14 Easy Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizers
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and lots of delicious food. However, with so many indulgent dishes on the table, it can be easy to overdo it on calories and feel sluggish by the time dessert rolls around.
That’s why having some easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers is key. Not only do they help balance out the meal, but they also leave you feeling satisfied yet energized enough to enjoy the rest of the festivities.
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14 Easy Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas
If you’re looking for some fresh Thanksgiving appetizer ideas that won’t weigh you down, we have some of the best options for easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers this year.
Vegetable Platter with Hummus or Ranch Dip
Raw, crunchy veggies paired with a creamy, protein-packed dip make for a filling and nutritious appetizer. Some great veggie choices include:
- Celery sticks
- Baby carrots
- Broccoli and cauliflower florets
- Grape tomatoes
- Sweet bell pepper slices
- Jicama sticks
- Radishes
Serve with store-bought or homemade hummus, Greek yogurt ranch dip, or another high-protein dip of your choice. The fiber-filled veggies and hunger-fighting protein will keep you satisfied.
Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt Dip
Fruit kebabs make for a naturally sweet appetizer that packs antioxidants. Thread your favorite fruits onto skewers, like:
- Strawberries
- Pineapple chunks
- Grapes
- Apple slices
- Banana chunks
- Orange wedges
Serve with a tangy yogurt, honey, and lime dip for a bit of creaminess. The vitamin C in the fruit will help boost your immunity through cold and flu season.
Deviled Eggs with Avocado
Adding healthy fats like avocado to deviled eggs balances out the eggs’ cholesterol. Simply mash up the egg yolks with avocado, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and your favorite seasonings. Then fill the egg whites and top with paprika. Creamy, protein-rich, and full of flavor!
Mini Quiches with Whole Wheat Crust
For bite-sized, easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers that don’t weigh you down, make mini quiches using a whole wheat pie crust. Fill them with lean proteins like turkey sausage, Canadian bacon, or shrimp. You can also add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Whole grains and lean protein make these mini quiches nutritious and satisfying.
Roasted Artichoke Hearts with Lemon Vinaigrette
Artichokes are packed with fiber to help control your appetite. Roasted artichoke hearts are easy to make yet taste gourmet. Toss artichoke hearts with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for about 15 minutes until browned and tender. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Baked Brie with Fruit Topping
Brie cheese keeps this appetizer rich and decadent while the fruit adds nutrition. Place a wheel of brie in an oven-safe dish. Bake at 350°F until warm and gooey, about 15 minutes. Top with your choice of fruit like sliced apples, pears, figs, or cranberries. Serve with whole-grain crackers for dipping.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Seasonings
Skip fried appetizers and make easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers made of roasted pumpkin seeds instead. Toss shelled pumpkin seeds with olive oil and seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or curry powder. Roast at 300°F for about 25 minutes until crunchy. Pumpkin seeds provide fiber, protein, and immunity-boosting zinc.
White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Blending fiber-rich cannellini beans with roasted red peppers makes for a creamy, vitamin-packed dip. Serve with whole-grain pita chips or crackers. The protein and fiber will fill you up, not out.
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
For a fun twist, turn Brussels sprouts into an appetizer. Trim and halve the sprouts, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until browned. Finish with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze just before serving. The sprouts become caramelized and tangy, perfect for nibbling.
Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Keep it simple with sliced apples and almond butter. The fiber in the crisp apple slices and the protein in the nutty almond butter make this a filling and wholesome appetizer. For variety, use different apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith.
Edamame Hummus
Hummus gets an extra boost of plant-based protein and fiber when blended with shelled edamame. This twist on traditional hummus has a pleasant, mild bean flavor. Serve with raw vegetables or whole-grain pita chips.
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Top rounds of English cucumber with a dollop of cream cheese and a slice of smoked salmon. The cool cucumber, creamy cheese, and smoky salmon make an elegant appetizer.
Beet Chips
For a colorful, antioxidant-packed appetizer, thinly slice beets and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 375°F for 15 minutes until lightly crisped. Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta to add tangy flavor and extra protein.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Spread brie cheese onto crackers or bread and top with fresh cranberries. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is warm and gooey and the cranberries are juicy. Sweet, tart cranberries pair perfectly with melted brie.
Tips for Making Easy Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizers
When preparing your easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers, keep these tips in mind:
- Use whole grain and sprouted versions of breads, pitas, and crackers. This increases fiber for digestion and glucose control.
- Load up on veggies! The more you can add to appetizers, the more nutrients you’ll consume.
- Choose plant-based protein like beans, edamame, and nuts over deli meats which are high in sodium.
- Use healthy fats like olive oil and avocado instead of butter. This provides antioxidants and heart-healthy fats.
- Avoid using excessive salt, sugar, and preservatives which can negate the health benefits of the appetizer.
- Keep appetizers bite-sized so they’re easy to pop and don’t fill you up too fast before the meal.
- Get creative with savory flavor boosts like garlic, lemon juice, herbs, spices, mustard, and hot sauce instead of relying on salt. For flavorful, ethically sourced spices, try Diaspora Co. Their products are sourced directly from partner farms in India and are known for vibrant color and earthy flavor. Use Diaspora Co coupon codes to get the best prices on their quality spices for your appetizers.
- Make a platter with a variety of easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers so there’s something satisfying for everyone.
Thanksgiving appetizers without excess salt or preservatives. Enjoy spice blends that liven up plant-based proteins, roasted vegetables, dips, cheese platters, and any other appetizer you can dream up.
Read on: Healthy Thanksgiving Snacks That Help You Stay on Track This Holiday
Ready to Start Your Healthy Thanksgiving Meal!
Thanksgiving only comes once a year, so you want to indulge and enjoy it without overdoing it. Starting your holiday feast with nutritious, satisfying appetizers made with wholesome ingredients is the perfect way to strike that balance.
The easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers shared here give you lots of options to get creative. Focus on fiber-filled veggies, plant-based protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid excess salt, sugar, and butter. Most importantly, have fun developing your own healthy appetizer recipes to share with family and friends.
With these easy healthy Thanksgiving appetizers at the start of your Thanksgiving meal, you’ll have plenty of room to look forward to the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pie. You’ll feel nourished, energized, and ready to take a walk with loved ones or curl up by the fire for an afternoon nap.
