7 healthy holiday party appetizer ideas [column]

The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate, but let’s be honest — most holiday spreads often lack something very important: color.

While the decorations are festive and the lights sparkle, the food tends to lean heavily toward beige and brown. Casseroles, breads and meats dominate, leaving vibrant veggies with fewer opportunities to shine.

Vegetables are packed with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, helping to balance out the indulgence of heavier dishes.While a veggie platter or a simple salad might do the trick, why not bring some extra fun and creativity to your holiday spread this season?

READ: 5 recipes to make on a snow day, from soup to a sweet treat

Here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas that will bring vibrant color, flavor and nutrition to your holiday table.

Roast crispy Brussels sprouts

Roast Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a crispy, golden crust. These fiber-packed veggies are rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, supporting bone health. Serve with toothpicks for a holiday treat far better than the boiled versions you might remember.

Skewer salad ingredients for a fun twist

Elevate your salads by skewering ingredients instead of tossing them in a bowl. A seasonal favorite is pear and brie: pear slices, creamy brie, and fresh greens like spinach or arugula. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with crushed nuts for crunch. Pears offer natural sweetness and soluble fiber for gut health.

Roast tomatoes for a sweet dip topping

Pair roasted tomatoes with a whipped feta dip for a flavorful balance of sweet and tangy. Roasting tomatoes enhances their sweetness and boosts the bioavailability of lycopene, a heart-healthy antioxidant. Serve this dip with seeded crackers or veggies for a nutritious and festive bite.

Use mushrooms, cucumbers or sweet potato rounds as appetizer bases

— Stuffed mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a mix of cream cheese, garlic, spinach and herbs for a hearty, nutrient-packed bite. Spinach boosts vitamin K, folate and iron, while mushrooms provide selenium for immune support—perfect for winter months!

— Sweet potato rounds: Roast sweet potato slices and top with herbed goat cheese, pecans and a drizzle of honey. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A for eye health, while pecans add unsaturated fats.

— Cucumber bites with smoked salmon: Layer smoked salmon with cream cheese or Greek yogurt on cucumber rounds. Garnish with dill and lemon juice. Salmon delivers omega-3s to support brain health.

Grill or roast veggies to pair with dips

Marinate and grill or roast vegetables like zucchini, squash, eggplant and cherry tomatoes. Serve with dips like hummus or tzatziki sauce, which provide protein and healthy fats to make the appetizer more satisfying and nutrient-dense.

This holiday season, brighten your celebrations with these colorful appetizers. Packed with flavor and nutrition, they’re sure to impress your guests while balancing out the indulgence of richer holiday fare. Try these ideas or put your own spin on them, and savor the joy of good food, great company and the gift of a nutritious start to your celebrations.

LANCASTER DIETITIAN

Lancaster Dietitian owner Theresa Shank, MS, RD, LDN, is also known as the Philly Dietitian. After several years of growing her private practice in Philadelphia and surrounding suburban areas, Shank — a 2005 Lancaster Catholic High School graduate — expanded into her hometown of Lancaster.

Ellen Zeswitz, MS, RD, LDN, joined the Lancaster Dietitian team in the fall 2023 after two years of outpatient counseling at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. She too was born and raised in Lancaster County and graduated from Manheim Township High School in 2012.

Lancaster Dietitian offers personalized guidance tailored to clients’ specific needs and goals. Services include weight-loss management, gastrointestinal disorders, women’s health and nutrition during pregnancy.

Lancaster Dietitian is credentialed with most major insurances and offer a self-pay option for those who do not have nutrition counseling coverage through their insurance.

For more information, visit lancasterdietitian.com.

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