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    Home » Appetizers

    18 Five-Minute Cold Appetizers

    Published: Jul 7, 2023 by Felice Kaufman · Leave a Comment

    Are you looking for some easy cold appetizers made in five minutes? Well, look no further! We've got just the thing — delicious and simple 5-minute appetizers that are sure to impress your guests! All these recipes are gluten-free.

    15 minute appetizers

    Whether you're throwing a party for game day or simply need something quick and tasty to serve your guests before dinner, these easy appetizers are sure to be the star of the show.

    Five-minute appetizers are a great way to prepare delicious snacks in moments! With the five-minute appetizer hack, you’ll have no trouble serving healthy and delicious snacks to your guests before they arrive!

    Jump to:
    • Key West Stone Crab Claws with Mustard Sauce
    • Raw Bell Pepper Chips
    • Guacamole
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Whipped Feta Cheese
    • Caprese Salad Skewers
    • Everything Bagel Dip
    • Hummus
    • Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Herbs
    • Mango Pico de Gallo
    • Guacamole with Greek Yogurt
    • Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce
    • Almond Pesto
    • Persian Cucumber Yogurt Dip
    • Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip & Spread
    • Tuna Cucumber Cups
    • Cream Cheese Stuffed Olives
    • Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates
    • Last-Minute Appetizers

    Key West Stone Crab Claws with Mustard Sauce

    In the Keys, Stone Crabs are the easiest appetizer as there is no cooking required.

    We know a "guy" who brings them to our door. No questions asked. All we have to do is crack them open.

    Get the medium size claws for the best appetizer on the planet. Serve on a bed of crushed ice.

    I make the mustard sauce; Micheal brings the napkins. You can have a few of these while preparing the rest of your meal—they're delicious!

    key west stone crabs with mustard sauce

    Raw Bell Pepper Chips

    This recipe is my version of grain-free tortilla chips. Actually, it's not a chip. It's a vegetable that is cut to resemble a flat chip. It acts as a "vehicle" to get the dip in my mouth.

    In place of chips, I use this Raw Bell Pepper Cups recipe. My famous cut-up bell peppers, or Faux Corn Chips. are simple to make, low carb, and they make an impressive vehicle for your favorite dips.

    Raw Bell Pepper Cups (Faux Corn Chips)
    Raw bell peppers cups can easily be sliced into wedges and enjoyed in place of tortilla chips. A grain-free and healthy alternative to corn chips, bell peppers are a hearty vegetable that is easily prepared to create a scoop for your favorite dips.
    Go To Recipe
    Raw peppers shaped like tortillas with salsa.

    Guacamole

    This is my recipe for guacamole. I could eat this stuff all day! Guacamole is simple to pull together. You need ripe avocados, garlic, cilantro, salt, and some lime juice.

    Guacamole is always good to put out for guests.

    Serve with Siete tortilla chips. They are tasty chips for a thick dip and they're corn and gluten-free!

    The Best Guacamole!
    There's an abundant supply of avocados in the Florida Keys, and the best thing to do with them is to make my favorite snack, guacamole.
    Go To Recipe
    Guacamole with chips

    Pico de Gallo

    Travel south of the border without ever leaving your kitchen by whipping up some homemade pico de gallo!

    Pico is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers. Not only is this amazing Mexican-style salsa incredibly delicious, but it's also incredibly healthy.

    Pico de Gallo with Faux Corn Chips
    Pico de Gallo is a quick and easy Mexican appetizer or side dish made with raw tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime. Faux corn chips are a grain-free alternative to corn chips and are made with bell peppers.
    Go To Recipe
    pico-de-gallo-in-bowl-cookinginthekeys-florida-keys

    Whipped Feta Cheese

    You can pull together a platter of your favorite raw veggies (radishes, cucumbers, snow peas, etc.) and make this whipped feta cheese dip to go with it.

    If you don't have feta, sub with whatever soft cheese you have. You can use goat cheese or ricotta.

    This dip can be made ahead and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Easy Whipped Feta Cheese
    This easy, creamy whipped feta cheese is perfect with veggies, crackers, pasta, and more! With how to photos and lots of serving suggestions.
    Go To Recipe
    Easy Whipped Feta Cheese

    Caprese Salad Skewers

    Tomato, mozzarella, and basil could be one of the best food combinations ever! If you need a delicious appetizer, this is for you.

