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Summer Tapas Party Menu - Cold Spanish Tapas

By Lisa & Tony Sierra, About.com

Pimientos Rellenos de Atun - Peppers Stuffed with Tuna

Pimientos Rellenos de Atun - Peppers Stuffed with Tuna (c) 2007 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com Inc.

Entertaining in the summer often means firing up the BBQ, creating more heat and filling the patio with smoke. Why not treat your guests to a buffet of cold "tapas" and salads? All of the dishes listed below can be made ahead of time and kept chilled until ready to serve, including the light desserts.

Ensaladilla Rusa - Spanish Potato Salad

Potato salad or ensaladilla rusa is a favorite among Spanish in tapas bars, as well as for Sunday dinners or celebration.

Ensalada de Pepino - Cucumber Salad

There aren’t many foods as refreshing as a cold cucumber. Now put that together with tomatoes and a simple dressing of oil and vinegar and you have a great summer salad.

Salmon Ahumado con Queso Blando - Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese

Slices of a crusty baguette, topped with cream or fresh cheese and a thin slice of smoked salmon and a drop of lemon juice combine to make a special treat.

Pimientos Rellenos de Atun - Red Peppers Stuffed with Tuna

A great dish for the summer or anytime you want to prepare an appetizer quickly. Tuna is mixed with a bit of green onion and olives, then stuffed into roasted red peppers to make a delicious tapa.

Jamon, Queso y Chorizo con Pan - Ham, Cheese and Chorizo with Bread

How much simpler or tasty can a tapa be?! The sliced bread topped with Spanish jamon serrano, cheese and chorizo are sure to disappear as fast as they are served. Be sure to allow the cheese to warm to room temperature before serving.

Sorbete de Vino Rioja - Rioja Wine Sorbet

What better dessert for a hot summer evening than cold sorbet? This sorbet has a Spanish twist - made with red wine, cinnamon and lemon, which give it a special flavor.

Cava - Spanish Sparkling Wine

Serve ice cold Spanish sparkling wine with dessert or simply pour it over the sorbet for a festive dish!

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