Super Healthy Appetizers for your next gathering - Heather Christo

I think appetizers are an integral part of your party. You either go ultra light (think olives and almonds) but be fast with the drinks! Or you serve up a spread. I am a chronic over-feeder so I typically air on the side of more is better. Plus appetizers are so fun in that they have endless options to delight in small bites. I have included some of my favorite healthy varieties here.

Fresh Pea Hummus

Fresh hulled green peas (if you are lazy like me they sell them like this at Trader Joes), can of garbanzo beans and you just add a little garlic, a little lemon, some olive oil and salt and you have an incredibly delicious, healthy and EASY dip, spread or whatever else you want to use it for.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Coconut Compound Butter and Basil Pistou

These are high protein and insanely packed with flavor from the coconut oil compound butter!

Asian Chickpea Dip

Totally unexpected Asian flavors show off this chickpea dip like a match made in heaven!

Shrimp Ceviche Stuffed Avocados

I love to close my ideas and pretend I am on a beach in Mexico and these aaaaamazing stuffed avocados get the job done!

Turkey Curry Meatball Lettuce Cups with Asian Slaw (Paleo)

These are PACKED with delicious flavor and are so healthy that you can eat the whole batch (um, I mean, I would never do something like eat all of them....)

Blistered Shishito Peppers with Sesame Sauce

My favorite peppers ever with a creamy tahini sauce- absolutely wonderful!

Asian Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

I added a bunch of Asian spices and flavorings and then roasted the shrimp instead of boiling them. And the cocktail sauce is homemade and kicked up about 10 notches in flavor and zest from your average store bought stuff.

Asian Tuna Tartar

This is a total revival appetizer!! It's kind of circa early 2000's but still oh-so good!

Pork and Mango Fresh rolls with Spicy Sun Butter Coconut Dipping Sauce

Fresh rolls have always been one of my favorite fresh and healthy snacks. I love to make big batches of these and leave them in the fridge for whenever I get an urge to head for chips or something. The mango is something special and so is the finger licking good dipping sauce!

Lemongrass Pork Meatball Lettuce Cups with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

I see these as little asian tacos- only healthier! This is just crazy delicious comfort food that also happens to be AMAZINGLY delicious and light on the tummy!! (isn’t that a great combo?)

Smokey Artichoke Hummus Dip

The bold flavors of smoked paprika and Artichoke make this hummus a scene stealer!

Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Avocado Sauce

Light, crispy and delicate- these are piping hot and golden and an amazing appetizer or first course.

I think appetizers are an integral part of your party. You either go ultra light (think olives and almonds) but be fast with the drinks! Or you serve up a spread. I am a chronic over-feeder so I typically air on the side of more is better. Plus appetizers are so fun in that they have endless options to delight in small bites. I have included some of my favorite healthy varieties here.

Recipe by Heather Christo (http://heatherchristo.com)