If you are experiencing a plateau in your dinner choices, these nutritious appetizers are certain to assist you in breaking out of it. Select two to three of these flavorful and fresh recipes to create a display of summertime dips, cheese bites, and loaded vegetables that will leave every guest at your table satisfied. Incorporate into your upcoming evening meal nutritious methods to savor the seasonally appropriate flavors of tomato, cucumber, zucchini, and corn, as illustrated by our Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries and Caprese Skewers.
1. Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Fries
These eggplant “fries” have the same cheesy flavor and crunchy crust as fried eggplant Parmesan, but they use a fraction of the oil that traditional fried eggplant Parmesan does. They are the ideal first dish to serve for Italian night! Marinara sauce should be served in large, steaming bowls, and these fries should be dipped into it.
2. Lobster Roll Dip
The straightforward aromas of a lobster roll are transformed into a warm and bubbling dip in this simple and speedy summer appetizer recipe. The dip may be spread on slices of bread or fresh vegetables for a delicious snack.
3. Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips
The crisp zucchini chips made in an air fryer go particularly well with the creamy dill dipping sauce, but they taste great with any sauce you happen to have on hand. And the most exciting thing is… The typical deep fryer requires a significant amount of oil to get the same level of crunchiness that the air fryer does.
4. Avocado Hummus
Simply throw a few ingredients into the food processor and give it a whirl to make this brilliant green hummus recipe. It couldn’t be simpler! This healthful dip is made extra smooth and creamy by using aquafaba, which is the liquid that is left over from cooking chickpeas, and avocado. Crudités, veggie chips, or pita chips can be served alongside.
5. Canapés with Peach, Sage & Prosciutto
These canapés can be reimagined in countless different ways, such as by combining plums and tarragon, cherries and mint, or apricots and chervil. If you are unable to locate honey chèvre, you can substitute honey goat cheese by combining 6 ounces of softened goat cheese with 1 tablespoon of honey.
6. Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip
In this flavorful dip, which was modeled in Mexican elote and esquites, sweet corn and spicy jalapeo peppers are brought together by a cheesy, melted cream sauce. Lime juice and cilantro add a great pop of brightness to the mix. This meal, which is both creamy and filling, can be served with tortilla chips and vegetables as dipping options.
7. Caprese Skewers
We take all of the components of a traditional Caprese salad and stack them onto skewers in order to make a speedy appetizer. These tomato, mozzarella, and basil skewers are simple to put together and would be an excellent addition to any gathering.
8. Cucumber Salsa
This bright and zesty cucumber salsa goes wonderfully with grilled fish or can stand on its own as a straightforward accompaniment salad. You may prepare this dish up to two days in advance because the flavor improves with time and the cucumber becomes more tender, but you can also savor it right away while it is still fresh and crunchy. This dish is well-balanced and simple to prepare.
9. Taco Dip with Tomato Wedges
Savor a mature, fresh tomato accompanied by this uncomplicated, creamy dip. For a satiating nibble, a small amount of taco seasoning, lime, and cheese impart an abundance of flavor to protein-rich Greek yogurt.
10. Cheesy Zucchini Tots
These three cheese-studded zucchini tots that are low in carbohydrates live up to their moniker. Air-frying them or baking them in the oven will result in a crisp exterior and a gooey, melted interior. Freshly shredded cheese is preferable to pre-shredded cheese for the creamiest and most effective results. Serve alongside your preferred ketchup, marinara, ranch, or marinating sauce.
11. Loaded Zucchini Bites
Without the potato, these low-carb zucchini bites feature all the garnishes of a loaded baked potato. These bites, composed of melted cheese, bacon, chives, and a dollop of sour cream, are ideal for game day or any time one desires comfort cuisine.
12. Baked Breaded Eggplant
This perfectly broiled breaded eggplant has a crisp exterior and a tender interior. It tastes incredible dunked in marinara. To enhance the dish, garnish it with a few fresh basil leaves and a sprinkling of balsamic glaze, which is both sweet and sour.
13. Zucchini Pizza Bites
Consider these gluten-free zucchini pizza morsels an enjoyable substitute for bagel bites. Avoid overcooking the zucchini, as this could result in soggy morsels. While we personally prefer the traditional pepperoni topping, you are welcome to explore alternative choices.
14. Crispy Air-Fryer Pickle Chips
For game day, prepare these salty, crisp pickle fries in an air fryer. Much less oil is utilized in the air fryer to achieve a crispier crust than in a conventional fryer. Savor these small, enticing morsels alone or drizzle them in our smoky, creamy Southern dipping sauce.
15. Fresh Corn Hush Puppies
The fresh flavor of these delightful bites is achieved by folding chopped corn kernels into the batter and serving the hush puppies with a yogurt sauce that is flavored with lemon, herbs, and garlic. The dough will not absorb an excessive amount of moisture if the temperature of the frying oil is maintained at a constant 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
16. Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
This simple recipe for low-carb cheesy breadsticks, which are similar to those you might get at a pizza restaurant but are much healthier, calls for shredded zucchini, eggs, and cheese. This appetizer, which does not contain gluten, tastes even better when doused in marinara sauce or pico de gallo.
17. Avocado Fries with Sriracha Aioli
In this recipe for healthy oven-fried avocado fries, the smoothness of the avocados offers a wonderful contrast to the crunchiness of the breading. A taste bomb awaits you when you dunk your food into the fiery dipping sauce made with Sriracha. To make these fries, you’ll need avocados that are perfectly firm; ripe avocados are better suited for guacamole or toast.