27 Sizzling Summer Appetizers ☀️

Sunshine, warm weather, and long days call for yummy summer appetizers to share with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or wrapping up the season with a Labor Day bash, summertime appetizers are the perfect seasonal bite. 

Summer offers bright, colorful ingredients, fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, and a variety of seasonal herbs and garnishes. 

One of the best things about summer is the fresh ingredients that grow ripe with produce like:

• Watermelon
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Green beans
• Peaches
• Summer squash
• Cherries
• Lemons
• Garlic
• Bell peppers
• Lima beans
• Zucchini
• Blackberries

Mix garden finds with creamery butter, local farm fresh eggs, and in-season meats. 

Fresh caught seafood and chicken are excellent proteins to pair with these fresh ingredients for a light and fresh appetizer. 

Throughout this summer appetizer recipes guide, you’ll find recipes for an epic Summer Salad With Basil Vinaigrette, savory Strawberry Bruschetta, and a fresh Summer Roll With Peanut Sauce your friends will be raving about until next year. 

You’ll definitely want to give #27 a try, it’s a favorite amongst many!

Let’s get started!

1. Peach Basil Goat Cheese Tarts

Combining the sweetness of the peach, the freshness of the basil, and the sourness of the goat cheese creates a decadent palate your taste buds can’t resist in this Peach Basil and Goat Cheese Tart.

To add additional sweetness to the goat cheese, basil, and peach, candied walnuts are sprinkled on top. 

If you’re looking for the perfect summertime party appetizer, the Peach Basil Goat Cheese Tarts are it

2. Summer Salad With Basil Vinaigrette

The Summer Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a summer salad like no other. 

Complete with fresh basil leaves, ears of fresh corn, chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.

This summer salad recipe not only fills you with fresh ingredients but is made up of ingredients right from your summer garden.

3. Watermelon And Corn Salsa

One of my favorites and what I consider the best summer appetizer is Watermelon and Corn Salsa.

Made with traditional salsa ingredients like red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

This recipe combines the flavors of the salsa we all love with the fresh taste of summer garden classics.

4. Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini is a summertime staple that is easy to produce at home. 

Fresh Zucchini Fritters are cooked to crisp perfection, making them perfectly dippable for the chipotle-lime crema. 

The lime juice of the crema and the undeniable taste of the fried zucchini are a match made in heaven. 

Other summer hors d’oeuvres don’t stand a chance!

5. Margherita Pizza

Summer appetizers don’t have to be complicated. 

Let the ingredients do the talking as you prepare a Margherita Pizza as a summer party appetizer. 

The simplicity of the ingredients may spark the thought that the flavors are lacking. 

However, when tomatoes from your garden, basil, and fresh mozzarella come together, a magical taste ensues.

6. Green Bean Fries

Fries don’t have to be greasy and full of unwanted calories. 

Use the fresh green beans from your fruitful garden to make crispy Green Bean Fries. 

Using your deep fryer, you will get the crispy texture that makes potato fries a culinary staple. 

If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can make this delicious summer appetizer in the oven or air fryer.

7. Baked Crab Cakes With Meyer Lemon Aioli

A cold glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade is a summertime staple that takes everyone back to their childhood. 

Incorporate that fresh lemon taste with baked crab cakes for the ultimate summer party appetizer. 

Baked Crab Cakes with Meyer Lemon Aioli is an Italian rendition of the seafood classic. 

The subtle lemon taste in the crab cakes gets the spotlight when you dip the fragile cake into the tart Meyer lemon aioli. 

8. Lemon Chex Mix

Lemon Chex Mix incorporates the fresh lemon flavor with a salty favorite. 

Grab your Chex and your lemons because this flavor combination is one you will make over and over again. 

The saltiness of the Chex cereal mixed with the sweetness of white chocolate and the addition of the tart lemon is unmatched.

9. Lemon Garlic Hummus

One of the best summer appetizers that make you come back for more is Lemon Garlic Hummus.

Whether you prefer your hummus with veggies from the garden or crispy crackers, this Lemon Garlic Hummus recipe combines all the perfect ingredients for a summer appetizer favorite. 

10. Fig And Goat Cheese Flatbread

Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread is one of the more unique summer appetizer ideas on this list. 

While it is an acquired taste, adding Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread to your summer party appetizer list is sure to grab your guests’ attention. 

Mixing the unique taste of the fig with the sour goat cheese is one thing. 

But incorporating the flavor with baby arugula and asparagus from your garden presents a whole new flavor combination for your tastebuds.

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11. Tostadas With Strawberry And Avocado

Tostadas are the perfect hand-held appetizer for any occasion. 

Incorporating strawberries fresh from the garden into the hand-held treat makes for an exceptional summer appetizer. 

Create an appetizer masterpiece mixing strawberries, jalapeno peppers, avocado, queso fresco, and jicama, then topping the crispy corn tortillas. 

Serve your strawberry tostadas with a lime slice for that extra boost of flavor.

12. Balsamic Strawberry-Mozzarella Bites

Have leftover strawberries that you don’t know how to use? 

Try creating Balsamic Strawberry-Mozzarella Bites, a summertime hors d’oeuvres option that is bound to be the star of the show.  

The unique pairing of the strawberry and mozzarella provides a refreshing bite.

13. Cheesy Summer Squash Spirals

Whether you adore summer squash or find it repulsive, adding cheese and a fun spiral shape will make it a favorite. 

Cheesy Summer Squash Spirals are easy to make with simple ingredients of summer squash, salt, cheese spread, and chopped herbs.

14. Bacon-Wrapped Squash Bites

It’s common knowledge that bacon makes everything better, so why not incorporate it into your summer appetizers? 

Bacon-Wrapped Squash Bites is the perfect way to enjoy a summer garden classic.

The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that the squash remains the star. 

Serve the bites on a toothpick for the perfect summer hors d’oeuvres.

15. Summer Rolls With Peanut Sauce

Embark on a summer appetizer culinary adventure when you make Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce. 

This Vietnamese dish has fresh summer herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro with shrimp and other spices for a light appetizer.

The translucent rice paper that hugs the ingredients provides a unique and expressive style to your plate of summertime appetizers. 

This pocket of goodness dipped in the one-of-a-kind peanut sauce creates an appetizer you won’t soon forget.

16. Blackberry Brie Bites

Take the blackberries in your fridge to the next level with Blackberry Brie Bites. 

Not only is this recipe perfectly poppable, but it is full of delicious goodness. 

The tart blackberries incorporated with the brie cheese create a flavor combination your taste buds cannot get enough of. 

These bites are a perfect summertime party appetizer as they are easy to eat and don’t make a mess.

17. Lima Bean Dip

If you enjoy chips and dip but don’t like the calories associated with it, try a Lima Bean Dip. 

After cooking and pureeing the beans with garlic, salt, and pepper, top with crispy bacon for a treat you can’t resist.

Enjoy your lima bean dip with corn tortilla chips or your favorite vegetables. 

18. Cream Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers

The combination of cream cheese and bell peppers are an appetizer classic that is perfect for your summer hors d’oeuvres plate. 

A plate of Cream Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers is what you need for your next backyard BBQ.

19. Bell Pepper Nachos

Bell Pepper Nachos has all your favorite nacho flavors but with a twist. 

The sweetness of the pepper adds a new dimension to the classic. 

Not only do the peppers add sweetness, but they are also a light substitution for tortilla chips that won’t leave you dragging. 

The best part about nachos is you can easily add or omit ingredients to fit the crowd’s dining style.

20. Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and has just the right flavor palate. 

The sweetness of the mango adds a refreshing touch to the traditional tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime flavors of salsa.

Pair your homemade mango salsa with a side of fresh tortilla chips for the ultimate summer treat!

21. Strawberry Bruschetta

Are you looking for a healthy but sweet appetizer to add to your party menu? 

If so, try this Strawberry Bruschetta recipe. 

The flavor combination takes the strawberries to new heights as the vanilla, balsamic vinegar, basil, and cream cheese work together to make something spectacular. 

The best part is that it sits atop a piece of crispbread for easy consumption.

22. Chicken Caprese Salad

Who doesn’t love a bed of fresh garden ingredients topped with perfectly cooked chicken? 

Chicken Caprese Salad is one of my top choices for summertime appetizers. 

The freshness of the shredded romaine and plump tomatoes take the chicken to new heights.

23. Grilled Zucchini With Peanut Chicken

Thankfully, there are not-so-traditional zucchini recipes out there to help use the garden produce. 

Grilled Zucchini with Peanut Chicken is one of those recipes. 

This Asian-inspired appetizer combines your favorite flavors as they transform the chicken into the perfect grilled zucchini topping.

24. Salmon Mousse Cups

If you’ve never experienced a Salmon Mousse Cup for yourself, you’re missing out. 

It’s common knowledge that salmon and cream cheese pair to perfection, but add in the prominent lemon, and dill flavors and you have an unforgettable summertime appetizer. 

The cream cheese proves the perfect agent to grab the filling ingredients and all their flavor into one spot as it sits inside a baked dough cup.

25. Lemony Salmon Patties

Salmon patties are good; Lemony Salmon Patties are better. 

The traditional salmon cake recipe bumps up a notch when adding a perfectly seasoned lemon sauce. 

The mixture of the cayenne pepper and the lemon juice makes the sauce a delightful tart and spicy addition to the breaded and baked salmon cakes.

26. Barbecued Shrimp And Peach Kabobs

It’s not a summer party without some BBQ flavor in the appetizers, which is what the Barbecued Shrimp and Peach Kabobs bring to the table. 

A combination of sweet dark brown sugar and savory chile powder, cumin, and cayenne create a flavor palate you can’t help but enjoy. 

Add the char of the grill and the added flavors of the peach, and your shrimp just became a favorite. 

27. Guacamole Burger Bites

Guacamole Burger Bites are packed full of spices that marry the burger, avocado, and tomato into holy matrimony you can’t leave off your summer party appetizers list. 

The ingredients and spices make these burger bites irresistible!

The best part is that it’s keto-friendly, meaning you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying the entire plate of Guacamole Burger Bites.

The bottom line

When designing summer appetizer ideas, there’s so much to choose from.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a way to use up your garden vegetables, summer appetizers are a refreshing treat that will keep even the pickiest eaters happy. 

No matter if you decide to serve the irresistible Balsamic Strawberry-Mozzarella Bites or the refreshing Watermelon and Corn Salsa at your next backyard get-together, your appetizers are sure to be the life of the party.