25 Easy Summer Dips to Serve at Your Next Backyard Cookout
They're the secret to outdoor entertaining.
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So you're hosting a backyard cookout and looking for ways to make the summer party more fun. To get started, you can pick a party theme—like a tropical pool party or an outdoor camping party—then, get to work on the spread of light bites and party dips. These summer dip recipes whip up fast and are the secret to easy outdoor occasions, no matter what you've got planned otherwise.
When you want to keep things light and refreshing, reach for healthy dips like the roasted red pepper hummus, smooth white bean dip, or creamy avocado dip to serve with cut up veggies. There are also tons of ideas that use summer produce like hot corn dip made with fresh ears of corn and pico de gallo made with summer tomatoes. Any of these summer dips can be served with an array of crudités, tortilla and potato chips, or pita crisps.
If you're hosting a pool party, make a fruity mango salsa to pair with your favorite grilling recipes. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with cowboy caviar for a weekend camping trip under the stars. And like all good summer recipes, these party dips are incredibly easy to make ahead of time and just stash in the fridge until you're ready to serve. The only thing left to do is stir up a pitcher of lemonade (or a summer cocktail)—and you'll get the party started.
Tzatziki
The Greeks know what they're doing! This easy yogurt-and-cucumber sauce makes the perfect refreshing dip for veggies and pita bread, as well as a topping for burgers and more.
Get the Tzatziki recipe.
White Bean Dip
Think of this as a smoother, creamier cousin of hummus. Blended up with garlic, shallot, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, cannellini beans become an irresistible snack.
Get Ree's White Bean Dip recipe.
Pimento Cheese
In certain regions of this country, if there's no pimento cheese, it's not a proper gathering. Even if that's not the case where you live, you should probably make this seriously addictive dip.
Get Ree's Pimento Cheese recipe.
Whipped Goat Cheese
Tangy goat cheese gets even lighter and creamier when you whiz it in the food processor with some sour cream. A crunchy bacon and toasted bread crumb topping provides the perfect contrast.
Get Ree's Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
Corn Salsa
Nothing says summer like fresh corn! And this recipe is a great way to put those sweet, grilled kernels to good use. It's paired with grilled onions, colorful peppers, and cilantro for a satisfying dip.
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
Spinach Dip
This cool, creamy twist on a classic spinach dip is easy to stir together in just about 10 minutes. Serve with veggie sticks, pita chips, or crackers for dipping.
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
Avocado Salsa
This colorful dip is sort of like a mash-up between pico de gallo and guacamole. It's the best of both worlds in one little bowl (or, a big dip bowl if you're serving a crowd).
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
Cheeseburger Dip
If cheeseburgers are your go-to summer food, then this fun, hearty dip is for you! It has all the aspects of a burger, including the ground beef, cheddar jack cheese, pickles, and veggies in one skillet.
Get the Cheeseburger Dip recipe.
French Onion Dip
If there are potato chips at your backyard shindig, there better be some onion dip. It comes together in just five minutes, giving you so much more time to enjoy the weather.
Get the French Onion Dip recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
This dip combines black beans and black-eyed peas with colorful veggies and spicy jalapeño pepper for a welcome kick. It's great for making ahead so you can pack it up as a camping snack on your next outdoor adventure.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Mango Salsa
This fruity, tropical salsa is the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It's delicious served with chips for dipping, but it can also double as a topping for tacos or grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Get the Mango Salsa recipe.
Guacamole
This guacamole is perfectly chunky with bits of fresh tomato, cilantro, and jalapeño for added flavor. It's just about the best guacamole you'll ever have.
Get the Guacamole recipe.
Whipped Feta Dip
This dip is incredibly easy with no cooking required. Just combine the ingredients in a food processor and drizzle the top with honey and a sprinkle of fresh mint for a sweet and salty Mediterranean-inspired dip.
Get the Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
You'll brighten up any summer spread with this refreshing green dip! It's packed with refreshing cucumber, crunchy cabbage, and rotisserie chicken so it's hearty enough for a picnic lunch.
Dill Dip
The beauty of this herby dip is that it's ultra creamy. You can make it in advance to let the flavors mingle, then serve with veggie sticks, potato chips, or salted pretzels.
Get the Dill Dip recipe.
Avocado Dip
Unlike guacamole, this dip made with avocados is smooth and creamy. It's actually made using a blender with Greek yogurt, basil, green onion, garlic, lemon, and cayenne.
Get the Avocado Dip recipe.
Pico de Gallo
This chunky take on salsa is spicy, but not unbearably hot. It's actually pretty refreshing thanks to the cilantro and lime juice. Try it served alongside your favorite guacamole for the ultimate dip duo.
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Making onion dip from scratch is well worth the effort, especially since you can make it a day or two in advance and let the flavors get richer as it sits in the fridge. Serve with potato chips or veggie sticks.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Queso Dip
This ooey gooey queso dip uses a mix of white American and pepper jack cheeses. It's the perfect pairing for green chiles and jalapeño in this classic dip.
Get the Queso Dip recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus is a healthy, protein-packed snack, but it's also incredibly versatile. Here, the chickpeas are blended with roasted red peppers for a welcome sweetness and a bright red hue. Serve with pita wedges.
Get the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe.
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