Preparing for the next summer cookout or holiday gathering? Appetizers are a key part of the puzzle. If you’d like to serve something beyond the typical pasta salads, potato salads, and fat-laden chips, you’ll need to discover some healthier options. Take a look at some ideas for great appetizers at your next cookout:

Goat Cheese Crostini

This goat cheese crostini is the perfect light summer recipe, and it punches way above its paygrade. Easy to assemble, it uses healthy hot-weather ingredients like watermelon, beet, soft goat cheese, and fresh chives to wow everyone at your summer cookout. And at less than 100 calories per serving, it’s the perfect option for a delicious appetizer that you can feel good about serving — and eating. 

Smoky Carrot Dip

This smoky carrot dip looks as good as it tastes. It’s sure to be a hit at your next summer cookout. And it’s packed with healthy ingredients like almonds, chickpeas, olive oil, and — of course — carrots. You could enjoy it with pita slices, crackers, other veggies, or all by itself. Check out the recipe here.

Green Chile Guacamole

Who doesn’t enjoy guacamole, especially in the summertime? Spice up your traditional guac with a little heat, and you have yourself a hit for your next summer cookout. This green chile guacamole recipe from Recipe Runner is a great example. All you need are avocados, some red onion, green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro to make the perfect batch. Serve with chips for the ultimate finger food sure to please every guest. 

Baked Zucchini Bites

Want a healthy, delicious appetizer that couldn’t be easier to make? These baked zucchini bites from Give it Some Thyme are just the thing. Simply mix veggies, seasoning, eggs, and cheese with Bisquick mix and bake. Then, cut into squares, triangles, or whatever shape fits the bill for your cookout. 

Pickled Shrimp

Spring is the ultimate cookout appetizer. And you can switch things up from the normal shrimp cocktail with this pickled shrimp recipe. What’s great about it is that you can prepare it the day before and have it pickle overnight, then whip it out when it’s time for the cookout. Click here to check out the recipe. 

 

Impress at Your Next Summer Gathering

Try the recipes above and see how it goes over at your next cookout. When you bring something both healthy and delicious, it’s sure to be a hit.