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    Cooking Gorgeous » MSN Posts

    Refreshing Summer Cold Appetizer Recipes

    Published: Jul 30, 2024 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    There’s nothing like a cool, refreshing appetizer on a hot summer day. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just chilling by the pool, these recipes are super easy to make and full of fresh seasonal flavors. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they’ll quickly become your summer favorite.

    Stuffed Artichokes

    Ayla Clulee

    Zeytinyagli Enginar Dolmasi - Stuffed Artichokes is a tasty and nutritious dish that's packed with Mediterranean flavors. 

    This traditional Turkish recipe features artichokes stuffed with vegetables and aromatics, and cooked in olive oil and lemon juice. They make an impressive appetizer for spring or summer gatherings and also work well as part of a meze selection or a flavorful side dish.

    To learn more: Zeytinyagli Enginar Dolmasi - Stuffed Artichokes

    Avocado Deviled Eggs

    5 pieces of avocado decided eggs
    Ayla Clulee

    Enjoy the creamy texture and delicious taste of deviled eggs without guilt with this Avocado Deviled Eggs Recipe Without Mayo. Packed with healthy fats and nutrients, this appetizer is a fantastic alternative to traditional deviled eggs. 

    Plus, these Avocado stuffed eggs are naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

    To learn more: Avocado Deviled Eggs Without Mayo. 

    Mediterranean Hummus Dip

    Ayla Clulee

    Hummus Dip is a Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern spread made with chickpeas and tahini, then seasoned with lemon, garlic, and cumin. This extremely creamy, smooth & fresh dip comes together in just 25 minutes!

    Once you try this incredibly delicious yet simple Mediterranean Hummus recipe, you will never want to buy a pre-packed one from the supermarket.

    To learn more: Mediterranean Hummus Dip

    Vegan Lentil Meatballs

    serving mercimek Koftesi with lettuce leaves and sliced lemons
    Ayla Clulee

    Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs) is a healthy and flavourful Turkish dish made with fine bulgur, red lentils, onions, tomato & red pepper paste, and spices.

    These aromatic vegetarian meatballs are inexpensive and very easy to make. Just like Easy Meatless Cig Kofte, they are usually served as an appetizer, a healthy snack, or a part of a mezze platter.

    To learn more: Mercimek Kofte (Vegan Lentil Meatballs)

    Haydari - Yogurt Dip

    Ayla Clulee

    Haydari is a delicious Turkish Yoghurt Dip made with feta cheese, thick strained yogurt, fresh herbs, and chopped walnuts. 

    This tangy dip is one of the most popular mezes in Turkey and also is widely served in Turkish restaurants with kebabs and Pita Bread along with Ezme Salad (Acili Ezme).

    To learn more: Haydari (Turkish Yoghurt Dip)

    Vegetarian Rice Stuffed Peppers

    8 pieces of vegetarian stuffed peppers are served on a dish
    Ayla Clulee

    These delicious Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi) are filled with aromatic stuffing made of rice, onions, pine nuts, currants, and various herbs/spices. You can serve them warm or at room temperature as a side dish as well as the main meal or an appetizer. The leftovers are great for a boxed lunch the next day or a picnic.

    To learn more: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi)

    Chicken Liver Parfait

    Chicken liver pate served on a slice of brioche with red onion marmalade
    Ayla Clulee

    Smooth Chicken Liver Parfait (or Pâté) with brandy is an elegant yet fuss-free dinner party starter and can be made up to three days in advance. 

    It is one of my favorite starters/appetizers to serve on special occasions when I want to spoil my dinner guests.

    To learn more: Chicken Liver Parfait - Pâté

    Baba Ganoush

    aubergine dip without tahini
    Ayla Clulee

    This Turkish-style Baba Ganoush without tahini is a smokey and flavorsome eggplant dip made with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. 

    Same as Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt with Cucumbers) and Easy Authentic Hummus, it is extremely easy to make and pairs perfectly with Homemade Pita Bread.

    To learn more: Baba Ganoush Without Tahini

    Imam Bayildi - Vegan Stuffed Aubergines

    imam Bayildi (Turkish stuffed Aubergine)
    Ayla Clulee

    Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant) is a classic Ottoman dish made with eggplants cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and then stuffed with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Packed with Mediterranean flavors, this baked stuffed aubergine dish is a very easy yet extremely delicious recipe to make. 

    To learn more: Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant)

    Yaprak Sarma - Stuffed Wine Leaves

    yaprak dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
    Ayla Clulee

    Yaprak Sarma (or Yaprak dolma - Yalanci Dolma) is an authentic vegetarian Turkish dish made from Grape Leaves Stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and spices. It's a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.

    Similar to Biber Dolmasi |Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers and Zeytinyagli Enginar Dolmasi - Stuffed Artichokes, these appetizers are versatile and can be served as part of a mezze platter or as a main dish. 

    To learn more: Yaprak Sarma - Stuffed Grape Leaves

    Saksuka - Turkish Vegetable Meze

    saksuka is served in a bowl
    Ayla Clulee

    Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze) is a very much loved vegetarian/vegan dish made of shallow-fried vegetables and a simple tomato sauce. 

    Just like Mutabal (Roasted Eggplant Dip), Şakşuka is such a great versatile dish that can be served as a part of a mezze spread, as a side dish, or as an appetizer.

