Go ahead and load up your plate—these healthy appetizers have fewer than 100 calories per serving.
28 Low-Calorie Appetizers for Your Next Party
Updated on Jun. 08, 2024
Crisp Cucumber Salsa
Here’s a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You’ll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super fresh flavors. —Charlene Skjerven, Hoolpe, North Dakota
1/28
2/28
Southwest Egg Rolls
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Moderately crispy with a rich and creamy filling, these semi-spicy appetizers taste like they’ve been fried. —Danielle Booth, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 50 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
3/28
Beet Hummus
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
4/28
Moroccan Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Coriander and cumin are zesty updates to the familiar stuffed mushrooms. The addition of couscous makes them very filling and delicious. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 25 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
5/28
Fresh from the Garden Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We moved into a house with a garden that needed tending. Using the herbs we found, we made these fresh-tastic wraps for our first dinner there. —Chris Bugher, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled lettuce wrap: 64 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
6/28
Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even if you don't like mushrooms, you will have to try them again with these pretty appetizers, which taste divine. For a main dish, double the filling and use large portobellos. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 35 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/28
Skinny Quinoa Veggie Dip
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t let the name fool you. This good-for-you recipe may appeal to an athlete in training, but it has plenty of flavor to satisfy everyone. We use crunchy cucumber slices for dippers. —Jennifer Gizzi, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without cucumber slices): 65 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
8/28
Party Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this appetizer. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
9/28
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
10/28
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple snack is the perfect low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini pizza: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
11/28
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
12/28
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 199 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
13/28
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pot sticker with 3/4 teaspoon sauce: 52 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
14/28
Sweet Pea Pesto
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 crostini: 77 calories, 2g fat (trace saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/28
Zesty Marinated Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
16/28
Peach Bruschetta
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
As a starter or light snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to savor the season with just a bite of fresh peach amid a medley of lively flavors. —Nikiko Masumoto, Del Ray, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 69 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/28
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 24 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/28
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
19/28
Pear Waldorf Pitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 mini pitas halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 67 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
20/28
Baked Wontons
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
21/28
Hoisin Meatball Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these tangy-sweet appetizers every year during the holidays, and it doesn't take long for them to disappear.—Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 69 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
22/28
Pork Satay
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings (about 3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer with about 2 teaspoons sauce: 73 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
23/28
Avocado Endive Cups with Salsa
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazz up guacamole by serving it atop endive leaves. Add a brilliant red pepper salsa, and you’ve got a standout appetizer. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 43 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
24/28
“Broccomole” Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a snack that's very much like guacamole but without the avocados, which are high in fat, try this dip. I grow and freeze broccoli, so this recipe is convenient to make. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 tablespoons: 27 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
25/28
Best Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
26/28
Watermelon Cups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 7 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
27/28
Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 30 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
28/28
Polenta Mushroom Appetizers
Total Time
55 min
Servings
32 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple ingredients—in fact you probably have most if not all in your kitchen— are used to create a fantastic, but different appetizer.—Meta West, Abilene, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 47 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
