14 Best Appetizers for Summer : Easy Starters to Make this Season
by Alina Orozco
Summer entertaining is my favorite. Backyard, park or pool hangs I am there. And I will likely bring one of these summer appetizers. Here are my best appetizers for summer. Take a look at these easy make ahead summer appetizers everyone will love.
Let’s start the round up of my favorite summer appetizers. Plus, don’t miss the great side salads and favorite cocktails below, perfect for serving your guests this season.
Best Appetizers for Summer: Effortless Entertaining
When it comes to summer entertaining, I like to keep things simple. In terms of both the prep work for myself, and my guests’ enjoyment. After all, a relaxed host sets the tone for a relaxed gathering.
This approach becomes even more important during the summer months. The vibe should be easy, breezy, and stress-free. In my opinion, summer soirees need to feel cool and breezy. This is the time to showcase the best of seasonal produce, keep it refreshingly simple and make delicious, easy to grab and grab and enjoy bites.
Mezze Platter: This mezze platter is easy to assemble, and makes for a beautiful and tasty spread you can enjoy on a warm day. Bonus points for no cooking involved.
Breakfast Platter: This breakfast platter is a great way to serve brunch a la carte by the pool. Everyone can help themselves, and if you’d like you can serve this room temperature or keep other necessary items on ice. These serving trays with extra storage for ice are a great addition for your outdoor entertaining table.
Charcuterie Board : A great way to entertain a summer crowd is with a charcuterie platter. Choose seasonal produce alongside your favorite cheeses for a delicious and easy summer appetizer.
This refreshing and spicy Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is a perfect appetizer. Zesty limes and fresh tomatoes, cilantro and onion create an irresistible shrimp dip everyone will love.
Easy Appetizers to Serve at Room Temperature
Serve these easy to make appetizers straight from the oven, or let them cool off as guests arrive. They are all delicious served warm or at room temperature. And trust me, you won’t have any leftovers to reheat.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: These are a little time consuming, but delicious and always a hit. Start by slicing jalapenos in half. Stuff each half with cream cheese. Then wrap each half with bacon, and bake, until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted.
Mini Crescent Hot Dogs with Cheddar Cheese Dip: You don’t really need the recipe for this one. It’s a two ingredient recipe, mini hot dogs and crescent rolls. But, these make me super happy and they disappear immediately, every time.
Grilled Shrimp Avocado Zucchini Bites: Spicy, tangy and healthy–if that doesn’t describe a perfect summer appetizer I don’t know what does. These grilled shrimp avocado zucchini bites are delicious and only take a few minutes to make.
Cold Crab Dip Recipe with Old Bay and Cream Cheese:This easy and delicious crab dip recipe is made with old bay and cream cheese. It has all the makings of a perfect appetizer and its proven to be a major crowd pleaser.
Serve it hot or cold, this dip just doesn’t disappoint. And the best part? You only need about 20 minutes and few ingredients to make this insanely easy and delicious crab dip recipe.
Summer Appetizer Ideas That are Sweet & Savory
One of my most favorite appetizers for the season is to utilize in season produce, like deliciously ripe peaches, heirloom tomatoes and juicy watermelon. Here are some ideas to get you inspired.
Peach Bruschetta with Whipped Ricotta: This easy summer appetizer swaps out tomato in a classic bruschetta and uses summer peaches instead. Whipped ricotta and freshly toasted bread make this a great and easy summer meal.
Peach Caprese Skewers :This tasty peach appetizer takes a new spin on caprese salad with a variety of flavors and textures. Ripe peaches, prosciutto and mozzarella cheese make this an irresistible summer appetizer.
Antipasto Skewers: Personally, I love anything served on a skewer, and these Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella are packed with zesty flavor and easy to assemble.
Watermelon & Feta Salad: This one is pretty straight forward and a definite crowd pleaser and you don’t even really need a recipe. Simply use this tool to make the cute cubes and drizzle with lots of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
Summer Salads That Make A Great Starter
Below are a few salad recipes that would be great served as a summer appetizer, made with seasonal and fresh ingredients for a vibrant and beautiful summer table.
Grilled Peach Arugula Salad with Burrata and Prosciutto: This Grilled Peach Arugula Salad with Burrata and Prosciutto is the ultimate summer salad. It’s pretty, colorful, and full of fresh, summertime flavors. Including peppery arugula, juicy peaches and creamy burrata drizzled with a balsamic reduction for an added sweetness and flavor.
Healthy Mexican Street Style Corn Salad Recipe : This easy and delicious corn salad can be served as a salad or a dip with some corn chips to scoop up the delicious elote corn, cotija and cilantro medley.