    To learn more: Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze)

    Barbunya Pilaki - Turkish Barlotti Beans

    Barbunya Pilaki is a vegan Turkish style cooked borlotti beans
    Ayla Clulee

    Barbunya Pilaki (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans) is a classic Turkish dish braised in olive oil with onions, garlic, and tomato (paste). 

    This delicious vegan dish is perfect to serve as a light lunch, appetizer, a part of a mezze spread, or a side dish to grilled and roasted meat, fish, and vegetables.

    To learn more: Barbunya (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans)

    Piyaz - Turkish White Bean Salad

    Ayla Clulee

    Fasulye Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad) is a healthy and nutritious side dish and a perfect accompaniment to your meals. It is made of beans, onions, tomatoes, and parsley then dressed with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.

    Piyaz, a traditional Turkish White Bean Salad, is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare. Ready in just 15 minutes, you can serve it as a perfect side dish to any meal, an appetiser, or as a light lunch option.

    To learn more: Piyaz - Turkish White Bean Salad

    Smoked Salmon Pate

    smoked salmon pate served on a piece os bread
    Ayla Clulee

    This easy Smoked Salmon Pate recipe is the perfect appetizer for celebrations and BBQ parties. It is a simple and flavorsome dish made with a combination of smoked salmon and poached salmon for extra texture and flavor. And the best news is that this delicious creamy spread is ready in just 20 minutes!

    To learn more: Smoked Salmon Pate

    Falafel

    crispy falafels served on a plate along with salad and pita bread
    Ayla Clulee

    This Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe is perfect for you if you want to learn how to make perfectly crisp and extremely flavourful falafels. 

    Whether you serve them stuffed in warm Greek Pita Bread or along with a bowl of refreshing Lebanese Fattoush Salad, this iconic street food will be a family favorite!

    To learn more: Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe

    Make it in air fryer: Vegan Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

    Arnavut Ciğeri - Albanian Liver

    arnavut cigeri served with cubed potatoes and onion salad
    Ayla Clulee

    Arnavut Cigeri (or Albanian Liver) is a Turkish Liver dish consisting of pan-fried lamb or veal liver cubes seasoned with chili flakes and served with sumac, onion, and parsley salad. 

    This simple recipe is extremely easy to prepare and tastes great. Same as Baba Ganoush Without Tahini, Cerkez Tavugu, Melitzanosalata (Roasted Greek Eggplant Dip), and Kisir - Turkish Bulgur Salad, it is generally served as a part of a mezze spread or starter.

    To learn more: Arnavut Cigeri - Turkish Liver

    Vegetarian Cig Kofte

    meatless cig Kofte served with lettuce and lemon
    Ayla Clulee

    This Easy Meatless Çiğ Köfte Recipe is a vegetarian twist on the popular Turkish street food from Urfa, a city in southeastern Turkey. It also makes a great appetizer or meze and is similar to Kibbeh Nayyeh from Levantine cuisine.

    To learn more: Easy Meatless Cig Kofte Recipe

    Mango Salad

    mango, avocado, and cucumber salad
    Ayla Clulee

    This zesty and colourful Mango Salad with Avocado and Cucumber is packed with flavor and ready in just 15 minutes. It is the perfect side dish or appetiser for your summer cookouts, picnics, or potlucks! For more delicious and colourful mango salad ideas, check out my Spicy Thai Mango Salad and Mango Pico de Gallo - Fresh Mango Salsarecipes!

    To learn more: Mango Salad with Avocado and Cucumber

    Chicken Fatteh

    chicken and chickpeas fatteh ready to serve
    Ayla Clulee

    Fatteh is an Egyptian and Levantine dish made with pieces of fresh, toasted, grilled, or stale flatbread topped with other ingredients such as chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, garlicky yogurt, and cooked leftover chicken pieces.

    Depending on the region, it is typically served as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an appetizer.

    To learn more: Chicken and Eggplant Fatteh

    Smoked Salmon Bagel

    1 piece of lox bagel - smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese
    Ayla Clulee

    Lox Bagel or Smoked Salmon Bagel is a scrumptious, elegant, yet fuss-free breakfast and brunch option to serve to family and friends.

    It consists of lightly toasted bagels topped with tangy cream cheese, smoked salmon (or lox) slices, cucumbers, briny capers, pickled red onions, and fresh dill.

    To learn more: Lox Bagel - Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese

    Labneh - Yogurt Cheese

    homemade labneh cheese served on 2 plates as a dip
    Ayla Clulee

    Labneh is a tangy, smooth, and creamy cheese made by straining the whey out of yogurt until it reaches a rich and luxurious cream cheese consistency. 

    Crafting this delightful dip is a breeze, requiring just two simple ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of hands-on time.

    To learn more: Homemade Labneh - Yogurt Cheese

    Melitzanosalata - Roasted Greek Aubergine Dip

    Ayla Clulee

    Melitzanosalata (Roasted Greek Aubergine Dip) is a smokey and delicious Greek appetizer/meze made with fire-roasted aubergines, tangy lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Serve this rustic Greek dip with some warm Greek Pita Bread, accompanied by Tirokafteri (Spicy Whipped Feta Dip) or your favorite dips and mezes, for a Mediterranean feast!

    To learn more: Melitzanosalata (Roasted Greek Eggplant Dip)

    « Top Turkish Breakfast Recipes You Can Easily Make at Home
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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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