12 Healthy Holiday Appetizers Slideshow

Baked Purple Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes get an extra burst of sweetness from fresh blueberries, and the cinnamon and honey folded in masks the fact that you're eating something that's actually good for you. Served in mini ramekins, it's the perfect holiday treat to pass around. 

Click here to see the Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ahi Tuna Wonton Crisps

The best thing about this recipe, is that your guests will enjoy sushi-grade tuna without any extra costs to you. It calls for the tuna to be diced up into 1/8-inch cubes, so ½ pound of quality tuna goes a long way. 

Click here to see the Ahi Tuna Wonton Crisps Recipe

Baked Sweet Potato Sticks

That vibrant orange color isn't just for show — sweet potatoes are actually an amazing source of vitamin C, along with other daily recommended vitamins. This recipe gives them a healthy crunch by baking them, rather than frying. 

Click here to see the Baked Sweet Potato Sticks Recipe

Eggplant Caponata

Caponata is an authentic Italian dish of stewed eggplant and other seasonings. Chef John Brandt-Lee of Avalon Restaurant uses crispy flat bread as a vehicle for enjoying the savory mixture. 

Click here to see the Eggplant Caponata Recipe

Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Avocado

These bite-sized tomatoes are like a mini serving of guacamole, and are given an extra kick with curry powder and chili powder. 

Click here to see the Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Avocado Recipe

Chi-Chi Bean Toasts

A chi-chi bean is Leslie Durso's grandmother's nickname for garbanzo beans, and it makes its appearance in this recipe mixed in a flavorful mayonnaise and served on soft bread. 

Click here to see the Chi Chi Bean Toasts Recipe

Creamed Spinach-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Sometimes we can't resist a little creamed spinach, and this recipe uses mushrooms as a serving vessel — so you cut back on serving size and add another dose of vegetables to the mix. 

Click here to see the Creamed Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Swiss Chard Puffs

Everyone knows Swiss chard is good for them, but sometimes it's a struggle to get the tough, dark green to taste good. This recipe does it right with a little puff pastry. 

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Malanga Fritters with Serrano Chiles and Garlic

This exotic recipe from thecookbook Roots uses malangas to create crispy, palm-sized fritters. If you're a bit more traditional, feel free to use potatoes instead. 

Click here to see the Malanga Fritters with Serrano Chiles and Garlic Recipe

Roasted Almond Foccacia Bread with Grapes and Rosemary

For a light snack that still satiates the indulgent crowd, focaccia is an ideal dish to make. This focaccia blends the aromatic flavors of rosemary with the sweetness of grapes for a deliciously unexpected taste. 

Click here to see the Roasted Almond Foccacia Bread with Grapes and Rosemary Recipe

Pan-Seared Scallops

While scallops are sometimes a pricey dinner to serve, they make great appetizers to pass around a party. Just stick a toothpick in them and they're edible. They're decadent but otherwise very healthy.

Click here to see the Pan-Seared Scallops Recipe

Spicy Stuffed Tomatoes

It takes a steady hand, a keen eye, and a sturdy yet small spoon to rise to the challenge of spicy stuffed tomatoes. A sharp garnishing tool doesn't hurt a bit, and may be an even more important ally than the keen eye. Want to make a tomato feast? This recipe doubles well, as long as you have the energy for lots of stuffing.

 Click here to see the Spicy Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe