It’s hard to have control over what is on the holiday menu when you aren’t the one entertaining, so when I bring food to a party, I typically make something on the healthier side so that I have a great option to nosh on. Don’t get me wrong, I still like to indulge a bit, but its nice to know that there are healthier options so that you can save room for the not-so-healthy desserts that you’ve been looking forward to all year.
1. Rosemary White Bean Dip
One of my recent favorite appetizers to make, and definitely the healthiest on my list, is this Rosemary White Bean Dip, its filled protein and fiber, naturally dairy and gluten free, and so creamy good. It tastes very similar to hummus with pretty much the same ingredients but instead of chickpeas the recipes uses navy beans. It’s also so easy to make. I like to serve with pita chips or Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (GF). It’s also great with fresh torn bread.
Recipe:
- 1 can of navy beans
- 1/3 cup of filtered water
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1/2 cup of Tahini
- 2 tbsp of EVOO
- 1/2 tsp of sea salt
- 2 tsp of dried or fresh rosemary
- Squeeze of half a lemon
Directions:
1. Drain (don’t rinse) navy beans and place into a microwave safe bowl with filtered water and garlic.
2. Microwave on high for 2 1/2 mins
3. Remove from micro and add to high speed blender or food processor and blend with remaining ingredients until smooth.
4. Top with more EVOO and rosemary and serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or bread. I like mine warm, so I serve right away or heat up later in the micro and stir.
2. Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers are a great crowd pleas-er and also a very festive option. They are so simple and so good. We’re loving this homemade balsamic glaze with the recipe from STUCK ON Sweet’s blog: Caprese Salad Skewers
3. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
This last one is more indulgent–but also one of favorites: Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese. Okay, maybe bacon isn’t exactly healthy but it’s definitely a nice salty option. But dates are good for you so it balances things out, right? Can’t win ’em all.
And if you don’t feel like making them yourself, Trader Joe’s has an already prepared frozen version that you can bake up in minutes 😀.
What are your favorite holiday appetizers?
Xoxo
Marisa
