‘Tis the season for indulgent potlucks, holiday parties and family gatherings, but you can still stay on track with these recipes. MyFitnessPal’s 7 most-pinned appetizers of the year all have less than 300 calories per serving and don’t sacrifice an ounce of holiday cheer.
Check out our Pinterest boards for other healthy recipes and fitness tips, too.
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1. ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SWEET POTATOES
Topped with pecans, cheese and tangy balsamic vinegar, this flavorful side dish appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It’s got less than 250 calories and 5 grams of fiber and takes less than 10 minutes to prep.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 234; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 579mg; Carbohydrate: 24g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 6g
2. BAKED BUFFALO WINGS WITH BLUE CHEESE DIP
These wings use a baking method that allows them to crisp up without dipping them into the fryolator, saving hundreds of calories and extra fat. Serve with Greek yogurt-based blue cheese dip — and extra Buffalo sauce for the spice lovers.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 278; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 116mg; Sodium: 296mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 32g
3. ROASTED BEET KALE SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS
This seasonal salad combines sweet, roasted beets, candied walnuts and kale for a side that’s as festive as it is nutritious. Replace the cheese with avocado to make this vegan.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 248; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 175mg; Carbohydrate: 23g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 15g; Protein: 4g
4. CHEESY LOW-CARB CAULIFLOWER BAKE
Casseroles are a classic at holiday family get-togethers, but they’re typically carb- and calorie-laden. This dish replaces pasta with cauliflower, saving loads of calories while the cheese and bacon still pack a ton of flavor.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 213; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 36mg; Sodium: 489mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 12g
5. SWEET & SPICY CHICKEN MEATBALLS
Meatballs are always a crowd-pleasing finger food at cocktail parties and for good reason. These meatballs are made with ground lean chicken instead of beef and topped with a homemade sweet and savory sauce.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 104; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 47mg; Sodium: 395mg; Carbohydrate: 9g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 12g
6. GARLICKY BROCCOLI ‘ZOODLES’ WITH BACON
Ready in 20 minutes, this is an ideal dish to bring to a potluck to ensure there’ll be something tasty and healthy to nosh on. At less than 200 calories and half the carbs of traditional pasta, be prepared to share the recipe.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 194; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 14mg; Sodium: 234mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 10g
7. ROASTED RED PEPPER TOMATO SOUP
Serve this quick vegan soup as an appetizer at your next dinner party. It can be whipped up in a half hour, while you’re waiting on your roast. Bonus: This soup packs in more than 100% of your daily vitamin C quota.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 172; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 439mg; Carbohydrate: 24g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 4g
