A lot of people make a resolution to eat healthier once the new year officially starts.
But there’s no reason to wait a few days to begin.
New Year’s Eve is already full of good eats, so it’s an easy place to make a few lighter swaps without anyone really noticing.
Healthy appetizers don’t have to be complicated or boring, and they definitely don’t need a long ingredient list.
A few simple ideas can still feel fun, filling and party-worthy while keeping things balanced.
Here are a few of my faves:
1. Shrimp Cocktail With Lemony Sauce
This is one of those appetizers I lean on when I want something that feels a little special but doesn’t wreck my kitchen or my patience.
Grab frozen cooked shrimp, thaw them under cold water, then pat them dry so they don’t water everything down.
For the sauce, stir together plain Greek yogurt, a little mayo if you want it creamier, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and a tiny bit of garlic until it tastes bright and fresh.
Arrange the shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and serve the sauce on the side, or spoon a little right over the shrimp and chill everything until party time.
2. Cucumber Rounds With Herbed Cream Cheese
Slice cucumbers into thick rounds and pat them dry so the topping sticks instead of sliding off.
Mix softened cream cheese with chopped fresh dill, chives, parsley, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth.
Spoon or pipe a small swirl onto each cucumber round so they’re easy to grab without falling apart.
Sprinkle with cracked pepper or a little paprika and keep them chilled until serving.
3. Mini Bell Peppers Stuffed With Whipped Feta
Cut mini bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds, then set them cut-side up on a tray.
Blend feta with a little plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, and garlic until it turns light and creamy.
Spoon the mixture into each pepper half and smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
Finish with chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil and refrigerate until it’s time to put them out.
4. Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers or toothpicks.
Arrange them in rows so they’re easy to grab without tipping over.
Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Sometimes I like to throw them on a grill plate in the oven for a few minutes, but you can serve them fresh as well.
5. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Slice cucumbers into thick rounds and scoop out a small divot in the center with a spoon.
Mix cream cheese with lemon juice, a little zest, and chopped dill until smooth.
Spoon the mixture into each cucumber and top with a small fold of smoked salmon.
Add a few capers or extra dill and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Deviled Eggs With Greek Yogurt
Boil eggs until just set, then cool, peel, and slice them in half lengthwise.
Mash the yolks with plain Greek yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites so they look neat on the platter.
Sprinkle with paprika or chopped chives and keep chilled until party time.
7. Roasted Chickpeas
Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then pat them really dry so they crisp instead of steam.
Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any seasoning you like, smoked paprika and garlic powder work well.
Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast until golden and crunchy, shaking the pan once or twice.L
et them cool a bit so they fully crisp before pouring them into a serving bowl.
8. Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Cook lean ground turkey in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and onion until fully browned.
Season with soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a little honey or maple syrup for balance.
Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce or romaine leaves so they’re easy to hold.
Add shredded carrots or sliced green onions right before serving.
9. Veggie Platter With Hummus Or Tzatziki
This one always disappears faster than expected, especially if the dip feels homemade!
Slice up whatever veggies you have on hand like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes.
Serve them with store-bought hummus or tzatziki, or stir lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil into plain Greek yogurt for a quick option.
Arrange everything on a big platter so people can mix and match.
10. Mini Stuffed Mushrooms
Clean button mushrooms and remove the stems, then set the caps on a baking sheet.
Chop the stems and mix them with cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and a little Parmesan.
Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap so it’s slightly mounded.
Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the tops turn lightly golden.
11. Baked Zucchini Fritters
Grate zucchini and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel or paper towels.
Mix it with egg, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, salt, and pepper until it holds together.
Spoon small mounds onto a lined baking sheet and flatten them slightly.
I like to flip them halfway through baking so both sides get crisp.
12. Antipasto Skewers
Thread cubes of cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes, and folded slices of salami or pepperoni onto short skewers.
Keep heavier items near the bottom so the skewers stay balanced on the platter.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Chill until serving and add fresh basil if you have it.
13. Baked Chicken Meatballs
This is a solid make-ahead option that reheats well if the party runs long.
Mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, and seasoning until just combined.
