There’s so much that’s synonymous with the carefree ease of summer. Breezy clothes, sun-dappled days, and of course, BBQ season. It’s time to take your gatherings outdoors, transitioning from the dining room to a dedicated picnic table. Friends stop by unannounced and are welcomed with open arms.
With the vibes high and our phones on do not disturb (except to take a few pics), there’s no better way to kick off the summer than with a dinner party to celebrate. And of course, the perfect place to start is with a few foolproof barbecue appetizers up your sleeve.
30 Barbecue Appetizers Your Summer Dinner Party Needs
When it comes to summertime apps, the goal is to incorporate the fresh flavors of the season into every bite. That means serving dishes that are heavy on the herbs (green goddess dressing), highlight summer-fresh veg (eggplant dip), and go with the perfect margarita (guacamole!). Get your tastebuds ready—and prepare to dive in.
Dips and Spreads
Spring Crudité with Green Goddess Dressing
There’s a reason green goddess dressing went viral. To start, it’s gorgeous. Thanks to a cup of mixed herbs of your choice, a few tablespoons of chives, and parsley’s fresh bite, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your favorite crunchy veg. I like arranging a big platter and setting it on the table for everyone to graze as they please. A centerpiece and appetizer all in one? Brilliant.
Smoky Eggplant Dip
For me, eggplant is a summertime staple. I love roasting it in the oven, enjoying it in ratatouille, or scooping up big dollops of baba ganoush with toasted pita. This recipe is a close cousin of the third option, taking all the creamy deliciousness of the traditional Levantine appetizer and adding a smoky, spicy edge.
Dips & Crudité Grazing Board
When it comes to dining al fresco, finding snacks that will hold up in the heat is the biggest obstacle. Luckily, with the simple dips and fresh veggies featured on this grazing board, it’s never been easier to piece together an appetizer that won’t melt or fall apart when the sun comes out.
Guacamole
This guacamole recipe from Virgilio Martínez’s book, The Latin American Cookbook, doesn’t take too much time in the kitchen, making it perfect for those days when you want to get outside. With a fresh serrano (or pepper of your choice) for a kick of heat, and three beautifully ripe avocados, it’s a challenge to put down the chips.
Kale Pea & Ricotta Spread
Not only is this dish light and tasty, but it’s stunning. Wow your guests by bringing out this vibrant green spread in a bowl, or serve it in pretty individual glasses. It also couldn’t be easier to prepare—simply toss all your ingredients in a food processor.
Bhutta Street Corn Guacamole
I have very distinct summer memories of shucking corn on the back deck with my mom. Indulging in corn on the cob is a summer necessity, but adding it to guac? Sign me up! This Indian-inspired guacamole recipe flips the traditional recipe by seasoning it with chaat masala. Delish.
Summer Crudités
A veggie tray with ranch dressing may remind you of the prepared food section of the grocery store. But take it from me, a veggie board full of fresh summer produce and a homemade ranch elevates veggies and dip to summer crudités everyone will love.
Finger Food
Spicy Marinated Olives
Charcuterie is always a vibe, and these olives pack a punch. Put them on top of hummus, baba ganoush, or simply nosh on them by themselves.
Hummus Toast with Tomatoes, Feta, and Za’atar
Hummus is one of those dips that can easily withstand summer temperatures and taste incredible. If you’re looking for a way to use up leftovers (or maybe try out your new homemade recipe), these toasts with hummus and fresh tomato slices are light and satisfying.
Ricotta and Plum Bruschetta
A sweet and savory bruschetta? Be still, my heart. This fun twist on traditional bruschetta is sure to be a crowd pleaser. What’s not to love about a plump, juicy plum paired with rich, creamy ricotta?
Artichoke & Pea Crostini
These crostini—made with a fresh spring pea pesto—are filled with with fresh herbs, perfect for warmer weather and longer days. Add a savory slice of artichoke on top and you have a handheld hors d’oeuvres recipe that everyone will be asking for.
Classic Easy Bruschetta
Bruschetta is one of the easiest BBQ appetizers in the game, and it’s the one I always turn to when I need to serve something up, stat. Toast up your sourdough (brushed with plenty of EVOO, of course) and toss together your mix of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Let the bruschetta sit and top up your slices. Bonus: it’s just about the prettiest (edible) thing you’ll find on a plate.
Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
In the world of BBQ appetizers, fries will always reign supreme. You’re welcome to serve the standard thick-cut, gold wedges, but loaded fries are even better. This recipe leans on our favorite frozen sweet potato fries (we used Alexia). Simply prepare them according to the package instructions and top to your heart’s delight.
Cauliflower Nachos
While nachos are always welcome at any summer gathering, if you’re after BBQ appetizers that lean on the lighter side, make these. Your gluten-free friends will rejoice, happy to indulge in this classic summer snack. And though you’d never guess from the heap of (plant-based) cheese on top, vegan guests get to their snacking on, too.
