There’s no better way to start your summer party than with a crowd-pleasing favorite: dip! Whether you’re scooping it up with chips or crunchy crudités, these recipes are sure to please.
1 / 25Photo: Stephen Johnson ©
Our Most-Scoopable Summer Dip Ideas
When it comes to summer appetizers, you can never go wrong with chips and dip. From salsa to hummus, there are recipes to complement any party. While we’ve covered extravagant layer dips before, these recipes keep things simple and approachable. For example, this Creamy Avocado Dip is a light, tangy alternative to guacamole and takes just five minutes to whip up. The avocado and sour cream combo is super smooth, and Parmesan and lime juice give acidity and depth. Serve it with tortilla chips or veggies, or on the side with grilled chicken or steak.
GET THE RECIPE2 / 25Photo: Tara Donne ©
Summer Salsa With a Shot
This fresh tomato salsa has just a dash of heat from some jalapeno, but a couple tablespoons of tequila help kick it up to a new level.
GET THE RECIPETzatziki
Greek yogurt’s thicker texture eliminates the need to drain yogurt in cheesecloth as most commonly seen in tzatziki recipes. Wringing out the moisture from your cucumber ensures that the tzatziki stays thick and creamy. We chose fresh dill and mint over dried to provide the brightest flavor possible.
GET THE RECIPEWhite Bean Dip With Pita Chips
Blend canned white beans with garlic, lemon and olive oil for a super-flavorful, easy-to-make dip to serve with homemade pita chips or sliced vegetables.
GET THE RECIPESpicy Feta Dip
Valerie gives salty feta a nice, spicy kick by mixing chile paste and garlic into it. Roasted red pepper rounds the flavor out, adding just a touch of subtle natural sweetness.
GET THE RECIPEGrilled Corn Salsa
Michael Chiarello grills up corn and tomatoes for a sweet and smoky salsa, perfect with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.
GET THE RECIPEZesty Herb Dip
A quick-and-simple dip for crudites is a must at any summer get-together. This one comes together with just a handful of ingredients: tangy sour cream, some spices from your pantry, a touch of lemon and fresh herbs. Easy!
GET THE RECIPE8 / 25Photo: Armando Rafael
Tangy Guacamole-Ranch Dip
Bring two crowd-pleasing favorites (guacamole and ranch dressing) together in this creamy dip for crunchy pita chips.
GET THE RECIPE9 / 25Photo: Armando Rafael
Caramelized Onion Dip
Caramelized onions might seem like they're better suited for fall, but trust us — this savory chip dip is unbelievably delicious with crunchy summer veggies.
GET THE RECIPE10 / 25Photo: Tara Donne ©
Alton Brown's Salsa
Make Alton's chunky salsa the day before a party so its flavors can meld together in the fridge.
GET THE RECIPESpicy Cilantro-Yogurt Dip
This green dip is tangy and spicy and great with grilled flat bread or cut-up vegetables for dipping.
GET THE RECIPE12 / 25Photo: Matt Armendariz
Claire Robinson's Easy Tzatziki
The key to great tzatziki? Make sure you drain all the excess liquid off the grated cucumber before adding it to your yogurt. This guarantees a dip that's lusciously thick and cream — and full of flavor.
GET THE RECIPE13 / 25Photo: Melissa Libertelli
Creamy Homemade Hummus
Once you make your own hummus you’ll never go back to store-bought again! Molly shows you how to whip up a batch of this creamy dip with just a few, simple ingredients.
GET THE RECIPE14 / 25Photo: The Youngrens ©
Cauliflower with Avocado-Cilantro Dip
Serve this creamy green dip with cauliflower for a crunchy potato chip-alternative.
GET THE RECIPE15 / 25Photo: Armando Rafael ©
Roasted Garlic Dip
Roasting garlic mellows its flavor, making it milder and much sweeter — the perfect complement to the savory pancetta and tangy cream cheese in this dip.
GET THE RECIPE16 / 25Photo: Armando Rafael
Basil Ranch Dip
Use prepared pesto in this buttermilk ranch-style dip for bold basil flavor in a matter of minutes.
GET THE RECIPE17 / 25Photo: Raymond Hom
Buffalo Hummus
Ensure well-fed guests with this hummus boasting flavors of yet another party favorite: buffalo wings.
GET THE RECIPE18 / 25Photo: Tara Donne ©
Alton Brown's Guacamole
Alton Brown ensures his spices mesh evenly with avocado pulp using a potato masher, leaving the satisfying chunky factor to diced fresh tomatoes and onions.
GET THE RECIPE19 / 25Photo: Raymond Hom
Sour Cream and Onion Hummus
This hummus is inspired by the flavor of sour cream and onion potato chips. Serve it with pita chips for dipping, or if you really want to double up on the flavor, serve it with the potato chips it was named for.
GET THE RECIPEGreek Layer Dip
If you love Mediterranean flavors, then this layered dip is for you. Inspired by Greek cooking, this crowd-pleasing starter features Baba Ghanoush, Tzatziki and an olive-and-pepper dip. Crumbled feta and tomatoes are the perfect finishing touch.
GET THE RECIPELima Bean-Tahini Dip
This bright green dip is every bit as flavorful as you’d expect. Chock-full of fresh herbs, citrus, nutty tahini and salty crumbled feta is the bold accompaniment your summer crudités deserve.
GET THE RECIPEBLT Dip
Sandra Lee transforms the traditional BLT sandwich into this fun and tasty dip.
GET THE RECIPE23 / 25Photo: Raymond Hom
Pizza Hummus
Tomato paste and herbs give this hummus some Italian flair.
GET THE RECIPEGina Neely's Spinach Dip
Gina's dip has all the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic spinach dip, but with a bit of a kick from a can of diced green chiles.
GET THE RECIPEGiada's Curried White Bean Dip
Crisp up some pita bread in the oven for the perfect vehicle for Giada's curry-spiced cannellini dip.
GET THE RECIPE