Healthy Party Appetizers

Buffalo wings, potato skins and mozzarella sticks are a few foods that come to mind when you think of classic party appetizers. These all have a couple of things in common: large amounts of grease and unwanted fat. Instead, try these 6 healthy and tasty appetizers that will be a hit at your next party!

Deviled Eggs

The main ingredient that usually makes deviled eggs on the unhealthier side is the mayonnaise. For a healthier version, substitute the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. It’s that simple. Don’t forget paprika for garnish.

Recipe courtesy of fannetasticfood.com

Ingredients

• 6 hard boiled eggs, peeled and cut length wise

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp pepper

• 1/8 tsp salt

• paprika to garnish

Directions

1. Place eggs in a pot with enough cold water so that they are covered. Add a little salt.

2. Cover and bring them to a boil. Turn off the heat and let them sit, still covered, for 12 minutes.

3. Once they’ve cooled, peel them and cut them lengthwise.

4. Place the whites on a plate and the yolks in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients (except paprika) to the yolks and mash together.

5. Once it is mostly uniform, add the mixture back into the empty egg whites. Top with paprika.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

A twist on traditional buffalo wings, these bites are a lighter version with fewer calories and barely any carbs. It’s easy and delicious.

Recipe courtesy of galonamission.com

Ingredients

• 6 cups of fresh cauliflower florets

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• pinch of salt

• pinch of pepper

• 1 tbsp. butter, melted

• ¾ cup Frank’s RedHot hot sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray baking sheet with cooking or olive oil.

2. Mix garlic powder, salt, pepper, melted butter and hot sauce in a bowl.

3. Add the cauliflower into a large bag and pour the buffalo sauce into the bag. Shake until the cauliflower florets are fully coated. Spread on baking sheet.

4. Bake for 20 minutes.

5. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Sweet Potato Chips

Filled with more fiber, sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to white potatoes. You can eat as many of these baked homemade chips as you wish without the guilt and excess grease. Serve with your choice of dip or enjoy plain.

Recipe courtesy of minimalistbaker.com

Ingredients

• 2 organic sweet potatoes

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• optional: ¼ tsp sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees and position rack in center of oven.

2. Rinse and dry sweet potatoes and slice them as uniformly thin as possible for crispiness.

3. Toss slices in olive oil to lightly coat, then sprinkle with salt. Lay out single layer on baking sheet and bake for 2 hours, flipping chips once as halfway point.

4. Remove once crisp and golden brown. Serve immediately. 

Loaded Zucchini Skins

Unlike the traditional potato skin, this version uses sliced zucchini instead. Everything else you love about potato skins stays the same, from the gooey cheese to the crispy bacon.

Recipe courtesy of delish.com

Ingredients

• ½ lb. bacon

• 4 large zucchinis

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ tsp cumin

• kosher salt

• freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cup shredded Cheddar

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook bacon until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes; then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop into small pieces.

2. Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise. Using a large metal spoon, scoop out seeds then cut each half into three or four pieces.

3. Transfer zucchini to a large baking sheet and toss with olive oil. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.

4. Bake until slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Top each piece of zucchini with cheese and bacon. Return to oven for about 10 more minutes, baking until cheese is bubbly and zucchini is tender.

5. Garnish with sour cream and green onion.

Roasted Edamame

Healthy and fun to eat, edamame is a nutritious appetizer full of flavor. Be sure to include red pepper flakes for extra spice.

Recipe courtesy of delish.com

Ingredients

• 1 1 lb. bag frozen in-shell edamame beans, defrosted

• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• kosher salt

• pinch of red pepper flakes

• flaky sea salt

• lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a large baking tray, toss edamame with olive oil, salt and red pepper flakes.

2. Bake until edamame is charred, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to taste and squeeze fresh lemon juice over edamame. Serve warm with a small bowl for discarding pods.

Creamy Avocado Dip

Dips and chips is a party appetizer go-to. If you’re in the mood for something other than guacamole with avocados as the main ingredient, this is it. Serve with carrots, your favorite chips or both.

Recipe courtesy of delish.com

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, pitted

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• juice of 1 lime

• kosher salt

• freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mash avocados.

2. Add yogurt, garlic and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

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