Enhance your dish's flavors by adding the right cheese!
Chunky zucchini slices can be tossed in olive oil, seasonings, grated Parmesan, and baked or air-fried for a tasty and healthy nibble that's also gluten-free, keto-friendly, and vegetarian (although not vegan). If you're okay with carbs, add breadcrumbs to the mix for extra crunch.
Low carb and low calorie, hearts of palm (go for sustainably-sourced where possible) make a satisfyingly crunchy addition to the party table. Chop into salads, or just serve whole with a garnish. They're as delicious as they are simple.
Being diet-friendly doesn't have to mean ditching desserts! Strawberries dipped in melted dark chocolate (go for high cocoa content) are party-pleasers without crazy calorie content.
And here's another indulgent-tasting dessert, this time with sweet potato goodness baked into it. These fudgy favorites are made with sweet potato flour, nut butter, and almond or oat flour, so they're gluten-free and vegan, too!
High protein, low carb, and low calorie, these tasty chicken skewers should appeal to even the most hardened diet-sceptic. Marinate lean chicken breast pieces in olive oil and your choice of seasonings before skewering and cooking through on the grill.
Go for wholegrain instead of white bread, and top your toasts with low-calorie soft cheese, sliced ham or salmon, cucumber, and olives. They taste decadent, but are pretty diet-friendly.
How pretty do these look? Finely-sliced colorful vegetables, sliced baked tofu, and plenty of sriracha and soy sauce make a delicious filling for delicate rice paper rolls. Gluten-free and vegan as well as full of veggie goodness!
Whether you're catering to keto guests, cutting out carbs, or just trying to sneak some veggies onto the party table, it's good old zucchini to the rescue! A mandolin and an air fryer would take some of the leg work out of this, but hand-slicing and oven-baking works, too. Toss with olive oil or ranch seasoning before baking, and serve with homemade salsa.
Potato salad is a party favorite, but comes loaded with carbs from the potatoes and fat from the mayo. Some recipes suggest switching the potatoes for cauliflower, but rutabaga is even better for taste and texture. Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt to lower the calorie count.
Tangy tomato salsa is a lot lower in fat and calories than many of the mayo and sour cream-filled party options. There's absolutely no shame in going store-bought, but if you have the time to whip up a version with tomatoes (canned and fresh), onion, chili, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno, so much better.
Cute, tasty, carb-free, and gluten-free, what's not to love about dinky quail eggs baked into seasoned mushrooms? They're protein-rich and packed with antioxidants and high-fiber goodness. Add a little chili if you want to spice it up.
While you're ricing your cauliflower, make extra for whipping into a cauliflower crust pizza. It's a little labor intensive, but ricing and squeezing the cauliflower and mixing with egg and cheese will create a crunchy crust that's low in carbs and packed with plant power. You can load with any toppings you choose!
If your dips deliver on the taste front, all you need is a bit of crunch for optimum enjoyment. Chips might be the obvious option, but fresh carrots, celery, and bell pepper sticks are a far healthier option!
Arguably even more addiction-forming than the potato-based original, cauliflower tots are lower in carbs and calories. You'll need to rice your cauliflower in a food processor or with a grater, then mix with egg, cheddar, Parmesan, chives, seasonings, and panko breadcrumbs. Roll the whole lot into balls and bake your way to a tasty party treat.
Is it even a party without pizza? These carb-free zucchini pizza bites will satisfy the craving, without breaking any diet rules. They're keto-friendly, and can be either carnivore-pleasing or veggie-friendly—it's your call!
These colorful skewers will look right at home on a party table, and they don't pack a carb and calorie punch. Bonus points for simplicity: melon balls, mini-mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil are all they require, and absolutely no cooking needed.
Cauliflower is a popular guest at any party hosted by the healthy-eating brigade, and with good reason. The versatile veggie can be turned into any number of treats, and is particularly delicious when baked with breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, paprika, and seasonings to create a veggie version of popcorn chicken.
The classic cheesecake can be easily adapted to make it low-carb, gluten-free, and keto. Switch the sugar for sweetener, flour (in the crust) for almond flour, and you're good to go!
These look pretty enough to grace any party table, and they don't disappoint on the taste front, either. Layer granola (it doesn't need to be homemade) with Greek yogurt, strawberries, and sugar-free strawberry sauce.
Rye crackers might not be the most glamorous party guests, but that's not to say you should leave them off the guest list. Light and full of fiber, they can be topped with shrimp and other goodies to make low-calorie canapés.
Mushrooms make a carb-free, low-calorie, and nutrient-rich base for a soft cheese, mozzarella, and chili pepper. You can switch up the cheeses and add extras like bacon or prosciutto as you see fit!
A perennial favorite at Japanese restaurants, edamame beans are a great party snack. Simply seasoned, tossed in olive oil, and roasted in the oven, they taste delicious, and popping them is a pleasurable activity in itself.
Another way to make a tasty alternative to store-bought, nutritionally-dubious creamy dip is to whizz blanched spinach with Greek yogurt, lemon, and seasonings. Throwing a handful of nuts into the blender works well, too.
Tomatoes can be hollowed out and used as a base for any number of fillings. Filling with a mix of ricotta cheese, herbs, and spinach before baking in the oven is a good place to start.
Alternatively, go for a standard base, and load up with healthy, low-calorie crunchy vegetables instead of heaps of cheese.
Tomatoes again, this time in a party-friendly take on a classic salad. You'll need fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, cocktail sticks, and a good quality olive oil for drizzling.
As a light, low-calorie base for tasty toppings, rice cakes are a solid bet. Blue cheese, tomato, and basil make a good option, with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper for good measure.
These will satisfy a sweet tooth but are a far healthier option than candy. Apple slices are slathered in honey, nuts, and a dash of cinnamon for a festive-flavored sweet treat.
While unarguably delicious, sushi can be stodgy. White rice is high in carbs, but you can wrap your sushi fillings in a layer finely-sliced cucumber for a carb-free, lower-calorie option.
Sources: (Delish) (Kid Spot)
Looking for delicious, healthy and easy-to-cook food this weekend? Light up the part with these healthier alternatives that taste like heaven.
These little beauties would usually be made with an avocado paste, but you can switch the avo for an alternative if you're cutting it out for sustainability reasons
Healthy alternatives to calorie-packed party food
These delicious bites don't just taste good, they do you good, too!
FOOD Healthy living
Party season is upon us, but that doesn't have to mean giving up on your healthy eating goals—you won't have to exercise restraint with these delicious alternatives to traditional crowd-pleasing snacks. Instead of piling up a plate with fried food and empty calories, you can load up on tasty-but-healthy options instead.
With keto, low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan options, this gallery has you covered. And the best bit? These healthy snacks all taste so good that party guests won't even know they're diet-friendly, unless you choose to tell them!
Ready to get the (healthy) party started? Browse the gallery to discover some deliciously healthy alternatives to party food.