12 Summer Dip Recipes You’ll Want To Make All Season Long!
Summer means barbecues, pool parties, and laid-back entertaining, and I’m firmly of the opinion that no gathering is complete without a delicious dip to snack on. Whether you’re looking for cool and creamy, fresh and zesty, or sweet and savory, this collection has the perfect dip for every occasion this summer season.
These 12 summer dip recipes celebrate seasonal produce, bold flavors, and easy prep, making them ideal for last-minute get-togethers, backyard cookouts, or simply lounging by the pool. (My favorite way to enjoy most of these dips is standing at the kitchen counter with an icy chilled glass of white wine after a busy day, whilst I work out what to make for dinner – just pure bliss!) From refreshing fruit salsas to creamy whipped feta and smoky grilled dips, each recipe is designed to make your usual summer spread even better.
1. Homemade Salsa
Fresh, zesty, and packed with bold flavors, this Homemade Salsa is the perfect dip for tortilla chips, tacos, or anything that needs a little extra kick! Made with juicy Roma tomatoes, crisp red onion, and spicy jalapeño, this salsa comes together in minutes for a simple yet flavorful appetizer. It’s a must-have for summer gatherings, and it’s a staple that you’ll make again and again!
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 5 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the tomatoes and onion and set aside.
- Chop the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat).
- Chop the cilantro and juice the lime.
2. Mix the Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, salt, and black pepper, then stir until well mixed.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or use as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
2. Greek-Style Loaded Hummus
Take classic hummus to the next level with this Greek-Style Loaded Hummus! Creamy hummus is topped with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and crumbled feta for a fresh, vibrant dip that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s the perfect party appetizer, healthy snack, or easy side dish—just grab some pita and dig in!
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Hummus:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp water (as needed for consistency)
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced or sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
1. Make the Hummus
- In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the hummus reaches a creamy consistency.
2. Assemble the Loaded Hummus
- Spread the hummus onto a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Top with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and red onion.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dried oregano, then drizzle with olive oil.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with pita bread, crackers, or fresh veggies.
3. Healthy Mexican Street Corn Dip
Everything you love about elote (Mexican street corn)—but in dip form with a lighter twist! This Healthy Mexican Street Corn Dip swaps out the usual mayo for protein-packed Greek yogurt, keeping it creamy and flavorful without the extra heaviness. It’s got charred corn, zesty lime, smoky spices, and a little heat, making it perfect for BBQs, taco nights, and summer snacking.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Char the Corn
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the corn and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Mix the Dip
- In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the charred corn, cotija cheese, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra cotija, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or as a taco topping!
4. Whipped Feta & Cherry Tomato Pesto Dip
Creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh summer flavors, this Whipped Feta & Cherry Tomato Pesto Dip is an irresistible mix of smooth feta, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, and herby pesto. It’s the perfect dip for crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies, and also doubles as a delicious spread for sandwiches or grilled meats. Bold, creamy, and effortlessly elegant—this dip is summer in a bowl!
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
For the Whipped Feta:
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Cherry Tomato Pesto Topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
1. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until soft and slightly blistered. Let cool.
2. Make the Whipped Feta
- In a food processor, blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Dip
- Spread the whipped feta into a serving bowl.
- Spoon over the roasted cherry tomatoes and drizzle with pesto.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for added texture (if using).
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
- Also great as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or grilled chicken.
5. BLT Dip
Take the classic BLT sandwich and turn it into a creamy, crunchy, and downright addictive dip! This one is packed with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all mixed into a cool and creamy base. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, game nights, or whenever you’re craving those BLT flavors without the bread. Serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp veggies and watch it disappear!
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- Extra bacon and tomatoes, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make the Creamy Base
- In a mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Add the BLT Flavors
- Fold in crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
3. Assemble & Serve
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish and top with shredded lettuce, extra bacon, and more diced tomatoes.
- Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies.
6. Watermelon Feta Salsa
This Watermelon Feta Salsa is the ultimate summer dip—refreshing, sweet, salty, and slightly tangy. Juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and fresh mint come together in a light and vibrant salsa that’s perfect for hot days. Serve it with tortilla chips, pita crisps, or even spooned over grilled chicken or fish for a fresh and flavorful twist!
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the watermelon into small cubes and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion and mint, then crumble the feta cheese.
2. Mix the Salsa
- Add red onion, mint, feta, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the watermelon.
