18 Three-Step Summer Appetizer Recipes

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

These delicious dips, salads and finger foods are perfect for summer get-togethers. In only three steps or less, you and your guests can enjoy an appetizer packed with seasonal ingredients like tomato, cucumber, eggplant and peppers. Recipes like our Salmon Roll-Ups and our Feta & Cherry-Tomato Appetizer Board embrace the fresh flavors of summer's best produce.

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Salmon Roll-Ups

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

These salmon roll-ups are a fun, bite-size appetizer that’s both tasty and elegant. Each roll delivers a burst of savory flavor with a hint of fresh herbs and lemon. These roll-ups are perfect for entertaining, since they look impressive but come together in minutes. They’re also a great protein-packed snack you can enjoy anytime.

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Olive Oil Dip

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

Served on a large platter, this olive oil dip is designed for dipping bread, with creamy goat cheese, fresh herbs and bright lemon layered into every bite. A smaller amount of peas and olives keeps the flavors balanced while letting the olive oil shine.

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03 of 18

Hot Honey-Harissa Chicken Bites

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.

These flavorful chicken bites bring the perfect balance of sweet heat to your table. They make a bold appetizer for game day, a party snack or even a quick weeknight dinner when served over rice or alongside a crisp salad. With just the right mix of sweet, savory and spicy, these chicken bites are sure to disappear fast.

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04 of 18

Feta & Cherry-Tomato Appetizer Board

Credit: Photographer: Kyle Carpenter, Food: Giovanna Vazquez, Props: Keoshia McGhee
Credit: Photographer: Kyle Carpenter, Food: Giovanna Vazquez, Props: Keoshia McGhee

This is the easiest no-cook appetizer you’ll be making all summer long. With just a few simple ingredients like feta and cherry tomatoes, it’s as effortless as it is impressive. The playful checkerboard pattern doesn’t just look fun—it also makes this easy to serve on its own with toothpicks or baguette on the side.

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Caesar Salmon Bites

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Hannah Greenwood
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Hannah Greenwood

These salmon bites capture all the flavors of a classic Caesar salad. As an appetizer, these bite-size pieces of tender salmon, coated in a creamy dressing, are perfect served on toothpicks or skewers. Or enjoy them as a main dish, served over brown rice or dressed greens.

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Crispy Chickpeas over Whipped Feta

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Crispy chickpeas star in this easy appetizer. The complex blend of spices brings a smoky finish to the dish, accented by fresh oregano and an extra drizzle of olive oil to carry the flavors. We love pita bread for serving, but it also pairs well with fresh vegetables—or serve it as part of a mezze platter.

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07 of 18

High-Protein Dip Formula

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

These high-protein cottage cheese dips are easy to whip up and pair perfectly with your favorite fruits and veggies. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these recipes will keep you full and energized while squeezing in an extra serving of veggies.

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Cucumber Cream Cheese Roll

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Try this refreshing cucumber cream cheese roll as an easy appetizer. We wrap thin slices of cucumber around cream cheese mixed with fresh chives and dill. You can easily swap out the fresh herbs in exchange for your favorites or, for more of a shortcut, just use flavored cream cheese.

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09 of 18

Whipped Feta Honey Toast

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling

This whipped feta toast gets a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of your favorite fresh herbs. This easy appetizer takes only 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests. Using a food processor gives the feta mixture a light and airy texture. You can mix it by hand for the same great flavor with a coarser texture.

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10 of 18

Peach Bruschetta

Hot honey brings a sweet heat to this peach bruschetta. Basil gives a nod to bruschetta’s timeless flavor, while mint offers a cool and unexpected touch. Feel free to use either (or both), or experiment with other delicate herbs like tarragon or chives. Ripe but firm peaches work best for this recipe, as they are easiest to cut.

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Avocado Hummus

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn't be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

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Chunky Black Bean Salsa with Corn & Bell Pepper

Credit: Fred Hardy
Credit: Fred Hardy

This TikTok-trending, veggie-packed salsa gets inspiration from Texas caviar (aka cowboy caviar), a dish created in 1940 to ring in the New Year by Helen Corbitt, who was a chef at Neiman Marcus. Scoop it up with tortilla chips or try it as a topping for grilled meat or fish, or as a filling for a quick quesadilla.

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Caprese Skewers

Credit: Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
Credit: Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.

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Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip

Credit: Greg DuPree
Credit: Greg DuPree

Creamy melted cheese brings sweet corn and spicy jalapeño together with a nice pop of brightness from lime juice and cilantro in this tasty dip inspired by Mexican elote and esquites. This creamy and satisfying dish can be served with tortilla chips and veggies for dipping.

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Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Credit: Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn
Credit: Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn

This skillet sun-dried tomato dip is creamy, but also gets a hit of sweetness from roasted bell peppers to complement the sun-dried tomatoes. It's cooked and served all in the same skillet, cutting down on dishes. Serve it with crackers, toasted bread or fresh-cut veggies.

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Blistered Shishito Peppers

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

These toasty blistered shishito peppers are nutty and bright thanks to a combination of sesame oil and lime juice. The creamy dipping sauce tames any heat that may creep into these usually mild peppers. This is the perfect healthy appetizer for a small get-together.

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Zucchini Pizza Bites

Think of these zucchini pizza bites as a fun gluten-free alternative to bagel bites. Be sure not to overcook the zucchini or the bites may become soggy. We like the classic pepperoni topping, but feel free to experiment with your own favorites.

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Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries

The cheesy flavor and crispy crust on these eggplant "fries" is just like fried eggplant Parmesan, but with a fraction of the oil. They're the perfect appetizer for Italian night! Dip these crispy fries into a big hot bowl of your favorite marinara.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/3-step-summer-appetizer-recipes-12001686