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Photo: Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
Keep your evening relaxing and cool with these no-cook appetizer recipes. Whether you’re looking for a simple starter for tonight’s dinner or in the mood to make a spread of dips and small bites, there’s something you’ll love in this mix of recipes. Recipes like our Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip and Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes are refreshingly easy ways to shake up your dinner routine.
01of 25Black Bean HummusView RecipeCasey BarberFor a slightly Southwestern spin on hummus, swap in black beans for the traditional chickpeas. It’s just as fiber-rich and filling, but with a taste that pairs well with tortilla chips and crisp bell peppers.
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Black Bean Hummus
View Recipe
Casey Barber
For a slightly Southwestern spin on hummus, swap in black beans for the traditional chickpeas. It’s just as fiber-rich and filling, but with a taste that pairs well with tortilla chips and crisp bell peppers.
02of 25Avocado HummusView RecipeThis 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.
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Avocado Hummus
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.
03of 25Marinated Yogurt CheeseView RecipeBy draining the liquid whey out of yogurt, you can make a “cheese” with the texture of soft cream cheese. Here it’s turned into a savory spread with dried herbs. Avoid using regular yogurt containing additives like modified food starch, vegetable gums or gelatin; these thickeners inhibit the release of the whey. Serve this with crusty French bread or crackers.
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Marinated Yogurt Cheese
By draining the liquid whey out of yogurt, you can make a “cheese” with the texture of soft cream cheese. Here it’s turned into a savory spread with dried herbs. Avoid using regular yogurt containing additives like modified food starch, vegetable gums or gelatin; these thickeners inhibit the release of the whey. Serve this with crusty French bread or crackers.
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Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip
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Taco Dip
Johnny and Charlotte Autry
06of 25Caprese Salad with Cherry TomatoesView RecipePhotographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors HallThe basil dressing packs a punch in this caprese salad with cherry tomatoes. Dark balsamic vinegar is traditional, but to make the color pop, white balsamic vinegar can be used in its place.
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Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
The basil dressing packs a punch in this caprese salad with cherry tomatoes. Dark balsamic vinegar is traditional, but to make the color pop, white balsamic vinegar can be used in its place.
07of 25Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea DipView RecipeGreg DupreeLabneh—a thick and tangy strained cow’s-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping.
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Za’atar-Spiced Chickpea Dip
Greg Dupree
Labneh—a thick and tangy strained cow’s-milk yogurt—adds creamy richness to this layer dip featuring salty feta and olives. Serve with pita chips for dipping.
08of 25Mini Bell Pepper PebreView RecipeTed & Chelsea CavanaughThis version of pebre, a Chilean condiment, combines bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley and cilantro for a fresh bite.
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Mini Bell Pepper Pebre
Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh
This version of pebre, a Chilean condiment, combines bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley and cilantro for a fresh bite.
09of 25Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon DipView RecipeCharlotte & Johnny AutryGive 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping.
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Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip
Charlotte & Johnny Autry
Give 7-layer dip a brunch twist with this recipe featuring layers of cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion and capers. Serve with bagel chips for scooping.
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3-Ingredient Kalamata-Olive Hummus
Who doesn’t like hummus? It’s an easy snack or appetizer as is, but jazzing it up with simple toppings can make it feel like a special starter. Here we top store-bought hummus with Kalamata olives and olive oil (a staple ingredient that doesn’t count toward our three!) and serve it with crunchy pita chips.
11of 25Thai Chile-Curry DipView RecipeCharlotte & Johnny AutryCurry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor.
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Thai Chile-Curry Dip
Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor.
12of 25Caprese SkewersView RecipePhotographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors HallWe 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.
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Caprese Skewers
Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
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.
13of 25Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Bell PeppersView RecipeTed & Chelsea CavanaughA quick spread of pimiento cheese stuffs these mini bell peppers for an easy, three-ingredient appetizer.
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Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
A quick spread of pimiento cheese stuffs these mini bell peppers for an easy, three-ingredient appetizer.
14of 25Antipasti Layered DipView RecipeCharlotte & Johnny AutryA typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
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Antipasti Layered Dip
A typical antipasto platter features cured meats, cheeses, olives and anchovies—we took a lot of those elements and turned them into a creamy layer dip with white beans and ricotta. Serve with toasted baguette for scooping.
15of 253-Ingredient Smoked Fish Dip with CapersView RecipeJamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.There are two kinds of people when it comes to smoked fish dip—those who love it and those who haven’t tried it yet! Made with cream cheese, herbs and smoked trout, smoked salmon or a mix of both, it’s a creamy, savory dip that takes your appetizer table up a notch. Top it with briny capers and serve with baguette slices and you have yourself a delicious app that is sure to impress.
