75 Easy Picnic Appetizers to Elevate Your Outdoor Celebration
Easy picnic appetizers for a crowd! These fun summer finger foods are perfect to share at the park, beach, or your next backyard cookout.
One of the best parts of any picnic is the food!
It’s so fun to munch and mingle while soaking up the fresh air, which makes appetizers so perfect.
Finger foods and appetizers turn any gathering into a party!
You might not think of appetizers as often for summer picnics …
… but there are so many amazing recipes!
I put together a list of the best easy picnic appetizers, so you have tons of new ideas to try.
This list of fun picnic appetizers includes:
- Easy party dips and spreads
- Make ahead no-cook appetizers
- Snack boards for a crowd
- Mouthwatering cheese balls
- Festive finger foods
- Cold, no-bake snacks (to keep your kitchen cool!)
There’s truly something for everyone, and every type of picnic, potluck, outdoor backyard BBQ cookout, or pool party.
(Even if you don’t like to cook – there are ideas for you too!)
Okay, let’s dive into these delicious picnic appetizer ideas!
(☀️ Looking for more delicious summer recipes? Try one of these easy picnic dessert ideas, crowd-pleasing cookout side dishes, simple camping meals, or unique grilled summer dinners!)
Easy Picnic Appetizer Ideas
Dill Pickle Dip
Cool and creamy and loaded with chopped pickles, herby dill, and spices, this Dill Pickle Dip is a must-have for summer parties, BBQ’s, potlucks, and anytime you need a flavorful, easy dip for entertaining.
It’s delicious with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
All your favorite Mexican Street Corn flavors, delivered in deviled eggs! Easy, elegant, and outright delicious, they’ll be the talk of your party!
Yellow Squash Tots with Garlicky Yogurt Dip
Looking for a fun summer squash recipe? Make these Yellow Squash Tots! They’re perfect little veggie tots that use up a lot of yellow squash (or zucchini!).
They're so tasty, snackable, and are a great way to eat more veggies.
Peach Jalapeno Salsa
Delicious, refreshing homemade Tomato Peach Jalapeno Salsa!
The tomatoes, fresh or canned peaches, and jalapeno combine with lime juice for a delicious, bright flavor that is perfect on chips served next to guacamole for a fun party platter.
Mediterranean Pinwheels
Mediterranean Pinwheels are the perfect finger food for your next outdoor gathering.
Tortillas are filled with hummus, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, arugula, red onion and parsley, before being rolled and cut into a crowd-pleasing bite sized appetizer.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
This simple yet elegant Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata recipe uses fresh ingredients to celebrate summery seasonal produce.
The sweet oven-roasted cherry tomatoes are paired with creamy, decadent Burrata cheese as the base in this luxurious appetizer.
Drizzle some fresh pesto and balsamic glaze, garnish with basil, and you're ready for a summer party!
Chinese Chicken Skewers
Sweet, savory, sticky, lightly charred and bursting with flavor, Chinese Chicken Skewers are among the simplest and easiest appetizers to make.
With a Teriyaki-esque glaze, they’re more than just a recipe. They're a battle for the last skewer, even at the most civil of dinner tables.
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Peppers
This quick and easy appetizer has all the flavors of your favorite everything bagel with cream cheese.
With just 4 ingredients, they’re also inexpensive and healthy, but always a crowd-pleaser.
Watermelon Feta Salad Skewers
Watermelon Feta Skewers are an amazing mix of sweet and salty! They are a perfect party appetizer for the summer months and whip up quickly.
Turn traditional watermelon feta salad into a fun snack your guests can easily eat without utensils.
Loaded Cheeseball Bites with Apricot & Bacon
Made with Greek yogurt, these Loaded Cheeseball Bites with dried apricots and bacon are a delicious finger appetizer that won’t last long!
Serve these loaded cheese ball bites with crackers and you have an easy snack or party appetizer that everyone will enjoy.
Best of all, they take just 20 minutes to put together!
