9 Festive Appetizers For Your 4th Of July Barbecue

Some of the best summery appetizers to consider are skewers, because they add color to your appetizer tray and offer lots of room for customization. Check out our recipe for vegetable skewers before, or try one of the other eight we found. Beautify your outdoor dining space, fire up the grill, make cocktails for a crowd, and celebrate America's birthday.

Photo Modified: Mary Cressler/Vindulge

Most of us love to nosh no matter what diet we're on, but light party snack options can be far and few between. On top of having fewer calories, apricot chicken lettuce wraps are made easy with the help of a slow cooker. Boom, a simple and refreshing appetizer.

Photo Modified: Slow Cooker Adventures

These colorful grilled skewers are festive and fun. They are low in calories and perfect for your Fourth of July barbecue.

Photo Modified: Flickr/Dave Walker

Step your guacamole game up with this fresh and festive lobster guacamole from Chef Todd English.

Photo Modified: Flickr/Valerie Hinojosa

As a game day favorite and perfect staple for backyard barbeques, Mexican seven layer dip is also a stress-free appetizer when the slow cooker is involved. Layers of refried beans, black beans, onions, peppers, cheese, and sour cream, will all become friends in the crock-pot, and score a homerun for your party.

Photo Modified: Flickr / Andres Rodriguez

Potato skins are a great vehicle for toppings of many sorts.  Load potato skins up with slow-cooked pork, and your guests will think you're a culinary genius. What's a better combination than meat and potatoes?

Photo Modified: Shutterstock/ zkruger

Classic tomato bruschetta gets an upgrade: toasty slices of baguette are topped with shredded, barbecue brisket (or pulled pork) and crème fraîche for a quick and delicious appetizer.

Photo Modified: Mary Cressler/Vindulge

Don't forget the more patriotic the better. This Americano spin to traditional pigs in a blanket recipe is festive and sure to leave your guests pleased.

Photo Modified: Flickr / David K

Swap in fresh summer strawberries instead of tomatoes for a refreshingly different pasta salad.  Balsamic vinegar and strawberries are a perfect sweet and tangy combination.

Photo Modified: Flickr / Rachel Hathaway

Looking for a way to take advantage of summer peaches? Try adding them to salsa; the sweetness perfectly balances the heat of the jalapeño pepper.

Photo Modified: Flickr / Waldo Jaquith