7 Perfect Summer Appetizers

Are you tired of making the same summer appetizers over and over again? Luckily, summer is the perfect time to change things up because the bounty of fresh produce available makes it easy to experiment with new ingredients. Here are some ideas for appetizers that will shake things up this summer.

Peach Salsa

You can make salsa with more than just tomatoes! Peach salsa is a great alternative to tomato salsa because it uses fresh, in-season peaches. You can also substitute the peaches in this recipe for nectarines or apricots. All three of these fruits have a similar flavor and texture so they all make great salsa ingredients! Serve with tortilla chips for a delicious summer appetizer.

Guacamole

Another great alternative to tomato salsa is guacamole! This recipe uses in-season avocados, fresh cilantro, and fresh tomatoes. It’s an extra special treat if you’re able to use garden-fresh cilantro and tomatoes! Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a yummy appetizer.

Buffalo Chicken Bites

If you’re tired of serving buffalo chicken wings as an appetizer, try these buffalo chicken bites instead! To take advantage of summer’s fresh produce, you can serve the chicken bites with a homemade cream cheese dip that uses fresh herbs. To make, soften one package of cream cheese and mix with three tablespoons chopped, fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, thyme, and basil.

Pico de Gallo

From an ingredients standpoint, pico de gallo is basically a fresher version of regular, jarred salsa. This recipe uses fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers. It tastes best with tomatoes that come right from the garden! If you don’t have your own tomatoes, buying them from a local farm stand is just as good. Serve with tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks, and toasted pita bread for a delicious summer appetizer.

Lettuce Wraps

A variation on a popular appetizer in Asian cuisine, these lettuce wraps are a great way to show off all your garden-fresh vegetables! If you don’t have a garden, you’ll want to raid your nearest farm stand for all the best, local picks. Rather than use jarred, marinated artichoke hearts you can marinate your own if you can find fresh artichokes.

Gazpacho

Served in small portions, gazpacho makes an excellent appetizer. However, it’s also hearty enough to be considered the main course! This recipe uses plenty of garden-fresh tomatoes as well as red bell peppers, cucumbers, and fresh herbs. Serve as an appetizer in champagne glasses garnished with fresh herbs for an easy appetizer.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta uses an abundance of garden tomatoes, which makes it a great summer appetizer. Simply slice a French-style baguette into about ten, ½ inch thick pieces. Brush the tops and bottoms with olive oil and grill on both sides for a minute or two until crispy. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you would like to heat the tomatoes, place the bruschetta on a grill pan and heat it on the grill for a few minutes.

If you enjoyed these ideas, check out these delicious Summer Salad recipes!