When the kids are itching to play outside and the oven is too hot, FRUIT APPETIZERS! These 21 fruity bites are colorful, sweet and take minimal effort, just the way I like summer hosting. Let's head to the market, grab the freshest, ripest fruit, and make the patio table look pretty!
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1) Watermelon and Feta Skewers
I always make sure these are the first to go at every cookout I host, and truth be told, I won't lose any sleep over it.
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Watermelon and Feta Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the watermelon cubes dry with a paper towel so they don't make the skewers soggy.
- Thread each small skewer with a watermelon cube, a mint leaf, and a feta cube.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and serve cold.
Notes
2) Peach Caprese Salad
Replace the tomatoes with ripe summer peaches and see how everyone asks for the recipe!
Peach Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Arrange the peach wedges and mozzarella slices alternating on a serving platter.
- Tuck whole basil leaves between the peaches and cheese.
- Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve right away.
3) Mango Salsa with Lime
You can scoop this up with chips, or layer it on grilled chicken, either way, it disappears fast.
Mango Salsa with Lime
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the top and sprinkle with salt.
- Toss gently until everything is coated.
- Let it sit 10 minutes for the flavors to mingle, then serve with chips.
Notes
4) Grilled Pineapple Slices
Cooking pineapple on the grill for just a few minutes will give it that deliciously sweet caramelized candy flavor.
Grilled Pineapple Slices
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Whisk together the honey, melted butter, and cinnamon, then brush over both sides of the pineapple rings.
- Grill the rings for 4-5 minutes per side until you see dark grill marks.
- Brush with any remaining glaze and serve warm.
Notes
5) Kiwi Lime Parfaits
These look a lot fancier than the 5 minutes they take!
Kiwi Lime Parfaits
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the honey, lime zest, and lime juice into the Greek yogurt.
- Spoon a layer of the lime yogurt into the bottom of each glass.
- Add a layer of sliced kiwi, then a layer of granola.
- Repeat the layers and finish with a kiwi slice on top. Serve chilled.
6) Strawberry and Brie Bites
They are sweet, creamy, and a tad boozy because of the balsamic. They are always a hit at the party.
Strawberry and Brie Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Top each slice with a piece of brie and bake for 6-8 minutes until the cheese softens.
- Top each warm bite with sliced strawberries.
- Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with thyme, and serve warm.
Notes
7) Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Wraps
The perfect balance of salty and sweet that looks like it took loads of effort!
Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Wraps
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the cantaloupe into bite-sized wedges, removing the rind.
- Wrap each wedge with a slice of prosciutto and a basil leaf, securing with a toothpick.
- Arrange on a platter and drizzle with olive oil.
- Finish with cracked black pepper and serve chilled.
8) Lemon Blueberry Crostini
For a taste of summer in a single bite, enjoy the bright flavor of lemon ricotta cheese with sweet blueberries on a perfectly toasted slice of bread.
Lemon Blueberry Crostini
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, brush the baguette slices with olive oil, and toast for 6-8 minutes.
- Stir the lemon zest into the ricotta.
- Spread the lemon ricotta over each toasted slice.
- Top with fresh blueberries, drizzle with honey, and serve.
Notes
9) Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
Avocado adds some creaminess while grapefruit adds some tartness. With both of these ingredients, you have a salad that livens up your whole plate!
Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter.
- Fan the avocado slices and grapefruit segments over the greens.
- Scatter the red onion on top.
- Whisk the olive oil and honey with a splash of reserved grapefruit juice, drizzle over the salad, and serve.
10) Cherry and Goat Cheese Tartlets
Pastries from the freezer section that have the flavor of a full-service bakery.
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Cherry and Goat Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and cut the puff pastry into 12 squares, pressing them into a mini muffin tin.
- Spoon a little goat cheese into each pastry cup.
- Top with halved cherries and a drizzle of honey.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden, then sprinkle with thyme and serve warm.
Notes
11) Papaya with Honey Drizzle
People often return to the most simple option on the table.
Papaya with Honey Drizzle
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the papaya into wedges and remove the seeds.
- Arrange the wedges on a platter.
- Drizzle with honey and fresh lime juice.
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes and serve chilled.
12) Orange and Mint Sorbet
A palate cleanser you can prepare in advance that also serves as the lightest little dessert!
Orange and Mint Sorbet
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the orange juice, honey, lemon juice, and chopped mint together until the honey dissolves.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, scraping with a fork every hour to keep it fluffy.
- Scoop into small bowls and garnish with a mint sprig to serve.
Notes
13) Pomegranate and Quinoa Cups
These bites are a little more hearty than the rest and keep the grown-ups happy.
Pomegranate and Quinoa Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the cooled quinoa with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and most of the pomegranate seeds.
- Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into the mini phyllo cups.
- Top each with the remaining pomegranate seeds and serve.
14) Raspberry and Almond Tart
Although this may look like it should be in a pastry shop, it is actually very easy.
Raspberry and Almond Tart
Ingredients
Method
- Spread the almond cream filling evenly into the pre-baked tart shell.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes until set, then cool completely.
- Arrange the fresh raspberries over the top in tight rows.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
15) Banana and Nutella Rolls
I really enjoy recipes where the kids can make them individually.
Banana and Nutella Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over each tortilla.
- Place a whole banana near one edge and roll the tortilla up tightly around it.
- Slice each roll into bite-sized pinwheels.
- Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and serve.
16) Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowls
Trust me, just look at that hot pink color, it is worth every penny of the price of a dragon fruit!
Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- Blend the frozen dragon fruit, banana, and coconut milk until thick and smooth.
- Divide the smoothie between two bowls.
- Top with granola, mixed berries, and coconut flakes.
- Serve immediately while it's still cold and thick.
Notes
17) Apple and Cheddar Quesadillas
There is not a person who can resist this combination of sweet apples and bold cheddar cheese wrapped in a crunchy tortilla.
Apple and Cheddar Quesadillas
Ingredients
Method
- Sprinkle cheddar over half of each tortilla and layer apple slices on top, then fold over.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each quesadilla for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon, slice into wedges, and serve warm.
18) Plum and Basil Bruschetta
People are curious about the unexpected secret ingredient in this twist on bruschetta.
Plum and Basil Bruschetta
Ingredients
Method
- Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes.
- Spread ricotta over each toasted slice.
- Arrange sliced plums on top.
- Sprinkle with basil, drizzle with honey, and serve.
Notes
19) Lychee and Coconut Cups
Cool and fragrant with a hint of the exotic, they feel like a small tropical holiday.
Lychee and Coconut Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the coconut cream with honey and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Spoon the coconut cream into small serving cups.
- Tuck a few lychees into each cup.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes and chill until ready to serve.
20) Fig and Ricotta Toast
When figs are in season, this is on my counter roughly everyday.
Fig and Ricotta Toast
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Spread a thick layer of ricotta over each slice.
- Arrange the fig halves on top.
- Drizzle with honey, finish with flaky sea salt, and serve.
Notes
21) Passion Fruit and Yogurt Dip
Arrange this with a stack of fruit and see how it transforms into the focal point of the event.
Passion Fruit and Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the honey and vanilla into the Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Swirl in most of the passion fruit pulp, leaving a little for the top.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and spoon the remaining pulp over the top.
- Serve with a platter of assorted fresh fruit for dipping.