    The trio is speared onto short skewers and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a little salt.

    When you have little time, this is a simple recipe to pull together and you can even enlist whoever is around to help make them.

    Caprese Salad Skewers
    Caprese Salad Skewers with juicy tomatoes, crisp basil, and creamy mozzarella are rich with bold flavors and so easy to make.
    Go To Recipe
    Caprese Salad Skewers

    Everything Bagel Dip

    This is so easy. Why didn't I think of it?

    This party dip is a combination of cream cheese and sour cream mixed with everything bagel seasoning. The ingredients are whirled together in a food processor and make the most delicious dip!

    5 Minute Everything But The Bagel Dip (dairy free)
    This Everything But the Bagel Dip is made in less than 5 minutes with 3 ingredients! Skip the premade version at your local Trader Joe’s.
    Go To Recipe
    5 Minute Everything But The Bagel Dip (dairy free)

    Hummus

    Hummus is a healthy and delicious dip that's perfect for parties or just to have around at home. Everyone loves it, and it couldn't be easier to make!

    All you need are five minutes and a food processor - and maybe a generous dollop of olive oil - to create the perfect hummus.

    You can even mix in fresh herbs or roasted garlic to give your hummus a flavorful twist.

    Gluten-Free Hummus Recipe (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
    Make this easy gluten-free hummus at home and learn the trick to making it creamy and light. Dairy-free and vegan.
    Go To Recipe
    Gluten-Free Hummus Recipe (Dairy-Free, Vegan)

    Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Herbs

    This Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Herbs is perfect for any gathering. Creamy, sweet, and savory, it will be one of your new go-to recipes!

    Bursting with flavor from herbs like basil and thyme, and sweetened with a little touch of honey, this simple yet sophisticated dip can help turn any meal into something special.

    Whether you're hosting a dinner party or having friends over for happy hour snacks - this classic take on an Italian favorite is guaranteed to hit the spot!

    Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Herbs - Through The Fibro Fog
    This whipped ricotta dip with honey and herbs is a lovely light appetizer or dish for BBQs and celebrations. Vegetarian and gluten free recipe.
    Go To Recipe
    Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Herbs - Through The Fibro Fog

    Mango Pico de Gallo

    Summer is a great time for experimenting with mango recipes! This recipe is an elevated twist on the classic Pico de Gallo — Mango Pico de Gallo.

    With its crisp ingredients and hints of sweetness from the mangoes, this easy-to-prepare recipe will have your taste buds dancing in no time!

    Not only is it incredibly delicious but also nutrient-dense, making it a perfect accompaniment to meals or snacks throughout your day.

    Easy Mango Pico de Gallo
    Mango pico de gallo is a fresh salsa that’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Tangy lime juice, tomato, sweet mango, onion, and cilantro: a perfect served with tortilla chips and tacos!
    Go To Recipe
    Easy Mango Pico de Gallo

    Guacamole with Greek Yogurt

    This is a copycat recipe for Trader Joe's reduced-guilt guacamole. Greek yogurt is mixed into the guacamole for a very creamy dip.

    Healthy Greek Yogurt Guacamole
    Ready in just 10 minutes, serve this healthy Greek yogurt guacamole with homemade tortilla chips or your favorite veggies.
    Go To Recipe
    Healthy Greek Yogurt Guacamole

    Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce

    Not only is this yogurt dipping sauce easy and quick to make, but its fresh herbs and creamy yogurt give it an irresistible flavor that will have even the pickiest of eaters coming back for more.

    Using full-fat Greek yogurt makes this dip thick and perfect for dipping your favorite veggies.

    Perfect for parties or as a sauce for a healthy dinner – this savory dip will add lots of pizazz to any meal!

    Yogurt Herb Dipping Sauce (Easy 5-Minute Greek Yogurt Dip)
    Thick, creamy and flavourful yogurt herb dipping sauce is made with a few staple pantry ingredients.
    Go To Recipe
    Yogurt Herb Dipping Sauce (Easy 5-Minute Greek Yogurt Dip)

    Almond Pesto

    If you’re in the mood to make something that is both flavorful and beautiful, then this almond pesto recipe is just the thing! With its delicious combination of fresh basil and almonds, this pesto will make a delicious dip for crudités or topping for pasta.

