When I host get-togethers, I struggle with what to serve. If it’s just with my friends, it’s usually nachos or chips, nothing fancy or healthy at all. However, hosting a wide variety of people can lend itself to some tricky menu planning.
I personally love ethnic food, but I know lots of people don’t. Some people are vegetarian or vegan (like this yummy, guacamole salad). Some don’t like greasy, fatty snack food.
I recently attended a mingle that had some really fun, healthy finger foods and everyone was able to find something that they liked. I attended another party that had some fun, healthy snacks mixed in with the unhealthy options that are at every party.
Here’s what I’ve come up with for some healthy, fun alternatives when entertaining:
Caprese Salad Skewers
I love these because they are so fresh and delicious, and on a skewer, they are super easy to eat.
Slide a cherry tomato, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella on a skewer. Put a little balsamic vinegar on the serving plate so the vinegar absorbs into the mozzarella before guests pick up their skewers.
Sushi Cups
A party I attended had a piece of assorted sushi (tightly assembled) in a cupcake cup with a tiny bit of soy sauce on them. It was a great idea. Sushi can be the perfect finger food if the sushi is assembled tightly, and the cupcake cup replaces the need for a napkin on which to hold the sushi.
Pizza
Cutting a thin crust, artisan pizza into small squares can be the perfect party snack and finger food. Try a pizza with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and goat cheese if you want something different. If you want an option with meat, add pancetta.
To avoid the mess of regular pizza, cut the slices into no larger than 2″ by 2″ squares.
Apples and Cheese
Apples with cheese are the perfect combination of light but still substantial. They pair well together and are healthy. You can assemble these a variety of ways, but you can even just smear the cheese on top of an apple slice and put a toothpick in it to hold it together.
What is your favorite healthy party alternative?