Small bites, big smiles: 33 appetizers to celebrate Dad

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Get ready to celebrate Father’s Day with this collection of mouthwatering appetizers that are sure to impress Dad. From savory bites to irresistible finger foods, these recipes will add a touch of flavor and fun to your Father’s Day celebration, making it a memorable culinary experience for the whole family!

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pineapple pico de gallo in a white bowl.
Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Celebrate the vibrant summer and Father’s Day with this zesty Pineapple Pico de Gallo, bursting with ripe tomatoes, jalapeño, white onion, garlic, sweet pineapple, earthy cilantro, and tangy lime juice. It’s a tropical condiment that will breathe life into any dish.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Mixed Pickles

Mixed pickles in a glass jar.
Mixed Pickles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Transform any vegetable into dazzling, tangy delights in minutes with these speedy mixed pickles, perfect for your Father’s Day cookout! It’s an easy side that captures the essence of summer.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles

Garden Fresh Salsa

Garden fresh salsa in a white bowl with a tortilla chip.
Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the flavors of this delicious fresh garden salsa recipe, featuring tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and lime juice. It’s an ideal dip for chips or a topping for your favorite Mexican dish, perfect for enhancing your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Creamy Dill Sauce

Closeup of dill sauce in a glass container with a wooden handle on a white marble counter.
Creamy Dill Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Whip up a savory, fresh, and tangy condiment in a moment’s notice with just a few simple ingredients. This creamy dill sauce is a delightful addition to your Father’s Day cookout, adding a burst of flavor to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Sauce

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Pineapple habanero salsa in a black bowl with a tortilla chip.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the perfect blend of sweet and hot with this pineapple habanero salsa recipe. Using roasted tomatoes, onion, habanero peppers, and pineapple, it’s an irresistible condiment for dipping chips, topping meals, or enhancing Mexican dishes at your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Capture the essence of summer with these marinated heirloom tomatoes. Fresh garden tomatoes marinate in a bright, bold mixture of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano, creating a visually stunning salad or sandwich topping that will elevate your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango habanero salsa in a black bowl with a tortilla chip.
Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Delight in the combination of sweet and spicy flavors in this juicy, roasted mango habanero salsa recipe. Roasted tomatoes and onion, fresh mango, fiery habanero peppers, lime juice, and cilantro come together to create a salsa that adds a kick to everything from tacos to chips at your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A salad of mixed greens, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and burrata on a white plate.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the freshness of summer with this Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Featuring spring mix, fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, rich olive oil, and a sweet, tangy balsamic reduction, it’s a refreshing addition to your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Serrano Salsa with Lime

Serrano Salsa in a white bowl garnished with cilantro and a tortilla chip.
Serrano Salsa with Lime. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the tangy and delicious flavors of this authentic spicy serrano salsa recipe. Roasted serrano peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime combine to create a condiment that adds a tangy kick to everything from tacos to breakfast at your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Serrano Salsa with Lime

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Transport your taste buds to Greece with this Prasini Salad, a simple and delicious Mediterranean dish. Crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and a bright lemon vinaigrette make it a perfect side salad for your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Creamy Salsa Dressing

Creamy salsa dressing in a glass jar.
Creamy Salsa Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enhance your salads, grilled meats, or Mexican dishes with this creamy salsa dressing. Its delicious and tangy flavor is a perfect addition to your Father’s Day cookout, adding a burst of taste to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Salsa Dressing

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your summer salad collection with this pesto orzo salad recipe, featuring bold and delicious ingredients such as basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh, peppery arugula. It’s a vibrant and flavorful addition to your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango pico de gallo in a white bowl.
Mango Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy with this easy mango pico de gallo. It’s a fresh salsa that will tantalize your taste buds at your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Mango Pico de Gallo

Arugula Caprese Salad

Arugula caprese salad on a white plate.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Fall in love with this caprese salad with arugula, showcasing cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. It’s the perfect summer salad to enjoy at your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the sweet, savory, earthy, tangy, and salty flavors of this beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill. Crunchy cucumbers, tender cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette create a delicious beet salad that will satisfy your cravings at your Father’s Day cookout.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Top view of a jar of bread and butter pickles.
Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Try this easy recipe for crispy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles that are a little bit sweet and a little bit sour. No cooking, no canning, just an easy small batch recipe for delicious fresh pickles that I think are the best.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Layer on the flavor and share this board with friends! Whipped feta, corn, and herbed potatoes top this taste sensation that’s good to the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Mango Salad

