6 Summer Dips That Are So Easy to Make, You Hardly Need a Recipe

There’s something irresistible about a snack tray that features crunchy chips and a homemade summer dip. Creamy, smooth, and often with a little kick of something surprising, you can easily make these dip recipes when you’re invited to a last-minute party (or just don’t feel like cooking something complicated).

These dip-and-crudités (or fruit) pairings are guaranteed to get plenty of play this summer. They've got all the right moves, from healthy, seasonal ingredients to buzzer-beating prep times and super-fresh flavors. Our lineup features an impressive collection of ingredients and flavors, including spicy harissa, savory tahini, a cool, creamy avocado flecked with chives, bright, lemony ricotta mixed with sharp Pecorino Romano—and more.

Take a bite, and your taste buds will be eager for the instant replay.

Harissa-Tahini Yogurt Dip

Whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup tahini, one tablespoon harissa, 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, and 1 to 2 tablespoons water; season with kosher salt. Swirl in more harissa, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with carrots.

Chive Mashed-Avocado Dip

Mash one large or two small peeled, pitted avocados. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives and 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Top with more chives, and serve with thinly sliced radish "chips."

Lemon Pecorino-Ricotta Dip

Combine 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano, 2/3 cup ricotta, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; stir to combine. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and more pepper; serve with blanched broccolini.

Crudites with Miso-Yogurt Dip

Whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon white miso, and 1 tablespoon water. Sprinkle with toasted black and white sesame seeds and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Serve with crudités.

Savory Yogurt Dip

Season 1/4 cup low-fat yogurt with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (dill, basil, cilantro), and 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest. Serve with raw vegetables.

Tahini Fruit Dip

Stir together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons tahini, 3 tablespoons honey, a pinch of coarse salt, and a large pinch of cinnamon. Serve with seasonal fruit.

Food styling by Greg Lofts, Prop styling by Suzie Myers.