This collection of 10+ 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 10+ 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
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) 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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3) 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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4) Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini With 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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5) 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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6) Savoury Spiced Nuts
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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7) Whipped Feta 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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8) Healthy Roasted Vegetable Dips
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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9) 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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10) Baked Parsnip Fries With Honey Mustard
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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11) 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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12) 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
And there you have it – 10+ Easy Party Appetizer Recipes to 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 on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!
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10+ 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
Cook Time: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 30 pieces
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.
*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!
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: dates, goat cheese, holiday, pistachios, thyme, walnuts
