Summer Party Appetizers for BBQ
As the sun sets later and the evenings become warmer, the allure of hosting outdoor gatherings becomes irresistible. Summer parties, particularly BBQs, offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy good company, great weather, and even greater food. To elevate your grilling game beyond the delicious roasted meat and veggies, we’ve curated a list of summer party appetizers guaranteed to make your BBQ the talk of the season. From savory skewers to refreshing salads, these appetizers are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that complement any grilled masterpiece. Get ready to impress your guests and kickstart your summer gatherings with these irresistible summer party appetizers for BBQ.
Why You Need Appetizers for Your BBQ This Summer
Appetizers play a pivotal role in setting the tone for any summer BBQ. Appetizers are vital to avoid guests getting angry, especially if there are kids at the party! They not only satisfy the initial hunger of guests as they await the main course but also provide extra delicious flavors for your bbq too.
There are so many fruits and veggies and flavors that are at their peak of freshness and flavor in summer. Why not feature an abundance of flavors to compliment what you’ve got going on the grill this summer?
Offering a selection of appetizers encourages mingling and conversation, as guests gather around platters, sharing and sampling different bites. It’s an opportunity to showcase creativity and introduce guests to new flavors that might not typically feature on the grill.
In this post you are going to find:
- some fun kid-friendly bbq appetizer recipes
- 4th of July recipes with red-white-and-blue
- appetizer salad recipes
- plus a whole bunch more delicious appetizers
RELATED: Over 100 Delicious Finger Food Appetizer Recipes
First: 10 Kid-Friendly Summer Party Appetizers for a BBQ
Summer BBQs are usually family affairs where guests of all ages come together so it’s essential to consider the little ones in your planning. While of course kids can eat anything on this page, this section is dedicated to the most kid-friendly appetizers, ensuring the younger crowd has lots of choices they’ll love too.
These selections are not only nutritious and easy to eat but are also bursting with flavors that will appeal to the kiddos. From mini cheeseburgers to fruit skewers drizzled with chocolate, these appetizers are designed to keep the hangry monster at bay.
BBQ Cauliflower Wings
These BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a tasty alternative to traditional wings. They are baked to perfection with a crispy panko coating and a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce. Serve ’em up as an appetizer, snack, or tasty side dish. They’ll disappear fast!
Pizza Rolls with dip
What kid can turn away the flavor of pizza? These simple pizza rolls with dip make the perfect summer party appetizer. They are flakey, fluffy, and so good!
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This spinach artichoke dip is creamy, cheesy, loaded with spinach and artichokes, then baked until golden. Learn how to make the best baked spinach artichoke dip recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser, and perfect for any party.
Seasoned Ranch Pretzels + Air Fryer Ranch Pretzels
These Seasoned Ranch Pretzels are easy to whip up with pantry staples and are highly irresistible! Make a big batch and pull them out as an easy appetizer for your next summer shingdig.
Crudite Platter (Veggie Tray with Dips)
How to make a beautiful Crudite Platter with vegetables and dips. Some fantastic veggie dips recipes, what vegetables to put on a veggie tray, and how to arrange one, and more can be found here. It is so easy to make a stunning vegetable platter!
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Fried Pickles
The ultimate crispy, tangy snack! Gluten-Free Air Fryer Fried Pickles! This healthy version of the classic deep-fried Southern recipe is vegan, egg-free, allergy-free, & made without oil! Your favorite festival food, homemade, & served with a creamy ketchup dipping sauce!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
Quick and easy, these creamy chicken bacon ranch pinwheels are the perfect appetizer. Packed full of ranch flavor, this simple recipe is full of savory bacon, creamy ranch, flavorful cheddar cheese and tender chicken in every bite of these delicious pinwheels.
CREAMY LAYERED DIP
This Creamy Layered Dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion! Whether serving at a BBQ, picnic, tailgating, or get together….you’ll see just how fast this disappears!
BBQ Chex Mix
BBQ Chex mix is a fun twist on the classic snack mix. Use your favorite BBQ rub for the perfect flavor. You can make it in your pellet grill for an extra smokey flavor, or bake it in the oven. Either way, you will have that classic crunchy with a yummy barbecue flavor.
HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE AND CHIPS
This Homemade Guacamole and Chips recipe is a must-try for any lover of authentic guac. It’s rich and creamy, and there’s not a hint of mayo anywhere in the recipe. It’s just pure authentic Mexican goodness.
10 Festive 4th of July Appetizer Recipes
For those looking to add a patriotic touch to their 4th of July BBQ, incorporating red, white, and blue appetizers can create a festive and visually appealing spread.
This section introduces recipes that celebrate the colors of the American flag, ensuring your celebration is as vibrant as the fireworks lighting up the night sky. Imagine red, white, and blue foods on skewers and more!
Each one of these recipes will be touting red, white, and blue colors!
4th of July Strawberries
4th of July Strawberries are dipped in white chocolate and covered in red, white, and blue sprinkles. You’ll love this easy no-bake strawberry dessert with a patriotic flair!
Ricotta Crostini with Summer Berries and Honey
These Ricotta Crostini with Summer Berries and Honey is a deliciously sweet, crunchy, and creamy easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any patriotic summer gathering!
Red, White, and Blue Cheese and Fruit Charcuterie Board
This patriotic-themed red white blue cheese and fruit charcuterie board is the perfect snack or appetizer to bring to summer celebrations.
Patriotic Charcuterie Board
A red, white and blue patriotic charcuterie board is an easy party food when kids are part of the summer holiday barbecues. They can be simple and involve no cooking (leave that for the grill!). Easy charcuterie boards take around 15 minutes to put together.
RED, WHITE AND BLUE FRUIT SALAD
Featuring red, white and blue ingredients this fruit salad is the perfect way to add something healthy to your 4th of July or Memorial Day holiday table. This is sure to make you the life of the party.
Red, White and Blue Fruit Kabobs
Red, White and Blue Fruit Kabobs are surprisingly easy to make! And, with our tips, you can spin them two ways: as either a refreshing fruit skewer appetizer with a sweet Yogurt Dip, or as a light but decadent dessert with cake and Chocolate Lava Dip!
Another Way to Do Patriotic Fruit Kabobs
This cute little idea would be great for Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, or just any old time you’re feeling patriotic. These Patriotic Fruit Kabobs are easy to put together and pair great with the Honey Cream Dip.
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips
Loaded with fresh fruit and berries, fruit salsa with homemade cinnamon chips makes an easy and refreshing summer dessert or appetizer.
Red, White and Blue Fruit and Cheese Board
This festive Red, White and Blue Fruit and Cheese Board is perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day.
Red White & Blue Jello Ribbon Salad
Layers of red, white, and blue Jello make this patriotic dessert a hit at every 4th of July Party! It’s both beautiful and delicious!
10 Appetizer Salads for Your Summer BBQ
Summer is the perfect time for salads and salads make the perfect appetizer to compliment your BBQ. There are so many variations of summer salads. Think of fruit salads, veggie salads, coleslaw, and more!
You can make as many of these delectable recipes for your summer party as you please, there are summer salad flavors to tantalize any palate here.
Carrot Ribbon Salad with Arugula
For a light refreshing salad for summer, try this Carrot Ribbon Salad with Arugula. This salad features delightful contrasts in shape and texture. The peppery, slightly bitter flavor of the arugula offsets the crunchy, sweet flavor of the carrots.
Fresh Summer Berry Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
This easy summer berry salad comes together with just a few ingredients and is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty. Make it for simple summer dinners or 4th of July parties to wow your guests!
Israeli Salad
Israeli Salad is a vibrant and beloved Israeli chopped salad consisting of crunchy chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, sweet and juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs tossed in a light and delicious lemon olive oil dressing.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw with Peanut Butter
This easy red cabbage coleslaw salad works perfectly for BBQ side dish or appetizer. Its creamy dressing is made using avocado mayonnaise and cashew yogurt with a hint of peanut butter!
Tuscan Chopped Salad
This Tuscan Chopped Salad Recipe is incredibly healthy and delicious with a special homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad with Charred Corn
This spicy take on watermelon salad includes juicy chunks of fresh watermelon, charred corn, lots of herbs, and a spicy jalapeño-lime dressing.
