Healthy alternatives to calorie-packed party food -

Looking for delicious, healthy and easy-to-cook food this weekend? Light up the part with these healthier alternatives that taste like heaven.

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Zucchini ranch chips -

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.

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Zucchini parmesan fritters -

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.

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Quail eggs in mushrooms -

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.

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Vegetable rice paper rolls -

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!

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Low-carb 'potato' salad -

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.

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Melon prosciutto skewers -

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.

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Zucchini pizza bites -

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!

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Cauliflower tots -

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.

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Cauliflower crust pizza -

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!

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Vegan pizza -

Alternatively, go for a standard base, and load up with healthy, low-calorie crunchy vegetables instead of heaps of cheese.

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Chicken skewers -

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.

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Hearts of palm -

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.

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Wholegrain toasts -

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.

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Sweet potato brownies -

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!

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Chocolate-dipped strawberries -

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.

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Homemade salsa -

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.

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Veggie sticks and dips -

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!

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Spinach and yogurt dip -

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.

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Popcorn cauliflower -

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.

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Keto cheesecake -

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!

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Fruit and yogurt cups -

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.

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Rye cracker canapés -

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.

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Shrimp cucumber bites -

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

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Stuffed tomatoes -

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.

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Caprese skewers -

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.

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Cheese-stuffed mushrooms -

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!

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Roasted edamame -

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.

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Rice cakes -

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.

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Apple, nut, and honey slices -

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.

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Cucumber sushi -

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)

See also: Delectable desserts you'd never guess are vegan

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