40 Easy, Healthy Appetizers That Are Delicious and Filling
These better-for-you bites will help you feel good without sacrificing flavor.
Party time can totally blow your diet out the window, but not if your menu includes one of these quick, healthy appetizers to keep things in check. Whether you’re looking for the best healthy appetizers for a gathering, or just want to curtail your weeknight pre-dinner noshing, these better-for-you bites will help you feel good without sacrificing flavor. With delicious flatbreads and dips, salads and hors d’oeuvres, healthy doesn’t have to mean bland!
The idea is pretty easy: Keep the finger food light by focusing on veggie-packed small portions, then add in flavor in the form of herbs and spices so your diet goals can stay on track while you enjoy one or two of these apps before the main meal. And make sure to also practice mindful eating: Surrounding yourself with friends and family helps you focus on the conversation instead of stuffing your face. We call that a win-win!
Cowboy Caviar
This hearty dip certainly travels well (whether it's from the kitchen to the sofa, or from car to intended home!) and can be prepped way in advance of your next movie night. Serve it with your favorite better-for-you chip or cracker and it'll be gobbled up in no time.
Summer Rolls
It's the best way to eat six different fresh vegetables at once! You'll use store-bought rice paper wrappers to wrap them up but can whip up an easy dipping sauce at home.
Easy Red Salsa
Say goodbye to watery store-bought canned salsa and hello to this ultra-fresh, zingy, tangy dip that is perfectly spicy. The secret to nailing salsa at home is to skip your blender and let your knife do the heavy lifting.
Lemon Garlic Mussels
There's no need to fuss over a pot of mussels — you'll achieve the same restaurant quality bite if you use garlic, white wine, and tasty olive oil to dress these tender morsels.
Citrusy Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados
How's this for a genius, healthy appetizer? Use creamy avocados as boats for zesty tomato, shrimp, and chile filling — no carbs needed!
Avocado Dip
Don't cry, guacamole lovers — you'll find this take on green dip so delightful. It's all the same flavors plus fresh poblano peppers and extra cilantro, all whipped into a thinner (spreadable!) dip.
Spring Crudités With Herbed Cheese Dip
For a truly feel-good app, load up on a beautiful bounty of fresh vegetables, then pair them with a creamy, herby dip.
Zucchini Tots
Sorry potatoes, there's a new star in town. These squash-based tots are just as poppable and even — dare we say — healthier than their carby counterpart.
Zesty Beet Dip
Blending fiber-full beets with walnuts and Greek yogurt makes for an irresistibly creamy and brightly-hued app.
Caponata Flatbread
Load this flatbread up with tons of delicious toppings. Eggplant, peppers, and tomato with red wine vinegar and honey make this dish a stand-out palate pleaser.
Spicy Deviled Walnuts
Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Coating them with spices (you can even hold the sugar here) makes them even more irresistible as a healthy app.
French Onion Dip
Skip the salty soup mix and use Greek yogurt, creme fraiche, and a dash of sherry wine to create a creamy base you'll never forget.
Cucumber and Cantaloupe Salad With Savory Quinoa Granola
This cucumber-and-cantaloupe salad is an easy thing to set out for friends and family when they're craving something good-for-you before any meal.
Get the recipe for Cucumber and Cantaloupe Salad with Savory Quinoa Granola »
Savory Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce is an easy way to wrap up any savory filling without adding extra carbs.
Zucchanoush
Zucchini, tahini, mint, and pine nuts come together in this creamy, veggie-forward dip.
Vegan Queso
Yes, it's a cheese dip that you can safely eat on Paleo and Whole30 diets, in addition to plant-based lifestyles. It's dairy-free due to the cashew base, which is already quite luxe!
Melon Mosaic
Healthy food can be beautiful too! Arrange cubes of melon, tomato, and feta for an artful appetizer you can feel good about diving into.
Grilled Asparagus and Shiitake Tacos
Start off a Mexican-themed fiesta with a platter full of veggie-packed tacos.
Roasted Artichokes With Caesar Dip
Artichokes are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, so snacking on these as an app is a healthy and tasty win.
Roasted Tomato & Chive Pizza
Pass on the fatty sausage and heavy cheese and instead, load up your flatbread with tomatoes and mushrooms for a healthier twist.
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