5 Delicious Guilt-Free Appetizers

on June 15, 2015

Getting together with friends or family is the perfect reason to share a plate of great food. But whether you're cheering on the home team or watching your favorite movie for the 32nd time, nothing kills the mood like the realization that you've just down 4,000 calories in one sitting. So from this day forward, game nights, get-togethers and reunions are no longer an excuse to inhale a bunch of calorie bombs. Here are 5 delicious appetizers that will add some guilt-free food to your fun.

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Even good-for-you zucchini can take a turn for the worst when it's doused in a heavy batter and deep fried within an inch of its life. This recipe, however, brings back everything healthy and wholesome about summer squash, with a light coating of Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, plus a stay in a super hot oven. Just add your favorite marinara sauce.

Get The Recipe: Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Potato chips may be standard party fare, but their nutritional profile leaves little to celebrate. To satisfy those same salty, crunchy cravings, try these roasted chickpeas. We dare you to eat just one.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Homemade Guacamole

Store-bought dips are full of fat, sodium and chemicals you can't even pronounce. What's worse is that few, if any, taste as good as a simple, scratch-made bowl of guac. Yes, avocados are high in fat, but it's the good fat -- the kind that makes your skin supple and your hair shiny. So, in that case, we'll have two bowls.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Guacamole

Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Consider this recipe the secret for successfully entertaining your vegetarian and vegan friends. The cauliflower is the perfect vehicle to transport all the tangy Buffalo flavor you love, and you won't even miss the deep fried wings.

Get The Recipe: Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Apple Nachos

So how, exactly, can nachos be healthy?

When they're made with fruit, of course! In a dish that is equal parts snack and dessert, apple slices replace tortilla chips and all the high-fat cheese and sour cream is swapped for healthy toppings like nuts and dried fruit. But we won't tell if you add some chocolate chips and caramel sauce.

Get The Recipe: Apple Nachos