A colorful mango salad in a large ceramic bowl with a wooden spoon.
Mango Salad. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This is an easy, fresh, and delicious mango salad recipe with a flavorful homemade dressing.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salad

Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked salon dip in a white bowl with crackers and veggies for dipping.
Smoked Salmon Dip. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Smoked Salmon Dip is perfect for brunch. Spread it on bagels, crackers, baguette slices, or even cucumber slices.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Overhead shot of Spicy Cucumber Salad with black beans in a black bowl.
Spicy cucumber salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Cucumber Salad, spiked with chili crisp and fermented black beans, is super refreshing on a hot day! Bring it to the cookout and watch it disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Spicy cucumber salad

Yum Woon Sen

Yum woon sen salad on a white plate with a green napkin.
Yum Woon Sen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Yum Woon Sen, or Thai Glass Noodle Salad, is loaded with ground meat, plump shrimp, veggies, and a tangy lime juice and fish sauce dressing.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen

Elote

metal baking pan with elote, Mexican grilled corn cobs with mayonn
Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Super easy elote recipe for Mexican grilled corn has just 5 ingredients and it’s totally addictive. It is full of flavor and can be made in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Elote

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Hand dipping a fried pickle into dipping sauce with a platter of fried pickle slices.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy, crunchy, spicy, tangy, salty—these air fryer fried pickles are *everything* you want in a snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites are guaranteed to disappear fast at the cookout! They’re just as cheesy, crunchy, spicy, and flavorful as regular poppers, but easier to make AND easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

bang bang shrimp on a black platter with sriracha ranch dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is as crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy as the original but it’s easier to make and healthier, too.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Instant Pot Shrimp

Shrimp in a green and white striped bowl.
Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Shrimp turns out plump and flavorful. You can even pop your shrimp into the Instant Pot right out of the freezer! Serve it with dipping sauce as a simple and delicious party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Kick off your summer gatherings with a bowl of zesty and flavorful Texas Caviar Dip. Packed with black-eyed peas, corn, bell peppers, and tangy dressing, this dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The combination of textures and flavors, along with a hint of spice, makes it the perfect accompaniment to tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with red and blue dyed egg whites.
Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add a patriotic touch to your summer appetizer spread with Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs. These eye-catching deviled eggs are a festive and delicious way to celebrate patriotic occasions. Get ready to enjoy a fun and tasty twist on a classic appetizer!
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs

Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Corn ribs with fresh herbs being dipped into a creamy sauce.
Air Fryer Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the sweet and smoky flavors of Air Fryer Corn Ribs for a delightful summer appetizer. These corn ribs are made by slicing corn cobs into rib-like pieces, seasoning them with a delicious blend of spices, and air frying them to perfection. The result is tender and slightly charred corn ribs that are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or enjoying on their own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Bowl of zucchini chips with parsley in front of two bowls of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor the crispy and flavorful goodness of Air Fryer Zucchini Chips, a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. These zucchini chips are sliced thinly, seasoned with herbs and spices, and air fried until they become golden and crunchy. The result is a guilt-free snack that’s perfect for summer munching.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Cheddar Bacon Dip

Keto Crack Dip with veggies.
Keto Crack Dip. Photo Credit: Primal Edge health.

Get the summer party started with this irresistible cheddar bacon dip. Packed with savory flavors, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bacon Dip

Cheesy Pickle Chips

baked pickle cheese chips with bowl of ketchup on white plate
Cheesy Pickle Chips. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These crispy and cheesy pickle chips are a delightful twist on a classic summer appetizer. With their tangy crunch and gooey melted cheese, they bring a burst of flavor and fun to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips

Cheese curds

Gluten-free keto cheese curds.
Cheese Curds. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health

Indulge in the cheesy goodness of these squeaky and addictive cheese curds. Whether enjoyed plain or as part of a larger dish, these bite-sized morsels of cheesy delight are perfect for snacking during summer get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Cheese curds

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