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This collection of 20+ dietitian-created easy, healthy-ish appetizer recipes will give you plenty of ideas for what to bring to a dinner party! These recipes use simple ingredients, taste delicious, are mostly vegetarian, with many make-ahead options. They’re perfect for the holiday season and beyond.
Looking for some easy, healthy-ish appetizers to make for your next gathering? I’ve rounded up 20+ of my favourite simple party appetizers and snacks below!
Despite being delicious and party-worthy, these recipes all use simple, whole food ingredients that pack in a nutritious-punch. Many are made with fruits, vegetables, and nuts. As a dietitian, I am all about getting nutritious ingredients in when you can, without sacrificing on flavour.
I love these recipes for an intimate dinner party or a holiday gathering. You’ll find some seasonal recipes, with many that can be enjoyed all year round. I’d love to know which ones you try!
1) Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Savoury Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates (Vegetarian)
These savoury goat cheese stuffed dates are topped with pistachios, walnuts, thyme, and honey! They're SUCH a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer recipe to serve at your next get together. Recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
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2) Pear & Brie Salad Skewers
These pear and brie cheese salad skewers are made with arugula, walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They're such a quick + easy, sweet + savoury party appetizer idea that your guests will love!
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3) Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers (Easy Appetizer!)
These goat cheese stuffed mini peppers are paired with balsamic glaze, honey, and thyme. Roasting them in the oven makes them soft, warm, and really brings out the sweetness in the peppers. They’re such an easy, delicious, vegetarianparty appetizer ideathat your guests will love!
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4) Savoury Spiced Nuts
Savoury Spiced Nuts (Roasted)
These savoury spiced nuts are flavoured with BBQ seasonings and oven-roasted for so much deliciousness. They're such a quick + easy appetizer or snack that happens to be healthy, too!
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5) Whipped Feta With Roasted Strawberries
Whipped Feta Dip With Roasted Strawberries
This whipped feta with greek yogurt dip is paired with balsamic roasted strawberries and basil. It's a sweet, savoury, and DELICIOUS appetizer or starter. Can be made in advance, with an option to serve as crostini!
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6) Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms (Easy Appetizer)
These bite-sized stuffed mushrooms are filled with herby goat cheese and parmesan, then baked in the oven until browned, warm, and oh-so-delicious! Easy to make, even in advance, this is sure to be a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Recipe is both vegetarian and gluten-free.
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7) Basil Pesto Hummus
Pesto Hummus (15-Minutes!)
Ready in 15-minutes, this pesto hummus is made with either store-bought or homemade basil pesto, canned chickpeas, tahini, and fresh lemon. Serve it as a dip, spread, pasta sauce, or add to grain bowls – there are so many ways you can enjoy this easy and nutritious recipe!
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8) Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Balls (Appetizer!)
These 5-ingredient, mini goat cheese balls are made with pecans, dried cranberries, fresh thyme, and honey. Rich in flavour and festive, holiday colours – this party appetizer is easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
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9) Herbed Cottage Cheese Dip
5-Minute Healthy Cottage Cheese Dip
This savory cottage cheese dip is made with fresh herbs, like chives and parsley. It's quick, easy, healthy and perfect for serving with vegetables or crackers!
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10) Smoked Salmon Bagel Bites
Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bagel Bites
If you're looking for a fun canapé, appetizer, or finger food idea to serve at your next party – look no further than these smoked salmon appetizer bagel bites! They're bite-sized, SUPER easy to make, and sure to be a crowd favourite.
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11) Mediterranean Flatbread
This mediterranean flatbread recipe is topped with veggies like peppers, arugula, and olives along with goat cheese, honey, and thyme. It's quick, easy, and delicious – perfect for a party appetizer or a homemade pizza night!
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12) Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini With Prunes
Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini With Stewed California Prunes
These whipped goat cheese crostini are topped with stewed California Prunes, walnuts, and thyme for an easy appetizer or snack idea. The recipe is sweet, savoury, vegetarian, and absolutely delicious!
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13) Fruit Dip With Greek Yogurt
This quick, easy, and healthy yogurt fruit dip recipe is made without marshmallow or cream cheese. It's flavoured with simple ingredients like lemon zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. A delicious addition to a fruit platter or dessert/appetizer tray!
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14) Parmesan-Crusted Brussels Sprouts Bites
Baked Parmesan-Crusted Brussels Sprouts Bites
These crispy parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts bites are such a delicious party appetizer idea! Brussels sprouts are covered in a parmesan, garlic, smoked paprika and hemp seed "breading" before baking in the oven. Serve with garlic aioli or another dip of choice!
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15) Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip
Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip
This pumpkin whipped feta is paired with honey, walnuts, and fresh thyme. The recipe can be made in advance, with an option to serve as crostini. It's a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that your guests will love!
