25 Easy Summer Appetizers We're Making All Season Long (2024)

Home Recipes Meal Types Appetizers

Updated: Apr. 12, 2024

Steal the show at the next backyard barbecue with these easy summer appetizers—each ready in no time!

1/20

Avocado Salsa

I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah

2/20

Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes

These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida

3/20

Mini BLTs

Celery adds a nice crunch to these easy, delightful appetizers. They’re always popular at parties and get-togethers. —Elizabeth Borgemenke, Mason, Ohio

4/20

Watermelon Cups

This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

5/20

Best Hummus

Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

6/20

Antipasto Kabobs

My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio

7/20

My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

8/20

Quick Taco Dip

This quick taco dip from Rhonda Biancardi of Blaine, Minnesota is a definite family favorite. In fact, she says, “This recipe has been made more times than I can count! It just looks very colorful to a table, and it never lasts long.

9/20

Easy Smoked Salmon

A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite way to serve salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. —Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan

10/20

Chunky Blue Cheese Dip

Every time I make this quick blue cheese dip, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois

11/20

Garden-Fresh Seafood co*cktail

For something cool on a hot day, we mix shrimp and crabmeat with crunchy veggies straight from the garden. Look for adobo seasoning in your grocery’s international section. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

12/20

Heirloom Tomato Galette with Pecorino

I found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California

13/20

Easy Pimiento Cheese

Every good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It’s wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

14/20

Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs

These appealing kabobs will add pizazz to any party—and you don't even have to get out the grill! —Sherine Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York

15/20

Classic Texas Caviar

I adapted this texas caviar from one in a cookbook I received a long time ago, and now, I can't imagine a get-together at my house without this quick and healthy appetizer. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado

16/20

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

This simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

17/20

Jalapeno Poppers

These creamy stuffed jalapeno poppers have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York

18/20

Fresh Shrimp and Avocado Nachos

I'm a fan of shrimp, and my family loves nachos. When I combined those favorites and added fresh avocado, the result was a cool yet satisfying snack. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

19/20

Easy Strawberry Salsa

My salsa is sweet and colorful, with just a little bite from jalapeno peppers. I love to use fresh strawberries and my own homegrown vegetables, but you can also use produce that is available year-round. It's delicious with tortilla chips or even as a topping for grilled chicken or pork. —Dianna Wara, Washington, Illinois

20/20

80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will Love

Can’t get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one’s for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.

Originally Published: April 30, 2021