Starter

37 Spring Appetizers to Brighten All Your Gatherings

Add one of these snacks to your game plan for spring entertaining.

March 31, 2023

Toast with peabutter on a hexagonal slate.

Cheese plates have no seasonal limits, but if you’re hosting a dinner party or holiday gathering soon, you might be looking for spring appetizers that really feel in step with what’s fresh right now. You’re craving bright green things like asparagus and peas, and you’ve been keeping an eye out for the first green garlic at the market. Below, you’ll find a few of our favorite options for spring starters and hors d’oeuvres, including toasts and dips, deviled eggs, and soups that you can serve as a first course. Scroll down and save your favorites for the season to come.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks
1/37
White Pizza With Shaved Vegetables and Pesto
Is it a salad? Is it a pizza? Does it really matter? This is one of those spring appetizers that is easily sharable—and sure to be a hit.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Erika Joyce
2/37
Citrus-Oil-Marinated Spring Vegetables
Fava beans require some effort, so they may not be what you want to fuss with on the night of a dinner party. These garlicky marinated vegetables can be prepped in advance for an effortless spring starter.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, prop styling by Brian Heiser, food styling by Rhoda Boone
3/37
Radishes With Herbed Salt and Olive Oil
Instead of the traditional butter, these crunchy radishes go for a dip in olive oil and then into flavorful herbed salt.
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Photo by Roland Bello
4/37
Arugula and Fava-Bean Crostini
Fresh arugula, both puréed and roughly chopped, adds texture and a peppery bite to creamy fava bean spread.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food and prop styling by Ali Nardi
5/37
Cold Pea Soup With Herbed Oil Swirl
Creamy, cold, and refreshing, this pretty green soup is enriched with Greek yogurt and topped with an easy and eye-catching herbed olive oil.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich
6/37
Cheddar and Herb Gougères
Everyone loves a cheese puff. The choux dough for these herby gougères can be shaped and then frozen, so you can have these ready to bake for a tasty vegetarian appetizer whenever you want.
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Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott
7/37
Steamed Artichokes with Garlic Butter
A sit in the steamer basket is enough to turn the insides of these tough artichokes into a meaty morsel that’s best dipped in melted butter.
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Photo by Travis Rainey, Styling by Joseph De Leo
8/37
Classic Deviled Eggs
Appetizer recipes don’t get much more classic than this simple option from Gourmet. Feel free to get jazzy with the toppings.
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Romulo Yanes
9/37
Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Dip
Old-school artichoke dip gets a fresh spring spin with the addition of asparagus, just-dug-up leeks, sweet peas, and fresh goat cheese. Serve with slices of baguette or crudités.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Nathaniel James, Food Styling by Simon Andrews
10/37
Cream of Asparagus Soup
This French soup is an elegant springtime appetizer that you can prep up to two days ahead.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks
11/37
Spring Pea Butter With Shallot and Lemon
The possibilities with this lemony pea butter are nearly endless. Try it on toast for an easy appetizer, or slather some on little grilled lamb chops for a springy finishing touch.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Billingskog
12/37
Pickled Shrimp
Tangy pickled shrimp flavored with mustard and apple cider vinegar can make any occasion feel a little more festive. Add to your finger food buffet along with your favorite spring bites.
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Hirschmeier and Hamilton
13/37
Shaved Asparagus With Parmesan Vinaigrette
Shaving asparagus with a vegetable peeler transforms the texture of a raw stalk into silky strips. This would make an elegant starter for a Mother’s Day brunch.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
14/37
Naturally Dyed Pickled Easter Eggs
A serious upgrade to standard hard-boiled Easter eggs.
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