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Easy Summer Appetizers for a Crowd

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A collection of fresh, vibrant, and simple summer appetizers perfect for parties and gatherings, coming together in under 30 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Cucumbers, sliced thin (English cucumbers preferred)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved or whole
  • Carrots, cut into sticks
  • Bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced
  • Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • Fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil, extra virgin for drizzling
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini size)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
  • Wooden or bamboo skewers (6-inch length)
  • Baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • Goat cheese, softened
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano, chopped
  • Honey, for drizzling
  • Toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the veggie platter and dip: Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Slice cucumbers thinly and cut carrots and bell peppers into sticks.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to create a creamy, herby dip.
  3. Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Arrange vegetables on a large platter around the dip bowl.
  4. Assemble cheese and tomato skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one fresh basil leaf, and one bocconcini mozzarella ball onto each 6-inch skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  5. Arrange skewers on a serving tray and drizzle lightly with about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic glaze.
  6. If preparing ahead, keep skewers covered in the fridge for up to 2 hours; bring to room temperature before serving.
  7. Make the crostini: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds and arrange on a baking sheet.
  8. Toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
  9. Spread about 1 tablespoon (15 g) softened goat cheese on each crostini.
  10. Sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme or oregano and drizzle lightly with about 1 teaspoon honey per crostini.
  11. Optionally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for crunch.
  12. Serve immediately or cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Notes

Use English cucumbers for fewer seeds. Refrigerate dip for at least 15 minutes for best flavor. Toast crostini carefully to avoid burning. For vegan options, substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives. Store cut veggies in cold water to keep crisp. Assemble skewers in the same order for consistent presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer appetizers, easy appetizers, party recipes, crowd-pleaser, fresh veggies, cheese skewers, crostini, quick recipes

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/easy-summer-appetizers-for-a-crowd-perfect-party-recipes-2024/