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Summer appetizers should be fresh, fun, and easy to share. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic, or just snacking before dinner, the best summer starters are the ones that don’t weigh you down and can be made without too much fuss.
This list of 16 appetizer ideas includes everything from chilled dips to grilled bites and fruit-forward favorites. They’re great for warm-weather gatherings because they use seasonal ingredients, taste great cold or at room temp, and come together quickly.
Some of these have become my go-to starters when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
1. Caprese Skewers
Mini skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. They’re easy to assemble, super fresh, and look beautiful on a platter.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the skewers for 20 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors come together and makes them extra refreshing on a hot day.
Get the Caprese Skewers recipe
2. Watermelon Feta Bites
Cubes of juicy watermelon topped with crumbled feta, a small mint leaf, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. They’re sweet, salty, and cooling—all the things you want in a summer bite.
Olivia’s Tip
Pat the watermelon dry before assembling—less juice means the feta won’t slide off or get watery.
Get the Watermelon Feta Bites recipe
3. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs, then grilled and served with a dipping sauce or a squeeze of citrus. Quick to cook and full of smoky flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Don’t over-marinate—20 to 30 minutes is enough. Shrimp cooks fast, and too much acid can make it rubbery.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe
4. Tomato Bruschetta
Toasted baguette slices topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. It’s simple, juicy, and always a hit with a crowd.
Olivia’s Tip
Toast the bread just before serving and rub each slice with garlic while warm—it adds a punch of flavor without overwhelming the tomatoes.
Get the Tomato Bruschetta recipe
5. Corn and Avocado Salsa
Fresh corn (grilled or raw), diced avocado, red onion, and jalapeño tossed in lime juice. Serve it with chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Olivia’s Tip
Add the avocado last and toss gently to keep it chunky and avoid turning the salsa into guac.
Get the Corn and Avocado Salsa recipe
6. Deviled Eggs with Dill and Lemon
Hard-boiled eggs filled with a creamy yolk mixture seasoned with lemon zest, fresh dill, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Light and tangy with a summery twist on the classic.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut to fill the eggs neatly and quickly without the mess.
Get the Deviled Eggs with Dill and Lemon recipe
7. Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese and Herbs
Thick cucumber slices are topped with a dollop of whipped cream cheese mixed with herbs like chives, parsley, and dill. They’re cool, crisp, and easy to pop in your mouth.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a small spoon or piping tip to keep the presentation tidy—pretty appetizers go faster, every time.
Get the Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese and Herbs recipe
8. Mini Caprese Salad Cups
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil tossed in olive oil and served in individual mini cups or appetizer spoons. Great for parties and easy to grab and go.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a drop of balsamic glaze to each cup just before serving—it keeps the basil fresh and adds a sweet-savory punch.
Get the Mini Caprese Salad Cups recipe
9. Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Rice paper wraps filled with lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint, and optionally shrimp or tofu, served with creamy peanut dipping sauce. They’re fresh, light, and fun to assemble.
Olivia’s Tip
Wet your hands while working with rice paper—it keeps it from sticking and tearing as you roll.
Get the Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce recipe
10. Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Bites
Grilled peach slices wrapped in prosciutto and skewered with fresh basil or arugula. The sweet and salty combo is summery and unexpected in the best way.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the grilled peaches cool for a few minutes before assembling—hot peaches can wilt greens or make skewers soggy.
Get the Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Bites recipe
11. Avocado Deviled Eggs
A creamy twist on deviled eggs using mashed avocado mixed with the yolks, lime juice, and a pinch of garlic. They’re rich, bright, and mayo-free.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve these right away—avocado tends to brown over time, even with lime juice in the mix.
Get the Avocado Deviled Eggs recipe
12. Chilled Melon Soup Shooters
Blended cantaloupe or honeydew with lime juice, mint, and a hint of ginger, served in small shooter glasses. A cooling appetizer that doubles as a palate cleanser.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving—it tastes better cold and gives the flavors time to blend.
Get the Chilled Melon Soup Shooters recipe
13. Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip
Crispy zucchini fritters pan-fried and served with a cool herbed yogurt sauce. A great way to use up garden zucchini.
Olivia’s Tip
Salt and drain the shredded zucchini for 10 minutes before mixing—this helps get rid of excess water and makes them crispier.
Get the Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip recipe
14. Tomato and Ricotta Crostini
Crispy baguette slices spread with creamy ricotta and topped with cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil and sea salt.
Olivia’s Tip
Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture—it’s creamier and holds up well on the toast.
Get the Tomato and Ricotta Crostini recipe
15. Spicy Mango Salsa
Diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime, and a bit of jalapeño come together in a bright and spicy salsa that’s perfect with chips or grilled fish.
Olivia’s Tip
Choose mangoes that give slightly when pressed—they’re ripe, sweet, and easier to dice without turning mushy.
Get the Spicy Mango Salsa recipe
16. Burrata with Grilled Bread and Tomatoes
A ball of creamy burrata served with grilled bread and blistered cherry tomatoes in olive oil. Tear, scoop, and eat—it’s rustic, rich, and full of summer flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve burrata at room temperature—it’s softer, creamier, and blends better with the warm bread and tomatoes.
