tartsy - Healthy party snacks

July 2, 2009

Rachel says:

I’m hosting a party (okay, it’s my birthday party) for around 40 people in a couple of weeks and was wondering if you had any suggestions of easy-to-make, healthy snacks that are a little more original than carrot sticks and bowls of fruit? We’re already going cupcakes and easter eggs - it’s my birthday! - but I don’t want to get sugar- and pastry-ed out.

I have to admit, on my birthday, all bets are pretty much off in terms of watching what I eat. My birthday meal in a few weeks is going to consist of steak au poivre, creamy (aka, with LOTS OF CREAM AND BUTTER) mashed potatoes, and green beans (just because I have to round out the plate with SOMETHING green). For dessert? Hopefully my man’s famous banana pudding.

But kudos to you for at least trying to offer healthy options. I like when people think to include some healthier fare at parties. I hope it becomes more commonplace. In the mean time, here are some ideas for healthier finger food:

Pita (whole wheat if you want) triangles and hummus. You can toast the pita in the oven to make your own pita “chips.” Add salt, pepper, and paprika to flavor. (Or try this recipe.)

Homemade or store-bought guacamole served with a mix of veggies and tortilla chips.

Fruit kabobs with yogurt honey dipping sauce (combine plain or vanilla yogurt with honey to taste. Add cinnamon if you like).

Oven-fried zucchini sticks: the crunch of fried food with wayyyy fewer calories.

Spinach and brie topped artichoke hearts: combines healthy spinach and artichoke with just a bit of more decadent brie cheese (one serving has just 20 calories).

We are not Martha’s Panko-Crusted Chicken Bites with Apricot-Mustard Sauce

Tomato-basil skewers: like a bite-sized caprese salad. I’m definitely serving this one at my next gathering!

EatingWell.com has a well of other ideas (no pun intended), so if the above suggestions don’t do it for you, try there first. Let me know how it goes and happy birthday!