Easy Salsa And Dip Recipes Perfect For Summer
When summer arrives, the main attraction for food lovers is usually a perfectly grilled steak or an unbeatable burger, but appetizers also deserve their time to shine. So say hello to some fun summertime starters — these salsa and dip recipes are easy to make and are just the things you need to get the party going.
Pineapple Avocado Salsa
The sweet and creamy blend of flavors in this pineapple avocado salsa will blow your mind. Use the salsa as a dip for tortilla chips or serve it over tacos or some of your other favorite Mexican dishes.
Easy Watermelon Salsa
Summer's bounty brings many treasures, including watermelon. Of course, you can cut it up and eat it as is or use it along with other bright ingredients like cilantro, jicama, red onion and lime juice to make a salsa.
Black Bean Salsa
If you've spent so much time thinking about what to have as an entree that you neglected to think of an appetizer, this is your best bet. With staple ingredients like black beans, tomatoes, and diced red bell pepper, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
Salmon Poke Dip
Get double the vitamin D this summer by pairing sunshine with this salmon poke dip recipe. The jalapenos, avocado, soy sauce and fresh ginger pair perfectly with a sushi-grade salmon filet.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
What better way to use leftover chicken in creative ways than by making buffalo chicken dip, the mother of all appetizers? This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes and serves 10 people.
Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Burger Dip
Skip the hassle of grilling burgers at your next backyard bash and use those ingredients in this dip instead. It combines the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger into a simple appetizer.
For the Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Burger Dip recipe, click here.
Roasted Beet and White Bean Dip
This roasted beet and white bean dip will make a colorful addition to any backyard barbecue, dip party or mezze-style spread.
Papaya Salsa
Made with the season's freshest ingredients, this papaya salsa recipe is ideal to serve with tortilla chips as a summer appetizer. The salsa, which takes only 10 minutes to prepare, combines jalapenos and papaya for the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
Easy Taco Dip
Like tacos? Like dip? Then make taco dip! This recipe serves as an easily customizable base. You can serve one of our favorite no-cook summer sides as is, or with seasoned ground beef, black olives, avocado, jalapenos or whatever else tickles your fancy.
Salsa Verde
Tomatillos, a beloved ingredient in Mexican cuisine, are the main component in this salsa verde recipe. The brightly colored fruit looks like an unripe tomato with a papery husk. They're slightly more acidic than normal tomatoes, but that acidity is balanced by the addition of garlic, red onion and cilantro.
Roasted Garden Salsa
Of course, you could take a trip to the grocery store and buy premade salsa but where's the fun in that? Making it from scratch ensures that all of those fresh flavors come to life.
Strawberry Salsa
This fruit salsa will be your go-to all summer long. Just combine strawberries, kiwi, honey, cucumber and lime juice for a blend of flavors perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to afternoon picnics.
Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread
This German cheese dip is airy and delicious, especially when paired with pretzels or crackers. The blend of cream cheese, crushed caraway seeds and wheat beer is satisfying and easy to make. It's sure to become a staple for at-home happy hours.
Chilled Crab Dip
If you're a seafood lover, this is the dip for you. Before diving into a lobster roll or some grilled salmon, chow down on fresh crab meat mixed with mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish and worcestershire sauce.
Cheddar Bacon Cheese Ball
No matter what season it is, you can never go wrong with a cheese ball. This one uses sharp cheddar and bacon to top a block of cream cheese, sour cream and a blend of seasonings. Once it's complete, you can use crackers, veggies and more for dipping.
Chipotle Guacamole
This copycat recipe for Chipotle's guacamole is an easy one that you can throw together at the last minute. If you like spice, the chain restaurant recommends that you add in chopped jalapenos along with the seeds.
Lobster and Spinach Dip
One easy way to make dining at home feel a little more glam is to make an incredible appetizer. This recipe combines lobster with spinach dip mix, mayonnaise and green onion to make an expensive tasting appetizer without racking up a huge bill at the grocery store.
Grilled Mediterranean Bean Dip
This Mediterranean diet-approved bean dip can be paired with crackers, veggies, sandwiches and more. The recipe calls for cannellini beans but feel free to swap them out for chickpeas or red beans.
Yogurt Mint Dip
If you're looking for a lighter dip that still hits the spot, give this yogurt mint dip a try. It uses low-fat yogurt for a creamy base and the mint and lemon zest give it a pop of brightness that's perfect for summer. You can use it for dipping or drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa
Chips and salsa is the official state snack of Texas, and nobody beats the heat better than our friends from the South. Take some inspiration from them by making this sweet and fiery pineapple habanero salsa.
Easy Homemade Hummus
Believe it or not, making hummus from scratch is super easy. The main ingredient is garbanzo beans, which are added to a food processor and pulsed with water, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and cumin until smooth. Drizzle it with olive oil and serve with warm pita.
Easy 7-Layer Dip
Why have a one-layer dip when you can have seven? The base for this seven-layer taco dip is refried beans, a protein-packed ingredient that adds a smooth texture perfect for dipping. Top the dish off with olives ... or tomatoes and jalapenos if olives aren't your cup of tea.
Salsa Fresca
Salsa fresca, also known as pico de gallo, features a blend of chopped veggies tossed with oil, lime juice and salt and pepper. Enjoy it with some chips as an appetizer before serving more of the best dishes to bring to a party.
For the Salsa Fresca recipe, click here.
More from The Daily Meal:
Salad Recipes for When You're Just Tired of Lettuce
Potato Salad Recipes Perfect For Cookouts, Picnics and More