Easy Summer Appetizers

Article archived: September 2010

Grilling on the deck, entertaining after work or celebrating a big occasion — appetizers are sure-fire pleasers. Make a few of our easy summer appetizers for your next party, cocktail gathering or dinner party, and satisfy guests with your great culinary taste.

Appetizer ideas

Classic party appetizers — with a twist
Spirited seafood appetizers

Classic party appetizers — with a twist

Introduce a taste of the tropics to your table. Caribbean Chicken Kabobs feature a wealth of delicious spices and unique ingredients like red onion, zucchini and pineapple.
Colorful, assorted grilled peppers taste delicious when coated with olive oil and tossed with cured vegetables. Italian cuisine-inspired Grilled Pepper Salad showcases the sharp and salty flavor of two antipasti favorites — olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
Plump, sweet figs provide a delicious flavor contrast when paired with salty prosciutto and indulgent Gorgonzola cheese. Make Figs Stuffed with Gorgonzola for a sophisticated evening party — and plan on making extras, because they'll go fast!
Zesty Chipotle Pepper Dip, made with low-fat yogurt, adds a calcium boost to an entertaining spread. Serve this dip with carrot and celery sticks, cherry tomatoes or whole grain crackers and tortilla chips for an easy and satisfying starter course.
Quinoa, a high-protein grain, cooks easily in a variety of presentations. Quinoa, Black Bean and Roasted Poblano Salad adds a touch of Mexican-style flavor to your table — and introduces new tastes.
If you're seeking a simple, no-stress appetizer idea, look no further than Grilled Garden Vegetables. Just baste fresh vegetables with an easy marinade made from olive oil, orange juice and herbs, and grill to perfection.
This fresh and fun appetizer salad, Green Salad with Manchego and Walnuts, combines a variety of healthful ingredients. Walnuts, which are rich in Omega-3s, add crunch to a plate of fiber-rich dark greens, while calcium-rich Manchego cheese adds flair.

Spirited seafood appetizers

Simple ingredients like kosher salt, olive oil and parsley show off the freshness of shrimp in this Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp appetizer. Make it in minutes and serve with baguettes or your favorite cheese.
Do you like seafood salad? Then you'll love serving this Shrimp and Crab Salad Appetizer to your guests. Easy and delicious, the salad tastes great on crackers — and you can use the leftovers as a sandwich filling for lunch the next day.
Add a Southwestern kick to your party with this recipe for Crab Quesadillas, an unusual take on the traditional dish. Cilantro and red bell peppers add zesty flavor to soft crab meat.
Juicy jumbo shrimp form the centerpiece for this enticing Shrimp Saganaki appetizer. Unique and flavorful touches like fennel and crumbled Feta cheese add richness.
Dense, rich swordfish takes center stage in these healthy and flavorful Asian-Style Seafood Kabobs. Bright red bell peppers add a splash of color, while the ginger-teriyaki marinade adds zip.
Thick, hearty beefsteak tomatoes with tender sea scallops, topped with spices and feta cheese refresh and delight guests. Make Caprese salad with a twist, with this Tomato and Scallop Salad.