Salads
Simple Potato Salad with Smoked Chili Aioli
Nothing says summer quite like potato salad. But friends, this is not the classic gloppy salad your grandmother favored (though we all have a special place in our hearts for her recipe). You toss fork-tender potatoes with an aioli-like dressing composed of eggs, garlic, lemon, and plenty of good olive oil. It’s easy and brings a beautiful, organic feel to your table.
Watermelon Tomato Caprese Salad
Of all the many Italian dishes I can’t get enough of, Caprese has top billing. This riff on the classic adds watermelon to the mix, playing up the tomatoes’ sweetness. The result is a light and refreshing salad that’s the perfect amuse-bouche for a burger or steak.
Tomato Salad
Summer isn’t summer without tomatoes. This salad couldn’t be simpler and is completely delicious. All you need are heirloom tomatoes, onions, garlic, oil, lemon juice and salt. This combo truly makes the tomatoes shine—though admittedly, you don’t need much to make a summer heirloom tomato even more delectable than it is on its own.
Avocado Caprese Salad
As if Caprese could get any better—adding avocado to tomato, basil, and mozzarella just hits different. The added creaminess and buttery flavor that the avocados add give this salad a fun and unexpected twist.
Green Salad with Sesame Dressing
Spoiler alert: salad doesn’t have to be boring. What sets this salad apart? Furikake, salted pistachios, parmesan, and a creamy tahini dressing. Yum!
Mediterranean Kale Salad
I could easily eat Mediterranean food for the rest of my life and feel totally satisfied. Mediterranean ingredients are fresh and flavorful and hit the spot especially in the summer. This salad is no different! Be sure to massage your kale and grab your veggies from the farmers market for this BBQ appetizer.
Strawberry Burrata Salad
Strawberries are at their peak in the summer. It’s a no-brainer to indulge in a strawberry salad this season, and this playful twist on caprese pairs the berry with creamy burrata. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy.
Chopped Radicchio Salad
While radicchio is in season during the winter months, this lettuce type makes a stunning ingredient to add to your summer menu. Cannelini beans and sweet potatoes add a bit of heartiness to your bowl, while pickled onions and a savory lemon vinaigrette add a touch of brightness.
Bitter Greens, Citrus, and Prosciutto Salad
Wow, ok—this combo needs to be studied for all the glory it brings to your salad plate. The bitterness of the radicchio, paired with the sweetness of the oranges and the saltiness of prosciutto, is truly *chef’s kiss*. Don’t let summer pass you by without trying this one.
Italian Salsa Verde
Alison and Jay Carroll served up this salsa verde at their Joshua Tree home when we visited last month. And to say we were floored by its complex flavor is an understatement. While you might be more familiar with the Mexican salsa verde, which features a sweeter, tomatillo base, this Italian spin is more acidic and delivers a delicious punch of flavor. Green olives, a few good glugs of olive oil, and herbs aplenty are all you need to make it your own.
Skewers
Paneer Tikka Kebabs
Since paneer doesn’t have much flavor, our food editor Suruchi recommends going all-in on the marinade. With a little mix of yogurt and tons of spices that come together to marinate the paneer overnight, the flavor is delicious and pairs well with your fresh veggies.
Shrimp Skewers with Tzatziki
Could it really be a list of the best BBQ appetizers without skewers? They’re one of the easiest summer recipes and can be customized in infinite ways. I love this combo of light, juicy shrimp with colorful and substantial veg. Taste the rainbow, y’all.
Watermelon, Feta, & Blackberry Skewers
For a lighter skewer option (and a fun and festive way to enjoy your fruit) these make for a perfect pre-dinner bite. Watermelon and feta balance each other out with a sweet and salty flavor combination, while blackberries add a juicy, tart flavor that’s hard to beat.
Boards
Tinned Fish Board
This recipe really is the cool host’s secret weapon. It’s a barbecue appetizer that’s highly underrated and not something you see often on the dinner table. All you need is a few selections of tinned fish, fresh crunchy crackers, and a variety of creamy cheeses.
Summer Cheese Board
A cheese board is appropriate for any season, but a summer-specific one as a BBQ appetizer is especially lovely. Opt for softer cheeses like brie and chèvre (these work better in the heat than hard cheeses) and summer fruit. Edible flowers are optional, but they add the sweetest touch.
Ricotta Board with Pears and Honey-Toasted Pistachios
Pears are in season starting in August, and this board is the perfect end-of-summer treat. Be generous with full-fat ricotta and add slices of sweet pear to a board for a perfect grab-and-go BBQ appetizer.
This post was last updated on May 21, 2025 to include new insights.
