Easy Summer Appetizers for Parties & BBQs

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The best summer appetizer ideas for parties, BBQs, and picnics. Make-ahead, easy, healthy dips, finger foods, cold salads, and snack boards.

A collage of colorful summer appetizers including corn on the cob, dips, salads, toast with toppings, and avocado halves, with text reading “20 Delicious & Easy SUMMER APPETIZERS.”.

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Table of Contents hide

1) Why you'll love these appetizers

2) The best summer appetizer recipes

Why you'll love these appetizers

Refreshing and flavorful – Most recipes in this appetizer collection highlight summer’s fresh produce and are served chilled. Every dish guarantees restaurant-quality flavor.
Minimal effort – These appetizers are designed for simplicity, and most can be prepared in minutes, giving you less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
Make ahead – Many of these dishes can be prepped ahead, reducing stress on party day. Prepare everything in advance, so you can relax and savor the occasion.

The best summer appetizer recipes

Warm weather calls for light, flavorful recipes that are quick to make and bursting with seasonal ingredients. Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a simple snack, these recipes will make your event effortless and memorable.

Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread

Flatbread topped with figs, prosciutto, arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic glaze, sliced on parchment paper with fresh figs and sauce on the side.

With sweet figs and salty prosciutto, this flatbread is a light summer appetizer that feels fancy but comes together fast in the oven or air fryer.

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Peach Burrata Salad

This peach burrata salad is one of the best summer appetizers—sweet peaches, creamy burrata, and salty prosciutto come together for an easy, elegant starter.

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Greek Eggplant Dip (Melitzanosalata)

A plate of Greek eggplant dip on white plate garnished with parsley and olives, surrounded by sliced pita bread on a wooden surface.

Smoky, garlicky, and fresh, this Greek eggplant dip is a cool summer appetizer that’s perfect with pita bread at any summer gathering.

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Instant Pot Artichokes

whole artichokes on trivet in Instant Pot

These Instant Pot artichokes are an easy summer appetizer idea—light, healthy, and perfect for dipping at warm-weather gatherings.

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Easy Pico De Gallo Recipe (mild or spicy!)

pico de gallo in white serving bowl surrounded by tortilla chips and serrano peppers

Pico de gallo is one of the easiest summer appetizer ideas—fresh tomatoes, lime, and herbs make this salsa a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dip.

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Burrata Salad Recipe

caprese tomato burrata salad on black serving plate

This cool burrata salad is bursting with tomatoes and basil—an easy warm weather appetizer that’s fresh, no-fuss, and made for sharing. Perfect during tomato season!

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Authentic Hummus Recipe

smooth and creamy hummus garnished with chickpeas, paprika, olive oil, and parsley in blue bowl

Creamy homemade hummus is one of the best make-ahead summer dips—serve it cold with veggies, pita, or chips for an easy crowd favorite.

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How To Make Crostini

Crostini is a must-have for summer party appetizers—make these toasted slices ahead and top them with anything from cheese to tomato confit.

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Cherry Tomato Confit

A white baking dish filled with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, olive oil, and fresh herbs on a dark cloth.

Slow-roasted cherry tomato confit is a sweet, juicy topping for crostini—an easy make-ahead summer spread that's full of flavor.

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Super Simple Charcuterie Board

round charcuterie board with sliced meats, cheeses, fruit, nuts, olives, spreads, and crackers

A charcuterie board is the ultimate no-cook summer appetizer for a crowd—cool, colorful, and easy to customize with seasonal ingredients.

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Italian Marinated Mushrooms Recipe

marinated mushrooms in white serving bowl with serving spoon

These marinated mushrooms are a light appetizer or side you can prep ahead—zesty, juicy, and great served cold at any picnic or party.

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French Onion Dip with Greek Yogurt

French onion dip in black bowl over platter of potato chips on gray linen on gray wood table

This easy French onion dip is a lighter twist on a classic—perfect for summer parties served with chips or veggies.

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Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe

Pimento cheese in glass jar on wood board next to a spoon full of the dip and scattered bagel chips.

This creamy pimento cheese dip is one of the best summer party appetizers—no cooking, just 10 minutes and a whole lot of flavor.

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Mexican Guacamole Recipe

guacamole and lime wedges in black bowl next to tortilla chips

Fresh guacamole is a classic summer appetizer idea—cool, creamy, and perfect for picnics, BBQs, or taco nights.

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Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe

roasted red pepper hummus in black bowl on platter with crackers

Roasted red pepper hummus is a colorful and cool summer appetizer that’s naturally vegan, make-ahead friendly, and full of flavor.

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Easy Mexican Layer Dip Recipe

seven layer dip in square white dish with serving spoon and scattered tortilla chips

This Mexican layer dip is an easy make-ahead appetizer that's always a hit—serve cold with tortilla chips for parties or BBQs.

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Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote)

elote street corn on black plate garnished with lime wedges

Grilled Mexican street corn (elote) is a BBQ appetizer favorite—hot off the grill, creamy, cheesy, and full of spice.

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Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball Recipe

jalapeno popper cheese ball, pretzels, and pita chips on serving board

This spicy jalapeño popper cheese ball is a fun summer party appetizer—make it ahead and serve cold with crackers or chips.

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Refried Black Beans Recipe

black refried beans garnished with fresh cilantro in white serving bowl next to lime wedges

These creamy refried black beans are a crowd-pleasing warm weather appetizer—serve with tortilla chips or use as a dip base.

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Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

bbq pork sliders with coleslaw, French fried onions, pickles, and bbq sauce

Pulled pork sliders are the best starters for a crowd—make ahead for BBQs, then pile high with slaw and sauce.

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The BEST Jalapeno Popper Dip

baked jalapeno popper dip in iron skillet

Hot, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this jalapeño popper dip is one of the best appetizers to bake and serve with chips at any gathering—even during summer when it's warm out. People love this dip all year!

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Fresh Peach Salsa

white bowl of peach salsa sitting on grey platter of tortilla chips

Peach salsa is a light, fruity twist on salsa fresca—an easy summer party food idea that’s no-cook, colorful, and perfect for chips or grilled meats.

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Zucchini Quinoa Fritters

quinoa zucchini fritters stacked on a baking shet

These zucchini quinoa fritters are a light appetizer packed with veggies and protein—serve with a dipping sauce for an easy starter or snack.

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Black Bean Corn Salsa Recipe

hand picks up black bean and corn salsa with a tortilla chip

Black bean corn salsa is a cold summer appetizer with bold flavor—ready in minutes and perfect for scooping with chips or spooning over grilled meats.

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