It is the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season has finally arrived and we are already starting to think about our holiday menus. Our team believes diets usually fail at the grocery store, not at home, which is why we decide to choose more mindful recipes before we head to the grocery store so we can stop winging it on the fly.
This holiday season, instead of worrying about unwanted holiday weight gain, we are vowing to do better by planning ahead. We can enjoy good food, even holiday classics if we plan accordingly and give them each a more mindful twist. Contrary to popular belief, you can make healthy holiday food that is good for you and tastes delicious. It is not impossible and can be easy.
Here are six seasonal recipes that are perfect if you are looking for healthy holiday hors d’oeuvres for all of those upcoming holiday parties. Whether you are hosting a casual cocktail hour or attending a fancy holiday soiree, these healthy holiday hors d’oeuvres will be a holiday gift to everyone on your guest list.
Chickpea Burgers
Who doesn’t love a good mini slider? Food is just way more fun when it is bite-sized, which is why we enjoy these chickpea burgers. Make mini serving sizes so guests can enjoy a small taste before the main course. Serve on a mini grain-free bun or simply top with a splash of toasted sesame oil, a dollop of Vegan mayonnaise, and a spoonful of sriracha sauce for the ultimate healthy holiday hors d’oeuvres. You can even top with a small slice of Vegan cheddar cheese for an added layer of flavor.
Granola Bites
Granola bites may not seem like holiday hors d’oeuvres, but guests may be craving something chewy and sweet before dinner, so set out a bowl or two (or three) of your favorite granola bites. Then, let holiday guests enjoy a sweet treat that is chewy, plant-based, sweet, and savory all in one simple granola bite. Choose from Decadent Chewy Chocolate, Luscious Cranberry Coconut, or Sassy Mango Salsa. (Why choose just one flavor when you can have all three?)
Homemade Holiday Hummus
Leftover chickpeas from those chickpea sliders? Whip up a batch of homemade holiday hummus. Serve with slices of green and red bell peppers and a handful of white cauliflower heads to create a holiday-themed appetizer that is sure to please all palettes and channels the colorful vibes of the holiday season.
Roasted Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
Cauliflower is incredibly versatile, but we like to keep things super simple, which is why we love a batch of roasted cauliflower bites. We like to serve ours with delicious dipping sauces like buffalo wing sauce to add a zesty flair to all of our holiday food. Channel that inner top chef and whip up your own homemade dipping sauce that will leave holiday guests asking for seconds.
Vegan Meatballs
Most meatballs come on top of a bowl of classic spaghetti or on a pasta dish, but mini meatballs make a great holiday hors d’oeuvres even if you are planning a Vegan menu. Get creative and use basic ingredients like black beans and lentils to transform these seamless boring pantry staples into something super delicious like these:
- Italian Black Bean Vegan “Meatballs"
- Lentil Meatballs with Pumpkin Seed Butter Spinach Pesto Sauce
- Lentil Vegan Meatballs simmered in a savory tomato sauce
Just remember to make these meatballs into smaller appetizer side portions so guests save room for the main dinner entree.
Cooking for the holidays does not have to be complicated nor does it have to come with unwanted holiday weight gain. Instead, plan recipes ahead of time and use more mindful ingredients along with healthier holiday recipes so you can still enjoy the flavors and taste of the holiday season without worrying too much about your waistline. Happy holidays everyone!
- Stay Healthy and Happy
Need more holiday hors d’oeuvres recipe ideas? Check out @MBVeganShare or join our CEO live @itsnolasnack every other Sunday when she shares some delicious and nutritious vegan recipes. Don’t worry, even if you aren’t vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes.
Tag us @itsnolasnack so we can see your healthy holiday hors d’oeuvres.
