7 cold appetizers perfect for your outdoor summer dinners

Friday 22 August 2025 10:00 - Daniele Mainieri
7 cold appetizers perfect for your outdoor summer dinners

With the arrival of summer, outdoor dinners become a must-do ritual, especially if you are lucky enough to have a terrace. For the best start to an evening with friends, serving cold appetizers is the ideal choice: they are convenient to prepare in advance, light, colorful and full of flavor. In this article you will find 7 delicious and very fresh ideas, perfect to surprise your guests and enjoy the summer atmosphere with taste.


1. Summer freshness in 5 minutes: the appetizer that wows

Cucumber boats filled with rice, smoked salmon, avocado and mintRecipe Cucumber boats filled with rice, smoked salmon, avocado and mint

Fresh, no-cook and full of flavour, these cucumber boats are a great starter! This recipe is easy to make, and you can fill the cucumbers however you like. Cut them into pieces to serve as an appetiser or starter ;-)

2. A fresh, healthy and surprising combination

Watermelon, feta, avocado and cucumber salad: super refreshing!Recipe Watermelon, feta, avocado and cucumber salad: super refreshing!

Calling all fans of fresh food: here's a recipe that will quickly make it into your top three! It's so delicious that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge herself, has made it one of her favorite recipes! It's also very high in water, helping you...

3. The quick and rustic appetizer that wins everyone over!

Fuet tartare: a quick version of the classic steak tartareRecipe Fuet tartare: a quick version of the classic steak tartare

Fuet tartare is not a traditional dish, but it could be: it has the boldness of a bar snack , the elegance of a thoughtfully prepared starter and just the right irreverence of someone who dares to finely chop a traditional cured sausage and dress...

4. The secret to impressing at dinner without turning on the stove

Ricotta balls for an aperitif!Recipe Ricotta balls for an aperitif!

An easy and quick recipe to nibble on at aperitif time: ricotta balls. Not only are these balls wonderfully creamy, but you can also offer your guests a variety of flavors. Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or even chives for those who are allergic to...

5. A creamy, crunchy and fragrant mix to try right away

Cream cheese, pesto, and cherry tomato toastsRecipe Cream cheese, pesto, and cherry tomato toasts

Not very hungry in this heat? Here’s a quick, fresh, and tasty recipe to satisfy your appetite: toasts! The combination of cream cheese, pesto, and cherry tomatoes makes these perfect to enjoy on their own or serve with a mixed salad. Enjoy!

6. Only 4 ingredients for a summer flavor explosion

Stuffed tomatoes with tuna, cream cheese, and olivesRecipe Stuffed tomatoes with tuna, cream cheese, and olives

No-cook cooking is possible, easy, and above all delicious! To convince you, try our stuffed tomatoes with tuna, cream cheese, and olives! Ready in just 10 minutes, these stuffed tomatoes are perfect as a starter or served on a mixed salad...

7. The fresh and quick appetizer that wins everyone over in summer

Bresaola tortelloni stuffed with arugula and ricotta cheese: tasty and ready in 10 minutes!Recipe Bresaola tortelloni stuffed with arugula and ricotta cheese: tasty and ready in 10 minutes!

Bresaola tortelloni stuffed with ricotta and arugula are a quick, light, and flavorful cold appetizer , perfect for any occasion . Made with thin slices of bresaola instead of pasta , they enclose a creamy filling made with fresh ricotta,...

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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