Easy Salsa And Dip Recipes Perfect For Summer

When summer arrives, the main attraction for food lovers is usually a perfectly grilled steak or an unbeatable burger, but appetizers also deserve their time to shine. So say hello to some fun summertime starters — these salsa and dip recipes are easy to make and are just the things you need to get the party going.

The sweet and creamy blend of flavors in this pineapple avocado salsa will blow your mind. Use the salsa as a dip for tortilla chips or serve it over tacos or some of your other favorite Mexican dishes.

For the Pineapple Avocado Salsa recipe, click here. 

Summer's bounty brings many treasures, including watermelon. Of course, you can cut it up and eat it as is or use it along with other bright ingredients like cilantro, jicama, red onion and lime juice to make a salsa.

For the Easy Watermelon Salsa recipe, click here.

If you've spent so much time thinking about what to have as an entree that you neglected to think of an appetizer, this is your best bet. With staple ingredients like black beans, tomatoes, and diced red bell pepper, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.  

For the Black Bean Salsa recipe, click here.

Get double the vitamin D this summer by pairing sunshine with this salmon poke dip recipe. The jalapenos, avocado, soy sauce and fresh ginger pair perfectly with a sushi-grade salmon filet.

For the Salmon Poke Dip recipe, click here.

What better way to use leftover chicken in creative ways than by making buffalo chicken dip, the mother of all appetizers? This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes and serves 10 people.

For the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe, click here.

Skip the hassle of grilling burgers at your next backyard bash and use those ingredients in this dip instead. It combines the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger into a simple appetizer.

For the Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Burger Dip recipe, click here.

This roasted beet and white bean dip will make a colorful addition to any backyard barbecue, dip party or mezze-style spread.

For the Roasted Beet and White Bean Dip recipe, click here.

Made with the season's freshest ingredients, this papaya salsa recipe is ideal to serve with tortilla chips as a summer appetizer. The salsa, which takes only 10 minutes to prepare, combines jalapenos and papaya for the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.

For the Papaya Salsa recipe, click here.

Like tacos? Like dip? Then make taco dip! This recipe serves as an easily customizable base. You can serve one of our favorite no-cook summer sides as is, or with seasoned ground beef, black olives, avocado, jalapenos or whatever else tickles your fancy.

For the Easy Taco Dip recipe, click here.

Tomatillos, a beloved ingredient in Mexican cuisine, are the main component in this salsa verde recipe. The brightly colored fruit looks like an unripe tomato with a papery husk. They're slightly more acidic than normal tomatoes, but that acidity is balanced by the addition of garlic, red onion and cilantro. 

For the Salsa Verde recipe, click here. 

Of course, you could take a trip to the grocery store and buy premade salsa but where's the fun in that? Making it from scratch ensures that all of those fresh flavors come to life.

For the Roasted Garden Salsa recipe, click here.

This fruit salsa will be your go-to all summer long. Just combine strawberries, kiwi, honey, cucumber and lime juice for a blend of flavors perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to afternoon picnics.

For the Strawberry Salsa recipe, click here.

This German cheese dip is airy and delicious, especially when paired with pretzels or crackers. The blend of cream cheese, crushed caraway seeds and wheat beer is satisfying and easy to make. It's sure to become a staple for at-home happy hours.  

For the Basil Obatzda Cheese Spread recipe, click here.

If you're a seafood lover, this is the dip for you. Before diving into a lobster roll or some grilled salmon, chow down on fresh crab meat mixed with mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish and worcestershire sauce.

For the Chilled Crab Dip recipe, click here.

No matter what season it is, you can never go wrong with a cheese ball. This one uses sharp cheddar and bacon to top a block of cream cheese, sour cream and a blend of seasonings. Once it's complete, you can use crackers, veggies and more for dipping.

For the Cheddar Bacon Cheese Ball recipe, click here.

This copycat recipe for Chipotle's guacamole is an easy one that you can throw together at the last minute. If you like spice, the chain restaurant recommends that you add in chopped jalapenos along with the seeds.

For the Chipotle Guacamole recipe, click here.

One easy way to make dining at home feel a little more glam is to make an incredible appetizer. This recipe combines lobster with spinach dip mix, mayonnaise and green onion to make an expensive tasting appetizer without racking up a huge bill at the grocery store.

For the Lobster and Spinach Dip recipe, click here.

This Mediterranean diet-approved bean dip can be paired with crackers, veggies, sandwiches and more. The recipe calls for cannellini beans but feel free to swap them out for chickpeas or red beans.

For the Grilled Mediterranean Bean Dip recipe, click here.

If you're looking for a lighter dip that still hits the spot, give this yogurt mint dip a try. It uses low-fat yogurt for a creamy base and the mint and lemon zest give it a pop of brightness that's perfect for summer. You can use it for dipping or drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish.

For the Yogurt Mint Dip recipe, click here.

Chips and salsa is the official state snack of Texas, and nobody beats the heat better than our friends from the South. Take some inspiration from them by making this sweet and fiery pineapple habanero salsa.

For the Pineapple Habanero Salsa recipe, click here.

Believe it or not, making hummus from scratch is super easy. The main ingredient is garbanzo beans, which are added to a food processor and pulsed with water, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and cumin until smooth. Drizzle it with olive oil and serve with warm pita.

For the Easy Homemade Hummus recipe, click here.

Why have a one-layer dip when you can have seven? The base for this seven-layer taco dip is refried beans, a protein-packed ingredient that adds a smooth texture perfect for dipping. Top the dish off with olives ... or tomatoes and jalapenos if olives aren't your cup of tea.

For the Easy 7-Layer Dip recipe, click here.

Salsa fresca, also known as pico de gallo, features a blend of chopped veggies tossed with oil, lime juice and salt and pepper. Enjoy it with some chips as an appetizer before serving more of the best dishes to bring to a party.

For the Salsa Fresca recipe, click here.

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