18 Summer Appetizers That Are Always a Hit

ByJacqueline Piper on
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Looking for easy summer appetizers that are perfect for entertaining? This collection includes simple, make-ahead recipes that work for backyard BBQs, pool parties, and everything in between. From creamy whipped ricotta dip to a flaky puff pastry braid with a savory samosa-style filling, these summer starters are made with fresh ingredients and familiar techniques. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just bringing a dish to share, these are appetizer recipes you’ll come back to all season long.

Shrimp Salad with Avocado

Cooked shrimp with avocado and parsley leaves.
Image Credit: Easy Weeknight Recipes

This summer salad is bursting with fresh flavors from crisp greens, tender shrimp, and zesty grapefruit. It’s the perfect, easy-to-make dish that combines bright citrus and bold flavors, coming together in just a few minutes!

Get the recipe: Shrimp Salad with Avocado

Ham, Cheese and Fruit Kabob Appetizers

A platter with skewers on it filled with meat, cheese, and grapes.
Image Credit: Celebrations at Home

Cheese, fruit and ham skewers are a delicious no-cook appetizer for summer. Easy to make ahead and serve at room temperature!

Get the recipe: Ham, Cheese and Fruit Kabob Appetizers

Samosa Puff Pastry Braid

Braided puff pastry stuffed with potato chunks and topped with sesame seeds.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This samosa puff pastry braid is a creative twist on Indian samosas using puff pastry. Filled with spiced potatoes and peas, then braided for an impressive presentation, this puff pastry appetizer is served with tamarind sauce for dipping.

Get the recipe: Samosa Puff Pastry Braid

Spinach and Feta Spring Rolls

Rolled pastries beside a bowl of dip.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Spinach and Feta Spring Rolls feature crispy spring rolls filled with spinach and feta cheese. Inspired by Greek spanakopita, this crispy flavorful appetizer is a crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe: Spinach and Feta Spring Rolls

Beer Cheese Sauce

Orange cheese sauce in a small black cast iron skillet beside a bowl of round tortilla chips.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

A rich and creamy cheese dip made with beer and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for pretzels, vegetables, or as a topping for burgers and fries.

Get the recipe: Beer Cheese Sauce

Greek Tzatziki Sauce

White dip in a bowl beside fries topped with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Greek Tzatziki Sauce is a cool, refreshing yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and herbs. Ideal for Mediterranean dishes or as a versatile dip.

Get the recipe: Greek Tzatziki Sauce

Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Breaded mushrooms in a bowl beside a bowl of dip.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Crispy, battered oyster mushrooms make a delicious appetizer or side dish. Serve in a grain bowl or make oyster mushroom po’boys.

Get the recipe: Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Cooked breaded tofu cubes in a bowl.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets served with a sweet and spicy chili sauce are great for before dinner snacks. Crispy, plant-based nuggets are made with marinated tofu and air fried to golden perfection.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Shrimp Bruschetta with Feta

A casserole dish with cooked shrimp, tomato, basil leaves, and feta cheese.
Image Credit: Neighbor Food Blog

Roasted summer tomatoes join forces with shrimp, feta, and lemon juice to make this delectable Shrimp Bruschetta.

Get the recipe: Shrimp Bruschetta with Feta

Air Fryer Pickle Spears

Breaded pickle spears on a plate by a bowl of dip.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This recipe transforms tangy dill pickles into a crispy, savory snack. Pickle spears are coated in a seasoned breading and cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crunchy exterior while maintaining their pickle-y, signature tang.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Pickle Spears

Plant-Based Lettuce Wraps with Chickpeas

Lettuce leaves topped with chickpeas, peanuts, carrot, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Image Credit: The Herbeevore

Light and refreshing, these tasty Plant-Based lettuce wraps are loaded with chickpeas and a delicious peanut sauce. A great handheld appetizer that everyone is sure to love!

Get the recipe: Plant-Based Lettuce Wraps

Caramelized Onion Dip

Creamy white dip in a bowl with caramelized onions topped with sliced green onions.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This indulgent party dip combines the sweet, rich flavor of caramelized onions with a creamy base. Onions are slowly cooked until golden and mixed into a luscious dip that’s perfect for chips, crackers, or vegetables.

Get the recipe: Caramelized Onion Dip

Spanakopita

A pastry swirl on a plate.
Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

This plant-based adaptation of the classic Greek spinach pie features the dish’s traditional flavors and textures. The result is a flaky, savory pastry that offers the same satisfying experience as the original, ideal for enjoying this Mediterranean favorite.

Get the recipe: Spanakopita

5-Minute Green Goddess Dip

Green dip in a bowl topped with chives beside a platter of vegetables.
Image Credit: Craving Something Healthy

This cold, refreshing green goddess dip takes just five minutes to make. It’s packed with flavor from fresh herbs, lemon, and capers.

Get the recipe: 5-Minute Green Goddess Dip

Avocado Fries

Breaded avocado wedges on a wood platter beside a bowl of dip.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Crispy-coated, air fried avocado slices offer a creamy alternative to traditional fries. A unique and nutritious side dish or appetizer.

Get the recipe: Avocado Fries

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

Roasted small tomatoes on a vine with cheese balls, toast, and basil leaves.
Image Credit: Masala and Chai

This simple yet elegant Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata uses fresh ingredients to celebrate summery seasonal produce. The sweet oven-roasted cherry tomatoes are paired with creamy, decadent Burrata cheese as the base in this luxurious appetizer.

Get the recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

Air Fryer Paneer

Breaded cubes in a bowl with dip.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Crispy, air-fried Indian cottage cheese cubes aka Paneer is coated in spiced breading. A wholesome, cheesy snack option with a satisfying crunch.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Paneer

Whipped Ricotta Dip

White dip in a bowl garnished with orange sauce and fresh oregano leaves and flowers.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This light and fluffy dip is made with whipped ricotta, olive oil, and seasonings. Great with pita chips or other dippers for a summery before dinner snack.

Get the recipe: Whipped Ricotta Dip

Hi, I'm Jacqueline Piper, the author of PiperCooks. I am a food blogger with a focus on easy, delicious, and (mostly) healthy recipes. I like using fresh ingredients for simple family recipes and I love cooking + sharing recipes to help you put healthy, homemade dinners on your table.

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