Strawberry Basil Bruschetta
Strawberry Basil Bruschetta are made with mini toasts, goat cheese, juicy strawberries in balsamic and fresh basil.
The perfect easy summer appetizer, that will look beautiful on the plate but will only be there for a split second, before they all get gobbled up!
Summer Party Charcuterie Board
Effortlessly capture summer’s laid-back charm with this vibrant Summer Party Charcuterie Board.
With a tasty combination of classic cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and an assortment of the best seasonal fruits and veggies, this colorful spread might be the most popular dish at the party.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Pulled Pork Nachos are crunchy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious! Each bite is ultra crispy, hearty, and flavorful, and a fun way to use up your leftover pulled pork.
Pimento Cheese Spread
Pimento Cheese Spread is the ultimate in Southern comfort food!
A zesty blend of two sharp cheddar cheeses, tangy pimentos, mayo and just the right amount of spice, this dip will elevate your taste buds to the next level.
5 Ingredient Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters
These Southern Fried Zucchini Fritters are little yummy bombs of hidden zucchini.
With only 5 ingredients, they make great use of that bumper crop of zucchini, are nominally sweet, very light, and mildly savory dusted with the tiniest pinch of Malden Sea salt.
Rainbow Veggie Kabobs
Turn the classic, somewhat boring veggie tray concept on its head by creating these beautiful Rainbow Kabobs.
Serve with hummus and your favorite veggie dip, and watch everyone have so much fun munching!
Mini Shrimp Tacos
Mini Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple are filled with slightly spicy shrimp and diced pineapple, and topped with a creamy yogurt sauce.
These tiny tacos are healthy, easy, and perfect for parties!
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Air Fryer Pickles are crispy, tangy, and downright addictive. And making them in the air fryer is a total breeze!
They’re a healthier finger food option that you can feel good about eating instead of the deep-fried version.
Hawaiian Ham Pineapple Dip
Creamy and rich in flavor, this easy Ham Pineapple Hawaiian Dip is loaded with ham, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and flavorful seasonings.
It’s an easy and effortless dip appetizer that guests will love.
Spicy Grilled Firecracker Shrimp
Spicy grilled shrimp at its finest, with TWO kinds of hot sauce! Just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes are all you need for this spicy, buttery take on firecracker shrimp.
Pineapple Salsa
Sweet and savory pineapple salsa is a bright and fresh combination of ripe pineapple, peppers, onions and cilantro, all tossed together and seasoned with lime juice.
It takes just minutes to put together, and once you try it, you won’t be able to stop eating it!
Easy Mediterranean Flatbread
This easy and delicious Mediterranean Flatbread features naan and hummus topped with roasted onions and red peppers.
It’s so quick and easy to make using a handful of simple and inexpensive ingredients!
Chinese Lettuce Wraps
If you're in the mood for a light and refreshing appetizer, give Yuk Sung a go!
It's a classic Chinese dish with a sweet and savory ground meat filling, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, and packed with a variety of vegetables.
Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Tangy Zesty Black Bean Dip
Want a healthy bean dip recipe that’s quick and easy to make? This chunky black bean dip is loaded with fresh vegetables and a few convenience items.
It goes great with tortilla chips or as a tasty salsa over chicken, pork and seafood. Make it as mild or spicy as you like!
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Creamy Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are flavorful delights with a spicy bite.
They are awesome as is, with a cheesy smoky robust filling, but even more fabulous bacon-wrapped.
The optional bacon strip adds an extra burst of smokiness that your taste buds won’t forget.
Potluck Pickle Wraps
Also known as Minnesota Sushi in some parts of the U.S., these Potluck Pickle Wraps are tasty and easy to put together – with just 3 ingredients!
So inexpensive and simple to make, they’re always an addictive and popular appetizer or snack at potlucks and parties.
Fully Loaded Guacamole
Fully Loaded Guacamole takes guacamole to a new level! Avocado is combined with black beans, jicama, corn, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro and lime.
Tons of flavor and texture in every bite!
