21 Summer Appetizers for Cookouts

21 summer appetizers

These summer appetizers are perfect for cookouts, picnics and random Sunday BBQs. From fresh salsas to caprese salads to delicious finger foods, these summer appetizers start your meal off right. Easy, full of fresh produce and bursting with flavor, you’re going to love these summer hors d’oeuvres!

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites

“Light and tasty blackened creole seasoned shrimp on crisp and juicy cucumber slices with cool and creamy avocado and flavour packed remoulade sauce!” - Kevin
Watermelon Mozzarella Salad

Watermelon Mozzarella Salad

“Watermelon Mozzarella Salad is very easy to make, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It is perfect for your BBQ parties or any other summer gatherings.” - Grishma
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

“There are two things I love in the summer #1 fresh mint in my Iced Tea and #2 Fresh Basil for a caprese salad. That is my idea of living! If you have never had a Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze you don’t know what you are missing. This salad is very simple to make but it is also beautiful and impressive to serve. This salad can be assembled ahead of time and then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving.” - Debbie
Zippy Shrimp Remoulade Platter

Zippy Shrimp Remoulade Platter

“Traditionally shrimp cocktail is served with cocktail sauce. This version, though, is served with a zesty remoulade sauce. It's full of spice but not spicy. The horseradish is not overwhelming, so if you don't like horseradish we think you'll still like this.” - Kitchen Crew
Whipped Feta with Blistered Tomatoes

Whipped Feta with Blistered Tomatoes

“Whipped Feta with Blistered Tomatoes, whipped feta adds a creamy and salty zing to the recipe and is perfectly balanced by the slightly sweet blistered tomatoes!” - Paula
Zucchini Chips

Zucchini Chips

“With all the surplus zucchini at this time of year, this can be a side dish or an appetizer for that summer get together. I have had people enjoy these that are not zucchini fans!” - Patti
Mini Mexican Taco Bites

Mini Mexican Taco Bites

“Everytime I make these I have to double the batch because they go FAST!” - Angie
Classic Hummus and Baked Pita

Classic Hummus and Baked Pita

“Whether you spell it hummus or houmous, this classic recipe is simply delicious and super-easy to make. You will always find some in my refrigerator along with some cut-up carrots and cucumbers.” - Shikha
Peach Salsa

Peach Salsa

“Fruit salsa is wonderful on chicken, fish, or all alone on a tortilla chip. This is a wonderful way to use ripe and juicy peaches. It's sweet with a slight bite from the green onions. Fresh bell peppers and a lot of cilantro make this salsa wonderful. A bit of tang from lemon juice balances out the sweetness of the peaches. Simply delicious!” - Kitchen Crew
Honey Mustard Shrimp on the Bar-B

Honey Mustard Shrimp on the Bar-B

“Big fan of shrimp? I am and during the summer, nothing is better than to add some skewered shrimp to the bar-b-q at a pool party, or anytime the grill is going.” - Darci
Bruschetta Caprese With Balsamic Vinegar Reduction

Bruschetta Caprese With Balsamic Vinegar Reduction

“We absolutely loved this bruschetta recipe. It's a creative twist with the flavors of a Caprese salad. The classic flavors of the tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil are so refreshing. It reminds us of a summer garden. The toasted baguette makes this bite-size appetizer easy to eat. Where this gets special is the balsamic reduction. When it cools it really thickens up. Lightly drizzled onto the cherry tomato mixture brings all the flavors together. This is a filling appetizer or snack.” - Kitchen Crew
Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes

“I made these today and am blown away by their goodness. No dip required!” - Bonisue
Grilled Cream Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrap Chicken

Grilled Cream Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrap Chicken

“This recipe was great! I baked them in the oven at 350 for around 50 minutes. I used a rack on a cookie sheet. They needed a few minutes under the broiler to crisp them up. Will definitely be making these again.” - Carol
Strawberry Salsa

Strawberry Salsa

“This salsa goes so well with chicken, fish, or just a dip. I'm ready to go pick strawberries again :)” - Martha
Tiffany's Chicken Nachos

Tiffany's Chicken Nachos

“Very good everyone loves them! Let me know how your family likes the best nachos out there.” - Tiffany
Bruschetta

Bruschetta

“This bruschetta recipe is different from others we've made in that it introduces capers, a healthy amount of Parmesan cheese, green onions, and lemon juice. Those ingredients add a different flavor to this bruschetta. It's a refreshing change from the traditional recipe of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. If you want even more flavor, you can drizzle a little balsamic glaze, too. A delightful summertime appetizer.” - Kitchen Crew
Brother Ron's Fresh Marinated Summer Salsa

Brother Ron's Fresh Marinated Summer Salsa

“While visiting our relatives, our brother-in-law had us try this wonderful fresh salsa he made using fresh vegetables from his garden. It was so light and fresh tasting and we couldn't get enough of it. Hope you all like it too.” - Valeree
Keto Mini Pigs in a Blanket

Keto Mini Pigs in a Blanket

“These little keto friendly piggies are perfect low carb appetizers for snacking, or make a meal out of them!” - Kelly
Baked Crab Popper Delights

Baked Crab Popper Delights

“I made only half of this recipe to test it. Wow - great recipe and very easy to make.” - Kathi
Chunky Guacamole With Cumin

Chunky Guacamole With Cumin

“This guacamole has a subtle tartness, balanced heat, and a creamy and chunky texture. Served with crispy tortilla chips it's a winner.” - Juliann
Mexican Bruschetta

Mexican Bruschetta

“Traditionally bruschetta has Italian flavors, but Vera's twist is delicioso! The cilantro and diced pepper definitely give it a Mexican flare. It's super refreshing and on the spicy side. A simple appetizer for your summer parties.” - Kitchen Crew