35 Spring Appetizers That Work for Every Kind of Occasion

Carol Borchardt
·6 min read

Lemon Artichoke Dip appetizer

With the calendar turning to April and May, spring is finally ready to stay awhile—and give us plenty of special occasions to celebrate. Each one requires tasty food, starting with seasonal appetizers. There is Mother's Day, Father's Day, baby showers, graduations and bridal showers and these fun events call for delicious light bites and party-worthy easy spring appetizers.

Related: 75 Best Spring Pie Recipes

Spring Appetizers

When it comes to planning the best appetizers to celebrate spring's arrival, there are a few things to consider. One, keep it light and fresh. After all the heavy foods we enjoyed all winter, everyone is ready for some lighter fare. Secondly, try to use in-season produce whenever possible. This will keep your menu on budget and really showcase what the season has to offer. Finally, for events where people will be moving around and mingling, try to find at least a few apps that are hands-friendly with no need for utensils!

Related: 23 Vibrant Spring Side Dishes

What Produce Is In Season During Spring?

If you are planning delicious appetizers based on what fruits and vegetables are in season this time of year, here is a list of what to look for:

Related: 14 Sensational Spring Salads

Easy Appetizer Ideas

This collection is filled with spring-inspired bites your guests will love.

  • No party is complete without a great dip, so the Spring Pea Dip with Prosciutto should be the first thing you add to your menu.

  • Fire up the grill for Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with a tasty sweet heat flavor combo.

  • Crab Salad Avocado Boats are simple, yet fancy and Brie Crostini with Cherries and Arugula are as elegant as it is delicious.

If you are planning any get-togethers this spring, this collection is a great place to start. Be sure to pin your favorites for inspiration all season long.

Related: 28 Sensational Spring Dinner Ideas

Best Spring Appetizers

<p>Alison Ashton</p><p>This dip is filled with spring flavors and is also great as a sandwich spread.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/731092/parade/spring-pea-dip-with-prosciutto/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spring Pea Dip with Prosciutto;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spring Pea Dip with Prosciutto</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/845209/felicialim/21-savory-spring-pea-recipes-youll-absolutely-love/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Savory Spring Pea Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Savory Spring Pea Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Stephanie Mullins</p><p>Avocados are the perfect vessel for this sweet crab salad.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841384/communitytable/crab-salad-avocado-boats/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crab Salad Avocado Boats;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crab Salad Avocado Boats</a></strong></p>
<p>Andrew Purcell</p><p>A light and pretty tart you can cut into individual portions.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/298247/parade/asparagus-ricotta-tart/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Asparagus-Ricotta Tart;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Asparagus-Ricotta Tart</a></strong></p>
<p>Lori Lange</p><p>The best thing to happen to tortilla chips in a long time.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/26503/lorilange/strawberry-avocado-salsa/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Strawberry-Avocado Salsa;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Strawberry-Avocado Salsa</a></strong></p>
<p>Shea Goldstein</p><p>Gouda cheese is the key to the ooey-gooey factor of this dip.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1074200/sheagoldstein/cheesy-spinach-artichoke-dip-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip</a></strong></p>
<p>Parrish Ritchie</p><p>Every party or gathering should have a great deviled egg recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1214989/parade/easy-pimento-cheese-deviled-eggs/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs</a></strong></p>
<p>iStock</p><p>A tortilla-topped pizza with creamy ricotta and fresh veggies.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/30834/dash/veggie-pizza/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Veggie Pizza;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Veggie Pizza</a></strong></p>

iStock

A tortilla-topped pizza with creamy ricotta and fresh veggies.

