11 Guilt-Free Party Snacks
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a way to avoid ruining your diet and still get your party food fix, whether you are attending a party or hosting one? The good news is that party eating doesn't have to equal unhealthy eating.
Fernanda Capobianco’s Pissaladière with Vegetables and Olives
"Half tart, half pizza, the pissaladière is a classic recipe from the Provence region of France. My version features a mélange of multi-colored vegetables – zucchini, fennel, eggplant, and onions – on top of an olive oil-enriched crust," says chef Fernanda Capobianco of vegan bakery Vegan Divas NYC. "It's ideal as a main dish for dinner alongside a green salad – a great recipe for entertaining. Leave the vegetables premade and each guest can make or choose their topping."
Click here for Fernanda Capobianco's Pissaladière with Vegetables and Olives recipe!
Art Smith’s Unfried Chicken with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Chef Art Smith's, of Lyfe Kitchen, Unfried Chicken is a baked-to-perfection party favorite and has 570 calories and 792mg sodium, so no one will leave the party feeling guilty!
Chef Brian Tsao’s Sesame Leaf Wrap
Mira Sushi chef Chef Brian Tsao's sesame leaf wrap is extremely healthy – it features fresh vegetables and basic zesty flavors. The crunchy vegetables like cucumbers and carrots give the dish texture and the sesame binds all the vibrant flavors together to give the dish a savory appeal.
Sarah Haley’s N.F.C. Salad
"N.F.C. stands for nuts, fruits, and cheese," explains Sarah Haley, a lifestyle expert and creator of The Daily Sweat workouts. "Because I pretty much just throw it together with whatever ingredients I have in my house. Plus, with those ingredients I hit a lot of the major food groups."
Holly Clegg’s Eight Layered Greek Dip
"This is my go-to make-ahead recipe when I want an impressive knockout appetizer," says Holly Clegg, author of the Trim & Terrific cookbook series. "Move over Mexican – this Mediterranean inspired dip will be your new party favorite. It is mine."
Click here for Holly Clegg's Eight Layered Greek Dip recipe!
Holly Clegg’s Olive Cheese Cocktail Bread
Freeze and please appetizers. Distinct flavors meld together for this outstanding party vegetarian pick-up that doesn't leave you feeling guilty!
Click here for Holly Clegg's Olive Cheese Cocktail Bread Recipe
Erin Palinski-Wade’s Bacon & Cheese Clam Pizza Bites
Registered dietician Erin Palinski-Wade recommends serving appetizers with premade, healthy ingredients such as Matlaw's Stuffed Clams at parties. "They're a super easy and tasty appetizer to serve guests or make a perfect side dish for those who don't want to overdo it," says Palinski-Wade.
Click here for Erin Palinski-Wade's Bacon & Cheese Clam Pizza Bites recipe!
Valerie Cogswell’s Power Crunch Cheesecake Custard with Raspberries, Whipped Cream and Graham Cracker Crunch
Valerie Cogswell is a certified nutrition coach and recipe developer with more than10 years of experience. Her decadent and surprisingly lean cheesecake custard recipe will completely upstage the typically unhealthy dessert spread.
Click here for Valerie Cogswell's Power Crunch Cheesecake Custard recipe!
The Biggest Loser Bootcamp Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
The chefs behind The Biggest Loser Bootcamp: The 8-Week Get-Real, Get-Results Weight-Loss Program are all about finding healthy and delicious recipes to party with. This simple, decadent fudge is low in fat thanks to evaporated milk and powdered peanut butter. Just be sure to choose high-quality chocolate for best results.
Click here for The Biggest Loser Bootcamp Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge recipe!
Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg’s Mini Pistachio Chewy Bite Rum Bundt Cakes
Want a savory and boozy dessert that won't pack on the pounds? Try these mini bundt cakes by Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg, owners and chefs of a gourmet vegan food company, Spork Foods, in Los Angeles. They are the perfect combination of savory and sweet!
Click here for Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg's Mini Pistachio Chewy Bite Rum Bundt Cakes recipe!
Chef Luca Manfe’s Pandoro Blueberry Trifle
Bauli chef ambassador and winner of Masterchef Season 4 Luca Manfe's blueberry trifle is a delicious, guilt-free dessert that can be rustled up in no time Greek yogurt provides an unique texture and flavorthat may seem indulgent, but will allow guests to snack knowing that they're actually cutting back on the calories they'd be consuming if you'd used more traditional trifle ingredients like whipped or sour cream.
Click here for Master Chef Winner Luca Manfe's Pandoro Blueberry Trifle recipe!