Fresh Summer Appetizers

Corn and Sun-Dried Tomato Quesadilla with Smoked Mozzarella

These richly flavored quesadillas are a tasty twist on the Mexican favorite. Though delicious when served by themselves, try them on top of a tossed salad, as shown here.

Recipe: Corn and Sun-Dried Tomato Quesadilla with Smoked Mozzarella

Chunky Tomato-Fruit Gazpacho

This delicious, chunky gazpacho features chopped tomatoes, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, mango, cucumber, and nectarines. It�s a light and flavorful starter for heavier summertime meals, like grilled steak or chicken.

Recipe: Chunky Tomato-Fruit Gazpacho

Lemon-Macerated Okra and Olives

Instead of filling up dinner guests on peanuts or pretzels, try this colorful blend of okra, olives, and garlic, seasoned with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. Serve alongside a selection of bread, cheese, artichokes, and chilled shrimp or cold cuts for an antipasto platter.

Recipe: Lemon-Macerated Okra and Olives

Marinated Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic Vinegar

Marinating the tomatoes gives them a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the onion topping. For a heartier version, serve tomatoes on top of sliced French bread and garnish with Parmesan cheese curls.

Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic Vinegar

Stuffed Squash Blossom Bruschetta

You'll find squash blossoms, which have a subtle squash flavor, from late spring to early fall at gourmet grocery stores, farmers' markets, or Latin food markets. Here, we've served them as an appetizer atop grilled bread.

Recipe: Stuffed Squash Blossom Bruschetta

Roasted Roma Tomatoes on Toast

Roasting, an easy technique, leaves tomatoes juicy while intensifying their flavor. Add lemon cheese and place atop olive-oil toast for an elegant starter.

Recipe: Roasted Roma Tomatoes on Toast

Fresh Corn Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Chive Cream

Traditional blinis consist of flour pancakes topped with sour cream and caviar, but our version features sweet corn pancakes topped with cold-smoked salmon and homemade chive cream. These easy apps are a great way to use up extra corn-on-the-cob you might have picked up at the market.

Recipe: Fresh Corn Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Chive Cream

Fried Green Tomatoes

This Southern classic is easy to make and a nice change from traditional red tomato bruschettas and crostinis.

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Delicious Summer Sides

Once you've got everyone's appetites going, round out the main meal with these summer classics.

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