Get the recipe: Veggie Pizza

<p>Andrew Purcell</p><p>A sweet-heat flavor combo you can grill up in no time.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/282057/dash/chipotle-shrimp-and-pineapple-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers</a></strong></p>
<p>Kay Robertson</p><p>Cream cheese, bacon, asparagus and regular white sandwich bread come together for the roll-up of our spring dreams.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/841312/communitytable/asparagus-roll-ups/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Miss Kay Robertson's Asparagus Roll-Ups;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Miss Kay Robertson's Asparagus Roll-Ups</a></strong></p>
<p>Tiffany Hall</p><p>White beans, lemon and artichokes make this dip so good, nobody will guess it is vegan.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1156290/parade/vegan-lemon-artichoke-dip/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Artichoke Dip;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lemon Artichoke Dip</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1387549/kristamarshall/lemon-chicken-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:60 Best Lemon Chicken Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">60 Best Lemon Chicken Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Good Food Baddie</p><p>Using a chickpea crust makes this one your gluten-free guests can enjoy.<br><br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1209499/kelli-acciardo/gluten-free-spinach-artichoke-pizza/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach Artichoke Pizza;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spinach Artichoke Pizza</a></strong></p>
<p>Angie Tucker</p><p>Lump crabmeat and sweet mango fill these lettuce wraps with flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/lettuce-wraps" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bibb Lettuce Wraps;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bibb Lettuce Wraps</a></strong></p>

Angie Tucker

Lump crabmeat and sweet mango fill these lettuce wraps with flavor.

