Perfect for a casual get-together of family and friends, these no-cook appetizer recipes are full of flavor, beautiful, and best of all, a cinch to prepare.
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Entertaining should be fun and easy for the host as well as the guests. With these five no-cook appetizer recipes, you’ll be able to put out a delicious, great-looking spread with a minimal amount of time and effort. Each of these appetizers is relatively light, making them a good choice to serve individually ahead of a meal.
What to Drink With No-Cook Appetizers
If you want just one food-friendly wine to pair with all four of these appetizers, choose a light-bodied, off-dry Prosecco. For a non-alcoholic option, you can’t go wrong with sparkling water and fresh lemon wedges. For beer lovers, you’ll want something light, crisp, and somewhat dry like a blonde ale. If you’d like some more specific pairing ideas read on:
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto: Our food-friendly Prosecco recommendation will definitely work with stuffed dates, but you could also offer your guests off-dry Riesling, or a slightly sweet Chenin Blanc.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: The above-mentioned Prosecco is a top choice to complement the sweet and salty flavors of this appetizer, but an off-dry California rosé would be a good choice too.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and complement the flavor of the basil.
- Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Bites: There are a lot of white wines that will work with this appetizer but the best choices include a light, fruity Chardonnay or off-dry Riesling.
- Fig and Goat Cheese Bites: Riesling, Prosecco, and rosé are really the best fit for this flavor combo.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto
Flavored with fresh basil and orange zest and wrapped in prosciutto for a savory finishing touch these stuffed dates are sure to be a favorite with guests.
YIELD: 12 pieces (easily doubled) TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
KEY INGREDIENTS: Medjool dates, prosciutto, cream cheese, fresh basil, orange zest.
Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Bites
This simple, no-cook appetizer is made with crisp cucumber rounds topped with slices of smoked salmon and a mixture of cream cheese, lemon, and fresh dill.
YIELD: 36 to 42 pieces TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
KEY INGREDIENTS: Smoked salmon, English cucumber, whipped cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh dill.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Our Caprese salad skewers combine cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and fresh mozzarella to make a deliciously simple no-cook appetizer.
YIELD: 36 to 42 pieces TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
KEY INGREDIENTS: Smoked salmon, English cucumber, whipped cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh dill.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon chunks are an easy, no-cook appetizer that everyone adores. Top with a grape and skewer with a pick for a great-looking presentation.
YIELD: 36 pieces TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
KEY INGREDIENTS: Cantaloupe, honeydew melon, prosciutto, seedless grapes.
Fig and Goat Cheese Bites
Looking for an easy, no-cook appetizer that everyone will love? Try these fresh figs topped with goat cheese, a drizzle of honey, and a pinch of salt.
YIELD: 36 pieces TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
KEY INGREDIENTS: Black Mission figs, crumbled goat cheese, honey, sea salt.
