Get the party started with these easy, low-sodium appetizers. You can feel good about snacking on and sharing these awesome apps because they’re heart-healthy with less than 250 calories, fewer than 400 milligrams of sodium, and at least a little fiber. With dips, deviled eggs, and fully-loaded toasts, these low-cal and low-sodium appetizers are light on effort yet heavy on flavor.
Matcha-Cucumber Crostini
Carson Downing
Think of this crostini recipe as a thoroughly modern twist on the classic afternoon tea-time snack: cucumber sandwiches. Instead of the plain cream cheese spread, we suggest dressing it up with mellow, naturally nutty matcha powder, a drizzle of honey for just enough sweetness, and tangy lemon zest for brightness. Generously spread that atop a toasted baguette, finish with thin slices of crunchy cucumber, and this heart-healthy appetizer is ready for Instagramming—and devouring!
Hummus 4 Ways
Jason Donnelly
Pump up the protein—and the color—of your next snack-a-thon with this choose-your-own-adventure hummus. We’ve designed four variations of this heart-healthy appetizer recipe so you can try one or all: bell pepper, roasted squash, lime-avocado, and roasted beet. Garnish with nuts and fresh herbs to really make each bowl pop, then pair with a side of whole-wheat flatbread wedges and vegetable sticks.
Fruit Platter with Maple-Mascarpone Dip
Brie Passano
Part fruit salad, part “chips” (hey, those are apple chips!) and dip, this easy, low-sodium appetizer idea is a colorful and fun way to inspire everyone to get closer to their five-a-day. Mascarpone and maple syrup are the only two ingredients required for the luscious dip. Surround a big bowl of that just-sweet-enough cheese with skewers or stripes of your favorite seasonal fruits.
Paleo Avocado Deviled Eggs
Andy Lyons
This high-protein heart-healthy appetizer recipe works well as part of a morning or evening menu. That’s because the filling for these keto- and paleo-friendly deviled eggs features the creamy, buttery avocado you know and love from those trendy toasts, plus a dash of hot sauce and chives. Everyone will be convinced that “healthful and “flavorful” need not be exclusive terms.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Carson Downing
While they might look fancy and a bit fussy, this healthy, low-sodium appetizer recipe idea means you’re just 10 minutes away from hosting a chic tea party. Simply layer slices of firm bread with semisoft garlic and herb cheese, cucumbers, radishes, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and black pepper and serve alongside a fruit salad and freshly-brewed tea. How regal!
Avocado-Stuffed Mushrooms
Andy Lyons
Stock up on button or cremini mushrooms for a snackable, perfect-for-passed-apps stuffed mushroom. This appetizer recipe is filled with healthy fats from avocado, toasted nuts, and olive oil. The punchy flavor is courtesy of champagne vinegar, fresh rosemary, and red onion, and all of the above can be yours in just 30 minutes!
Herbed Cheese Mini Peppers
Andy Lyons
Stuffed peppers aren’t just for dinner. Mini sweet peppers cut in half and piped full of jalapeño pepper-spiked, herb-laced Neufchâtel is a cheesy, easy, healthy appetizer ideal for snacking. Each bite-sized pepper is surprisingly satisfying. (By the way, fresh or dried herbs both work wonderfully to infuse the cheese.)
Molasses Lime Meatballs
Andy Lyons
Break out the slow cooker and toss together this easy, heart-healthy appetizer recipe. Featuring beef, sausage, and oats, our lean meatballs are a healthy appetizer option that’s sure to please meat-lovers. A sweet-and-tangy molasses and lime dressing keeps these bite-size snacks super-moist.
Two Tomato Bruschetta
Karla Conrad
Score double the pleasure, double the summery fun in this easy, healthy appetizer that features both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes. Our version of the classic Italian starter is also loaded with fresh basil, parsley, and feta cheese. Combine that all with a dash of EVOO atop a whole-grain baguette slice for a snack that would make Giada De Laurentiis proud.
Peppered Kale Chips
Andy Lyons
Spuds have had their turn. It’s time for kale to get the chip treatment. Seasoned with just enough salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, this fresh kale chip recipe is as crispy and satisfying as popcorn or store-bought chips, with fewer calories and even more vitamins. Experiment with different seasonings until you find your favorite variation of this easy, healthy appetizer. (We’re currently crushing on everything bagel seasoning blend here!)
Edamame-Lemongrass Hummus
Jason Donnelly
Swap the usual chickpeas with soybeans for this spicy and smoky hummus recipe. Since fiber-rich edamame is fairly flavor-neutral, garlic, ginger, parsley, and lemongrass shine in this simple healthy appetizer recipe. Pair the dip with veggies or pita chips, or use as a layer inside mini snack-size sandwiches.
Air-Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Katlyn Moncada
Preheat your air-fryer as you toss raw pepitas with a bit of oil and your favorite seasonings. Add those spiced-up seeds to your air-fryer basket, and they’ll be toasted to perfection in a mere 3 minutes. Healthy appetizers don’t come much quicker or easier than this! Choose to follow our instructions to make them smoky, sweet, or spicy—or assemble a buffet of all three and poll your guests about which is their favorite.
Smoky Pineapple Guacamole
Andy Lyons
We don’t know about your snack sessions, but nearly all of ours include at least one guacamole recipe. Studded with tropical grilled pineapple pieces, this is one of the best easy, heart-healthy appetizers ever to leave our Test Kitchen. Follow our instructions to add a good squeeze of lime juice (to prevent any potential avocado browning) and store in an airtight plastic bag, and you can prep and chill the heart-healthy snack up to 8 hours ahead.
Fresh Berry Bruschetta
Karla Conrad
Come summer, we can’t get enough bruschetta any which way. When we have a bounty of fresh berries, we turn to this low-sodium appetizer recipe to give the classic Italian toast snack a sweet makeover with cinnamon-sugar-dusted crostini, a schmear of mint-laced cream cheese and smashed strawberries and blackberries. Savor it for a starter or as dessert—or both!