20 Healthy and Tasty Summer Appetizers

Posted by Allison Day on June 6, 2017

Summer’s all too brief appearance means action-packed weekends and holidays filled with friends, family and plenty of food. Appetizers are a requisite for the summer nights that seem to last forever, and on these days, something to snack on before the main event is a must. With summer’s bounty and, at long last, the BBQ open for business, there are as many options as there are hours in a summer day. From dips to soups to kebabs to crostini and more, here are 20 ways to have your appetizers and eat them, too.

1 of 20

Vegetarian Spinach-Walnut Pate

Put a vegetarian spin on traditional pate and get the evening started with this creamy spread made from walnuts and cilantro and packed with crispy pomegranate seeds. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-spinach-walnut-pate/20323/" target="_blank">Vegetarian Spinach-Walnut Pate</a>
2 of 20

Chicken Summer Rolls

A great recipe for leftover grilled, roasted, poached or rotisserie chicken. Vibrant summertime flavours are wrapped up in rice paper wrappers and served with homemade peanut sauce. This appetizer skips the deep-fryer for a snack-sized, portable salad or light meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-summer-rolls/20321/" target="_blank">Chicken Summer Rolls</a>
3 of 20

Cottage Cheese Tzatziki Mezze Plate

Create a Mediterranean spread using low-fat, high-protein cottage cheese as the centrepiece. Surround the simple dip with juicy summer tomatoes, olives, prepared, stuffed grape leaves and pita chips. Easy to whip up and an inviting way to welcome the trendy dairy product into your entertaining routine. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cottage-cheese-tzatziki-mezze-plate/20325/" target="_blank">Cottage Cheese Tzatziki Mezze Plate</a>
4 of 20

Watermelon and Haloumi

Salty, squeaky haloumi cheese is the ultimate foil to sweet, crisp and juicy watermelon. This appetizer plays with temperatures, textures and flavours, receiving a final refreshing hit from a glistening honey-vinegar oil dressing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/watermelon-and-haloumi/16347/" target="_blank">Michael Symon's Watermelon and Haloumi</a>
5 of 20

Crudites with Preserved Lemon Guacamole

Sunshiny preserved lemons offer a surprise whack of salty, fermented citrus tang to the classic guacamole recipe. Full of healthy fats, fibre and potassium, this dip’s health benefits are mere side perks – its taste alone will steal the show. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/spring-appetizer-crudites-with-preserved-lemon-guacamole/" target="_blank">Crudites with Preserved Lemon Guacamole</a>
6 of 20

Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini Sauce

The deep fryer is not required for these adorable bites of the Middle East. Their dainty size is not reflective of their massive taste, showing that healthy apps can also mean tasty apps. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/baked-falafel-sliders-with-tabbouleh-and-maple-tahini-sauce-35387/" target="_blank">Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini Sauce</a>
7 of 20

Grilled Yucatan Chicken Skewers

Protein is a healthful way to start your party off this summer, especially if it’s an appetizer-only affair. These skewers, featuring lean chicken and Mexican flavours, wake up taste buds for the meal ahead, and pair particularly well with ice-cold cocktails. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-yucatan-chicken-skewers/18155/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Grilled Yucatan Chicken Skewers</a>
8 of 20

Black Bean Beet Hummus

This hummus replaces the usual suspect (chickpeas) with protein- and fibre-rich black beans and magenta beets. Served with whole grain pita or crudités, it’s a pretty, wholesome appetizer that'll give your garden blooms a run for their money. Get the recipes for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/bright-and-beautiful-beet-hummus/" target="_blank">Black Bean Beet Hummus</a>
9 of 20

Ricardo's Peach Gazpacho

Peaches, cucumbers, yellow tomatoes and peppers are blended into sweet (though savoury!) submission in this wholesome, seasonal, smoothie-like summer appetizer. Tart, tangy and as bright as the sun overhead, it’s a gourmet option that takes only a few moments to prepare. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peach-gazpacho/10520/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Peach Gazpacho</a>
10 of 20

Goat Cheese and Asparagus Crostini

Crostini is the saving grace of summertime entertaining, giving you a quick and healthier option for last-minute guests. Goat cheese and seasonal greens, here, asparagus, top toast for one tidy, from-scratch package to serve this summer. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/goat-cheese-and-asparagus-crostini/18229/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Goat Cheese and Asparagus Crostini</a>
11 of 20

