Steal the show at the next backyard barbecue with these easy summer appetizers—each ready in no time!
20 Easy Summer Appetizers for Your Next Get-Together
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Avocado Salsa
This avocado salsa is smooth, cool and downright refreshing. Scoop it with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak—or just eat it on its own!
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Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes
These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida
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BLT Bites
These quick hors d'oeuvres may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I serve them at parties, brunches and picnics, and they're always a hit. Even my kids love them! —Kellie Remmen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
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Watermelon Cups
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Best Hummus
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers—the finger-friendly Italian kabobs with marinated vegetables, cheeses and tortellini— are precisely what you need for your next gathering. Mix and match your favorite ingredients for a unique and varied spread.
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Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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Ground Beef Taco Dip
Rich, savory ground beef taco dip is easy to make from scratch. Our recipe with meat includes plenty of ideas for variation, from lower-fat options to extra heat. Game on!
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Smoked Salmon in the Oven
No grill mastery required here. Make this smoked salmon in the oven with a few ingredients and minimal prep time for sophisticated hors d'oeuvres or meals.
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Chunky Blue Cheese Dip
Every time I make this quick blue cheese dip, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois
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Garden-Fresh Seafood Cocktail
For something cool on a hot day, we mix shrimp and crabmeat with crunchy veggies straight from the garden. Look for adobo seasoning in your grocery’s international section. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Tomato Galette
I found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California
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Easy Pimiento Cheese
Every good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It’s wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
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Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs
These appealing kabobs will add pizazz to any party—and you don't even have to get out the grill! —Sherine Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York
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Texas Caviar
This top-rated recipe for Texas caviar is a guaranteed favorite at any tailgate or potluck. The fresh dip is made from black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes and avocado, all tossed in a zippy vinaigrette and served with crispy tortilla chips.
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Zucchini Pizza Bites
Zucchini pizza bites are the ideal low-carb snack when the pizza craving strikes, or the delicious way to get more vegetables into diets of all ages.
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Jalapeno Poppers
This jalapeno popper recipe is just what you need when there's a game on or company coming. They're quick and easy to assemble, and make a delicious complement to your other party-food favorites.
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Fresh Shrimp and Avocado Nachos
I'm a fan of shrimp, and my family loves nachos. When I combined those favorites and added fresh avocado, the result was a cool yet satisfying snack. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Strawberry Salsa
This strawberry salsa is versatile, fresh-tasting and colorful. Salsa made with strawberries might be unexpected, but it's excellent over grilled chicken or as a dip with corn chips.
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