Party appetizers don’t have to be an excuse to fill up on unhealthy saturated fats and sugar. Instead, make five appetizers to surprise your guests with delicious-tasting finger foods that will slim their waistlines and improve their health!
We have discussed 5 quick & healthy party appetizers below
1- Berry Tarts
It is one of the best party appetizers you can have. For a sweet and refreshing appetizer, serve these berry tarts for a boost of antioxidants, fiber, lean protein and calcium — a healthy way to start your holiday meal!
Prep time: 5 min * Cook time: 0 min * Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 phyllo dough shells
- 2 Tbs fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 Tbs fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1/4 cup Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese, 2%
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Directions
- In a bowl, mix together cinnamon, vanilla, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Fill each shell with equal parts cottage cheese mixture.
- Top each shell with raspberries and blackberries. Serve chilled.
2- Trail Mix
Trail mixes can be loaded with calories and sugar, but this homemade alternative provides a delicious low calorie alternative packed with filling fiber, healthy fats, and powerful antioxidants from the added fruit blend.
Prep time: 5 min * Cook time: 0 * Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Fiber One 80 cereal
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- 1/4 cup dried raspberries
- 1/4 cup dried raisins
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:
Mix together cereal, dried fruit, chocolate, and peanuts in a large bowl. Serve and enjoy!
3- Cauliflower Bites
Pack in antioxidants and fiber by filling up on these healthy cauliflower bites that will have you craving more. In addition, the red pepper flakes can help boost metabolism thanks to their capsaicin content!
Prep time: 15 min * Cook time: 20 min * Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese`
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups fresh cauliflower florets
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Pour the cauliflower florets into the egg mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Toss the coated cauliflower in the bread crumb mixture to coat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the florets evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the cauliflower is crispy.
Tip: Serve the cauliflower bites with honey mustard dressing or ketchup for dipping if desired. When you’re ready to reheat, slide them on a baking sheet and crisp them up for about 5 to 10 minutes in a 350-degree oven.
4- Salmon Nuggets
These pre-meal treats are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, with are important for brain development and to protect your heart against disease.
Prep time: 5 min * Cook time: 10 min * Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces salmon, skin removed
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ cup flour
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; line baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.
- Place bread crumbs into a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg.
- In another bowl, combine garlic, lemon pepper, and flour together.
- Cut salmon into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Dip each salmon piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, and then roll in panko bread crumbs.
- Lay salmon on baking sheet and spray tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Serve salmon nuggets with a side of ketchup.
5- Banana, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Pastries
These pastries will satisfy your guests with a sweet tooth while providing a boost of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber.
Prep time: 5 min * Cook time: 5 min * Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 phyllo dough shells
- 1 small banana- thinly sliced into 24 even slivers
- 2 Tbs natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
- Fill each shell with equal parts peanut butter and chocolate.
- Top with two slices of banana.
- Place shells in the oven at 350 F for 5 minutes or until the chocolate melts.
- Serve warm or refrigerate until chocolate hardens and serve chilled.
