If you are serving an entrée that is not too heavy, start your simple celebration with this delicious, fresh-tasting shrimp salad. Serve with our one-ingredient parmesan crisps and enjoy!
Category: Cold
White Bean and Basil Dip
Seven simple ingredients go into the food processor and this appetizer is done! A perfect make-ahead dip for your simple celebration. We served it with pita bread and rainbow carrots, but you could use whatever you have on hand – crackers, fresh veggies, breadsticks, etc.
Snowman Cheese Ball – So Fun and Tasty!
We had so much fun playing around with different ways to decorate our “snowman.” We ended up going the tropical route and served him on a plate with brown sugar “sand,” a tropical drink umbrella, a beach ball, and a sand dollar. How will you theme your snowman?
Shrimp, Avocado and Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini
Not only does this appetizer make a beautiful presentation, many steps may be made in advance of your simple celebration. You can either serve this as an appetizer or put 3 on each plate and make it a first course.
Simple Cold Shrimp Appetizer
If you need an appetizer that requires no cooking, comes together in less than five minutes and is easy to transport, this shrimp dip is for you! Made with fresh shrimp
Tomato, Basil and Ricotta Appetizer .. or Make it a Meal!
It’s easy to make this recipe into a meal, just add cooked shrimp or chicken before baking. This makes a great lunch reheated the next day!
Simple, Easy, Tasty Two-Step Mexican Dip
Here’s a crowd pleasing dip that will have you two-stepping right out of the kitchen!
Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico de Gallo)
This is a basic salsa recipe. You can add other ingredients you have on hand to change it up. We used avocado, chipotle, and fresh corn to create a salsa “bar.” Additions to the Salsa 1. Avocado – cut up one avocado into chunks 2. Chipotle – dice one chipotle chili in adobe sauce 3. […]
Smoked Salmon with Dill and Cucumber Dip
We love smoked salmon and wanted to develop a dip that was on the “lighter” side. In order to do this, we used creme fraîche instead of typical cream cheese. The cucumber adds a fresh crunch to the other delicious flavors. This dip turned out great. We hope you enjoy it as much as we […]
Plum Crostini Appetizer
Vicki’s daughter, Jennifer, was in California on business and had this appetizer while dining out. She loved it so much, she got the recipe and wanted to share it with The Simple Celebration followers:
Yummy TWO Ingredient NO Cook Appetizer
This dip will be the first gone at the party! The recipe can’t be any easier – only 2 ingredients!!
Chutney, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Bruschetta
This appetizer is delicious, simple, and full of flavor – just the way we like it! The sweet and savory flavor of chutney combined with the salty and crispy prosciutto and creamy mozzarella on top of crunchy bread tastes fantastic.
Spicy Herbed Cashews – Bet You Can’t Eat Just One!!
Put these cashews out for guests and watch them disappear. The crunch of roasted cashews mixed with the delicious flavors of fresh herbs and salt and an added kick of cayenne pepper – wow, it’s a party in your mouth!
Spicy Cheese Crisps – Another Awesome “Make-Ahead and Freeze” Appetizer
This is another great recipe to make in advance of your party – even weeks ahead. It is a great compliment to wine and is one that people have a hard time “eating just one.” This recipe is easy to double and will keep fresh in a Ziplock bag for several days after the party. […]
Fig, Prosciutto & Arugula Appetizer
We made this fig appetizer at a recent wine tasting party and it was a hit. Everyone gobbled them up so quickly, we had nothing to nibble on while we cleaned up!
An Antipasto Feast!
For our 200th blog party we decided on a simple, fun, no-cook menu. We headed to our fantastic local Italian market, Mazzaro’s, and bought a wonderful assortment of meats, cheeses, and other goodies. Our first stop was to the cheese counter where we met Charlie. We sampled many great Italian cheeses and settled on three – […]
Two Elegant Deviled Egg Recipes
Another great way to use hard-boiled eggs. A tip for success – use creme frâiche instead mayonnaise, it allows the wonderful flavors of salmon, crab and herbs to shine through. The recipes are simple. You can even make them a couple of days ahead of serving (keep refrigerated).
Make and Take Layered Avocado Dip – Ready in Minutes!
Looking for a quick appetizer to bring to a party? This is it! You can make this dip in advance without worrying about the avocados turning brown. The fresh lemon juice and sour cream layer keep the avocados a nice, bright green color. Serve with tortilla chips – the multi-grain “Scoops” are a perfect match. […]
Mexi-Corn Salsa Appetizer
Another simple recipe from The Simple Celebration! This appetizer goes together very quickly, can be made well ahead of your get-together, and looks and tastes great. Recipe courtesy of Evie from Cincinnati.
Mom’s Party Mix
This recipe makes A LOT. If you are making this mix during the holidays, make sure you have plenty of Christmas tins on hand (available at the dollar store). Otherwise, store the mix in Tupperware containers. Line your containers with paper towels and store them in a cool dark place – like your closet.
Crowd Pleasing Mexican Cheesecake – NOT a Dessert
Mary-Ellen writes: This recipe originated from my sister, Kathleen. Because of the size of our family, holidays always were, and still are, a group effort filled with “assignments.” One year Kathy was assigned appetizers and she said she would bring something she had recently at a party called Mexican Cheesecake. I thought it sounded […]
Elegant Smoked Salmon Appetizer
By having a few ingredients on hand, you can put this appetizer together in no time. Purchase smoked salmon in the package and it will last several months before opening. Purchase a baguette, slice it, and freeze the slices in a freezer bag – it will last for about a month. Capers come jarred […]
Southwest Black Bean & Avocado Dip
This dip is a real “simple” party pleaser. It is so simple … no cooking required!
Foolproof Deviled Eggs
This deviled egg recipe is a foolproof appetizer. The method of boiling the eggs is what makes this recipe foolproof. By turning off the heat after one minute of boiling, you get a perfect boiled egg every time. Throw a few extra in the pan for egg salad or a hard-boiled egg snack.
Guacamole … A Fiesta Crowd Pleaser!
Once you try this guacamole recipe, we guarantee you will never want store-bought again! Prep time is quick .. onto your fiesta table in minutes. This recipe will fill a medium size bowl. Serve with colorful tortilla chips or scoops. Enjoy!
Party on a Stick … Greek Style
Easy, easy, easy … and tasty too! You can make these skewers early in the day of your simple celebration (keep refrigerated). Serves 10-16.
Spicy Spanish Tortilla with Sausage and Potatoes ¡Olé!
. This hearty appetizer is wonderful for a party. The tortilla can be made the day ahead of your simple celebration!
Humdinger of a Hummus Recipe
Below is a simple, yet delicious hummus recipe to add to your appetizer table for your simple celebration. Hummus is not the prettiest of food, but by adding toppings and using attractive serving pieces, it will be irresistible!
Tuna Wonton Anyone?
Wow your guests with this simple, colorful recipe! Serving this dish with wonton crisps not only keeps the calorie count low, but it also allows the delicate taste of the tuna to shine through. What’s more, by chopping all ingredients early the day of the party (except for the avocado which you chop right before […]