Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce
Add zip to your appetizer platter with an easy asparagus dip that doubles as a flavorful sandwich spread. — Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
9-Layer Greek Dip
Instead of the same taco dip at every family event or potluck, try this light, cool and refreshing Greek dip. It both looks and tastes healthy. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Garlicky Herbed Shrimp
I love shrimp. Love garlic. Love herbs. Cook ’em in butter and what could be better? —Dave Levin, Van Nuys, California
Crabbie Phyllo Cups
I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Creamy Feta-Spinach Dip
Garlic and feta make a powerfully tasty pair in this addictive dip. I first tried it at a party and had to drag myself away from the bowl! —Elissa Armbruster, Medford, New Jersey
Rosemary Walnuts
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago, and each time we visited her she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save one for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Greek Veggie Tartlets
This recipe started out as a salad, which I re-created after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve the mixture in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer! —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
Peach Bruschetta
As a starter or light snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to savor the season with just a bite of fresh peach among a medley of lively flavors.—Nikiko Masumoto, Del Ray, California
Pea Soup Shooters
Appetizers really don’t get any easier than this. Plus, these shooters can be made ahead, they’re colorful, and won’t weigh you down. Top with a small dollop of yogurt for a little more tang. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Marinated Shrimp and Olives
This is my favorite appetizer to serve party guests. The flavors in this colorful dish blend beautifully, and the shrimp are tender and tasty.—Carol Gawronski, Lake Wales, Florida
Crisp Cucumber Salsa
Here's a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You'll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super fresh flavors. —Charlene Skjerven, Hoolpe, North Dakota
Crumb-Topped Clams
In my family, it wouldn't be Christmas Eve without baked clams. They're easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York
Goat Cheese Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are superstars in the hot appetizer category. I use baby portobello mushrooms and load them with creamy goat cheese and sweet red peppers. —Mike Bass, Alvin, Texas
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
I'm always looking for lighter recipes to take on tailgate outings. This one is quick and easy to marinate and take along. It's also great tasting and a family favorite. —Veronica Callaghan-Glastonbury, Connecticut
Provencal Bean Salad
Lightly coated in reduced-fat tarragon mayonnaise, this refreshing three-bean salad perks up summer meals. Every bite bursts with flavor. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Citrus Spiced Olives
Lemon, lime and orange bring a burst of sunny citrus flavor to marinated olives that are great for nibbling on at holiday buffets. You can even blend the olives and spread the mixture onto baguette slices.—Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Hot Crab Pinwheels
I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia
Lemon-Herb Olives with Goat Cheese
Greek olives have a fruity flavor that comes into play when you mix them with lemon and fresh herbs. Spoon over goat cheese and slather on crackers. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mediterranean Eggplant Dip
I love Mediterranean food, and the flavors in this dip are so vibrant. We make our own mini sandwiches once this platter is complete. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Roast Beef Aioli Bundles
Don't let these dainty bundles fool you. They're so perfectly balanced, everyone will gobble them up! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Personal Margherita Pizzas
This family-friendly supper is simplicity at its finest. Golden-brown, melted fresh mozzarella and a sprinkling of fresh basil give these personal pies Italian-inspired flavors. —Jerry Gulley, San Francisco, CA
Roasted Grape Crostini
A trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Pickled Shrimp with Basil
Red wine vinegar plus the freshness of citrus and basil perk up marinated shrimp with hardly any prep. Serve over greens if you'd like a salad. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
Rosemary Beet Phyllo Bites
The deep red of the beets will definitely bring a splash of festive color to any appetizer buffet. The mild rosemary flavor accents the peppery bite of the arugula and the sweet-sour flavor of the pickled beets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Around the World Tapenade
Featuring flavors from around the globe, this recipe is a trip for the taste buds! Chopping the ingredients in a food processor keeps things quick and easy.—Kim Rila, Leesburg, Virginia
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Trade in the usual veggie party platter for these fun kabobs. I often make it for my family to snack on, and it's a great recipe for the kids to help make. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My 7-year-old son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
Here's a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Summer Bounty Ratatouille
The name says it all! Make use of your garden's surplus with this comforting dish. Pronounced ra-tuh-TOO-ee and originating from France’s Nice, ratatouille is a vegetable dish traditionally made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, garlic, bell peppers and various herbs. I highly recommend accompanying it with some freshly baked bread. —Phyllis Jacques, Venice, Florida
Smoked Salmon New Potatoes
Give twice-baked potatoes a rest this year and try these stuffed spuds. Smoked salmon and cream cheese blended with lemon juice and dill are simply piped into small red potatoes. Leftovers are even good with eggs for breakfast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Watermelon Cups
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tomato & Artichoke Bruschetta
A healthy and refreshing appetizer, I enjoy bruschetta anytime of year. For serving guests, I like to slice the garlic instead of chopping it for both beauty and flavor infusion. This is also a simple make-ahead dish: You can mix it up, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.—Gina Bergamino, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Smoked Trout Pate
This tasty spread is easy to make in a food processor, and it’s a guaranteed winner at any party. The recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute other favorite smoked fish.—Judy Walle, Toledo, Ohio
Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms
I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps to make them easier to stuff. They also fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or try sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Two-Bean Hummus
My children love this easy hummus and even like to help me make it! Hummus is a great way to sneak in some beans and important soluble fiber into their diets. I use this hummus in a bread bowl as the "body" of a turkey for my vegetable platter at Thanksgiving. —Kelly Andreas, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Summer Tea Sandwiches
These dainty finger sandwiches are perfect for casual picnics or luncheons. Tarragon-seasoned chicken complements cucumber and cantaloupe slices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Healthy Greek Bean Dip
This crowd-pleasing appetizer is healthy to boot! Folks will love to eat their veggies when they can dip them in this zesty, fresh alternative to hummus. —Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma
Honey-Mint Lamb Skewers
My hearty lamb bites are delicious and convenient. Assemble them the day before, then pop them under the broiler when the party starts. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Layered Hummus Dip
My love for Greece inspired this fast-to-fix Mediterranean dip. It's great for parties and is a delicious way to include garden-fresh veggies on your menu. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
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Christine Rukavena