It’s hot outside, and you don’t want to turn on the oven. You’re also not in the mood for a heavy meal. All of that sounds like us! What can we do to satisfy our hunger without breaking a sweat?
Check out these refreshing cold appetizer recipes that are perfect for summer. From salads to dips, we’ve got you covered.
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The 15 Best Cold Appetizer Recipes
These recipes are easy to follow and perfect for any summer party or gathering. Plus, they’re all healthy and delicious! Let’s check out now what are these amazing cold appetizer recipes.
Classic Bruschetta
When most people think of bruschetta, they think of the popular appetizer made with toasted bread, diced tomatoes, and basil. However, classic bruschetta is actually a simple dish of grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil.
It can be served as is or topped with any number of ingredients, from vegetables to meats. Bruschetta makes a delicious light meal or snack and is perfect for summertime entertaining.
Get the Classic Bruschetta recipe.
Homemade Lox
Homemade Lox is a type of smoked salmon that is made at home. It is a popular breakfast food, and it can be eaten with bagels, cream cheese, and onions. Lox is also used in dishes like eggs benedict and lox and capers.
In order to make Homemade Lox, the salmon must first be cured in salt, sugar, and herbs. Then, it is smoked using a smoker or a grill.
Get the Homemade Lox recipe.
Million Dollar Dip
Million Dollar Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-y dip that is perfect for your next party! This dip is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking by adding more or less of your favorite ingredients.
Million Dollar Dip is always a hit with guests and is sure to be the star of your next gathering!
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Caprese Bites
Caprese Bites are a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of Caprese salad. These bites are made by stacking a piece of fresh mozzarella cheese, a slice of tomato, and a basil leaf on top of each other. They can be served as an appetizer or side dish.
Caprese Bites are perfect for parties because they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. You can also customize them to fit your guests’ tastes by using different types of cheese and tomatoes.
Get the Caprese Bites recipe.
Strawberry Cucumber Salsa
Salsa is a type of sauce typically made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It’s often used as a dip or condiment for Mexican dishes. But there are endless variations of salsa, each with its own unique flavors.
This recipe for strawberry cucumber salsa is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer cookouts. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the coolness of the cucumbers. And the jalapeño adds just the right amount of heat.
Get the Strawberry Cucumber Salsa recipe.
Creamy Garlic Hummus
Creamy garlic hummus is a delicious and healthy snack that is perfect for any occasion. This hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is a great source of protein and fiber, and it is also vegan and gluten-free.
Creamy garlic hummus can be enjoyed on its own or served as a dip with fresh vegetables or pita bread.
Get the Creamy Garlic Hummus recipe.
Key Lime Pie Dip
It’s incredibly easy to make –simply mix together some cream cheese, condensed milk, lime juice, and zest, and you’re ready to go. Serve with graham crackers or fruit for a quick and easy snack that your guests will love.
Get the Key Lime Pie Dip recipe.
Fresh Kiwi Mango Strawberry Salsa
Fresh Kiwi Mango Strawberry Salsa is a delicious, healthy salsa that is perfect for any occasion. This salsa is made with fresh kiwis, mangos, and strawberries, and it is sure to please everyone.
The kiwis add a tartness to the salsa that balances out the sweetness of the mangos and strawberries perfectly. This salsa is also packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy choice.
Chicken Salad Pinwheels
Chicken salad pinwheels are a fun and easy appetizer to make. They are made by spreading chicken salad on a flour tortilla, rolling it up, and slicing it into 1-inch pieces.
The ingredients for chicken salad pinwheels vary, but most recipes include cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, grapes, and salt and pepper. To make chicken salad pinwheels, start by cooking the chicken either by poaching or baking.
Then mix together the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, grapes, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture onto a flour tortilla and roll it up. Slice the tortilla into 1-inch pieces and serve.
Get the Chicken Salad Pinwheels recipe.
Italian Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
Italian pinwheels are a popular appetizer that is typically made with dough, cream cheese, and Italian sausage. The dough is rolled out thin and then covered in a layer of cream cheese.
The Italian sausage is then spread on top of the cream cheese, and the dough is rolled up into a tight spiral. The pinwheels are then cut into 1-inch slices and placed on a baking sheet. They are baked for about 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
Greek Feta Dip
Greek Feta Dip is a delicious and healthy appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering! This dish is made with feta cheese, yogurt, olive oil, and spices, and it can be served with fresh vegetables or pita chips.
Greek Feta Dip is easy to make, and it is a great way to introduce your guests to some of the flavors of Greece.
Get the Greek Feta Dip recipe.
Fresh Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls are a popular Vietnamese dish made from rice wrappers filled with various combinations of vegetables, herbs, and shrimp. They are often served as an appetizer or light entrée. The wrappers are typically soft and pliable when fresh but become firmer and more difficult to roll as they dry out.
The ingredients and flavors vary widely depending on the region and individual cook’s preference, but common fillings include bean sprouts, cucumber, carrots, mint, cilantro, and shrimp. A sweet and sour dipping sauce is typically served alongside fresh spring rolls.
Get the Fresh Spring Rolls recipe.
Watermelon Berry Salad
Watermelon Berry Salad is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer. The salad consists of watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese.
The watermelon and strawberries are coated in a light berry vinaigrette dressing that compliments the sweetness of the fruit.
The blueberries add a pop of color and flavor to the salad. Feta cheese adds a salty component to the dish. This salad is easy to make and can be served as either a side dish or a main course.
Get the Watermelon Berry Salad recipe.
Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
All you need are some cherry tomatoes, a cucumber, and some herbs of your choice. Cut the top off of the cherry tomatoes and hollow them out with a spoon. Peel and chop the cucumber into small pieces.
Mix the cucumber with some chopped herbs of your choice (we recommend dill, parsley, or chives). Stuff the mixture into the cherry tomatoes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Get the Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes recipe.
Antipasto Bites
Antipasto lovers, rejoice! These antipasto bites are about to become your new favorite holiday appetizer.
Imagine all the elements you’d find on a traditional antipasto platter – creamy mozzarella, savory meats, marinated vegetables, plump tomatoes, and fresh herbs – presented in one personalized skewer.
These mouth-watering bites are perfect for entertaining and will impress even the pickiest eaters. The creamy marinated mozzarella is the perfect complement to the savory meats and the marinated veggies add a tangy twist.
Get the Antipasto Bites recipe.