7 Layer Salad
Traditional Seven Layer Salad is a Southern classic and the perfect addition to any party, potluck, or family gathering.
A guaranteed crowd favorite with layers of chopped lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, peas, hard-boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a creamy mayo-based dressing!
Caprese Salad with Prosciutto
Definitely one of the most delicious ways to celebrate tomato season, this Caprese Salad starts with a layer of heirloom tomatoes, then a layer of prosciutto, then cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
Top it all off with flaky sea salt, cracked pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar and of course, tons of fresh basil.
Sweet & Spicy Mango Habanero Salsa
Sweet & Spicy Mango Habanero Salsa if simple to make, with just 7 ingredients and no cooking required.
It’s got just enough heat from the habanero peppers, and the juicy, sweet mango balances it out perfectly.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Savor the enticing combination of succulent shrimp and smoky bacon in these Bacon Wrapped Shrimp on a Stick.
It’s a gourmet street-food experience that brings together the sea’s bounty and the farm’s richness, perfectly grilled for a delightful crunch and a burst of flavors.
Sandwich Kabobs
Why not put all your favorite sandwich elements on an easy-to-eat kabob? It really doesn’t get better than meat and cheese skewers in any form!
Bread, deli meat, cheese, lettuce, and maybe some black olives, pickles, or ripe cherry tomatoes, are all fun ideas to include in these easy Sandwich Kabobs.
Tzatziki Dip
Tzatziki Dip uses refreshing cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh dill and comes together in just 10 minutes!
Thick and creamy - and never runny - serve it with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers, or top of your favorite grilled meat or sandwich.
Burrata Stuffed Tomatoes
Burrata Stuffed Tomatoes are a light and bright bite-size finger food, perfect for summertime.
With only 4 ingredients, it’s quick, simple, and colorful, and looks pretty on a platter.
Smoked Salmon and Dill Pinwheels
Smoked Salmon and Dill Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd pleaser!
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, red onion, lemon and capers all rolled up and dipped into a creamy and tangy dipping sauce.
Melon & Prosciutto Skewers
Melon and Prosciutto skewers are colorful, flavorful, and so fun for summer entertaining!
A variety of melon chunks, prosciutto, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves get skewered and topped with a delicious balsamic glaze.
Mediterranean Sweet Potato Bites with Hummus
Mediterranean Sweet Potato Bites with Hummus make a flavorful and easy summer appetizer!
They don’t require too much work, and everybody loves their unique flavor. Plus, they’re so pretty and look fancy on a serving platter.
Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
These gorgeous Cucumber Goat Cheese appetizers are healthy, incredibly easy to make, so light, and delicious!
Each of the little cucumber bites are topped with a flavor-packed avocado and goat cheese mixture and a colorful garnish of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Tortellini Caprese Skewers
Tortellini Caprese Skewer Kabobs are a refreshing summer appetizer with grape tomatoes, basil, tortellini, and mini mozzarella cheese balls topped in a balsamic glaze.
You'll have this wildly addictive dish ready in about 20 minutes.
Chicken Drumstick Lollipops
Chicken Drumstick Lollipops are a fun way to transform chicken legs into a fun lollipop shape.
They are then deliciously seasoned, baked until golden brown, and brushed with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce.
Fig and Brie Bruschetta
Fresh fruit & soft cheese are the stars of this amazing recipe for Fig & Brie Bruschetta.
It's crunchy, creamy, sweet, savory, & spicy all in one beautiful appetizer that tastes gourmet yet is so easy to make.
Fennel-Cucumber Bites with Creamy Tuna
These Fennel Cucumber Bites are crunchy with a delicious creamy tuna filling and a combo of salty and naturally sweet flavors.
Soft Brie cheese mixed into tuna, parsley, olive oil, and capers create lots of hearty Mediterranean flavor.
Mini Jalapeno Corn Dogs
Mini Jalapeno Corn Dogs are a spicy twist on the traditional well-loved corn dog recipe.
