These Summer Dips Are the Secret to Outdoor Entertaining
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So you're hosting a backyard cookout and looking for ways to make the summer party more fun. To get started, you can pick a party theme—like a tropical pool party or an outdoor camping party—then, get to work on the spread of light bites and party dips. Speaking of dips, these summer dip recipes will come in handy for any and all occasions in warm weather.
When you want to keep things light and refreshing, reach for one of these summer dip recipes. There are healthy dips like the roasted red pepper hummus and creamy avocado dip along with tons of ideas that use summer produce. We're talking hot corn dip made with fresh ears of corn and pico de gallo made with summer tomatoes. Any of these summer dips can be served with an array of fresh cut veggies, tortilla chips, or pita crisps.
If you're hosting a pool party, make a fruity mango salsa to pair with your favorite grilling recipes. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with cowboy caviar for a weekend camping trip under the stars. And like all good summer recipes, these party dips are incredibly easy to make ahead of time. The only thing left to do is stir up a pitcher of lemonade (or a summer cocktail)—and you'll get the party started.
Corn Salsa
Nothing says summer like fresh corn! And this recipe is a great way to put those sweet, grilled kernels to good use. It's paired with grilled onions, colorful peppers, and cilantro for a satisfying dip.
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
Spinach Dip
This cool, creamy twist on a classic spinach dip is easy to stir together in just about 10 minutes. Serve with veggie sticks, pita chips, or crackers for dipping.
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
Avocado Salsa
This colorful dip is sort of like a mash-up between pico de gallo and guacamole. It's the best of both worlds in one little bowl (or, a big dip bowl if you're serving a crowd).
Get the Avocado Salsa recipe.
Cheeseburger Dip
If cheeseburgers are your go-to summer food, then this fun, hearty dip is for you! It has all the aspects of a burger, including the ground beef, cheddar jack cheese, pickles, and veggies in one skillet.
Get the Cheeseburger Dip recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
This dip combines black beans and black-eyed peas with colorful veggies and spicy jalapeño pepper for a welcome kick. It's great for making ahead so you can pack it up as a camping snack on your next outdoor adventure.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Mango Salsa
This fruity, tropical salsa is the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It's delicious served with chips for dipping, but it can also double as a topping for tacos or grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Get the Mango Salsa recipe.
Guacamole
This guacamole is perfectly chunky with bits of fresh tomato, cilantro, and jalapeño for added flavor. It's just about the best guacamole you'll ever have.
Get the Guacamole recipe.
Whipped Feta Dip
This dip is incredibly easy with no cooking required. Just combine the ingredients in a food processor and drizzle the top with honey and a sprinkle of fresh mint for a sweet and salty Mediterranean-inspired dip.
Get the Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
You'll brighten up any summer spread with this refreshing green dip! It's packed with refreshing cucumber, crunchy cabbage, and rotisserie chicken so it's hearty enough for a picnic lunch.
Get the Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip recipe.
Dill Dip
The beauty of this herby dip is that it's ultra creamy. You can make it in advance to let the flavors mingle, then serve with veggie sticks, potato chips, or salted pretzels.
Get the Dill Dip recipe.
Avocado Dip
Unlike guacamole, this dip made with avocados is smooth and creamy. It's actually made using a blender with Greek yogurt, basil, green onion, garlic, lemon, and cayenne.
Get the Avocado Dip recipe.
Pico de Gallo
This chunky take on salsa is spicy, but not unbearably hot. It's actually pretty refreshing thanks to the cilantro and lime juice. Try it served alongside your favorite guacamole for the ultimate dip duo.
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Queso Dip
This ooey gooey queso dip uses a mix of white American and pepper jack cheeses. It's the perfect pairing for green chiles and jalapeño in this classic dip.
Get the Queso Dip recipe.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
This bean and corn medley will become a new favorite thanks to the pops of juicy summer tomatoes and spicy jalapeño. It's like a surprise of flavor in every bite.
Get the Corn and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus is a healthy, protein-packed snack, but it's also incredibly versatile. Here, the chickpeas are blended with roasted red peppers for a welcome sweetness and a bright red hue. Serve with pita wedges.
Get the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe.
Taco Dip
This creamy, zesty dip is piled high with all your favorite taco toppings. We're talking shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, and pickled jalapeños.
Get the Taco Dip recipe.
Homemade Tomatillo Salsa
This variation on salsa verde is made with roasted tomatillos which look a bit like green tomatoes, but they're wrapped in a papery husk. When charred along with onions and serrano chili peppers, they make this dip full of bold flavor.
Get the Homemade Tomatillo Salsa recipe.
Hot Corn Dip
Here's another fun way to use those fresh ears of corn. The ooey gooey baked dip is "one of the cheesiest of cheese dips out there," Ree says.
Get Ree's Hot Corn Dip recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Making onion dip from scratch is well worth the effort, especially since you can make it a day or two in advance and let the flavors get richer as it sits in the fridge. Serve with potato chips or veggie sticks.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Pineapple Salsa
Bright, tart, and a little bit spicy—this fruity salsa surprisingly easy to prepare but it's sure to impress your guests at any summer party. In fact, it'll make your backyard feel like a tropical vacation.
Get Ree's Pineapple Salsa recipe.
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