10 Easy Summer Appetizers You Can Serve Up This Year

Hosting any events this summer? Simply planning on spending as much time with friends and family as you can? Say no more. Whether you’re having an all-out dinner party or just want to satisfy some hungry mouths, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 ideas for easy summer appetizers you can serve up this year!

1. Warm olives with citrus, rosemary, and a splash of gin

Yes, this suggestion may seem a little extra… But why the hell not?! This easy summer appetizer will make you feel as if you’re abroad in the sun even if you’re stuck here in the UK (please, please let there be sun this summer). Plus any combination of booze and food has to be a winner, right?

2. Hummus and pita

It’s a classic and it couldn’t get any more perfect. It’s also super versatile: Don’t like hummus? Swap it out with guacamole. Don’t like guacamole? Swap it out with tzatziki! A great one for sharing, you can enjoy this easy summer appetizer with pita, chopped carrots, corn chips, or any number of edible dippers.

3. Melon prosciutto skewers

These are the perfect mouthful, or, few mouthfuls… They really do get a lot on those skewers! A take on the classic melon and ham starter, we’re getting a little fancy with this one. Though it’s a little fiddly to prepare, it’s so simple to eat and extremely satisfying too.

4. Pesto, cream cheese and tomato bruschetta

Did I say the last appetizer was fancy? I suppose we must continue with the theme! These little bruschetta bites are so simple to serve up, a well as being super delicious. Think sweet, nutty, cheesy, olive oil covered goodness – with some cheeky basil on top.

5. Watermelon fries with a coconut lime dip

Don’t these look amazing? Trust me, they taste amazing too. Definitely a hit with all ages. These fries are a far healthier version than the usual – being made up of 92% water and all. The perfect thirst quencher and satisfying snack for a hot summer’s day.

6. Crispy roasted kale chips

You might be able to just pick up a bag of these and save yourself any hassle, but I’d say that it’s worth trying to make your own – it will also be far less expensive! As well as being an excellent source of multiple vitamins, they are just damn tasty. Sidenote – in my experience people tend to turn their nose up at the thought, then demolish them in minutes once they’ve actually been sampled. You might want to make a LARGE bowl.

7. Pineapple mango rum punch

Appetizers can come in liquid form, can’t they? Though this may fall into the aperitif category rather than the appetizer, I feel that they basically have the same goals and therefore this counts. And boy do you want this to count because this drink is perfection. Like a tropical oasis in a glass, you’re going to be serving this one up to your guests till they leave!

8. Frozen peach bellini

This is basically a smoothie, right? Another glass full of what basically looks like sunshine later, and you have yourself the perfect pre-dinner ‘smoothie’. Though maybe keep this one away from the kids… Peach season in the UK is between July and September, so this recipe is perfectly timed for what we hope will be the height of sun and fun.

9. Avocado cucumber shrimp

Anything bite-sized must surely be key to serving up the perfect appetizers this summer? These little guys are a perfect blend of flavors, I honestly think I could finish a tray of them. Low effort, minimal mess. What’s not to love?

10. Mexican street corn [Elotes]

I’m a sucker for some corn on the cob. This summer let’s bring the sizzle with a Mexican style street corn recipe! A little fiddly, a little messy, but extremely tasty and so worth it. These will be gone in minutes.