Get the recipe: Bibb Lettuce Wraps

<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Put a big bowl of these out with some toothpicks and watch them disappear.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1185413/kristamarshall/lemon-marinated-cucumbers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon-Marinated Cucumbers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lemon-Marinated Cucumbers </a></strong></p>
<p>Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative</p><p>How do you make guacamole classy? Add some big chunks of sweet lobster.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/543608/nancyberk/want-to-gain-super-bowl-points-make-some-lobster-guacamole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Maine Lobster Guacamole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Maine Lobster Guacamole</a></strong></p>
<p>Kelly Foster</p><p>This spring-inspired tart would be perfect for a bridal shower.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1366799/parade/asparagus-tomato-and-cheese-tart/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Asparagus-Tomato Tart;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Asparagus-Tomato Tart</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>Everything bagel seasoning and cream cheese dresses up some everyday veggies.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1243051/kristamarshall/everything-bagel-seasoning-veggie-bites/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Everything Veggie Bites;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Everything Veggie Bites</a></strong></p>
<p>Jessica Wrubel</p><p>The TikTok sensation is perfect for a spring party.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/sour-cream-onion-grown-try-210000800.html" data-ylk="slk:Sizzling Scallion Dip;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Sizzling Scallion Dip</a></strong></p>
<p>iStock</p><p>The brightness of lemon gives these tiny bites a big flavor.<br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/29410/rosemaryblack/lemony-spring-pea-pesto-canapes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemony Spring Pea Pesto Canapes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lemony Spring Pea Pesto Canapes</a></strong></p>
<p>Tina Whatcott-Echeverria</p><p>This old-school appetizer just got a new life with Roquefort cheese and black olives.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/973980/parade/musso-and-frank-stuffed-celery-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Stuffed Celery with Roquefort;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Stuffed Celery with Roquefort</a></strong></p>
<p>Antonis Achilleos</p><p>Lime juice keeps the avocados looking fresh with a shrimp and melon filling.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href="https://parade.com/30416/sheilalukins/shrimp-stuffed-avocados/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shrimp Stuffed Avocados;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "> Shrimp Stuffed Avocados</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1379060/kristamarshall/grilled-shrimp-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:50 Best Grilled Shrimp Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">50 Best Grilled Shrimp Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Creative Culinary</p><p>Making your own hummus is easier than you might think.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://creative-culinary.com/artichoke-roasted-garlic-hummus-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Artichoke and Roasted Garlic Hummus;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Artichoke and Roasted Garlic Hummus</a></strong></p>
<p>Tara Teaspoon</p><p>A sweet and savory filling in a buttery, flaky crust.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://tarateaspoon.com/beet-and-farmer-cheese-tartlets/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beet and Farmer Cheese Tartlets;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Beet and Farmer Cheese Tartlets</a></strong></p>
<p>Hostess At Heart</p><p>Everything is better on a stick, even the classic BLT.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://hostessatheart.com/blt-skewers-avocado-sauce/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:BLT Skewers with Avocado Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">BLT Skewers with Avocado Sauce</a></strong></p>
<p>Pinch and Swirl</p><p>This elegant appetizer is actually made with everyday ingredients.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pinchandswirl.com/brie-crostini-with-cherries-and-arugula/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Brie Crostini With Cherries and Arugula;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Brie Crostini With Cherries and Arugula</a></strong></p>
<p>Karen's Kitchen Stories</p><p>These tartlets are actually perfect for a party app, lunch or even breakfast.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2013/08/caramelized-onion-goat-cheese-and.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese and Balsamic Tartlets;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese and Balsamic Tartlets</a></strong></p>
<p>From A Chef's Kitchen</p><p>The sweetness of the crab and mango plus the zesty dressing gives this hands-friendly appetizer amazing flavor.<br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/crab-mango-lime-endive/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crab Mango and Avocado Salad with Chile Lime Dressing in Endive;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crab Mango and Avocado Salad with Chile Lime Dressing in Endive</a></strong></p>
<p>From A Chef's Kitchen</p><p>Stuffed tomatoes are such a classic party food.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/cream-cheese-artichoke-stuffed-tomatoes-zucchini/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cream Cheese and Artichoke-Stuffed Tomatoes and Grilled Zucchini;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cream Cheese and Artichoke-Stuffed Tomatoes and Grilled Zucchini</a></strong></p>
<p>Taste and See</p><p>A delicious and simple appetizer that doesn't look like it only takes 20 minutes to prepare.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://tasteandsee.com/firecracker-shrimp/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Firecracker Shrimp with Pineapple Relish;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Firecracker Shrimp with Pineapple Relish</a></strong></p>
<p>Happy Kitchen Rocks</p><p>Rhubarb just isn't for pie anymore.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://happykitchen.rocks/goat-cheese-crostini-rhubarb-chutney/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Goat Cheese Crostini with Rhubarb Chutney;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Goat Cheese Crostini with Rhubarb Chutney</a></strong></p>
<p>From A Chef's Kitchen</p><p>This hot appetizer can actually be made in advance for easy party prep.<br><br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/goat-cheese-stuffed-artichoke-bottoms/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/848556/whitneybinzel/12-beautiful-ways-to-eat-goat-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:12 Beautiful Ways To Eat Goat Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">12 Beautiful Ways To Eat Goat Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>Food With Feeling</p><p>Grilling fruit really brings out all the natural sweetness and flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://foodwithfeeling.com/grilled-fruit-skewers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Fruit Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Fruit Skewers</a></strong></p>
<p>Meg Is Well</p><p>A sweet and slightly tart appetizer that hits all the right taste buds.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://megiswell.com/roasted-cherry-crostini-goat-cheese-smoked-turkey/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Cherry Crostini with Goat Cheese and Smoked Turkey;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Cherry Crostini with Goat Cheese and Smoked Turkey</a></strong></p>
<p>Striped Spatula</p><p>Baked brie might be a classic appetizer, but the roasted strawberries make it new again.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://stripedspatula.com/baked-brie-recipe-roasted-strawberries/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Brie with Roasted Strawberries;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Brie with Roasted Strawberries</a></strong></p>
<p>From A Chef's Kitchen</p><p>Spinach and artichoke dip lovers will flip for this updated version.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/spinach-artichoke-squares/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spinach Artichoke Squares;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spinach Artichoke Squares</a></strong></p>
<p>The Brooklyn Cook</p><p>Frozen puff pastry helps this showstopper be ready in about 25 minutes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.thebrooklyncook.com/creamy-herbed-ricotta-and-asparagus-puff-pastry-tart/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Creamy Herbed Ricotta and Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Creamy Herbed Ricotta and Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/60-star-asparagus-recipes-recipe-191939420.html" data-ylk="slk:60 All-Star Asparagus Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">60 All-Star Asparagus Recipes</a></strong></p>

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