20 Classic Appetizers for Summer
These classic appetizers will start your meal off with a bang.
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
A memorable meal starts with an unforgettable appetizer. Take your picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and backyard dinner parties up a notch with these classic summer starters. From bite-sized recipes with seasonal produce to crowd-pleasing dips that are sure to impress year-round, you'll come back to this colorful collection year after year.
Best Caprese Skewers
"Easy, tasty, and fresh!" —Sweet Tooth
Cowboy Caviar
"Cowboy caviar is a quick, refreshing dish made with black-eyed peas and other pantry staples you're sure to have on hand. It comes together in minutes and develops more flavor as it sits in the fridge, so consider taking this crowd-pleasing dip to picnics, parties, or potlucks." —Cooknik
Balsamic Bruschetta
"Used fresh tomatoes from my sisters garden and fresh basil from mine. Amazing flavor!" —P Barrios
Mom's Famous Raw Vegetable Dip
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"This vegetable dip is always a big hit at parties. It's what my mom always used to make for me, and now I've taken it over. Serve with your favorite raw vegetables." —Araylia
Guacamole
"This guacamole recipe gets a tasty kick from cayenne and cilantro. You can serve it smooth or chunky, depending on your tastes." —Maryellen
Marinated Grilled Shrimp
"I have made this recipe several times and every time I serve it, the shrimp disappear." —dmtcrt
Southern Pimento Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"This was without a doubt the best pimento cheese I've ever had!" —DawnInVa
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"These jalapeño poppers are creamy in the middle with crispy bacon on the outside. They're easy to make and taste so much better than traditional poppers." —videogator
Classic Savory Deviled Eggs
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
"These classic deviled eggs are delightful. They're stuffed with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and vinegar." —Jeff Sikes
Best Ever Crab Cakes
"Easy to make, stayed moist after cooking, and had great flavor. Better than many I have had in restaurants. Will definitely make these many more times.” —Brian Beaudoin
Best Fried Green Tomatoes
"Serve these fried green tomatoes outside with a glass of iced tea one summer night and enjoy the sunset with someone you love." —Diana Swenson-Siegel
Chef John's Gazpacho
"This gazpacho has the perfect balance of flavors. Try making it with some end-of-summer, super-sweet tomatoes—there just isn't any substitute. I hope you find some so you give this a try." —Chef John
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"This shrimp cocktail recipe is similar to one I first tried in San Antonio. I could never find a recipe that recaptured what I had there. I experimented and finally came up with the perfect combination of ingredients. Anyone who has tried it has begged for the recipe." —Sarah Z
Corn Dip
fabeveryday
"This corn dip is a cool, refreshing dish that can be served anytime with chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables. Exceptional with Hawaiian bread." —Becky E.
The Best Fresh Tomato Salsa
"This fresh salsa recipe is simple to make from scratch and tastes great. It gets even better if you have time to let the flavors meld. Perfect with your favorite chips at any get-together!" —Cheryl Dressler
Roasted Tomato, Avocado, and Fresh Mozzarella Crostini
"Roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and avocado are layered on toasted bread in this quick and easy crostini recipe everyone loves." —Julie Hubert
Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops
"In this simple scallop recipe, large sea scallops are sautéed in butter and garlic and served with a lemon-butter sauce. They will melt in your mouth!" —Button
Tomatillo Salsa Verde
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
"This salsa verde has a fabulous flavor. Use it on green chicken enchiladas or as a condiment for any dish that needs a little extra zip!" —Kimberly Binning
Watermelon Feta Salad Bites
Dotdash Meredith Video Studio
"These refreshing watermelon feta salad bites are the perfect appetizer for a summer barbecue." —Nicole McLaughlin
Pineapple Cheese Ball
"This creamy pineapple cheese ball with green bell pepper is my favorite cheese ball to serve at parties or potlucks." —Tish Gidney
More Inspiration
Read the original article on All Recipes.
