Healthy Holiday Appetizers

Because Christmas is the season of giving, let’s talk more about what we can give our plates to make them healthier rather than what we should take away. And the best place to start is with appetizers (a staple to every holiday feast!)

Among many key nutrients, the appetizers below are a great source of fiber. Why is fiber so important? It helps to promote satiety and keep our blood sugar stable, which can prevent overeating and those classic late night cravings.

These are a blast to make with your kiddos at home, though certainly fun for all ages (if I saw these at a holiday party I’d run straight to this table!)

Check out Susie on Local 44’s Morning Brew show for step-by-step instructions on how to make some of these adorable treats!

  1. Grinch Grapes

Ingredients: strawberries, banana slices, green grapes, toothpicks

Ingredients: strawberries, banana slices, green grapes, toothpicks

2. Snowmen Skewers

Ingredients: banana slices, strawberries, dark chocolate chips, coffee stirrersTip: aim for dark chocolate that is 70% cocoa or greater for antioxidant benefits.

Ingredients: banana slices, strawberries, dark chocolate chips, coffee stirrers

Tip: aim for dark chocolate that is 70% cocoa or greater for antioxidant benefits.

3. Candy Cane Caprese

Ingredients: mini mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, basil leaves, coffee stirrersTip: top with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzle

Ingredients: mini mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, basil leaves, coffee stirrers

Tip: top with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzle

4. Olive Penguins

Ingredients: black olives, carrot slices (with a wedge cut for flippers), toothpicksTip: serve with your favorite vegetable dips

Ingredients: black olives, carrot slices (with a wedge cut for flippers), toothpicks

Tip: serve with your favorite vegetable dips

5. Christmas Tree Vegetable Platter

Ingredients: broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, chopped carrots, sliced bell peppersTip: serve with your favorite vegetable dips

Ingredients: broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, chopped carrots, sliced bell peppers

Tip: serve with your favorite vegetable dips

Abby Wadsworth