10 Quick and Easy Summer Appetizers for Entertaining

Summer is here and so is the entertaining season.  Whether you're having a few friends over or planning a big bash, we've got you covered with colorful, delicious bites that your guests will love.  Here are 10 quick and easy summer appetizer recipes that are perfect for those sunny days without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Caprese Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 package mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each toothpick.
2. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
3. Serve immediately.

2. Mini Greek Salad Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mini phyllo cups

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Spoon the salad mixture into mini phyllo cups and serve.

3. Watermelon Feta Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 small watermelon, cut into cubes
• 1 block feta cheese, cut into cubes
• Fresh mint leaves
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Skewer a watermelon cube, a mint leaf, and a feta cube on each toothpick.
2. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy.

4. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Ingredients:

• 1 cantaloupe, cut into wedges
• 1 package prosciutto

Instructions:

1. Wrap each cantaloupe wedge with a slice of prosciutto.
2. Arrange on a plate and serve chilled.

5. Guacamole-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 bag mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
• 3 avocados
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash avocados in a bowl and mix in red onion, tomato, lime juice, and salt.
2. Spoon the guacamole into the mini pepper halves.
3. Serve immediately.

6. Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese and Herbs

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, sliced into rounds
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese with dill, chives, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on each cucumber round.
3. Arrange on a platter and serve.

7. Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cocktail sauce
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Arrange shrimp on a serving platter.
2. Place cocktail sauce in a bowl and garnish with lemon wedges.
3. Serve chilled.

8. Bruschetta

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
3. In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted baguette slices and serve.

9. Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil eggs for 10 minutes, then cool and peel.
2. Cut eggs in half and scoop out yolks into a bowl.
3. Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
5. Sprinkle with paprika and serve chilled.

10. Fruit and Cheese Platter

Ingredients:

• Assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
• Assorted fruits (grapes, berries, apple slices)
• Crackers
• Nuts

Instructions:

1. Arrange cheeses, fruits, crackers, and nuts on a large platter.
2. Serve immediately.

These summer appetizers will make your entertaining effortless and enjoyable. For more delicious ideas and tips, visit our blog and subscribe to our newsletter. Happy entertaining!