7 Stunning Summer Tapas Dishes to Make at Home (Fresh & Simple)
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Looking for some tasty but easy summer tapas ideas? Here are 7 to whet your appetite. None of these recipes require cooking, are great for sharing with friends and family, or just pick one a night if you want to try Spanish tapas at home when the heat peaks.
I’ve swapped three of the original recipes, which did require minimal cooking, so if you visit this page often and are looking for them, here you are: Sizzling garlic shrimp (Gambas al ajillo), Lacon a la Gallega (cured ham), and Padron peppers.
1. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is the most famous Spanish cold soup and it’s oh-so-refreshing and delicious. Vegan, healthy, and easy to make, no wonder it’s popular all over Spain. If you haven’t tried a chilled soup in summer, start with this winner.
Go to the Spanish Gazpacho Recipe
2. Salmorejo (a chilled summer soup)
Salmorejo is similar to gazpacho, but it has fewer veggies in it and tomatoes are the star of this show. While there are many versions of the recipe, it’s typical that it’s topped with hard-boiled egg slivers and serrano ham. We have a vegan salmorejo recipe too, or you can check out our vegan recipes homepage.
3. Seafood pipirrana salad
Seafood dishes are big in Spain and a summer must-have if you love it too. If you don’t eat seafood for whatever reason, the traditional pipirrana salad recipe is vegan. For this seafood version, you just need pre-cooked mussels, shrimp, or whatever seafood you want to include, some diced veg, and the delicious pipirrana dressing.
Go to the seafood pipirrana salad recipe
4. Mediterranean Hummus (with smoked paprika)
You can make your own hummus at home Mediterranean-style in just 10 minutes. Of course, this Spanish version has smoked paprika, one of the most popular spices used in Spanish cooking (or no cooking in this case). It’s delicious and healthy to boot. Dig in!
5. Almogrote
For all the cheese lovers out there. Just when you think you can’t possibly try cheese in a different way, you stumble across Almogrote. It’s a spiced cheese pâté that comes from La Gomera in the Canary Islands. With just four ingredients, you can jazz up some cured cheese in a matter of minutes. Yum!
Go to the Almogrote cheese pate recipe
6. Marinated Olives
Dress up some olives in a delicious marinade. While only 5 minutes of prep time is needed with these, you need to plan ahead as they should marinate for at least 2 hours but longer is even better.
Go to the Marinated Olives recipe
7. Quick Tomato Salad with Fennel Seeds
Tomatoes are a big deal in Spain and across many Mediterranean countries. Often the star of a dish, this salad recipe is no different but the fennel seeds add a nice twist.
Go to the 5-Minute Tomato Salad with Fennel Seeds.
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