21 Best No Cook Appetizers To Simplify Summer Entertaining
They're cool, convenient, and perfect for summer parties!
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Pleasing a crowd doesn't have to involve heating up your oven or stove. Maybe you're looking for a cooling summer appetizer to take the heat off your guests. Or perhaps you're looking to simplify your party preparations so you can spend more time on your floral centerpiece than manning the stove. Either way, these no-cook appetizer recipes are the ultimate solution! Here, you'll find creamy dips, finger foods, and tons of ways to put those garden-fresh ingredients to use, like the spring rolls, avocado salad, and watermelon gazpacho.
With these no-cook appetizers, you can say goodbye to sweating over a hot stove and hello to crowd-pleasing starters that are big on flavor and low on effort. Looking to showcase seasonal fruits and summer vegetables while the grill is firing up? Try Ree Drummond's favorite caprese salad or mango salsa! If you want something scoopable, there are tons of party dips you can whip up, like taco dip, avocado salsa, and dill pickle dip. So, whether you're hosting a last-minute get-together or seeking refreshing summer bites, these no-bake appetizer recipes promise to elevate your entertaining game without ever needing to turn on the oven!
Spring Rolls
Veggie-filled spring rolls are a crunchy delight! Here, springy rice noodles, shrimp, and lots of fresh vegetables and herbs are rolled up in softened rice paper and served with peanut sauce and sweet chili sauce.
Get the Spring Rolls recipe.
Pimento Cheese
Fair warning: this cheesy dip is "seriously addictive," according to Ree. The Pioneer Woman's twist on the classic combo of cheese, mayo, and pimentos includes dijon mustard, adobo sauce, and fresh dill. Serve it with crackers or toast points for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Get Ree's Pimento Cheese recipe.
Everything Cucumber–Smoked Salmon Bites
Your guests won't be able to stop with just one of these smoky and refreshing salmon bites. Sliced cucumber makes for the perfect base, which are topped with tangy sour cream, smoked salmon, and homemade everything seasoning.
Avocado Salsa
Branch out from your usual guacamole with this creamy take on pico de gallo. It's full of color and texture from chunks of tomato, jicama, avocado, and poblano pepper. Serve it up with tortilla chips for scooping.
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Cooling watermelon is the perfect addition to this cold, no-cook soup. It's made by blending standard gazpacho ingredients—tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion—with fresh, sweet watermelon for a refreshing and light appetizer.
Get the Watermelon Gazpacho recipe.
Caprese Salad
You can't go wrong with an appetizer that comes together in mere minutes! The simple combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil is Ree's favorite for a reason. While she makes her own balsamic reduction, you can easily substitute it for a store-bought version to save on time and dishes.
Get Ree's Caprese Salad recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Take a cue from the cowboys with this easy and colorful appetizer. It's chock full of fresh vegetables, black-eyed peas, and black beans. Serve it as a salad or with tortilla chips as your new favorite dip!
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Crudités with Herby Dip
Keep things simple by plating fresh veggies alongside a simple herby dip! This one is so creamy and flavorful, thanks to fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon, and is sure to wow your guests.
Get Ree's Crudités with Herby Dip recipe.
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Fresh summer strawberries pair perfectly with creamy goat cheese in this simple finger food. The crisp crostinis add the perfect amount of crunch, and the drizzle of balsamic glaze pulls it all together.
Get Ree's Strawberry and Goat Cheese Crostini recipe.
Dill Pickle Dip
There's nothing better than an appetizer that comes together in 15 minutes—especially when it involves pickles! It starts with a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, enhanced with vibrant, fresh dill and zesty dill pickles for the ultimate dipping experience.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Dip recipe.
Make-Ahead Sandwich Rolls
Pinwheel sandwich rolls make for the perfect party food! Arrange the two types—Reuben rolls and turkey-ham rolls—on a platter for guests to grab and go. Serve it alongside the remaining Thousand Island dressing and chipotle mayonnaise for extra flavor.
Get Ree's Make-Ahead Sandwich Rolls recipe.
Burrata Salad
Creamy burrata is the star of this fresh summer salad. The fresh cheese pairs perfectly with peppery arugula and juicy marinated tomatoes for an Italian-inspired bite.
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
For another sweet-and-savory crostini, gather your favorite fig jam and blue cheese crumbles. The combo is delicious when spread on crusty bread.
Get Ree's Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta recipe.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
Green goddess dressing and creamy chicken salad come together to make this zesty dip. The scoopable mixture of chopped cabbage, cucumber, scallions, and rotisserie chicken will be your new favorite way to get your greens in.
Charcuterie Board
You can't go wrong with a big charcuterie board at the front and center of your appetizer spread. Go ham with cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruit, and crackers for a simple and pretty party-pleasing starter.
Get the Charcuterie Board recipe.
Mango Salsa
You'll surprise everyone with this tropical twist on salsa! The key to this sweet and spicy dip is using fresh, ripe mangoes and adding jalapeños and chili powder to the mix.
Get the Mango Salsa recipe.
Cheese-Stuffed Baby Peppers
For a healthy and easy no-cook appetizer, look no further than these stuffed baby peppers! This three-ingredient recipe features mini sweet bell peppers stuffed with herbed cheese spread and chopped fresh chives.
Get Ree's Cheese-Stuffed Baby Peppers recipe.
Taco Dip
You've heard of taco salad, but how about taco dip? This creamy take on tacos features a cold base of cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, lime, and taco seasoning. Then, crunchy and refreshing toppings like shredded romaine, tomato, Mexican cheeses, and pickled jalapeños are piled on top.
Get the Taco Dip recipe.
Avocado Salad
This salad may lack lettuce, but it's certainly not lacking in flavor! It's full of texture and freshness thanks to avocado, tomato, cucumber, green onion, and cilantro.
Get the Avocado Salad recipe.
Olive Tapenade
Would you believe us if we told you this sophisticated condiment comes together in just 10 minutes? It's a briny and colorful combination of finely chopped olives, capers, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley. Add it to a cheese board or serve it on toasted baguette slices for the perfect, salty appetizer.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
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