5 Fun and Healthy Party Snacks That Won’t Break Your Diet

healthy party snacks

The holidays are upon us.

Parties at work, school, or with family lead to temptation everywhere you turn.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Why be a slave to temptation when you can choose healthy party snacks? You deserve to have fun this holiday season rather than be overcome with anxiety over your waistline.

5 Healthy Party Snacks for a Festive Holiday Season

These snacks all combine protein, healthy fats, and good carbs into delicious, guilt-free treats. Throwing your own party? Have your pick of catering services create one of these tasty dishes.

Or team up with a couple friends or co-workers to make these healthy appetizers for all to enjoy.

Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

Everything is better with bacon. Here’s proof.

Remove the stems from fresh mushrooms and finely mince. Cook 4 cups of rinsed baby spinach in a medium skillet until wilted. Dry and finely chop.

Saute 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves in a teaspoon of olive oil until golden brown. Toss in the minced mushroom stems and saute until soft.

Remove the pan from heat and mix in the spinach, 4 slices of cooked and chopped bacon, 1/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan.

Lightly salt the mushroom caps, fill them with the mixture, and spray some oil on top. Bake on a cooking sprayed baking sheet for 20 minutes.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Try getting these at PF Chang’s–especially for 53 calories each.

Cut 3 large chicken breasts into 1/2 inch cubes. Mix with 1/2 cup of wing sauce, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Place a grill basket on your 400-degree grill. Add the marinated chicken and grill for 8-10 minutes. Place the grilled chicken in a bowl and stir in another 1/4 cup of wing sauce.

Place chicken, diced avocado and tomato, green onion and a drizzle of ranch in each lettuce cup.

Sweet Potato Bites with Bacon and Avocado

Grab two sweet potatoes, with skins on, and slice them into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick chips. Bake them on an olive oiled and foil-covered baking sheet, in a 425-degree oven, for 20 minutes.

Switch to broil, flip over the slices and roast them for 8-11 minutes.

While they’re baking, whip up some chunky guacamole using your favorite recipe. Hit each chip with a dollop, some of your 4 slices of chopped bacon, and some cilantro.

Cauliflower Popcorn

It’s not popcorn, but it is covered in garlic and Parmesan, so does it matter?

On a baking sheet, toss 8 cups of cauliflower florets (stems trimmed) with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Roast in a 475-degree oven until brown and tender–around 25-30 minutes.

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

You had me at pizza.

Slice 2 large zucchini into 1/2 inch slices and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Top each slice with marinara or pesto. Add grilled corn and bacon to the pesto slices.

Finish the marinara slices with your choice of two toppings. Blue cheese and caramelized onions or grated Fontina and Italian seasoning both work.

Bake in a 375-degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove when cheese is bubbling and golden. Top with Parmesan, fresh oregano and basil.

Time to Get Cookin’

It’s not as hard as you think to find healthy party food. All these recipes are easy to make, taste great and give your body the balanced nutrition it needs.

Even if you’re not bringing food to holiday parties this year, you can still make healthy choices. Look for healthy party snacks that combine carbs, good fats, and protein.

For your everyday cooking, here are some more healthy recipes.