Summer is the season for sunshine, poolside hangs, backyard BBQs, and amazing food that sets the vibe. Whether you're hosting a big celebration or bringing a dish to a casual get-together, these easy summer appetizers are a must-have for keeping the energy fun.
The best summer appetizer ideas are light, colorful, and easy to serve outdoors. They set the tone for the meal, and they’re perfect for grazing between lawn games and laughter. From easy summer appetizers you can make in minutes to more elevated bites for adult gatherings, we’ve rounded up 28 crowd-pleasing ideas to make your warm-weather events stress-free.
Let’s dive into these fun, easy appetizers for an outdoor party that are ideal for any summer occasion!
Fun and Festive Summer Appetizers for Your Outdoor Party
Wondering what to bring to a party or need light summer appetizer ideas that will keep your guests cool and satisfied? These options check all the boxes for your summer gathering. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, because who wants to be stuck in the kitchen during a gorgeous summer day?
- Summer Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are versatile light appetizers for summer parties. Whether it's a poolside hang, evening BBQ, or lakeside picnic, it can work for any summer vibe. And don’t forget to add your favorite Chomps flavor as well.
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Watermelon, Feta, Mint Skewers
These watermelon, feta, and mint skewers by registered dietitian Amanda Liptak are made with just four ingredients. Watermelon’s high water content helps keep you hydrated, while feta cheese adds a dose of calcium and protein, and mint contributes flavor and digestive benefits.
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Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a spicy crowd favorite among our list of summer appetizer ideas. While there are plenty of popper recipes out there, our recipe is Whole30 approved, but also includes a spicy kick with the addition of our Jalapeno Beef Chomps.
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Easy Appetizer Hummus Platter
Learn how to make a show-stopping hummus appetizer plate as one of your next summer appetizers. Registered dietitian Lizzie Streit teaches you how to make the best platter. She also gives you the option to make your own hummus or use store-bought if you’re crunched for time!
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Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet pan nachos are easy to prep, then put in the oven for crowd-pleasing summer appetizers. Be sure to add chopped up Taco Seasoned Beef Chomps for an extra kick.
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Beef Caprese Skewers
Foods on sticks are always fun summer appetizers. These Beef Caprese Skewers by dietitian Karman Meyer are a simple grab-and-go summer appetizer made with lean top round steak, fresh basil, tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese.
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Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are easy summer appetizers to add a bit of veggies to your party. Our version pairs our Chomps Italian Style Beef Sticks with parmesan, thyme, and cream cheese for a tasty bite.
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Mediterranean Roasted Chickpeas
These Mediterranean roasted chickpeas by dietitian Maria Lucey are bursting with flavor and packed with plant protein and dietary fiber. These hot weather appetizers take just 5 minutes to prep in the oven or air fryer for a quick, crunchy snack.
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Roasted Rosemary Snack Cups
Impress your guests with these beautiful and flavorful rosemary snack mix charcuterie cups at your next summer gathering. Homemade rosemary roasted mixed nuts are the perfect summer appetizer ideas to Original Beef Chomps sticks for the perfect individual appetizer cup.
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Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail
Mexican-style shrimp cocktail by dietitian Anne Danahy is a tasty twist on a traditional favorite. In terms of summer appetizer ideas, it's full of fresh summer vegetables, including crisp cucumbers, red onions, sweet peppers, and grilled corn. And it comes together in minutes with precooked shrimp.
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Grilled Beef Kabobs
If you are looking for a heartier option among our list of summer appetizer ideas, our grilled beef kabobs may just hit the spot. They come together in just 15 minutes and can include your favorite Chomps flavor.
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Healthy Greek Salad Skewer
Greek salad skewers by dietitian Katharine Rosenthal make perfect healthy summer appetizers by offering a refreshing combination of crisp veggies, olive oil, and protein-rich feta. They’re light yet satisfying, making them an ideal appetizer for your summer gathering.
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Pork Rinds and Guacamole
Pork rinds are a crispy, low-carb alternative to chips if your guests are following a keto, carnivore, or low-carb lifestyle. Pair these easy summer appetizers with guacamole or another favorite dip for crunch and flavor.
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Picnic Snack Tray
Rather than lay out all of your snacks and appetizers on a charcuterie board, why not put your summer appetizers in a muffin tin? This will keep items separate and create a cute display.
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Chips and Salsa
Chips and salsa are so simple, but so refreshing and flavorful. This homemade salsa recipe by Love & Lemons is a great way to add a personalized spin to this classic pair.
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7-Layer Dip
Seven-layer dip is a classic among easy summer appetizers that is satisfying and delicious. We made our recipe in individual mason jar cups for guests to enjoy their own tasty bites.
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Watermelon Pizza
Watermelon pizza is one of the most surprisingly easy summer appetizers on our list. It’s a refreshing twist on pizza where watermelon is used as the “crust”. It is then topped with savory toppings like mint and feta for a unique summer appetizer option.
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Red, White, and Blue Snack Board
If your party is around the 4th of July, this red, white, and blue-themed snack board is the perfect fun summer appetizer. Our Original and Sea Salt Chomps meat sticks fit right in with their red and blue packaging.
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Avocado Summer Rolls
These avocado summer rolls are the perfect colorful and fresh summer appetizers. This recipe wraps tofu, avocado, mango, and watermelon radishes in a spring roll wrap for a colorful party appetizer.
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Mini Pizza Bagels
Mini pizza bagels are a fun addition to your summer party that also allows your guests to personalize their experience. Just lay out toppings like cheese, veggies, and Chomps and allow your guests to get creative.
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Zucchini Chips
These crispy zucchini chips by Well Plated provide a tasty, cheesy, and lower-carb alternative to other types of crisps or fritters, plus they are easy summer appetizers to make.
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Spinach Artichoke Dip
Our spinach artichoke dip is a classic flavor that pairs well at any party. Serve these easy summer appetizers alongside tortilla chips, sliced veggies, and Chomps meat sticks for a hearty party dip.
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Bunless Cheeseburger Bites
Rather than putting your burger on a piece of bread, why not add all the toppings to a skewer instead? These bunless cheeseburger bites are the perfect creative addition to a lineup of easy summer appetizers.
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Strawberry Crostini
These strawberry crostini by Skinny Taste are fresh and easy summer appetizers made with creamy ricotta, strawberries, and fresh mint on toasted bread. It's a unique way to showcase summer flavors in a pretty appetizer.
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Melon Prosciutto Skewers
These skewers are the perfect pairing of sweet and savory. Just skewer a piece of cantaloupe, a mozzarella ball, and prosciutto for some flavorful and easy summer appetizers.
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Spicy Green Tahini Dip
This bright green dip made from Swiss chard and tahini is an eye-catching addition to your appetizer spread. Serve these easy summer appetizers with your favorite veggie sticks or Chomps.
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Peach and Tomato Caprese
You might not think to pair peaches and tomatoes together, but they make perfect summer appetizer ideas in a caprese salad.
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Jalapeno Corn Dip
We could all use more sweet and spicy dips. This one pairs sweet corn, melty cheese, and spicy Jalapeno to create the perfect blend.
Need more summer appetizer ideas? Check out our recipe roundups:
Don’t forget our Chomps meat sticks pair perfectly with summer festivities. From Original Beef to Smoky BBQ, find your favorite variety here.
