Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Seasonal Recipes
  4. Healthy Summer Recipes
  5. Healthy Summer Appetizer Recipes
  6. 17 Summer Appetizers So Good, You'll Want to Eat Them for Dinner

17 Summer Appetizers So Good, You'll Want to Eat Them for Dinner

Leah Goggins headshot
Leah Goggins May 16, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Tomato-Basil Skewers
Credit: Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

If you're stuck in a dinner rut, these healthy appetizers are sure to help you dig your way out. Pick two or three of these fresh and flavorful recipes for a spread of snackable summer dips, cheesy bites and loaded veggies that will satisfy everyone at your table. Recipes like our Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries and Caprese Skewers are healthy ways to bring the seasonal flavors of tomato, cucumber, zucchini and corn to your next evening meal.

Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries

8328259.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The cheesy flavor and crispy crust on these eggplant "fries" is just like fried eggplant Parmesan, but with a fraction of the oil. They're the perfect appetizer for Italian night! Dip these crispy fries into a big hot bowl of your favorite marinara.

1 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lobster Roll Dip

8350333.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This quick and easy summer appetizer turns all the simple flavors of a lobster roll into a warm and bubbling dip that's perfect for slathering on slices of baguette or fresh veggies.

2 of 17

3 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips

overhead shot of air fryer zucchini chips on a black plate with creaming dipping sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These crispy air-fryer zucchini chips are delicious paired with the creamy dill dipping sauce--or any sauce you have on hand. And the best part? The air fryer delivers a crispy crunch without having to pile on the oil like traditional fryers do.

3 of 17

Advertisement

4 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Hummus

4326229.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

4 of 17

5 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Canapés with Peach, Sage & Prosciutto

8248057.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There are endless ways to change up these canapés--plums and tarragon, cherries and mint, apricots and chervil. Mix 6 ounces of softened goat cheese with 1 tablespoon honey if you can't find honey chèvre. 

5 of 17

6 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip

8097416.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Creamy melted cheese brings sweet corn and spicy jalapeño together with a nice pop of brightness from lime juice and cilantro in this tasty dip inspired by Mexican elote and esquites. This creamy and satisfying dish can be served with tortilla chips and veggies for dipping.

6 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caprese Skewers

Tomato-Basil Skewers
Credit: Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.

7 of 17

8 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cucumber Salsa

Cucumber Salsa
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This fresh, tangy cucumber salsa is perfect for grilled fish or on its own as a simple side salad. Well balanced and easy to make, the flavor mellows and the cucumber softens as this sits, so it can easily be made a day or two ahead of time--or enjoy it right away, fresh and crisp.

8 of 17

9 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Taco Dip with Tomato Wedges

Taco Dip with Tomato Wedges
Credit: Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Enjoy a fresh tomato in all its ripe glory with this simple creamy dip. A little taco seasoning, lime and cheese adds tons of flavor to protein-packed Greek yogurt for a satisfying snack.

9 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Zucchini Tots

Cheesy Zucchini Tots
Credit: Casey Barber
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Not one, not two, but three cheeses make these low-carb cheesy zucchini tots live up to their name. Bake them in the oven or fry them in your air fryer for a crisp exterior and a gooey, melted center. Don't use pre-shredded cheese here; shred it fresh for the best and creamiest results. Serve with ketchup, marinara, ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

10 of 17

11 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loaded Zucchini Bites

Loaded Zucchini Bites
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These low-carb zucchini bites have all the toppings of a loaded baked potato, without the potato! Melted cheese, bacon, chives and a dollop of sour cream make these bites perfect for game day or anytime you're craving comfort food.

11 of 17

12 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Breaded Eggplant

8173622.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This breaded eggplant is baked to perfection with a crunchy outside and soft interior. It's wonderful dipped in marinara. If you want to elevate it further, add a sweet and tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

12 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini Pizza Bites

8054551.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Think of these zucchini pizza bites as a fun gluten-free alternative to bagel bites. Be sure not to overcook the zucchini or the bites may become soggy. We like the classic pepperoni topping, but feel free to experiment with your own favorites.

13 of 17

14 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips

Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use your air fryer to make these crispy, salty pickle chips for game day! The air fryer gives you a crispy crust, using much less oil than a traditional fryer. Enjoy these addictive little snacks on their own or with our Southern smoky, creamy dipping sauce.

14 of 17

15 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fresh Corn Hush Puppies

6171900.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Stirring chopped corn kernels into the batter and serving these homemade hush puppies with a lemony herb yogurt sauce give these tasty bites fresh flavor. Holding the frying oil at a steady 360 degrees F prevents the dough from absorbing too much.

15 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks

5528721.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Shredded zucchini, eggs and cheese combine in this easy recipe for low-carb cheesy breadsticks like you would get from the pizzeria, but healthier! Dip this gluten-free appetizer in marinara or pico de gallo for even more flavor.

16 of 17

17 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Fries with Sriracha Aioli

Avocado Fries with Sriracha Aioli
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Creamy avocados are a delicious foil to crunchy breading in this healthy oven-fried avocado fries recipe. Dip into spicy Sriracha dipping sauce for a flavor explosion. Save your ripe avocados for guacamole or toast--only firm ones will do when making these fries.

17 of 17

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Leah Goggins

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 17 Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries
    2 of 17 Lobster Roll Dip
    3 of 17 Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips
    4 of 17 Avocado Hummus
    5 of 17 Canapés with Peach, Sage & Prosciutto
    6 of 17 Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip
    7 of 17 Caprese Skewers
    8 of 17 Cucumber Salsa
    9 of 17 Taco Dip with Tomato Wedges
    10 of 17 Cheesy Zucchini Tots
    11 of 17 Loaded Zucchini Bites
    12 of 17 Baked Breaded Eggplant
    13 of 17 Zucchini Pizza Bites
    14 of 17 Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips
    15 of 17 Fresh Corn Hush Puppies
    16 of 17 Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
    17 of 17 Avocado Fries with Sriracha Aioli

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    17 Summer Appetizers So Good, You'll Want to Eat Them for Dinner
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.