled prosecco in the garden! Read More
11 mins
Fruits and Sweet Summer Appetizers
Fruits and berries are perfect for summer and they make great appetizers or desserts!
Funfetti Dip
This dessert dip is formed like a cheese ball, and it’s so much fun to make and serve. It’s perfect for dipping and spreading with an array of fruits, cookies and crackers.
4th of July
Funfetti Dip 4th of July Dessert
This flag shaped funfetti dip is the cutest way to add a little patriotic flair to your Fourth of July dessert display! It’s the cutest red white and blue snack and it’s great for patriotic parties. Read More
45 mins
Snackle Boxes
Partying on the go? Bring a snackle box for the ultimate summertime fun! This is an appetizer or dessert that is great for outdoor parties – I think you’ll love it just as much as we do!
Appetizers
Snackle Boxes
If you love to snack, you’re going to love snackle boxes! They are everything you love about charcuterie board, wrapped into the cutest container for travel. Tackle box charcuterie for the win! Read More
15 mins
Fruit Skewers
Bite-sized and oh-so-charming to serve, you’ll have guests oohing and aahing over your clever display of fruit kabobs.
Appetizers
Fresh Fruit Skewers
These darling fruit skewers are the ultimate way to serve festive fruit for every occasion! Perfectly bite-sized and oh-so-charming, you’ll have your guests oohing and aahing over your clever display. Read More
10 mins
Marshmallow and Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Learn to create a beautiful fruit platter that everyone will love and serve it with one of our favorite fruit dips! This is the easiest summertime appetizer, dessert and side dish.
Recipes
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is the perfect accompaniment to a beautiful fruit platter. It’s sweet, yet balanced and made with just three simple ingredients! Read More
3 mins
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
Update your fruit tray with this fresh take on a traditional dip that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This dip is an incredible crowd pleaser for tailgates, summer cookouts and so much more!
Recipes
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
This is a delightfully easy and creamy peanut butter fruit dip recipe. It’s a three ingredient peanut butter dip that is excellent for an after school snack and so much more! Read More
2 mins
Mascarpone Fruit Dip
Rich and creamy with decadent ingredients, this mascarpone dip is going to be a recipe family and friends beg you to share!
Recipes
Fruit Dip with Mascarpone
This is an easy three ingredient, five minute mascarpone dip recipe that can be whipped up in no time. Rich and creamy with decadent ingredients, this mascarpone dip is going to be a recipe family and friends beg you to share! Read More
5 mins
