Healthy Summer Starters

Whether you’re entertaining guests or serving an al fresco family dinner, these healthy starters are the perfect way to kick off any summer meal.

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Grilled Shrimp with Chili Cocktail Sauce

Rachael uses classic shrimp cocktail ingredients like chili sauce and horseradish to prepare just the right sauce for grilled shrimp that's been sprinkled with smoked paprika.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Chili Cocktail Sauce

Tomato Peach Salad with Ricotta

This salad is best at the height of summer. The crunch of the almonds complements the creaminess of the ricotta cheese and the juiciness of the fruit.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Peach Salad with Ricotta

Eggplant and Asparagus Napoleons

Giada stacks up these pretty vegetarian Napoleans with grilled eggplant, asparagus, fresh ricotta and basil.

Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Asparagus Napoleons

Watermelon Gazpacho

Kick off a summer meal with Tyler's quick and refreshing gazpacho. The blended watermelon keeps the soup light, and a bit of serrano chile will add just the right amount of heat.

Get the Recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho

Garlicky Shrimp in Crispy Tortilla Cups

These colorful bites make the perfect starter for any summer meal. After baking the tortillas in a muffin tin to create the crispy cups, Trisha fills them with a mix of garlicky shrimp and bell peppers. Some fresh lime juice and cilantro at the end gives every bite a nice, summery brightness.

Get the Recipe: Garlicky Shrimp in Crispy Tortilla Cups

Smoked Salmon Spread

Elevate the classic brunch flavor combo of lox and cream cheese by serving Ina Garten's elegant spread with a side of crackers and fresh veggies. For a tangy bite, Ina incorporates sour cream, lemon and horseradish into the spread.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Spread

Grilled Polenta Crackers with Roasted Pepper Salsa

Putting polenta on the grill brings out its smoky corn flavor, while a topper of olives, capers, onions and tomatoes adds freshness to the dish.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Polenta Crackers with Roasted Pepper Salsa

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Toasted sesame seeds add crunch to these shrimp skewers; ginger and soy sauce give them an Asian-inspired flair.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Soy Sauce, Fresh Ginger and Toasted Sesame Seeds

Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta

Giada combines whole tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, garlic and olive oil in her food processor to create a seasonal summer topping for this classic Italian appetizer. For a creamy element, top each baguette slice with a round of fresh mozzarella before toasting.

Get the Recipe: Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta

Watermelon and Haloumi

A seared slice of haloumi cheese makes the perfect salty counterpoint to a sweet slice of watermelon in this summer dish.

Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Haloumi

Grilled Artichokes with Bagna Cauda

These flavorful artichokes are so delicious you won’t believe they’re good for you too. Giada poaches them in a combination of white wine, lemon and herbs to infuse them with flavor, before grilling them until nicely charred. The real showstopper though, is the bagna cauda — a simple blend of olive oil, butter, garlic and anchovy that you’ll want to use as a sauce for just about everything.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Artichokes with Bagna Cauda

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Stuff fresh cherry tomatoes with feta cheese and spices for a super easy, perfect-for-any-party appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Cubed Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad

Stack up squares of sweet and juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber and salty feta cheese for a salad that's as much fun to assemble as it is to eat.

Get the Recipe: Cubed Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad

Beet Chips

These simple, homemade chips are the perfect way to scoop up all your favorite summer dips like salsa, guacamole, hummus and more. Their pretty color is a nice bonus, making them a lovely addition to any spread of summer starters.

Get the Recipe: Beet Chips

Steak Summer Rolls

The sheer rice wrappers are like windows, revealing the colorful layers of veggies, noodles and steak inside these refreshing rolls. A mandoline or Japanese slicer makes easy work of slicing ingredients paper thin.

Get the Recipe: Steak Summer Rolls