68 appetizer recipes

Crispy chicken flautas rolled in flour tortillas and fried golden in two minutes flat, served with homemade guacamole loaded with jalapeno, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.

Olive Profumate: oil-cured black olives marinated with fennel seeds, orange zest, and sliced garlic. A no-cook Italian appetizer that keeps for two weeks in the fridge.

Baked potato skins filled with chopped smoked salmon, sour cream, and topped with red or black caviar. An elegant four-ingredient appetizer that turns a humble potato into something luxurious.

Fresh citrus and pineapple salsa with orange, jalapeño, cilantro, green onion, and lime zest. A bright, no-cook fruit salsa for grilled fish, chicken, or chips.

Mayo-free pasta salad with marinated artichoke hearts, alfalfa sprouts, black olives, and red wine vinegar. The artichoke marinade doubles as the dressing in this tangy, make-ahead side.

Pakoras: crisp Indian fritters of onion, potato, and spinach dipped in spiced chickpea-flour batter and deep-fried to golden crunch. Monsoon-season street food at its finest.

Chinese mixed fruit dessert with grass jelly cubes, lychee, and mandarin oranges. Refreshing 3-ingredient cold dessert, perfect for hot summer days.

Japanese pickled asparagus marinated in miso paste and dry mustard for a tangy, umami-rich side dish or appetizer.

Crystal-clear dumpling wrappers reveal a savory filling of shrimp, pork, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. These bite-sized dim sum gems steam in just minutes and disappear even faster from the plate.

Low-fat marinated vegetable platter with crisp broccoli, carrots, celery, red pepper, olives, and artichoke hearts in tangy Italian dressing. Make-ahead appetizer that gets better as it chills.

Dolmades yialandzi are Greek stuffed grape leaves filled with herbed rice, dill, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. A vegetarian meze served cold as an appetizer or light main course.

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Edible flower salad with nasturtium leaves and blossoms layered over Vidalia onions and tomatoes, finished with celery and vinaigrette. Stunning and peppery.

Lightened potato skins with crispy russet shells, sharp cheddar, turkey bacon, and fresh chives, served with low-fat sour cream. All the steakhouse appetizer flavor, way less guilt.

A tangy, jewel-toned tomato aspic loaded with crunchy celery, green peppers, and green beans. This vintage molded salad brings old-school Southern charm to any potluck or holiday spread.

Vegetarian Chinese boiled dumplings (shwei jow) with handmade wrappers and a tofu, mushroom, and lily bud filling. Served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. Makes 24.