20 Appetizer Recipes for a Healthy Holiday

As the holiday season approaches, you’re probably looking for some fresh and fun appetizers to serve your party guests. From delicious dips and finger foods to skewers and poppable party snacks, The Palm Weight Loss Blog is packed with diet-friendly ideas. Whether you’re looking for apps for game day or healthy holiday starters, we’ve rounded up some tasty and unique appetizer recipes that won’t set you back! Keep reading for 20 of our favorite easy treats to celebrate the holidays the healthy way.

1. Roasted Eggplant Dip >

This low-carb dip recipe pairs perfectly with chopped veggies, sprouted seed crackers and pita bread! We blend together the savory goodness of roasted eggplant, Greek yogurt and tahini with fresh herbs to make it irresistibly creamy and delicious.

2. Bacon Wrapped Zucchini >

Simple and savory, this appetizer looks fancy yet it couldn’t be easier to make! One serving of this bite-sized snack clocks in at just 100 calories. Feel free to swap in turkey bacon and add some extra spices! Serve two on a skewer if you’re looking for easy, grab-and-go appetizer recipes.

3. 2-Step Spinach Dip >

This healthy take on the classic spinach dip offers all the deliciousness but without the guilt! With spinach, artichoke hearts, avocado oil, ricotta cheese and seasonings, this dip does not disappoint. We love it with dippers like sliced cucumbers and zucchini or seed crackers.

4. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms >

Cheesy and easy—two perfectly paired words that describe this recipe! These mushrooms are stuffed with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, oregano and grated parmesan for the full portobello experience. It satiates your Italian food craving in a low-carb way.

5. Baked Avocado Fries with Chipotle Garlic Dip >

To create this low-carb alternative to classic high-carb French fries, slices of avocado are coated in almond flour, tapioca flour, eggs and whole buttermilk. Throw them in the oven to crisp up and serve with a creamy, dreamy chipotle garlic dip made from whole milk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chipotle powder and minced garlic. Easy and delicious!

Hint: Click on the image to watch the recipe video!

6. Southern Style Burger Bites >

These sliders are packed with so much flavor, you won’t even miss the bun! We swapped it for a low-carb lettuce wrap so you can enjoy this healthy appetizer on the South Beach Diet. It’s topped with a homemade pimento cheese spread, which is an easy appetizer in and of itself! Simple mix together shredded cheddar and Colby cheese, mayonnaise and chopped pimento for an easy, cheesy dip.

7. Cherry Tomato and Feta Crisps >

This bite-sized snack offers plenty of flavor and color! Make your own crisps from whole wheat pita rounds coated in EVOO and seasoned with garlic, salt and pepper. Bake them in the oven until crunchy and top with cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, black olives and fresh rosemary. 

8. Cucumber Salmon Salad Bites >

Full of protein, these bite-sized snacks come in at only 110 calories per serving. Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3s and perfectly complements the crispy coolness of the cucumber rounds.

9. Tomato Salsa with Avocado and Onion >

Who doesn’t love a good salsa? It goes great with veggies, salad and low-carb chips, providing a perfectly fresh taste! This salsa can even shine on the dinner table when paired with plain chicken, eggs or fish.

10. Roasted Garlic Avocado Hummus >

When you’re trying to watch your carb intake, classic hummus may not be the best option. This avocado hummus is packed with healthy fats and fewer carbs. The recipe still calls for tahini which provides that classic hummus flavor!

11. Creamy Avocado Pesto Dip >

This next dip is one of our favorite healthy appetizer recipes! Toasted pine nuts are combined with basil, fresh garlic, fresh avocado, avocado oil, lemon juice and sea salt to make a creamy spread for your holiday veggie tray.

12. Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip with Rainbow Vegetable Skewers >

Avocado and Greek yogurt come together with some cumin, cilantro and lime to create a creamy and healthy dip. This dip can also be turned into a delicious salad dressing! We pair it with rainbow vegetable skewers for easy grabbing.

13. Creamy Salmon Cucumber Cups >

Simple and satisfying salmon! Create these easy bites by spreading a garlicky cream cheese on top of sliced cucumbers. Place salmon onto each cucumber cup and you have yourself a perfect, bite-sized snack!

14. Chicken Lasagna Cups >

Your favorite Italian dinner is transformed into a perfectly portable appetizer recipe! These low-carb cups are packed with chicken and melted cheese, offering plenty of protein in exchange for a typically high-carb lasagna dish. Just one serving of these chicken lasagna cups is 245 calories!

15. Yakitori Chicken Skewers>

This is an easy Japanese grilled chicken recipe served on skewers. The chicken is marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and threaded onto skewers with bell peppers and any other non-starchy veggies that you enjoy!

16. Parmesan Crisps >

Cheesy and crunchy! These parmesan crisps are a homemade chip substitute. Sprinkle them with your favorite herbs and spices to satisfy your own taste buds. One of our favorite healthy appetizer recipes!

17. Crispy Kale Chips >

Another substitute for the classic chip, these homemade crispy kale chips are loaded with flavor and crunch! Seasoned with onion powder and sea salt, they are certain to satisfy your chip craving.

18. Sun-Dried Tomato Tartlets with Cheese Recipe >

This recipe uses the Greek favorite phyllo, a thin, delicate dough that turns light and flaky when baked. The dough is baked into small tartlet cups that are filled with a variety of soft cheeses to create these perfect finger food appetizer!

19. Ginger Chicken Salad Cucumber Cups >

Ginger is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium, which is why it is somewhat of a superfood ingredient in this recipe. It adds a unique flavor to this homemade chicken salad which is packed into crunchy cucumber cups for a healthy, low-carb, bite-sized snack.

20. Chicken Tikka Skewers >

Skewers and kabobs are perfect appetizer recipes because they are simple to make and easy to eat. A beautiful blend of ginger, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt and pepper come together with Greek yogurt, garlic and lime to create the perfect marinade for these skewers!