Healthy snacks and party appetizers

Snacking doesn't have to derail your healthy lifestyle. Whether you're hosting a party or just need a quick bite, making your own healthy snacks and appetizers is a smart choice. By choosing fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients, you can create delicious bites that satisfy cravings without the guilt.

These snacks not only fuel your body with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also help maintain energy levels and keep you feeling full longer. Enjoy these easy and tasty recipes for healthy snacks and party appetizers that everyone will love.

Lemon basil chickpea fritters

Ingredients:

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbs (20 milliliters) lemon juice
• ¼ cup whole-wheat flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbs fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbs (14 milliliters) avocado oil

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, stir together chickpeas, lemon juice, flour and salt. Mash with potato masher or fork until a thick paste is formed, leaving a few chickpeas whole for texture. Stir in Parmesan cheese, basil and lemon zest.
• With clean hands, form mixture into 6 golf ball-sized balls. Flatten into patties, roughly 2 inches to 3 inches in diameter. Place on a plate.
• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add 3 to 4 patties to skillet, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan.
• Cook one side for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a towel-lined plate.
• Cook remaining patties and serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

Recipe adapted from eatright.org.

Alfredo bagel bites

Ingredients:

• 6 100% whole-wheat mini-bagels
• 3 cups (3 ounces) fresh cauliflower florets
• ¼ cup fat-free Greek yogurt
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbs minced garlic
• 1¾ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange bagel halves, insides facing up on sheet.
• Steam cauliflower for 3 minutes in large microwave safe bowl.
• Transfer steamed cauliflower to a blender. Add yogurt, salt, garlic and ¼ cup mozzarella. Puree until smooth.
• Spread cauliflower-yogurt Alfredo sauce evenly on bagels. Top with remaining cheese.
• Bake 15 minutes until tops are golden. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. One serving is 2 bagel halves. Makes 6 servings.

Recipe adapted from eatright.org.

Broccoli nuggets

Ingredients:

• 2 cups packed fresh broccoli, finely chopped
• 3 eggs, whisked
• ¾ cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
• Place broccoli plus one cup of water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2½ minutes — broccoli should be tender but not mushy. Depending on the strength of the microwave, cooking time may need to be increased by 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Once broccoli is cooked, remove and drain well.
• Place chopped broccoli in a large bowl and add in the whisked eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder and salt. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine well. Mixture should stick together without much effort.
• Shape into nuggets and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. If you are having a hard time forming into nuggets, add in more breadcrumbs, one tbs at a time.
• Place formed nuggets on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip once and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Serve as is or with your favorite dip. One serving is 6 nuggets. Makes 4 servings.

Recipe adapted from eatright.org.

Fresh dates stuffed with rosemary mascarpone and walnuts

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 2 tbs finely-snipped fresh rosemary
• ¾ pound (about 24) pitted fresh Medjool dates
• ½ cup (about 1½ ounces) coarsely-chopped walnuts
• Fresh rosemary, for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine mascarpone cheese and rosemary in a small bowl, incorporating well. Cover. Refrigerate for about 1 hour for flavors to blend.
• Slit the dates along one side. Stuff each date with about 1 tsp mascarpone cheese mixture, leaving the slit slightly open to expose the cheese mixture.
• Dip the cheese-stuffed dates in the walnuts along the slit, allowing the walnuts to coat the cheese mixture.
• Garnish with rosemary leaves, if desired.
• Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve. One serving is 2 bagel halves. Makes 12 servings.

Recipe adapted from eatright.org.

Next steps:

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