As innocent as they may look, bite-sized appetizers are often fried or loaded with over-processed and less-than-healthy ingredients. So pass up the puff pastry-covered goodies in favor of these finger food alternatives from healthy recipe bloggers around the web. You’ll be a dinner party hero in no time.
1. Chilled Soba in Cucumber Cups
These cucumber cuties are simple, stylish and easy to make. Paired with soba noodles, a thin, buckwheat-based specialty that hails from Japan, these bite-sized cups are a good source of fiber and manganese, and are also gluten-free. Just make sure to check that the soba noodles don’t have any added wheat flour. Photo and Recipe: Emma Christensen / The Kitchn
2. Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip
Move over, guac. This creamy but guilt-free dip deserves to be front and center at your next fiesta. The rich texture comes from protein-packed Greek Yogurt and two ripe avocados, loaded with fiber and vitamin C. Serve with some whole-wheat pita chips or sliced raw veggies. Photo and Recipe: Maria & Josh Lichty / Two Peas & Their Pod
3. Watermelon Cups with Feta and Mint
The sweet and salty combo of watermelon and feta will hit the spot on a hot summer day. Plus, with only five ingredients (watermelon, feta, cucumber, mint and EVOO), this recipe is super easy to make and requires no baking (hooray!). Consider serving them as a party-pleasing appetizer or side dish. Photo and Recipe: Joanne & Adam Gallagher / Inspired Taste
4. Bora Bora Fireballs
Go cuckoo for coconut with these tropical-tasting pork meatballs. Ground pork has fewer calories and fat than ground beef, but with about the same amount of protein to keep you satisfied. The Paleo-friendly fireballs get their sweetness from crushed pineapple and shredded coconut., while cayenne pepper, dried ginger and jalapeño spice things up. Photo: David Humphreys. Recipe: Melissa Joulwan / The Clothes Make The Girl.
5. Beet Pesto Crostini
Liven up a sliced baguette or gluten-free crackers with this tasty beet pesto recipe, perfect for any summer soirée. Available all year long (but best from June through October), beets are chock-full of potassium, fiber and vitamin C. Top the pesto with a sprinkle of goat cheese and basil for a party-pleasing spread that’s ready in 20 minutes or less. Photo and Recipe: Andrea / Dishing Up The Dirt
6. Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and no frying required! Panko breadcrumbs give these zucchini “fries” a crunch that has less than half the fat of normal French fries. Plus, this colorful summer favorite is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. To dip, skip the ranch, and go for a healthier homemade dressing with Greek yogurt (like this recipe from Ali at Gimme Some Oven). Photo and Recipe: Tara / Smells Like Home
7. Skinny Mini Lasagna Cups
Mamma mia! Making lasagna is usually a time-intensive process, but these bite-sized lasagna cups are a cinch to make. Using wonton wrappers instead of pasta (and don’t forget the spinach!), these hors d’oeuvres put a healthier twist on the Italian favorite. Photo and Recipe: Jen / The Fit Housewife
8. Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus
Talk about a healthy snack attack! This hummus pairs sweet potatoes, a great source of fiber and vitamin A, and chickpeas, which are high in protein and fiber. Serve it with whole-wheat pita chips — and cross your fingers there are leftovers for sandwiches and wraps. Photo and Recipe: Jessica / The Novice Chef Blog