32 No-Cook Appetizers for When You Don’t Want to Turn on the Stove
These no-bake, no-cook appetizers don't even require a turn in the microwave or a spin on the grill.
Whether you want a quick, fuss-free dish or simply don't want to turn the oven on, we have plenty of appetizers to choose from. Some are just right for warm weather entertaining, like open-faced tartines or chilled soups. Others are well suited to holidays, and some work for last-minute guests as they're made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. All are no-bake, no-cook recipes that are quick to prepare and don't require much prep work. You may be surprised (and inspired!) to see how many delicious appetizers you can make without turning on the heat.
Related: 27 Quick and Easy Appetizers That Make Entertaining a Breeze
Greek Layer Dip
This Mediterranean spin on the ever-popular layered dip pairs a creamy white bean and yogurt spread with all the fixings. Pile on your favorite Greek toppings, like cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta, and fresh dill.
Seeded Feta Bites
This is about as "no-cook" as it gets! Cut your favorite block of briney feta cheese into bite-sized cubes and set them out with skewers. Guests can dip them into a mixture of tangy sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt.
Prosciutto With Melon
Talk about the perfect combination of sweet and salty. When melon is in season, there is no better way to eat it than paired with paper-thin slices of salty, smoky prosciutto. This elegant two-ingredient appetizer always goes fast.
Ricotta With Lemon, Basil, and Honey Bruschetta
Ricotta toasts are all the rage, and they only take a few minutes to prepare. Just gather the ingredients—fresh ricotta, lemon zest, basil leaves, and honey—and pile everything onto pre-made toasts or crackers. Use as much or as little of everything as you like.
Beet-and-Tahini Dip
This luscious, healthy dip is similar to hummus, but beets take the place of traditional chickpeas. They are blended with tahini, garlic, and plenty of lemon juice to create a vibrant spread. To keep this fully no-cook, use store-bought pre-cooked beets.
Cheese Ball
Nothing gets a party started quite like a cheese ball centerpiece. This cheddar and cream cheese combo is rolled in toasty pecans and is perfect for serving with crisp crackers and crudités.
Smoked Trout and Avocado Mousse in Endive
This impressive no-cook appetizer uses endive leaves as a "plate" for a mousse that's made simply by pureeing ripe avocado. We piped it into the endive, but you could spoon it in if you prefer. A small piece of smoked trout tops each, along with sliced scallion.
Yellow Tomato and Peach Gazpacho
This colorful dish will make a stunning addition to your entertaining spread. Let the ingredients—ripe peaches, bell pepper, English cucumber, and fresh herbs—marinate overnight, then add them to a blender right before you're ready to serve.
Blue-Cheese Spread
This creamy blue-cheese spread has come to the rescue in many last-minute entertaining situations. It only uses two ingredients—equal parts blue cheese and cream cheese—that are blended up in the food processor. Spread this creamy concoction over toasted bread or serve it alongside crudités for dipping.
Marinated Peppers With Mint and Sesame
Sliced roasted peppers tossed with olive oil, lemon, mint, and toasted sesame seeds are delicious spooned over toast. Don't leave behind any of the precious juices that settle at the bottom—they have lots of flavor.
Tomato Burrata Bites
For the quickest, most delicious, no-cook appetizer, hollow out cocktail tomatoes and stuff them with creamy burrata cheese. Drizzle each with olive oil and top with fresh basil—and watch them disappear.
Citrus and Green Olives With Goat Cheese
Bright and briny, this eye-catching appetizer encourages guests to mix and match ingredients atop thick slices of rustic Italian bread. Layer segmented mixed oranges with green olives, goat cheese, and good-quality olive oil for an appetizer that will instantly transport you to Sicily.
Hearts of Palm Dip
Creamy, zesty, and just a little tangy, this is no ordinary dip. In fact, it's better. The secret to that green hue is plenty of herbs, including cilantro and chives, plus (you guessed it!) hearts of palm, which taste kind of like artichoke hearts.
