The sun is shining—and the skewers, dips, and bites are calling!
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Summer is the perfect season for hosting a party. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate (including 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, whip up the quick dill dip to serve with chips and veggies or try your hand at the super-easy zucchini pizza bites.
Here, you’ll 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, grilled corn salsa, 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. Any of these would make perfect 4th of July appetizers, or you can simply serve them up for a summer afternoon snack. (After all, no one will say no to cheeseburger bites!) 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!
1
Zucchini Pizza Bites
This recipe is a great way to use up an abundance of fresh garden zucchini! Plus, 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.
2
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.
3
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.
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4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
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7
Hot Corn Dip
Seasonal sweet corn is the star of this cheesy, hot dip. It gets a hint of spice from monterey jack cheese, diced green chiles, and fresh jalapeño.
Get Ree's Hot Corn Dip recipe.
8
Eggplant Caponata
If your farmer's market is overflowing with seasonal eggplant, this sweet and sour spread should be on the top of your list! It can be served on crostini as a fun alternative to bruschetta.
Get the Eggplant Caponata recipe.
9
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
This recipe for grilled shrimp keeps things simple with a marinade of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and crushed red pepper. It's bright and zippy with a hint of char from the grill.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
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10
Avocado Salsa
Can't decide between guacamole and salsa? Now you don't have to! This recipe is the best of both worlds with creamy avocado, fresh tomato, crunchy peppers and jicama, and lots of lime juice.
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
11
Panzanella
This salad is made with big chunks of bread, seasonal tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. It's colorful, hearty, and even better when finished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.
Get Ree's Panzanella recipe.
12
Cheeseburger Sliders
If you're making cheeseburgers for a crowd, this method couldn't be easier! You don't even need to form individual patties. Just piled on the seasoned ground beef, cheese, and pickles, and toast in the oven.
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
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13
Dill Pickle Dip
Pickle lovers will appreciate this dill-forward dip. It's creamy and light with lots of tangy pickle flavor—perfect for scooping up with chips or veggies.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Dip recipe.
14
Cucumber Salad
Refreshing cucumber slices will help to cool you down on a hot summer day. The light, tangy flavor will also balance out all the grilled meats from your backyard BBQ.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
15
Air Fryer Okra
Even okra skeptics will fall in love with the seasonal veggie when they make it in the air fryer. That's because it gets extra-crispy with every bit of surface area providing a welcome crunch.
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
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16
Crab Cakes
Light yet flavorful crab simply screams summer, especially when combined with hearty fillers and bright seasonings to make these easy crab cakes! Serve them with spicy remoulade, and guests may not want to move beyond the first course.
Get the Crab Cakes recipe.
17
Esquites
Corn on the cob is the ultimate summer side, but why not serve the sweet summer vegetable Mexican-style as an appetizer for a change? Charred corn comes together with spicy poblano peppers and a creamy, garlicky dressing in this addictive dish. You won't be able to stop at just one bowl!
Get the Esquites recipe.
18
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
Even the pickiest partygoers, who usually avoid salads, will gobble up this green goddess dip! The creamy and luscious green vegetable-loaded salad is combined with chopped rotisserie chicken to make a delicious dip that pairs perfectly with pita or tortilla chips.
Get the Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip recipe.
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19
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Take full advantage of strawberry season by serving the fruit as a sophisticated summer starter! Fresh, tart strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and balsamic glaze sit atop a crunchy crostini for the perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Get Ree's Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe.
20
Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Summer calls for all corn everything, and this salad is living proof. It's packed with grilled corn, sweet onion, pinto beans, avocado, and a bright cilantro vinaigrette.
Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad recipe.
