23 Last Minute Appetizers for Memorial Day

You'll love how these last-minute Memorial Day appetizers help you pull together an easy party spread without spending all day in the kitchen. From creamy buffalo chicken dip and loaded BBQ nachos to fresh summer rolls, grilled peach salads, and spicy mango salsa, there's something here for every kind of gathering. You'll also find crowd-friendly wings, cheesy dips, crunchy veggie bites, and refreshing salsa recipes that fit perfectly with backyard cookouts and potluck tables. Keep scrolling to discover even more easy appetizers your guests will want on repeat all summer long.

Creamy Burrata Caprese with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle

Oval platter with sliced ripe tomatoes in red and yellow, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze—perfect for summer recipes. Surrounded by bread slices and herbs. — Creamy Burrata Caprese with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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You can't go wrong with this fresh and colorful caprese platter when you need an easy Memorial Day starter. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich burrata come together with a glossy balsamic glaze for a dish that feels both effortless and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Burrata Caprese with Sweet Balsamic Drizzle

Fresh Shrimp Summer Rolls with Creamy Peanut Sauce

A plate of fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, vegetables, and rice noodles, served with a bowl of dipping sauce; chopsticks are placed beside the plate. — Fresh Shrimp Summer Rolls with Creamy Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These light and refreshing summer rolls are packed with bright herbs, tender shrimp, and crisp veggies for a bite that tastes like summer. Also known as fresh spring rolls, they pair perfectly with the rich Thai-inspired peanut dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Shrimp Summer Rolls with Creamy Peanut Sauce

Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings

A plate of seasoned chicken wings garnished with herbs, accompanied by dipping sauce and sliced vegetables. — Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These oven baked chicken wings deliver crispy skin and loads of savory garlic flavor without the hassle of frying. The buttery sauce makes them perfect for backyard parties, game nights, or any last-minute gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings

Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

Plate of loaded nachos topped with cheese, chicken, green onions, tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream. Lime wedges and jalapeño are on the side. — Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

When you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer fast, these barbecue chicken nachos always disappear first. Piled high with shredded chicken, crunchy chips, and tangy BBQ sauce, they bring bold flavor to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nachos

Cheesy Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

A plate of halved mini bell peppers topped with a melted cheese and herb mixture. — Cheesy Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These colorful stuffed mini peppers are creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of zesty. They make a quick finger food that feels festive enough for cookouts, tailgates, or casual holiday snacking.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Peaches with Fresh Mozzarella

This grilled peach recipe turns simple summer produce into a showstopping appetizer salad. The combination of smoky peaches, creamy mozzarella, and sweet heat from honey and sriracha creates a flavor-packed dish everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Grilled Peaches with Fresh Mozzarella

Crunchy Strawberry Pretzel Crostini

These strawberry appetizer bites combine sweet fruit, salty pretzels, and a creamy spread for the ultimate sweet-and-savory snack. They're fun to serve at parties and look just as good as they taste.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Strawberry Pretzel Crostini

Smoky Grilled Corn Ribs with Sweet Chili Sauce

Grilled corn ribs topped with cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro, served with lime wedges and dipping sauce in a tray. — Smoky Grilled Corn Ribs with Sweet Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Corn ribs are one of those appetizers that instantly get everyone talking around the grill. Smoky, spicy, and perfect for dipping, these fun summer bites pair beautifully with the sweet chili sauce.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Corn Ribs with Sweet Chili Sauce

Crispy Steak Bites with Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

A platter of seasoned steak bites garnished with herbs, served with a bowl of dipping sauce and wooden skewers on the side. — Crispy Steak Bites with Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These juicy steak bites are packed with bold flavor and cooked until perfectly crisp on the outside. Served with a rich blue cheese dipping sauce, they make an easy party appetizer that feels restaurant-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Steak Bites

Pineapple Pico de Gallo Salsa

A bowl of pineapple salsa with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, served with tortilla chips on the side. — Pineapple Pico de Gallo Salsa. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This fruity pineapple pico de gallo adds a bright and refreshing twist to classic salsa. It's delicious scooped with chips or spooned over tacos, grilled fish, and burgers for a burst of tropical flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo Salsa

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

These baked jalapeño poppers are loaded with creamy cheese filling and wrapped in smoky bacon for the ultimate party snack. Every bite delivers the perfect mix of heat, crunch, and melty goodness.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Fresh Homemade Garden Salsa

A bowl of fresh salsa with ripe, chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips, jalapeño slices, and a lime wedge on a textured surface—perfect for summer gatherings and tomato recipes. — Fresh Homemade Garden Salsa. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This garden salsa is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that taste straight from the farmer's market. Whether you serve it as a dip or spoon it over grilled meats, it adds a bright homemade touch to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Homemade Garden Salsa

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

A bowl of breaded and baked zucchini fries served with a small dish of red marinara dipping sauce. — Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These air fryer zucchini fries are crunchy on the outside and tender inside with plenty of cheesy Parmesan flavor. They're a lighter appetizer option that still feels fun and snackable for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Buffalo Chicken Dip with Greek Yogurt

This creamy buffalo chicken dip delivers all the bold flavor you expect with a slightly lighter twist thanks to Greek yogurt. It's warm, comforting, and perfect for scooping with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip with Greek Yogurt

Sweet and Spicy Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango habanero salsa brings the perfect balance of juicy sweetness and fiery heat to your appetizer table. It's a vibrant party dip that tastes amazing with tortilla chips or grilled meats fresh off the barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Mango Habanero Salsa

Deviled Eggs (No Mustard)

You'll love how these creamy deviled eggs deliver all the classic flavor without any mustard or vinegar in sight. Fresh dill and a silky butter-based filling make this party favorite feel extra special for brunches, holidays, and potlucks alike. If you've been searching for deviled eggs without mustard, this version is smooth, savory, and always crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs (No Mustard)

Grandma's Favorite!

Classic Southern Pickled Shrimp. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Southern pickled shrimp is a chilled make-ahead appetizer packed with bright, tangy flavor. The marinated shrimp become even more delicious as they sit, making this recipe perfect for stress-free hosting.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Pickled Shrimp

Loaded Layered Taco Dip with Ground Beef

This hearty taco dip is layered with creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that keep everyone coming back for more. It's a classic game day favorite that also fits right in at Memorial Day cookouts and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip

Tangy Pickle de Gallo Salsa

Pickle de gallo, also called pickle salsa, delivers a punchy and crunchy twist on traditional dips. Spoon it over burgers and hot dogs or grab tortilla chips for an easy snack everyone will talk about.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Pickle de Gallo Salsa

Sweet Heat Hot Honey Buffalo Wings

These hot honey buffalo wings combine crispy baked chicken with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy sauce. They're sticky, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heat Hot Honey Buffalo Wings

Avocado Pico de Gallo

A bowl of avocado salsa with diced tomato, onion, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips and a lime wedge — Avocado Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This avocado pico de gallo blends the creamy goodness of guacamole with the freshness of classic salsa. It's a refreshing dip that works beautifully with chips, tacos, burgers, or grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pico de Gallo

Pimento Cheese Dip

This hot pimento cheese dip transforms a Southern favorite into a warm and creamy appetizer perfect for parties. Keeping it in the crock pot makes entertaining easy while guests keep coming back for another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Dip

Baked Elote Dip

This baked elote dip puts a rich and cheesy spin on classic Mexican street corn flavors. Warm, creamy, and packed with smoky sweetness, it's the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at any party.
Get the Recipe: Baked Elote Dip