Spring means warmer weather which typically means eating lighter. When you’re ready to open up your deck or backyard and want to try some fresh new spring appetizers, give the following easy recipes a try.

Mixed berry pizzas make for a cool treat. To make, spread a tube of crescent roll dough onto a 10×15 cookie pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, closing in the gaps and forming a slight “lip” around the edges of the pans. Bake at 375F for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.

Then, in a large bowl, beat 11 ounces of cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup apricot preserves and 2 tablespoons sugar; spread this over the crust. Cover and then cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Just before serving, arrange about 2 cups of fresh strawberries and 1 cup each blueberries and raspberries over the crust; cut and serve.

Homemade garlic bean dip is a great accompaniment with fresh spring vegetables. In a food processor, you simply combine one 15-ounce can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), 1/3 cup mayonnaise (reduced fat works well), 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 4-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice, a peeled garlic clove, and a dash of salt. Process this until smooth and serve chilled. This dip also works well with pita bread wedges and your favorite chips or crackers.

Grilled pineapple slices are also a spring appetizer that everyone loves, and they’re easy to make for anyone. Simply cut a peeled pineapple into thick slices and place them on your grill. In a bowl mix a quarter cup of honey with a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and use this to coat the pineapple slices as they grill. They come out sweet and savory and perfect for an appetizer or a dessert! They can even be served as a side dish with your burgers or steaks for a special treat.