Guacamole with a Kick

This is not your average guac. Kicked-up a notch with spicy garlic, jalapeño and chipotle, this healthy dip is not for the faint of heart. Serve with cucumber rounds of baked tortilla chips to keep things light. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/guacamole-with-a-kick/18458/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Guacamole with a Kick</a>
12 of 20

Grilled Strawberry Kebabs with Lemon-Mint Sauce

Throw your berries on the grill for a juicy-sweet appetizer wand that both kids and adults will love. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-strawberry-kebabs-with-lemon-mint-sauce/19996/" target="_blank">Grilled Strawberry Kebabs with Lemon-Mint Sauce</a>
13 of 20

Cornbread Muffins with Baby Shrimp Salad

Bite-sized perfect, this appetizer, culling inspiration from the South, combines hospitality with health benefits, including healthy fats from avocado, protein from shrimp and fibre from summertime fresh corn and dried cornmeal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cornbread-muffins-with-baby-shrimp-salad/10109/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Cornbread Muffins with Baby Shrimp Salad</a>
14 of 20

California Rolls with Brown Rice

At-home sushi is easier than it may appear, here, made wholesome using brown rice instead of white. Sushi’s hand-held size and cool temperature make it a great option for a summer appetizer, quelling hunger pangs before the main event. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/california-rolls-with-brown-rice/14182/" target="_blank">California Rolls with Brown Rice</a>
15 of 20

Mediterranean Hummus Trifle

This next-level hummus is a more nutritious alternative to prepared layered dips. Serve with whole wheat pita, cucumber slices or endive spears to keep things on the lean side. Lovely with a glass of something sparkling to cut the richness, be that fizzy lemonade for kids or spritzes for adults. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mediterranean-hummus-trifle/19531/" target="_blank">Mediterranean Hummus Trifle</a>
16 of 20

Grilled Chickpea Polenta Cakes with Chive Oil and Lemon

Chickpeas and corn are cooked, set and cut before being grilled up and drizzled with chive oil and lemon. This appetizer is high in fibre and protein, and is highly toppable with any fresh, summer vegetable you’ve picked up that week, like sliced tomatoes or even peaches for a sweet contrast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chickpea-polenta-cakes-with-chive-oil-and-lemon/18254/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Grilled Chickpea Polenta Cakes with Chive Oil and Lemon</a>
17 of 20

Andalusian Gazpacho

Lycopene, found in plenty in this soup, helps to protect skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays – a truly appropriate pick for an outdoor summertime party. For a sit-down dinner, serve this nourishing, chilled soup in bowls; for a standing room only party, small espresso cups are the solution. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/andalusian-gazpacho/14328/" target="_blank">Andalusian Gazpacho</a>
18 of 20

Sweet Potato Toast with Steak, Roasted Peppers and Arugula

Take a page from Instagram and make this nutrient-dense appetizer with your guests this summer. There’s no bread required in this modernized crostini appetizer, and the sweet potato “toast” base is easily adaptable. For instance, if diners prefer a meatless option, replace the steak with fresh mozzarella or hummus. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-toast-with-steak-roasted-peppers-and-arugula/20277/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Toast with Steak, Roasted Peppers and Arugula</a>
19 of 20

Watermelon and Feta Skewers

New-classic feta-watermelon salad is turned into a portable party skewer for a light pre-dinner snack that comes together in just a few minutes. Lovely for impromptu entertaining on the back deck, this app can double as a side dish come dinnertime. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/watermelon-and-feta-skewers/16349/" target="_blank">Damaris Phillips' Watermelon and Feta Skewers</a>
20 of 20

Pureed Artichoke Crostini with Lime Salt

Artichokes blend up into a creamy, hummus-like paste that easily spreads on crostini. A bit of lime salt perks things up for a fast, ferociously delicious (and healthy!) summer app. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pureed-artichoke-crostini-with-lime-salt/17311/" target="_blank">Pureed Artichoke Crostini with Lime Salt</a> Allison Day is a cookbook author, nutritionist (RHN) and the creator of the award-winning food blog <a href="http://yummybeet.com/" target="_blank">Yummy Beet</a>.
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