Roll into small meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet with a bit of space between each one.
Bake until cooked through and serve with toothpicks and a simple dipping sauce.
14. Guacamole With Fresh Veggies
Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and a little minced garlic until mostly smooth.
Stir in diced red onion, tomato, and cilantro if you like.
Taste and adjust so the lime doesn’t overpower everything.
Serve with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrot sticks instead of chips.
15. Seasoned Edamame
Boil or steam frozen edamame according to the package directions, then drain well.
Toss with olive oil, flaky salt, and a sprinkle of chili flakes or garlic powder.
Spread them out on a platter so they cool slightly before serving.
I always keep extra salt nearby since people like to sprinkle more as they snack.
16. Tuna Salad Endive Cups
Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt or light mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Stir in chopped celery or red onion for crunch.
Spoon the mixture into individual endive leaves so they act like little scoops.
Arrange them cut-side up so the filling stays put.
17. Roasted Cauliflower Bites
Cut cauliflower into small florets so they cook evenly and get crisp edges.
Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and whatever seasoning sounds good, curry powder and smoked paprika both work.
Spread everything out on a baking sheet so the pieces aren’t crowded.
Roast until tender inside and browned on the outside, flipping once halfway through.
18. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
This one looks fancy but comes together fast with very little prep.
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and wrap each spear with a thin strip of prosciutto.
Lay them seam-side down on a baking sheet so they stay wrapped.
Roast until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto turns crisp.
19. Fresh Fruit Skewers
Wash and cut fruit into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to eat without dripping everywhere.
Thread grapes, strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple onto skewers in any order you like.
Keep everything chilled so the fruit stays crisp and refreshing.
Serve straight from the fridge or set them over ice if the room’s warm.
20. Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Wash strawberries and dry them completely so the chocolate sticks properly.
Melt dark chocolate slowly, stirring often so it stays smooth.
Dip each strawberry about halfway, then place it on parchment paper to set.
I like to pop them in the fridge for a few minutes so they firm up faster.
21. Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip
Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out as much liquid as possible so the dip doesn’t turn watery.
Mix it with plain Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and a little grated Parmesan.
Stir until everything’s evenly combined and taste before adjusting the seasoning.
Chill for at least an hour so the flavors come together.
22. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Hard boil eggs, cool them completely, then slice in half and remove the yolks.
Mash the yolks with ripe avocado, lemon juice, salt, and a little mustard until smooth.
Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites so they hold their shape.
Sprinkle with paprika or everything bagel seasoning and keep chilled until serving.
23. Baked Sweet Potato Rounds
Slice sweet potatoes into even rounds so they cook at the same speed.
Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet without overlapping.
Bake until tender with lightly crisp edges, flipping once halfway through.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or mashed avocado right before serving.
24. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Slice the tops off cherry tomatoes and gently scoop out the centers with a small spoon.
Mix cream cheese or ricotta with herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spoon the filling into each tomato so it sits just above the edge.
Arrange them cut-side up on a platter and chill until ready to serve.
25. Mini Chicken Skewers
Cut chicken breast into small, even pieces so they cook quickly.
Toss with olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, then thread onto short skewers.
Bake or grill until cooked through, turning once so they brown evenly.
Serve with a simple yogurt-based dipping sauce on the side.
26. Ricotta And Herb Crostini
Toast baguette slices until they’re lightly crisp but not hard.
Stir some ricotta with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs until creamy.
Spoon the mixture onto each slice and spread it gently to the edges.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest before setting them out.
27. Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Bites
Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Toss with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and seasoning until evenly coated.
Air fry in a single layer, shaking the basket halfway through so all sides crisp up. S
erve warm with a dipping sauce or sprinkle with extra seasoning.
Easy & Healthy Appetizers to Kick Off the Year
New Year’s Eve food doesn’t have to be complicated or heavy to be satisfying!
A mix of fresh, protein-packed, and make-ahead options makes it easier to enjoy the night without hovering in the kitchen.
Pro tip: Start prepping earlier in the day and let the oven or air fryer do most of the work while you get ready for the countdown.
Happy New Year!
