20 Summer Party Food
Summer is all about parties, fun, outdoor gatherings, backyard activities, and, most importantly, the food. No matter what type of gatherings you’re hosting at your home, you need some delicious food to feed the crowd.
And if you’re looking for delicious, budget-friendly, and easy-to-make party food, this guide is for you. I’ve listed many amazing summer party foods, from amazing sugar cookies and salads to chicken sliders and cheesecakes.
Even though there are so many finger foods and party foods out there, being a lazy lady, I always focus on effortless food that can be made with minimal ingredients and less effort. But I never compromise on the taste because no one wants to feel less confident in guests.
The recipes I’m sharing with you today are mostly side dishes, so you can serve them with any of your main meal courses, BBQs or grilling recipes.
You can also use these party foods for picnics or as an appetizer to satisfy your hunger during afternoons.
1- Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders
This shredded BBQ chicken slider features tender rotisserie chicken that falls off the bone. And it can be prepared in a large batch for parties, picnics, or potluck.
The tangy BBQ sauce makes these sliders so much delicious and flavorful. These sliders are enough to fulfill your kids’ daily protein intake.
2- Frozen Chicken Wings
Glossy, crispy, juicy, tender are some traits of these frozen chicken wings. If you’re looking for a real-time saver recipe, I can bet nothing is more delicious than these chicken wings.
From start to finish, these frozen chicken wings are ready in just 25 minutes. You only need a few staple ingredients to whip up this delicious recipe!
3- Summer Sugar Cookies
I love making these summer sugar cookies topped with creamy cheese frosting that sets them apart from the rest!
Whether you’re celebrating summer, hosting a birthday party, or want to make something special with your BBQ recipes, these sugar cookies fit every moment perfectly.
These soft, moist, and colorful cookies are also kid-friendly; your little one will love them.
4- FRESH AVOCADO PICO DE GALLO
If you’re looking for a vibrant salad recipe with crunchy and seasonal veggies, try this Avocado Pico de Gallo.
This fresh, colorful, and zesty salad is a real crowd-pleaser; you can prepare it in just 15 minutes. Feel free to top it with pita chips, tacos, or burritos.
5- EASY SALAD KABOBS
Sometimes, getting your kids or guests to eat salads can be a challenge. But with salad kabobs, it’s a whole different story! They’re so much more fun and enticing, and you can bet that there won’t be a single veggie left untouched.
Veggies and cheese on the skewers look more stylish than the chopped veggies in a bowl, and your guests will think you’re a creative lady. This treat is best for serving large crowds and picnics.
6- SPICY PINEAPPLE MANGO SALSA
Imagine a treat that features both pineapples and jalapeños; it sounds mouthwatering. The sweet notes of pineapple pair perfectly well with the zesty hint of jalapeños and the refreshing taste of herbs.
You need less effort, budget, time, and ingredients to whip up this recipe. And this spicy pineapple mango salsa comes out in under 10 minutes.
7- CAPRESE GRILLED ASPARAGUS
You might have tried many Asparagus recipes, but this grilled Asparagus with lentils offers a comforting and filling taste that everyone loves. And the juicy tomatoes even make the dish look more appealing.
The good thing about this recipe is that it’s high in protein and fiber, and you can even make it healthier by adding dairy-free mozzarella.
8- Lemon Brownies
Nothing is more refreshing and chill than the lemon during the summer, and if you’re also a fan of lemon flavors, try these Lemon Brownies, which are loaded with bright flavors.
You need only five ingredients to whip up this recipe, which comes out in 30 minutes. These lemon brownies are perfect to serve with zesty BBQ or grilling recipes.
9- MINI STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKES
These mini strawberry cheesecakes promise refreshing, sweet flavors, winning the hearts of your guests. Unlike most party foods, this one is a make-ahead treat; you can even prepare it one day in advance.
The delicious butter graham cracker crust and creamy strawberry cheesecake filling make them a perfect dessert for any type of party or picnic.
10- GRILLED PEACH AND RICOTTA CROSTINI
During the summer, cooking becomes an irksome task for most of us, but with this Grilled peach and Ricotta Crostini, you don’t need to worry at all.
This easy recipe features lemon, peaches and fresh basil, making it more refreshing and a masterpiece for summer. Such finger foods are kid-friendly, best for picnics, and serve large crowds.
11- Easy Strawberry Mango Salsa Recipe
Treat your guests with this tart and sweet Strawberry Mango salsa that comes out quickly and has fewer ingredients. I love salty tortilla chips or Pita chips with this salad, and it tastes super delicious.
You can also serve this Strawberry Mango salsa salad with spicy grilled shrimp, chicken tacos, BBQs, or Kabobs.
12- Parmesan Chicken Tenders
These Parmesan Chicken tenders are my favorite, and I often make them on weekend nights. Crispy outer and juicy inner offer a delightful texture contrast, while the savory Parmesan flavor adds a deliciously cheesy kick.
Served with a tangy dipping sauce or atop a fresh salad, they’re always a hit and perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.
13- 7-LAYER DIP CUPS
Nothing is more appealing and cuter than these 7-layer dip cups that offer incredible flavors and assemble in just 15 minutes. These dip cups are versatile, and you can customize them with your favorite filling and topping to make them more cute and delicious.
You can serve these 7-layer dip cups with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, Frito scoops or other sturdy siders.
14- RANCH POTATO SALAD
Last week, I made this quintessential salad and got many compliments from my homies. This Ranch potato salad features ranch dressing, making it more creamy and hearty.
The salad contains potatoes, eggs, and healthy ranch dressing made with Greek yogurt and other crunchy vegetables, and all these ingredients, in parallel, are great sources of protein, carbs, and other essential nutrients.
15- Chicago hot dog pasta salad
You can’t ignore the significance of pasta during hot summers, and this Chicago hot dog pasta salad with zesty dressing is a go-to recipe.
It combines beef hot dogs, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and sport peppers, perfect for summer barbecues. Easy to make and delightfully unique, it’s a must-try for any gathering.
16- Club hot dogs
These club hot dogs are like sandwiches with turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, mayo and tomatoes.
Easy to customize and fun to make, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether grilled or pan-fried, these hot dogs offer a unique twist on two beloved favorites. Don’t forget the optional potato chips for an extra crunch!
17- Peach Salad
If you want something sweet and refreshing, try this Peach salad. Juicy peaches combine fresh cherries, crunchy almonds, and creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a tangy Honey Balsamic Dressing.
It’s easy to make and always a hit at potlucks and barbecues. The combination of sweet, ripe peaches, the slight tartness of the cherries, the crunch of almonds, and the creaminess of goat cheese makes this salad standout.
