Six Healthy Holiday Snack Recipes

It’s an inevitable, immutable fact about the holidays…it’s impossible to eat healthy, even if you make that valiant attempt.  Home, office, shop, school, store, the homes of family and friends, barn, coal mine, submarine; no matter where you go, unhealthy snacks and food abounds.  And no matter how you try, their siren song of “It’s the holidays.  Go ahead, indulge.  You deserve it.” always seems to win out.  However, at least in your home, there’s an answer…a way to combat that siren song, and that answer comes in the form of making your own healthy (and NO, “healthy” does not equate to “tastes horrible”), delicious hors d’oeuvres.  Here are six healthy holiday hors d’oeuvres for your guests, family, and, most of all, you.

• Roasted carrot and chickpea harissa dip. The best part about this snack is that it doubles as a work of art, primarily due to the orange of the carrots topped with fresh greens and red pomegranates.  It looks almost too good to eat…until you taste it, then, art be damned.  The carrots and chickpeas combine for a creamy and smooth dip that begs for a healthy, whole-wheat cracker or rough-cut veggie to be used to elegantly place it in one’s mouth…just don’t double dip!  Check out the visual feast here.
• Chicken and mushroom holiday purses. These cute little presents for your mouth look great and taste even better.  You’ll revel in all the oohhhhhhs and ahhhhhhs when your guests get a look at these hors d’oeuvres that are the perfect size for poppin’.  And don’t fret if you don’t have a crepe maker.  Just remember what Jean Girard said to Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, “Crepes are just thin pancakes.”  Finally, you can skip the sauce if you like.  It’s a bit messy and forces your guests to use silverware.  Fill your purses here.
• Sinaloa-style chile-lime marinated shrimp. Another wonderful finger food hors d’oeuvres that is perfect for holiday get-togethers.  This recipe requires minimal cooking (just need to crisp up some fresh tortillas for the base).  You’ve probably eaten raw shrimp with cocktail sauce, but this is soooo much better.  The chili-lime sauce is perfectly offset by the avocado and if you’d like to turn this into a ceviche, simply chop up the shrimp and avocado prior to placing on the tostadas.  Learn how to make it here. (photo courtesy T.Tseng on Flickr)
• Lemon chia chews. Designed to be carried by weary travelers, these little holiday snowballs are stuffed full of superfoods.  To the chia seeds add cashews, rolled oats, dates and coconut for the healthiest snack on our list.  Oh yeah, they require no baking and are vegan and gluten-free.  Roll ‘em up here.
• Spiced chicken and grape skewers. Who doesn’t love a mini-kebab?  And a healthy one at that?  Just picture your friends and/or family, enjoying each other’s company with a kebab in one hand and a holiday beverage in the other while lauding the chef…you!  You can also vary the level of “spiced” in this recipe by adding a touch more cumin and/or coriander or substituting something with a little more kick.  Get your marinade on here.
• Cucumber cups with creamy salmon whip. Yet another recipe that requires no cooking…you can thank me later.  This snack turns cucumber slices into tiny, little cups that hold a salmon whip that melds with the cucumber perfectly.  Salmon, cucumber, chives and lemon, who could ask for more?  Whip up this recipe here.

Well, I hope I listed at least one recipe that appeals to you and yours.  Just remember not to ruin what you started by stuffing yourself when you sit down to the holiday feast on Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Be strong and happy holidays to everyone!