    Thanks to its vibrant green color, almond pesto also adds a splash of vibrancy to your plate. With fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, this homemade almond pesto will be a tremendous hit with your family and friends.

    Almond Pesto
    An almond pesto of fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, roasted almonds and olive oil by Two Cloves Kitchen.
    Go To Recipe
    Almond Pesto

    Persian Cucumber Yogurt Dip

    Not only is Cucumber Yogurt Dip cool and creamy, but it also provides refreshment on warm days. It also packs plenty of nutrition in every scrumptious bite.

    From tangy Greek yogurt rich with probiotics to crunchy fresh-picked cucumbers, garlic, mint, and dill, this dip will satisfy all sorts of cravings!

    Mast o-khiar (Persian cucumber yogurt dip)
    Creamy and refreshing, this Persian yogurt dip with cucumber and dill is made with 6 ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare. Enjoy it as a dip or serve alongside spicy food.
    Go To Recipe
    Mast o-khiar (Persian cucumber yogurt dip)

    Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip & Spread

    If you love creamy, smoky flavors with a hint of sweetness, then you've got to try this amazingly delicious smoked salmon cream cheese dip and spread.

    With its rich texture and savory flavor, it's perfect for spreading on crackers or toast points; serving as a dip for veggies or spooning over warm potatoes. 

    5-Minute Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip & Spread — Garlic Delight
    This smoked salmon dip easily transforms into a refreshing spread for friends & family. Perfect for no-cook summer days, it’s quick to whip up for picnics!
    Go To Recipe
    5-Minute Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dip & Spread — Garlic Delight

    Tuna Cucumber Cups

    Perfect for Whole30 and Low-Carb diets, pull out a few cans of tuna and artfully create bite-size tuna cucumber cups!

    Season the tuna with minced celery onions, and some everything Bagel Seasoning and these simple ingredients will be transformed into a lovely appetizer.

    These Tuna Cucumber Cups are the perfect quick and easy lunch or healthy meal prep!

    Tuna Cucumber Cups - Whole30, Low Carb
    These Tuna Cucumber Cups are the perfect quick and easy lunch or healthy meal prep! They’re Gluten Free, Whole30 and Keto/Low Carb too!
    Go To Recipe
    Tuna Cucumber Cups - Whole30, Low Carb

    Cream Cheese Stuffed Olives

    Green or Black Olives are stuffed with lemon-infused extra-virgin olive oil for quick hors d'oeuvres and are so easy to make and the perfect snack.

    You can lightly heat the olives for more flavor.

    Cream Cheese Stuffed Olives • Happy Kitchen
    Cream Cheese Stuffed Olives Marinated in Lemon-Infused Olive Oil: Impressive and easy 10-minute appetizer made with only 4 ingredients!
    Go To Recipe
    Cream Cheese Stuffed Olives • Happy Kitchen

    Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates

    The perfect appetizer that can be pulled together in five minutes is Stuffed Dates! Medjool dates are stuffed with cream cheese and seasoned with toasted walnuts, maple syrup, and fresh thyme.

    Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates (Easy) – Nutriciously
    You’ll love these sweet and savory cream cheese stuffed dates! They are the perfect quick and healthy appetizer or snack for your next get-together.
    Go To Recipe
    Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates (Easy) – Nutriciously

    Last-Minute Appetizers

    If you're looking for some quick and easy cold appetizers, look no further! These recipes take less than 5 minutes each to make, so they're perfect for last-minute get-togethers and potlucks.

    Plus, they're all delicious, so your guests will be impressed. So what are you waiting for? Try one (or all!) of these recipes the next time you need a fast appetizer. And let me know in the comments which one is your favorite!

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Baby eggplant parmigiana with basil leaves on white plate.
      Baby Eggplant Parmigiana | Gluten-Free and Low-Carb
    • Smoked salmon and cream cheese snack.
      Smoked Salmon Fat Bombs
    • The best mango recipes with bowl of pico de gallo.
      17 Best Ways To Use Ripe Mango in 2023
    • Sweet and savory mango side dish.
      Mango with Chili Lime Salt | A Sweet and Savory Snack

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    Hi, I'm Felice!

    Welcome to my kitchen where I share recipes made with fresh wild-caught seafood from Florida.  My approach to food is simple: eat seasonally, cook with whole foods, and always make it delicious.

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    Five minute appetizer collage.