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3-Ingredient Smoked Fish Dip with Capers
Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.
There are two kinds of people when it comes to smoked fish dip—those who love it and those who haven’t tried it yet! Made with cream cheese, herbs and smoked trout, smoked salmon or a mix of both, it’s a creamy, savory dip that takes your appetizer table up a notch. Top it with briny capers and serve with baguette slices and you have yourself a delicious app that is sure to impress.
16of 25Tequila GuacamoleView RecipeMargarita lovers will go crazy for this twist on classic guacamole. Spiking your guacamole with tequila adds an extra layer of flavor and blends deliciously with the fresh lime juice and jalapeño. This guacamole is for grown-ups only, but you can omit the tequila if you’re serving to kids.
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Tequila Guacamole
Margarita lovers will go crazy for this twist on classic guacamole. Spiking your guacamole with tequila adds an extra layer of flavor and blends deliciously with the fresh lime juice and jalapeño. This guacamole is for grown-ups only, but you can omit the tequila if you’re serving to kids.
17of 25Creamy Smoked Trout SpreadView RecipeJohnny AutryHere the smoky flavor of the fish pairs exceptionally well with the robust bite of horseradish and onion. Serve with crackers, apple slices or cucumber slices for an easy appetizer.
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Creamy Smoked Trout Spread
Johnny Autry
Here the smoky flavor of the fish pairs exceptionally well with the robust bite of horseradish and onion. Serve with crackers, apple slices or cucumber slices for an easy appetizer.
18of 25Taco Dip with Tomato WedgesView RecipeTed & Chelsea CavanaughEnjoy 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.
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Taco Dip with Tomato Wedges
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.
19of 25Cherry Tomato & Strawberry BruschettaView RecipeLeigh BeischThese topped toasts get a sweet-salty punch from the addition of strawberries and ricotta salata—a firm, saltier version of ricotta cheese. Look for it with other specialty cheeses at the supermarket, or substitute Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino.
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Cherry Tomato & Strawberry Bruschetta
Leigh Beisch
These topped toasts get a sweet-salty punch from the addition of strawberries and ricotta salata—a firm, saltier version of ricotta cheese. Look for it with other specialty cheeses at the supermarket, or substitute Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino.
20of 25Radishes with Green Goddess DressingView RecipeJason DonnellyThis quick and easy radish recipe will get you ready for spring. Traditional green goddess is made with mayo and sour cream but here we use avocado, buttermilk and yogurt to achieve a lightened-up, creamy dressing.
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Radishes with Green Goddess Dressing
Jason Donnelly
This quick and easy radish recipe will get you ready for spring. Traditional green goddess is made with mayo and sour cream but here we use avocado, buttermilk and yogurt to achieve a lightened-up, creamy dressing.
21of 25Loaded Black Bean DipView RecipeThis is 7-layer black bean dip simplified: just heat and season refried beans, then top with fresh vegetables for a texturally exciting dip.
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Loaded Black Bean Dip
This is 7-layer black bean dip simplified: just heat and season refried beans, then top with fresh vegetables for a texturally exciting dip.
22of 25Traditional Greek Tahini DipView RecipeSuper creamy with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds, this homemade tahini sauce recipe is a popular way to begin a meal in Cyprus. Serve with crudités and pita.
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Traditional Greek Tahini Dip
Super creamy with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds, this homemade tahini sauce recipe is a popular way to begin a meal in Cyprus. Serve with crudités and pita.
23of 25Almost Chipotle’s GuacamoleView RecipeMake guacamole at home that tastes just like it came from Chipotle–but don’t worry, our version won’t be extra! This deliciously fresh guac is perfect for topping burrito bowls or tacos, or serve as an appetizer or healthy snack with tortilla chips and veggies.
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Almost Chipotle’s Guacamole
Make guacamole at home that tastes just like it came from Chipotle–but don’t worry, our version won’t be extra! This deliciously fresh guac is perfect for topping burrito bowls or tacos, or serve as an appetizer or healthy snack with tortilla chips and veggies.
24of 25Garlic HummusView RecipeThis classic 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) makes this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.
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Garlic Hummus
This classic 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) makes this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.
25of 25Jason Mraz’s GuacamoleView RecipeIn this easy guacamole recipe, musician Mraz prefers California Hass or Reed avocados because they are the creamiest. Adjust the heat, tang or other flavorings to suit your tastes.
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Jason Mraz’s Guacamole
In this easy guacamole recipe, musician Mraz prefers California Hass or Reed avocados because they are the creamiest. Adjust the heat, tang or other flavorings to suit your tastes.
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