Cold Italian Pasta Salad
A Classic Italian Pasta Salad that’s gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free! The cold pasta salad you love, with tri-colored pasta, fresh veggies, and a healthy homemade Italian dressing!
Summer Berry Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Summer Berry Salad with Yogurt Dressing is an easy creamy fruit salad recipe that takes just 10 minutes to make. It’s made with juicy summer fruit: fresh strawberries, peaches, and blueberries. Tossed together with a creamy honey and cinnamon yogurt dressing, this summer berry salad is delicious, easy, and healthy!
Tuscan Bean Salad
This Tuscan bean salad is bright, fresh, and full of vegetables. You’ll love the bold flavors combined with the creamy white beans. Great on its own or as a side.
Other Summer Party Appetizers for Your BBQ Recipes
Now, having explored the kid-friendly appetizers, patriotic appetizers, and summer salads that can bring life to any summer BBQ, it’s time to dive into a broader array of mouth-watering recipes.
These final 10 recipes don’t just taste impressive, but also stand out for their simplicity in preparation, ensuring that you’re not spending all day in the kitchen.
From quick dips that can be whipped up in minutes to skewers that can be enjoyed cold, each recipe is burting with flavors reminiscent of summer or parties… and sometimes both.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are creamy, spicy, and loaded with cheese. The perfect party appetizer!
Peach & Bocconcini Balsamic Bites
Are you looking for the perfect peach appetizer this summer? Try these Peach & Bocconcini Balsamic Bites at your next meal or party. They are simple to make with ripe peaches, mini bocconcini (or mozzarella), basil and prosciutto.
Caprese Skewers
This summer party appetizer is perfect for your BBQ. Food on sticks is fun, and these caprese skewers do not disappoint! Bring the bold flavors of this classic dish to your BBQ.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a simple, yet flavorful dish that’s the perfect appetizer and a great source of protein. This dish is a mix of fresh vegetables and beans, dressed in tangy lime dressing, making it a totally addictive snack or side dish!
Mediterranean Antipasto Skewers
Mediterranean Antipasto Skewers are always a crowd-pleaser at a party. They are colorful and offer your guests a wide variety of flavors and textures from the turkey to the olives, to the fresh mozzarella balls.
Smoky Grilled Corn Ribs
I am obsessed with this corn ribs recipe, and you will be too. Slightly charred with a smokey, not spicy, dry rub. Dip these corn riblets in the featured sweet and spicy chili sauce for one incredible bite. This delicious recipe can make a great side dish or summer appetizer.
MARINATED HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping or snack that looks beautiful and tastes even better!
Caramelized Grilled Pineapple
This Grilled Pineapple recipe transforms a whole, fresh pineapple into a beautiful summer side dish, appetizer, snack or unique dessert. The pineapple is sliced into spears or slices and brushed with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It’s then grilled until it reaches a perfect golden color.
20 Devilied Egg Recipes
Deviled eggs, also known as dressed eggs, stuffed eggs, or Russian eggs, are a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether it’s a family get-together, a potluck, or a holiday celebration, these little beauties are always a hit!
15 Different Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipes
Buffalo chicken dip is the ultimate party dish that’s always a hit! This creamy, tangy, and spicy dip is perfect for any occasion whether it’s a game night, family gathering, or potluck party. Would you believe I found 15 devadent variations of this fantastic appetizer?!
Wrapping Up 40+ Appetizers for Your Summer BBQ
You’re now ready to elevate your summer BBQs with a variety of appetizers ranging from vibrant, patriotic-themed bites to kid-friendly snacks ensures that your gatherings are both memorable and inclusive for all.
Whether you’re looking to impress with sophisticated flavors or seeking simple, fuss-free recipes that allow you to enjoy the company of your guests, our selection has something for everyone.
Remember, the key to a successful BBQ lies not just in the main dishes but in the tasty spread of appetizers that set the tone for a festive, enjoyable event.
Don’t forget to try these 100+ finger food appetizers too!