Appetizer recipe collection

Mango and prosciutto bites: salty Italian cured ham wrapped around sweet ripe mango chunks, served with lime wedges. Three-ingredient party appetizer.

Marinated shrimp kabobs with picante sauce and Italian dressing, threaded with broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes. A make-ahead cocktail appetizer with three-color visual punch.

Marinated spiced olives with lemon, garlic, dried chilies, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and allspice in olive oil. A no-cook appetizer that improves over a week of marinating.

Cold spaghetti pasta salad tossed with diced cucumber, red bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bottled Italian dressing. A potluck classic that travels well and tastes better the second day.

Maryland crab cakes with a pound and a half of lump crab, oil-soaked bread, and whipped egg whites for lightness. Pan-fried in butter until golden on both sides.

Smoky Thai mashed eggplant, charred whole over a grill then pounded with shallots, garlic, and chili. Fried briefly and served with hard-boiled eggs and fresh mint as a savory dip or side.

Mayo and yogurt dill dip leaning mostly on tangy plain yogurt, brightened with fresh dill, scallions, and garlic. A lighter, herby dip that comes together in five minutes for raw veggies.

A great dip that is creamy yet refreshing. Served best chilled.

Mediterranean tomato salad with Vidalia onions, fresh herbs, and lemon dressing. Cilantro and mint brighten this Middle Eastern side. Serve with pita or as falafel topping.

Chilled prawn salad with melon balls, strawberries, avocado, and celery in a fresh strawberry-orange dressing. A light, elegant appetizer that's naturally low in fat and ready in 30 minutes with no cooking.

Layered Mexican tortilla appetizer with cream cheese, picante sauce, and dried beef stacked between flour tortillas. Chilled overnight and sliced into wedges. Make-ahead party food.

Mexican bean dip made in the microwave with blended beans, sharp cheddar, chili powder, and crispy bacon on top. Hot, smoky, and ready in 25 minutes.

Mexican cheese dip made in the microwave with cheddar, jalapenos, garlic, tomatoes, and a quick roux for thickness. A from-scratch queso dip ready in about 10 minutes, no Velveeta needed.

Mexican dairy dip with cream cheese, refried beans, and chili powder blended smooth. A three-ingredient game-day dip that takes 10 minutes and a springform pan.

Classic 7-layer Mexican dip with jalapeño bean dip, guacamole, seasoned sour cream, and cheddar. A no-cook party appetizer ready in 15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Mexican guacamole dip mashes ripe avocados with lime, fresh tomato, onion, jalapeno and cilantro. Restaurant-style chunky guacamole for chips, tacos and burrito bowls.