31 Cold Appetizers Perfect for Any Summer Party
Beat the heat with these refreshing cold appetizers, perfect for summer parties, backyard gatherings, potlucks, and get-togethers. While they’re ideal for summer, these tasty appetizers are just as delicious year-round.
These refreshing cold appetizer ideas are packed with fresh flavors that everyone will keep coming back for.
There are so many delicious cold finger foods to choose from, and your guests can enjoy them without needing any utensils.
Cold Appetizers For A Summer Party & Anytime of Year
1. Cold Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
This cold veggie pizza starts with a buttery crescent roll crust and gets piled high with a creamy ranch layer and fresh vegetables. It’s one of those easy appetizers that disappear fast at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
2. 7-Layer Dip Cups
These single-serve 7-layer dips are a tasty party snack that is easy to grab and enjoy. Serving the dip in individual portions keeps gatherings less messy and makes entertaining simple.
Get the Recipe: 7-Layer Dip Cups
3. Tortellini Caprese Skewers
This cold Italian appetizer is the epitome of summer flavor with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic. The cold cheese tortellini goes perfectly with all the Caprese ingredients. If you’re looking for some cold party food, this is a wonderful option.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Caprese Skewers
4. Shrimp Dip
This creamy shrimp dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs well with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables. It comes together easily and will leave everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Dip
5. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Kabobs
These patriotic fruit kabobs bring bright color to any summer celebration with fresh fruit arranged on easy-to-serve skewers. The watermelon stars add a festive touch that fits right in at July parties or serve them all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Fruit Kabobs
6. Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs
These jalapeño popper deviled eggs served chilled are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
No one will be able to get enough of these spicy deviled eggs made with jalapeño, cream cheese, bacon, and more.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs
7. Veggie Pinwheels
These colorful pinwheels are packed with fresh vegetables and rolled into a fun bite-sized snack kids and adults will both enjoy. They are the perfect make ahead appetizer for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels
8. Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado Bites
Prosciutto wrapped avocado bites are an easy, no-cook cold appetizer that takes only ten minutes to throw together. This is a no-fuss appetizer that’ll impress everyone.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado Bites
9. Cheesy Stuffed Mini Peppers
These mini peppers are filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with Everything Bagel seasoning for plenty of flavor in every bite. Since there is no cooking involved, they are a great last-minute appetizer for parties and get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Mini Peppers
10. Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta
This sun-dried tomato bruschetta is loaded with Mediterranean flavors. Listed are many substitutions and variations so you can change it up all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta
11. Boat Dip
This chilled dip combines bold Mexican-inspired flavors into a creamy appetizer that is ready in just minutes. With only a handful of ingredients, it is a convenient option for summer parties, cookouts, and snack tables.
Get the Recipe: Boat Dip
12. Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomatoes
Made with only four ingredients, these stuffed burrata cheese tomatoes only take 10 minutes to make.
Get the Recipe: Italian Burrata Stuffed Tomatoes
13. Fruit and Cheese Board
Having a lighter appetizer option is always smart so your guests will still have room for all the main dishes.
This charcuterie board is made with fresh fruit, cheese, and more.
Get the Recipe: Fruit and Cheese Board
14. Mediterranean Bruschetta with Feta
Summer produce is the star of this Mediterranean bruschetta. It’s a light option so everyone can save room for the main course.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Bruschetta with Feta
15. Taco Pinwheels
Packed with taco goodness, these easy pinwheels will be popular with both kids and adults.
You can prep these up to two days ahead of time, making it one of the best make-ahead appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pinwheels
16. Salad On A Stick
These salad skewers turn fresh ingredients into a simple appetizer that is easy to serve and eat at parties. With just a few ingredients, they are a fresh option for cookouts, picnics, and light snacking.
Get the Recipe: Salad On A Stick
17. Smoked Salmon Platter
Guests will love loading a crostini with smoked salmon, capers, avocado, and other toppings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Platter
18. Blender Salsa
This restaurant-style salsa blends together quickly with pantry-friendly ingredients for a fresh homemade dip. It is a great option for serving with tortilla chips or adding extra flavor to tacos and grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Blender Salsa
19. Tomato Bruschetta with Burrata
Creamy burrata cheese and tomato bruschetta combine to make this amazing appetizer. This quick 10 minute appetizer is perfect to throw together last minute.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta with Burrata
20. Mango Corn Salsa
This summertime salsa recipe is made with corn, mango, jalapeño, and other fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Mango Corn Salsa
21. Chicken Salad Puff Pastry Cups
Golden puff pastry cups are filled with cold and creamy chicken salad. The puff pastry cups are cooled down and not served warm.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Puff Pastry Cups
22. Jarcuteries
Jarcuteries are the cutest name ever for jars filled with charcuterie board fixings. The possibilities are endless, you can customize them any way you’d like.
Get the Recipe: Jarcuteries
23. Million Dollar Dip
This irresistible cheddar bacon dip only takes five minutes to make and is incredible served with bread, crackers, and chips.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip
24. Kimchi Deviled Eggs
This unique deviled egg recipe is made with ginger, kimchi, soy sauce, and other ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Deviled Eggs
25. Fresh Spring Rolls
A wonderful vegan and vegetarian option, these fresh veggie and tofu spring rolls are delicious.
There’s a homemade peanut sauce for dipping that can be served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Spring Rolls
26. Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar is made with corn, black beans, avocado, and other ingredients. Serve it with tortilla chips for an amazing side or appetizer that’s highly addicting.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
27. Watermelon, Feta, & Blueberry Appetizer
Nothing is more refreshing than watermelon topped with fresh blueberries and feta. It’s the perfect sweet and salty bite.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon, Feta, & Blueberry Appetizer
28. Charcuterie Cones
These cones are a great alternative to a charcuterie board and since they’re a handheld appetizer, your guests can walk around and socialize.
To make this appetizer even more summery, add summer fruit or tie a summer-colored ribbon around the cones.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Cones
29. Shrimp Ceviche
No matter what type of summer gathering you bring this shrimp ceviche to, it will get devoured in no time.
It’s a light crowd-pleasing app made with shrimp, veggies, and fresh lime flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche
30. BLT Deviled Eggs
BLT sandwiches can be enjoyed anytime, but they’re especially tasty during the summer months. Making a BLT and using hard boiled eggs as “bread” is such a clever idea.
Get the Recipe: BLT Deviled Eggs
31. Cold Veggie Pizza
A golden crescent roll crust is topped with a homemade ranch-flavored spread, cheese, and veggies. On My Kid’s Plate has so many other great recipes, it’s worth taking a look!
Get the Recipe: Cold Veggie Pizza
