45 Easy Summer Appetizers to Serve Under the Sun
Beat the heat with skewers, dips, bites, and more!
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Summer is the perfect season for hosting a party. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate (including Memorial Day and the 4th of July) and it's easy to gather friends and family in your backyard, at the pool, or even in a park! But like every good celebration, summer parties require some tasty bites to keep everyone satisfied.
Whether it's a summer dip, a grilled skewer, or a refreshing salad, this list has tons of ideas for summer appetizers. And the best part is that they're all incredibly easy to make. After all, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen on a sunny summer day. Instead, toss together a classic Caesar salad, whip up the quick dill dip to serve with chips and veggies, or try your hand at the super-easy zucchini pizza bites. You’ll also find plenty of pool party foods like chef's salad on a stick and coconut shrimp.
Looking to fire up the grill? Try the grilled beef skewers or a fun twist on watermelon slices that are seared on the grill. And speaking of seasonal produce, this list includes plenty ways to let summer veggies shine. Just look at the fried eggplant recipe or the Caprese salad made with juicy summer tomatoes. Serve a couple of margaritas or a pitcher of sangria, and set up a few outdoor games to keep the kids occupied, and you've got yourself one heck of a summer bash!
Grilled Tomatoes
With a simple preparation involving a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, spices, and fresh herbs, these tomatoes caramelize on the grill, enhancing their sweetness and adding a smoky flavor. They're perfect as a standalone appetizer or paired with mozzarella and basil.
Get Ree's Grilled Tomatoes recipe.
Asparagus Salad
Tender steamed asparagus with crispy bacon, shaved parmesan, radishes, and toasted walnuts, are all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette in this salad that wonderfully balances salty, tangy, crunchy, and fresh flavors.
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
Zucchini Fritters with Chipotle-Lime Crema
Here's a perfect way to make the most of fresh garden zucchini. Crispy on the edges and tender inside, the flavorful bites are enhanced with a chipotle-lime crema for dip that adds an extra punch.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Each portobello cap is filled with tangy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and crispy parmesan-panko topping, all drizzled with a garlicky balsamic marinade, then roasted to golden perfection.
Get the Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms recipe.
Corn Muffins
These subtly sweet muffins are made with medium-grind yellow cornmeal for a golden, tender, and comforting bite when served warm. You'll want to pair them with homemade honey butter for a delightful, salty-sweet finish.
Get the Corn Muffins recipe.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
This refreshing dish is light yet satisfying, blending tender pasta with succulent shrimp, crisp celery, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Serve it chilled to provide a cool and flavorful bite at parties.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
Highlight fresh seasonal produce with with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper to maintain its natural sweetness, before it goes on the grill to come out tender and smoky. It pairs well with marinara sauce, pesto, tzatziki, or hummus.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Roasted Carrots with Herb Dip
For a vibrant and healthy summer appetizer, make these sweet carrots that get roasted until they're tender and caramelized. You'll pair them with a creamy herb dip to deliver a beautiful mix of textures and flavors.
Get Ree's Roasted Carrots with Herb Dip recipe.
Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts
Quick to assemble and visually stunning, these handheld tarts make an ideal seasonal starter, offering a burst of garden-fresh flavor in every bite. They're made with a store-bought puff pastry and layered with a creamy pesto ricotta.
Get the Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Dill Pickle Ranch
You can use this dressing to make a handful of appetizers! A twist on classic ranch, it has the typical herby taste, but with an extra kick from chopped dill pickles. Drizzle it over salads or scoop it up with chips and veggies. The options are endless!
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Ranch recipe.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad in the summer always hits the spot! Featuring crispy romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a pile of parmesan cheese, it's fresh, light, and easy to prepare. Of course, you'll coat everything in a creamy, garlicky dressing.
Get Ree's Caesar Salad recipe.
Caprese Salad
Whether you're growing tomatoes in your own backyard or you find the bright, bursting plant at the farmer's market, you won't want to miss the opportunity to let juicy tomatoes shine in this classic caprese salad. They're paired with mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and a balsamic reduction.
Get Ree's Caprese Salad recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Grab the chips because this salsa is just begging to be scooped! The fresh, chunky dip is full of black-eyed peas, black beans, bell pepper, onion, tomato, and jalapeño for a kick of heat. Oh, and the whole thing is ready in just 15 minutes.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Green Goddess Salad
Every partygoer will want to load up on this salad! The lusciously creamy green dressing is made with avocado, spinach, basil, parmesan cheese, and shallot, and goes perfectly with a veggie-packed salad of cabbage, cucumbers, snap peas, and green onions.
Get the Green Goddess Salad recipe.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
This seasonal recipe is a great way to use up an abundance of fresh garden zucchini! Your kids will love it, too! The veggie slices are topped with sauce, melted cheese, and the most adorable pieces of mini pepperoni.
Get the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.
Pico de Gallo
Fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, and fragrant cilantro make this summer dip an all-time favorite of The Pioneer Woman. Serve it up with tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Whether it's a picnic or a potluck, it wouldn't be a party without deviled eggs. The creamy filling seasoned with mustard, pickle juice, and hot sauce is a classic for a reason.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Cheeseburgers are the ultimate cookout food, but this recipe makes them perfectly bite-sized so they're fit for a party. They even have a classic burger dipping sauce made with mayo and ketchup.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Spring Rolls
These healthy spring rolls are a colorful display of rice noodles, sliced fruits and vegetables, and cooked shrimp. They're even better when served up with a make-ahead peanut sauce.
Get the Spring Rolls recipe.
Burrata Salad
Juicy, marinated summer tomatoes pair up with creamy burrata cheese in this elegant salad. It's all served over a bed of arugula with a drizzle of garlic oil and balsamic glaze.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
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