- Gently toss everything together, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita chips, or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
7. Strawberry Basil Whipped Ricotta
This Strawberry Basil Whipped Ricotta is creamy, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh summer flavors. Light and airy whipped ricotta meets juicy strawberries and fragrant basil for a dip that’s elegant yet ridiculously easy to make. Serve it with toasted baguette slices, graham crackers, or as a spread for crostini—perfect for brunch, appetizers, or even a light dessert!
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions:
1. Whip the Ricotta
- In a food processor or mixing bowl, blend ricotta, honey, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Prepare the Toppings
- Dice the strawberries and chop the fresh basil.
3. Assemble & Serve
- Spread the whipped ricotta into a serving bowl or onto a plate.
- Top with strawberries, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (if using).
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, graham crackers, or crostini.
8. Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Dip
Sweet, smoky, and ultra-creamy, this Grilled Peach & Goat Cheese Dip is summer in a bowl. Juicy grilled peaches add caramelized sweetness, while tangy goat cheese and a drizzle of honey bring the perfect balance of flavors.
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
1. Grill the Peaches
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Brush the peach halves lightly with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized with grill marks.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and dice into small chunks.
2. Assemble the Dip
- Spread the softened goat cheese onto a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Top with grilled peach chunks, honey, thyme, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans for extra texture (if using).
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Drizzle with extra honey and serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh fruit like apple slices.
9. TikTok Viral Boat Dip
If you’ve spent any time on food TikTok, you’ve probably seen Boat Dip making waves, and this is my spin on it! This ultra-creamy, Tex-Mex-inspired dip is ridiculously easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and is perfect for poolside snacking, BBQs, or of course, taking on a boat!
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled chorizo or ground beef (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
1. Mix the Dip
- In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, Rotel, shredded cheese, and taco seasoning until well combined.
- If using, fold in the crumbled chorizo or ground beef for extra flavor.
2. Chill (Optional, But Recommended!)
- For the best flavor, let the dip chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld together.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving bowl, top with sliced green onions, and serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
10. Avocado Margarita Dip
What happens when you mix guacamole with margarita flavors? You get this Avocado Margarita Dip—a zesty, creamy, and slightly boozy twist on a classic! Think smooth avocado, tangy lime, a splash of tequila, and a hint of orange for that signature margarita kick. It’s the ultimate summer party dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or even shrimp!
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 tbsp tequila (optional, but fun!)
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp chili powder (for extra kick)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Flaky salt, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Mash the Avocados
- In a mixing bowl, mash the avocados until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on preference.
2. Add the Margarita Flavors
- Stir in tequila, orange juice, lime juice, and lime zest.
3. Mix the Rest
- Add jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, salt, and chili powder, mixing until well combined.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with flaky salt, and serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
11. Pineapple Cucumber Salsa
This Pineapple Cucumber Salsa is the ultimate refreshing, sweet, and tangy summer dip. Crisp cucumbers, juicy pineapple, and a squeeze of lime create the perfect balance of cool and zesty flavors. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips, spooning it over grilled fish or chicken, or adding it to tacos, this salsa is a must for warm-weather snacking!
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, chopped (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the pineapple, cucumber, and red onion, and finely chop the jalapeño (if using).
2. Mix the Salsa
- In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Stir in lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the salsa sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve with tortilla chips, over grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken, or as a fresh taco topping!
12. Coconut & Lime Whipped Feta
Creamy, tangy, and just a little tropical, this Coconut & Lime Whipped Feta is a silky-smooth dip packed with bright citrus flavor and a hint of coconut. The sharpness of feta cheese blends beautifully with creamy Greek yogurt, coconut milk, and fresh lime juice, creating a light yet decadent dip that pairs perfectly with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies. It’s a unique twist on traditional whipped feta that’ll instantly transport you to a beachside getaway!
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup coconut milk (full fat for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- Optional – herbs for garnishing
Instructions:
1. Blend the Feta
- In a food processor, combine feta, Greek yogurt, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and black pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Assemble & Garnish
- Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch. Add a fresh herb garnish, if you like.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
- Also delicious spread on toasted sourdough or as a base for grilled shrimp.
These summer dips are the perfect way to bring fresh, bold flavors to your barbecues, pool parties, and casual get-togethers. With a mix of cool, creamy, spicy, and sweet options, there’s a dip for every palate and every occasion.
So next time you’re hosting or snacking, don’t forget to whip up one (or several!) of these delicious dips—because summer entertaining just got a whole lot tastier!
What’s your go-to summer dip? Let me know in the comments!