They’re so fun for summer holidays and BBQ cookouts, and can be made with regular flour or gluten-free!
Caprese Zucchini Cups
Caprese Zucchini Cups are bursting with fresh Italian flavor! Serve them hot or cold, they are versatile and easy to make.
Simply scoop-out slices of zucchini, fill with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes, then top it all with sweet balsamic vinegar.
Grilled BBQ Shrimp with Baked Tortilla Chips
Easy Grilled BBQ Shrimp Appetizer with Baked Flour Tortilla Chips is made with just 7 simple ingredients in less than 20 minutes.
Juicy grilled jumbo shrimp are piled onto crispy baked tortilla chips with a dollop of creamy guacamole for a speedy, crowd-pleasing snack you’ll turn to again and again.
Marinated Olives with Feta
With just 7 ingredients, Marinated Olives with Feta has tangy Mediterranean flavors in every mouthful.
The green and kalamata olives, creamy feta, salty caper berries, and hints of garlic and red pepper flakes create a super flavorful Greek appetizer.
Strawberry Mango Salsa
Sweet, tangy, and full of flavor, this healthy Strawberry Mango Salsa is perfect for summer parties.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and fresh flavors, this easy fruit salsa comes together quickly and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as a dip with chips, or on top of your favorite grilled meats.
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Delicious Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad has juicy sweet peaches and creamy burrata, paired with arugula and blueberries, then topped with a delicious honey balsamic vinaigrette.
The balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors are magical.
Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto skewers make such a great party food! Easy to make in advance, have all the classic antipasto flavors on an easy-to-eat kabob.
Watermelon Basil Salad
Refreshing Watermelon and Basil Salad is perfect for a warm sunny day. The juicy watermelon, salty feta cheese, crisp red onion, fresh basil, and mint create an irresistible combination.
And it's all drizzled with a sweet and tangy homemade honey vinaigrette.
Burrata Bruschetta with Peaches and Tomatoes
With all the flavors of summer, this simple and beautiful Burrata Bruschetta has sweet cherry tomatoes, juicy ripe peaches, fresh basil, creamy burrata cheese atop toasted slices of bread.
With simple ingredients and requiring less than 30 minutes prep time, they come together perfectly in sweet and savory harmony.
Summer Tortellini Salad with Corn Salsa
Experience summer on your plate with our refreshing tortellini salad featuring vibrant roasted corn salsa.
This is a delicious pasta salad with tortellini, black beans, minced garlic, roasted corn salsa, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Easy Rainbow Fruit Board
Make fresh fruit the star of your next gathering with this colorful rainbow fruit board!
Made with six different types of fresh fruit and a delicious homemade yogurt fruit dip, it’s an easy, healthy appetizer or snack kids and adults alike will adore.
Garlic Sriracha Shrimp-Topped Crackers
Succulent, spicy garlic shrimp, creamy guacamole, and sweet pineapple preserves atop buttery RITZ crackers.
This easy Garlic Sriracha Shrimp Topped Crackers appetizer is perfectly balanced with insanely tasty flavors that meld together into one magical bite.
Summer Corn Salsa
Grab the tortilla chips and try this delicious, fresh Corn Salsa!
With lots of fresh golden corn right off the cob, spicy jalapeno peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, aromatic garlic, leafy green cilantro, and zesty lime juice for a beautiful citrusy pop, it’s so bright and refreshing!
Caprese Bites
It doesn’t get any easier than these cute Caprese Bites. With a few storebought ingredients (that still taste fresh) you can assemble these simple appetizers in minutes.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Mexican shrimp cocktail makes for a festive appetizer, with lightly poached shrimp in tangy spiced tomato sauce.
Quick and easy to make, it’s light, refreshing, and sure to be a hit!
Green Goddess Chimichurri Dip
Cold and tangy Green Goddess Dip is perfect to serve on hot days! Pair it with fresh vegetables and sliced baguette, it’s super flavorful but still light.
Burrata Board
You’ll love serving this beautiful and delicious Burrata Board filled with burrata cheese, crackers, fresh seasonal vegetables, and fruit.