Chickpea and Tuna Dip
Chickpeas and tuna come together to make a delicious protein-packed dip. Add the canned fish and beans to a food processor, along with anchovies, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Before serving, mix with onion and fresh parsley and serve with crackers.
Spanish Gazpacho
Serve this soup on a hot summer day, and everyone will savor its cool, flavorful taste. The gazpacho couldn't be easier to make—combine all ingredients (heirloom tomatoes, red bell pepper, vinegar, and aromatics) in a blender and purée until silky, then chill and serve to a deserving crowd.
Sweet and Savory Cottage Cheese Tartines
You don't have to choose between sweet or savory with this recipe. Start with sturdy crackers, then add sweet toppings like sliced fruit and honey, or savory toppings like sliced radishes, sprouts, and lemon zest. You could even switch it up and combine the two for a more unique flavor.
Shucked Oysters With Three Sauces
All the equipment you need for this luxe raw appetizer is a sharp oyster knife and a careful hand for shucking. Serve the fresh oysters alongside three sauces—fresh horseradish, jalapeño mignonette, and red wine mignonette—for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Creamy Artichoke Ranch
Simply purée marinated artichoke hearts, anchovy fillets, parsley, plain Greek yogurt, and extra-virgin olive oil for a salty, savory scoop everyone will adore.
Zucchini, Avocado, and Jalapeño Tartine
For a verdant, no-cook start to your party, combine four very different green ingredients—crisp zucchini, creamy avocado, spicy chile peppers, and fragrant cilantro—atop toast.
Greek Taverna Salad
If you're hosting a dinner with picky eaters or want an appetizer that's a bit more interactive, make this DIY salad so everyone can choose exactly what they want—and don't want. It's made with bite-sized vegetables, including cocktail tomatoes, mini cucumbers, bell peppers, and crumbled feta cheese.
Spring Pesto Dip
Our easiest ever, three-ingredient dip is made for spring. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and prepared pesto in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and serve alongside fresh, seasonal crudités.
Ceviche With Tropical Fruit and Habanero
Turn seasonal fruit into a luscious appetizer by mixing fresh mango and pineapple with red snapper fish. The dish is given even more texture and depth thanks to the addition of jalapeños, red onion, and tomatoes for your pop of spicy, earthy, and acidic flavors.
Beet Muhammara
Instead of red peppers, which are often used in this dip, we're using vibrant red beets, which add an earthy flavor and stunning purple color. When combined with walnuts, spicy Aleppo pepper, and pomegranate molasses, they create a dip that everyone will be going back for more of.
Steak Tartare
Be sure to use high-quality, organic ingredients for this French bistro classic that's made with raw beef tenderloin and raw eggs. Chopped shallots, capers, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard round out the ingredient list.
Vegan Green Goddess Dip
Start the party with this simple, six-ingredient dip. It gets its bright green color and seasonal flavor from avocado, lime zest, and fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
Dates and Blue Cheese
You only need four ingredients—dried dates, Gorgonzola piccante, toasted almonds, and honey—to make these sweet-and-savory hors d'oeuvres.
Salsa Fresca
Don't be tempted by pre-made salsa at the store! You can make your own in a flash. Here, tomatoes and onions are amped up with jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve with plenty of chips!
Marinated Mozzarella
Take your cheese-and-charcuterie platter to new heights by bathing fresh mozzarella in olive oil, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes. Make it the star, then bring in salami and olives as supporting players.
Yogurt Dip
Choose unexpected crudités for this za'atar-laced yogurt dip, such as endive, fennel, cauliflower, and broccolini. It pairs well with just about any vegetable.
Smoked Salmon Dip with Bagel Chips
We've transformed our favorite bagel toppings into a sensational cream cheese-based dip.
Antipasto Skewers
Finger food doesn't get easier than this! All you need to do is thread store-bought ingredients like giardiniera, olives, bocconcino (small mozzarella balls), and prosciutto onto skewers.
Nori Guacamole
Upgrade a basic guacamole recipe with scallions in place of the usual white onion and crushed nori sheets as a garnish. The salty flavor of dried seaweed sprinkled over the top is totally next-level.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
