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20 Farm Fresh Appetizers for Summer

20 Farm Fresh Appetizers for Summer

Summer is the perfect time for light foods. Less time in the kitchen for you. Fewer hot foods for your guests. And, they are easier to bring out to the patio.

Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen on a beautiful summer evening. While I love to serve no-cook foods, sometimes you want to take it a step further and have a no-entree dinner. Inspired by Epicurious’ Editor-in-Chief Tanya Steel, here are twenty easy appetizers for summer, fresh from the farmers’ market.

Finger Foods

  • Pimientos de Padron (recipe)
  • French Breakfast Radishes with Fresh Mayonnaise (recipe)
  • Grilled Peaches with Creme Fraiche
    Halve peaches and grill with cut side down. Serve with whipped creme fraiche.
  • Mozzarella Balls with Pesto Dip
    Serve un-marinated bocconcine or cubed fresh mozzarella alongside a bowl basil infused olive oil
  • Baby New Potatoes with Chives and Sour Cream
    Boil baby new potatoes in salted water and serve with sour cream mixed with chopped chives.
  • Spicy Italian Green Beans
  • Beet and Goat Cheese Bites
    Cube roasted beets and dip into mustard dressing. Top with a smear of creamy goat cheese.
  • Spinach Pakora (recipe)
  • Indian-spiced Okra Bites
  • Pan amb Tomaquet (recipe)

Skewers

  • Watermelon Feta Bites
    Cube firm feta and watermelon. Chop mint and assemble salad dressing. Dip cubes into dressing and string one piece of each on a toothpick.
  • Mini Caprese on a Stick
    Halve cherry tomatoes and cube mozzarella. String one end of a large basil leaf, half a tomato, and a mozzarella cube on a toothpick and finish with the other end of the basil.
  • Greek Salad Bites
    Cube firm feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers. String toothpicks with one piece of each and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    lemon fish skewers

Small Plates

  • Ensalada Campera (recipe)
  • Panzanella
    Soak stale bread in water, drain and tear to pieces. Mix with chopped basil, tomatoes, and sweet onions.
  • Caponata
    Put red and orange bell peppers in the broiler for a few minutes till charred. Peel and cut into strips. Dress the peppers with oil and capers.
  • Zucchini Carpaccio (recipe)

Soup Shots

  • Watermelon Champagne Soup (recipe)
    Served in champagne glasses, mais oui!
  • Gazpacho Shots (recipe)
    Make gazpacho with heirloom tomatoes, the more colorful the better. Bonus points if you make different batches with green, red, and yellow tomatoes. Serve in artfully arranged shot glasses.

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  1. Great ideas! So many to choose from not sure where to start. I do love French breakfast radishes and usually eat them with butter (something I learned in France).

  2. Great ideas! So many to choose from not sure where to start. I do love French breakfast radishes and usually eat them with butter (something I learned in France).