Veggie Pinwheel Tortilla Rollups
Creamy Vegetable Cream Cheese Rollups are packed full of delicious herbs, cheese and vegetables all rolled up in a tortilla.
These yummy bites are full of creamy ranch flavor and are perfect for a cold appetizer at your next summer party.
Smoked Salmon Mousse
Smoked Salmon Mousse is full of flavors that blend to perfection, with no overpowering tastes.
Plus, it’s surprisingly light and has a tangy kick with just a hint of smokiness. So versatile, too.
Enjoy it as a spread with crackers, an elegant two-bite appetizer piped into pastry puffs, or served on cucumber slices.
BBQ Jackfruit Taquitos
Crispy BBQ Jackfruit Taquitos combine fresh veggies and shredded jackfruit for great flavor and texture. A dip into cool cucumber ranch is essential.
Pan con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)
Pan con Tomate is a simple and delicious Spanish appetizer that consists of toasted bread topped with ripe, grated tomatoes and seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and salt.
BBQ Mushroom Skewers
All it takes to make these BBQ Mushroom Skewers is fresh button mushrooms, half an onion and your trusty favorite BBQ sauce of choice!
Stick the mushroom on the skewers, with a little slither of onion, and coat them in BBQ sauce and pop them on the grill (or in the oven).
Bruschetta Flatbread Pizza
Bruschetta Flatbread is made with crisp naan flatbread topped with tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and mozzarella.
It's baked to perfection then drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze.
Peach Corn Salsa
It's so easy to make this delicious peach corn salsa as a light and refreshing appetizer or to enjoy spooned over grilled meat, fish, or plant-based dishes.
With sweet juicy peaches, veggies and herbs, this fun homemade peach salsa recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Guacamole Tomato Bites
Bursting with fresh flavors, these Guacamole Bites feature ripe tomatoes filled with creamy guacamole that are as healthy as they are tasty!
Fresh guacamole tops succulent roma tomato boats with a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco.
Summer Cheese Board
The variety of ingredients in this Summer Cheese Board create such a wonderful medley of flavors and textures. It’s such a fun and easy way to entertain - everyone loves it!
Goat Cheese Crostini with Rhubarb Chutney
Tender goat cheese paired with tangy and sweet rhubarb chutney spread over fresh crusty ciabatta bread. These Goat Cheese Crostini can be ready in 10 minutes!
Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad
This quick and easy Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad has simple ingredients, packed full of summer flavor. It’s a colorful little salad that goes great with just about anything!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a more savory and slightly smoky twist on the traditional hummus we all know and love!
This one takes longer than traditional hummus since we have to roast our peppers, but once that is done it’s super quick and easy!
It’s perfect to have on hand as a dip or a condiment.
Herb Cheese Peppadew Sweet Peppers
Boursin-Stuffed Peppadew Peppers are a flavorful bite-size appetizer everyone loves. WIth basically just 2 ingredients, it seriously doesn’t get easier than this!
Summer Antipasto Platter
This super easy-to-assemble Summer Antipasto Platter has so much flavor and is incredibly satisfying.
It’s absolutely perfect for eating outdoors from your patio to a picnic. There’s no cooking involved - just a few minutes of chopping and assembling.
Baked Zucchini Chips
Whip up a batch of low-calorie Baked Zucchini Chips and scoop them into a lemon-dill yogurt dip.
It’s a great way to use up summer squash when it is popping up faster than you can pick it!
Panzanella Toscana Caprese
Panzanella Toscana is a Tuscan-inspired, bread and vegetable salad with a strong nod to the southern Italian island of Capri.
With fresh mozzarella, extra tomatoes and extra basil, it’s extra-delicious and just screams summer.
Ready to try some fun picnic appetizers?
I hope this list of easy picnic appetizer ideas has given you tons of inspiration for finger foods to make for your next summer picnic.
Outdoor gathering are so much more fun when tasty food is involved!
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