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16) Canned Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese
Canned Salmon Dip With Cream Cheese (15-Minutes!)
You can have this protein-packed canned salmon dip ready in just 15 minutes! Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, greek yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs, this easy dip is perfect for crackers and raw veggies. Can be served as a sandwich or bagel spread, too!
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17) Tinned Fish Charcuterie Board (“Seacuterie”)
Tinned Fish Charcuterie Board (“Seacuterie”)
Transport yourself to Southern Europe by making a tinned fish charcuterie board, also known as a "seacuterie!" It's an affordable, delicious, and nutritious way to eat canned seafood. Perfect for date night in or as a dinner party appetizer!
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18) Healthy Roasted Vegetable Dips
Healthy Roasted Vegetable Dip
These healthy roasted vegetable dip recipes are made with greek yogurt, tahini, fresh herbs, spices, and toasted nuts. Featuring 3 different recipe ideas, including roasted carrots, beets, and butternut squash!
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19) Baked Feta With Tomatoes & Peppers
This easy baked feta is paired with peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It's a delicious and healthy-ish appetizer recipe that's perfect for parties!
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20) Baked Parsnip Fries With Honey Mustard
Baked Parsnip Fries With Honey Mustard Sauce
These baked parsnip fries are such an easy, delicious way to reap the many health benefits of parsnips. Served with the most amazing honey mustard sauce for dipping!
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21) Roasted Corn Salsa
Roasted Corn Salsa (Pico De Gallo)
This roasted corn salsa is made for summer days! Sweet, juicy, and packed with veggies, you can serve this recipe as a dip, salad, or as a flavourful topping for proteins like fish or chicken. Option to make with boiled/steamed corn or canned corn instead.
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22) Canned Salmon Crostini
Easy Canned Salmon Crostini
Looking for a simple, delicious, and nutritious appetizer idea for your next summer party? These light and fresh canned salmon crostini are sure to be a hit!
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23) Roasted Shish*to Peppers
These blistered, oven-roasted shish*to peppers are made with only 5 simple ingredients, including lemon, parmesan, and garlic. Quick, easy, and nutritious – this is a delicious dinner appetizer!
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24) Avocado Boats With Mango, Strawberry & Balsamic
These avocado boats are so easy and quick to make, taste deliciously creamy, and will keep you feeling full and satisfied until your next meal comes around due to the healthy fat content.
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More Recipe Roundups To Explore
- 20+ Healthy Vegetable Side Dishes
- 20+ Healthy Pasta Recipes
- 15+ Easy, Healthy Shrimp Recipes
- 30+ Plant-Based Breakfast Ideas
And there you have it –20+ Easy Party Appetizer Recipesto cook and enjoy. I so hope you found inspiration for some new and creative ways to cook with squash!
If you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me onInstagramorPinterest– seeing your creations always makes my day. You can alsosubscribe to my email listto never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
Get the Recipe:20+ Easy Appetizer Recipes, Including Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
These savoury goat cheese stuffed dates are topped with pistachios, walnuts, thyme, and honey! They're SUCH a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer recipe to serve at your next get together. Recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. Plus, more party appetizer recipes!
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 30 pieces
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5 from 1 vote
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Ingredients
- 15 med-large medjool dates
- 1/2 cup goat cheese
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts
- 2 Tbsp raw pistachios
- 1 tsp honey (to drizzle)
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, stems removed
Instructions
Using a pairing knife, slice medjool dates in half lengthwise. Remove the pit and set dates aside.
Once all dates are pitted, take a regular knife and smear a small amount of goat cheese into each date half.
Then, press either walnuts and/or pistachios into the goat cheese. Use 1-2 nuts per date, depending on size.
Serve dates on a plate or tray. Lightly drizzle some honey overtop, and sprinkle them with fresh thyme.
Notes
*Please note that servings of nuts and goat cheese are approximate – it may differ slightly depending on the size of the dates you use!
*This recipe uses 15 dates, cut in half to make 30 pieces. A standard serving is about 2-3 dates per person, so roughly 4-6 pieces per person.
*While the ingredients will be safe to eat if stored in the refrigerator, stuffed dates are best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature.
*If you’d like to make these ahead of time, I would recommend pitting and stuffing the dates with the goat cheese only. Store these in an airtight container in the fridge, then remove and add the nuts, thyme, and honey within an hour of serving.
*Possible recipe variations:
- If you don’t like goat cheese, try a different kind of cheese. Dates pair well with brie, blue cheese, or ricotta.
- Instead of honey, you could also try drizzling these dates with a balsamic reduction.
- Instead of thyme, you can try sprinkling another herb on top, such as rosemary.
- Feel free to also try these with another type of nut, like almonds or pecans!
Nutrition
As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.
Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword: dates, goat cheese, holiday, pistachios, thyme, walnuts
Author: Carrie Walder
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.
