Sun’s out, snacks out. Whether you’re headed to a backyard BBQ, pool party, park picnic, or rooftop happy hour, outdoor appetizers set the tone — and yes, they can be healthy without sacrificing taste.
These light, flavor-packed apps are totally shareable, easy to prep ahead, and fit right into your wellness routine. Even better? Several of these recipes come straight from the FitOn app (yep, we’ve got you covered from prep to party).
From protein-packed dips to crunchy veggie bites, here are 10 outdoor appetizers that are basically begging to be on your summer spread.
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10 Best Outdoor Appetizers for Healthy Summer Snacking
#1 Caprese Bites with Balsamic Glaze
These Caprese Bites are the ultimate savory and fresh snack — simple to make and drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze for a flavor punch that’s sure to wow your crowd. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or easy weekday snacks! These colorful bites bring together fresh, bright flavors that will disappear fast at any party.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella (small balls or cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar glaze
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Directions:
Step #1: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves alternately onto toothpicks or small skewers. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze right before serving.
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#2 Eggplant Pizza Bites
Swap out traditional crust for thick, tender eggplant rounds topped with marinara, mozzarella, and fresh basil. These eggplant pizza bites are a low-carb, veggie-packed way to satisfy your pizza cravings without the extra carbs or calories. Grill or roast them for bonus summer flavor and that perfect melty cheese finish.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1½ cups pasta sauce (marinara)
- 1½ cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees
Step #2: If time allows, slice the eggplant into rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes. Wipe off excess moisture with a paper towel — this helps create a better crust.
Step #3: Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over each slice.
Step #4: Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
Step #5: Remove from oven, spread each slice with marinara sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella. Add any extra toppings you love — like fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Return to the oven and bake for another 4–6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
#3 Refreshing Lime Guacamole
Made in a pinch and bursting with fresh flavors, this quick and easy lime guacamole is the perfect healthy dip for sliced veggies or your favorite gluten-free crackers. The zesty lime and cumin take it up a notch!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Paprika, to taste
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step #1: Scoop the avocado flesh into a mixing bowl and mash to your desired consistency.
Step #2: Stir in lime juice, cumin, garlic, red onion, cilantro, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step #3: Serve immediately for best flavor, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
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#4 Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites
All the flavors of an everything bagel — minus the carbs! These savory cucumber bites are a refreshing, protein-packed snack perfect for outdoor snacking or quick bites any time.
Ingredients:
- ½ cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp whipped cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
- 2 oz deli turkey (or smoked salmon for a twist)
Directions:
Step #1: In a small bowl, mix the whipped cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Step #2: Arrange cucumber slices on a plate. Place a slice of deli turkey (or smoked salmon) on each cucumber round.
Step #3: Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of each slice.
Step #4: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over each bite.
#5 Hummus Pepper Boats
A vibrant, fiber-packed snack that’s ready in under 10 minutes! These colorful pepper boats are a fun way to sneak in extra veggies while keeping things light and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 large red bell pepper
- ¾ cup hummus (your favorite flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Chili flakes, to taste
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step #1: Slice the bell pepper lengthwise into 4 “boats.” Remove and discard the seeds.
Step #2: Spoon hummus evenly into each pepper boat.
Step #3: Top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
#6 High-Protein Loaded Nachos
These healthy nachos bring all the flavor and protein-packed goodness you want in outdoor appetizers — without the guilt. Loaded with protein and fresh flavors, these nachos are a healthier take on a classic crowd favorite. Perfect for summer parties, or anytime you need a satisfying snack!
Ingredients:
- 3 grain-free tortillas
- 1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ avocado, diced
- 1 lime
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilis, for serving (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Step #2: Slice tortillas into 8 equal triangles each. Spray lightly with avocado or coconut oil spray and spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step #3: Bake for 5–10 minutes until chips are slightly golden and crisp.
Step #4: Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, chicken, paprika, and half of the salsa. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step #5: Take out and top with remaining salsa, Greek yogurt, diced avocado, canned tomatoes with green chilis, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Optionally, return to the oven for a few more minutes to warm toppings or serve immediately.
#7 Balsamic Hot Honey Ricotta Dip
Creamy, spicy, and a little sweet — this ricotta dip strikes the perfect balance. Drizzle it over crostini or use it as a dip for fresh veggies for crowd-pleasing outdoor appetizers that are anything but ordinary.
Ingredients:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
- Extra hot honey, for drizzling
- Fresh thyme, to garnish
- Chili flakes, to garnish
- Crostini or fresh veggies, for serving
Directions:
Step #1: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine ricotta, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step #2: Transfer the ricotta mixture to a serving bowl and stir in the hot honey until fully incorporated.
Step #3: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and extra hot honey. Garnish with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Step #4: Serve alongside crostini or fresh vegetables for dipping.
#8 One-Step Antipasto Skewers
No fuss, all flavor — these antipasto skewers are the ultimate grab-and-go snack or party outdoor appetizers. Fresh, savory, and easy to customize!
Ingredients:
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 8 Kalamata olives
- 2 oz mozzarella balls (or cubes)
- 1 cup jarred artichoke hearts
- 1 roasted red pepper, cut into chunks
- 8 thin slices salami
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Directions:
Step #1: Thread cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper chunks, salami slices, and basil leaves onto skewers in any order you like. Store in an airtight container if making ahead of time.
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#9 Avocado Ranch Dip
The creamy, tangy goodness of ranch combined with the healthy fats of avocado — this dip is a match made in snack heaven. Serve with crunchy crackers and fresh veggies for a satisfying, nutrient-packed bite.
Ingredients:
- 1½ tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ripe avocado
- 24 whole grain crackers
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
Directions:
Step #1: Mash the avocado until smooth and creamy.
Step #2: Stir in ranch seasoning, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt until well combined.
Step #3: Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Step #4: Serve with whole grain crackers and fresh mixed veggies — about 6 crackers and ¾ cup veggies per serving.
#10 Chocolate & Yogurt-Dipped Frozen Banana Pops
Craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy? These frozen banana pops are the perfect guilt-free treat — creamy, crunchy, and totally delicious.
Ingredients:
- 6 bananas
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Mixed nuts, finely chopped (for topping)
- Organic naturally sweetened sprinkles (optional)
- Dark chocolate chips (optional topping)
- Coconut flakes (optional topping)
Directions:
Step #1: Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Peel the bananas and cut each in half. Insert a popsicle stick halfway into the cut end of each banana half. Place them on the baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours until firm.
Step #2: While bananas freeze, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step #3: In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt with vanilla extract and maple syrup. Set aside your desired toppings in small bowls.
Step #4: Remove bananas from the freezer. Dip half the bananas in melted chocolate, then immediately coat with your choice of nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes. Return to the parchment-lined tray.
Step #5: For the other half, coat bananas with the yogurt mixture using a spoon if needed, then sprinkle with toppings of choice. Place back on the tray with the chocolate-coated bananas.
Step #6: Freeze all banana pops for another 1–3 hours until fully set and firm. Store in the freezer until ready to serve.
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Set the Table, Light the Citronella, and Let’s Eat
Summer entertaining doesn’t have to mean chips and dip on repeat. With these 10 creative, nutritious outdoor appetizers, you can build a menu that’s colorful, satisfying, and still supports your wellness goals. All the FitOn-approved recipes are waiting for you in the FitOn app — search “meals” to start saving your faves and planning your next healthy hangout.
