50 Delicious Healthy Christmas Appetizers
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.When I’m preparing to host Christmas dinner, I like to have a solid plan, because I want to keep things both healthy and delicious, with some festive surprises too! I always start out with a spread of appetizers so that my family and friends can pick what they like, with something for everyone at my gathering. So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your menu, I’ve created this list of my 50 best Christmas appetizers that are guaranteed to be crowd pleasers at any holiday dinner!
Roasted Pumpkin Salad

This salad is one of my go-to appetizers because it’s super easy to make, and accommodates so many dietary restrictions: it’s vegetarian, vegan, diary-free, gluten-free and soy-free!
It also happens to be high in protein and fiber, and packed with flavor. Whenever I serve this I always see my guests taking a second helping. I love how this recipe brings a variety of textures and tastes in one hearty salad bowl.
The crunch from almonds, mildly sweet and caramelized flavors of roasted pumpkin, and sweet dried cranberries are the ultimate holiday combination!
Get the recipe for roasted pumpkin salad here.
Apple Walnut Salad With Dates And Feta

This 15 minute salad is sweet, crunchy, savory, tangy, and creamy – all in one bowl! I love how refreshing it is, it’s a lighter salad that works well on any Christmas menu.
Salads that are mostly just leafy greens feel a little boring to me, which is why I’ve loaded up this salad with crunchy walnuts, dates and apples to balance out the greens and provide more texture.
Make sure to use my tangy vinaigrette included in this recipe! It’s much healthier than store bought salad dressing and takes just minutes to make!
Get this recipe for apple walnut salad here.
Vegan Dinner Rolls

Get this vegan dinner rolls recipe here.
Roasted Green Beans And Potatoes
Calories: 213 — Fiber: 6g — Protein: 4g
Why You’ll Love It: A yummy one-sheet recipe that’s vegan, gluten-free, and great for feeding a crowd. One of the best vegetarian appetizers for Christmas!
Ready in 35 minutes, this recipe is effortless to prepare and tastes spectacular. While it’s vegan, even meat lovers will enjoy the subtle flavors of the simple ingredients in this recipe. There’s more than one variation to the recipe in case you find it too simple or want to add more nutrition. It’s a kid-friendly recipe with minimal mess, so you should definitely add this to your Christmas menu.
Get this recipe for roasted green beans and potatoes here.
Healthy Mashed Potatoes
Calories: 143 — Fiber: 7g — Protein: 6.3g
Why You’ll Love It: A dairy-free and vegan recipe for the classic Christmas appetizer and side dish. This tastes just as good as traditional mashed potatoes!
Everyone agrees that mashed potatoes belong on any holiday menu. So we have a recipe that tastes like the original but skips unhealthy ingredients such as butter and cream. Full of flavor, these mashed potatoes use only five simple ingredients and come together in half an hour. Using cauliflower lowers the carbohydrate count while keeping the mash creamy and delicious.
Get this recipe for healthy mashed potatoes here.
Pumpkin And Sweet Potato Soup
Calories: 155 — Fiber: 8.7g — Protein: 5.4g
Why You’ll Love It: A warm and tantalizing soup recipe that is rich and creamy while vegan and gluten-free. Ready in half an hour.
This quick recipe is perfect for any holiday meal, as the pumpkin and sweet potato are already in season. White beans give this soup a deliciously velvety texture, and the warmth of the other ingredients is undeniably tasty.
The sweetness of this luscious soup will have you asking for a second helping, and you can do that guilt-free because it’s a low-calorie, gluten-free and healthy recipe. The balance of savory and sweet flavors is exceptional in this soup.
Get this recipe for pumpkin and sweet potato soup here.
Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
Calories: 137 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 5g
Why You’ll Love It: A low-fat, high-protein dip that doesn’t compromise on flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Dips are easy Christmas appetizers, but many are full of fatty mayo. This recipe swaps out the unhealthy mayo for protein-rich Greek yogurt and sour cream, similar to spinach artichoke dip. It is tasty, rich, and spicy. With its quick prep time of only 8 minutes, you can easily make a big batch of this dip ahead of time. Adjust the spice level by removing (or keeping) the seeds in the jalapenos to make them acceptable for most people.
Get this recipe for this jalapeno artichoke dip here.
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Buns
Calories: 304 — Fiber: 3g — Protein: 12g
Why You’ll Love It: Vegan-friendly and gluten-free, these irresistibly soft and gooey appetizers come together effortlessly.
For the love of cheesy buns, save this recipe because you’ll be making it over and over again! Melty cheese tops these soft and fluffy cheddar cheese buns requiring minimal kneading and only 15 minutes of active prep time. While these are rich and delectable, they are relatively healthy as they provide a good amount of protein and aren’t as fatty as other recipes. Take Christmas appetizer ideas to the next level with this recipe.
Get the recipe for homemade cheese buns here.
Cranberry Sauce From Dried Cranberries
Calories: 33 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 0.1g
Why You’ll Love It: A festive tasting low-sugar recipe for cranberry sauce that you can serve alongside your Christmas feast.
Cranberries are not just for Thanksgiving! This spiced recipe combines orange and cranberry flavors for one of the best cranberry appetizers for Christmas! Your guests will taste the difference because it’s flavorful and appreciate the lower sugar content. Even those who typically stay away from cranberry sauce (because it’s usually canned) will approve of this mouthwatering recipe. This vitamin- rich, low-calorie recipe is a definite winner. Serve with the main courses, or add it to your cheese board if you need more Christmas snack ideas!
Get the recipe for cranberry sauce from dried cranberries here.
Pumpkin Seed Butter
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Broccoli And Potatoes With Parmesan
Calories: 260 — Fiber: 7g — Protein: 9g
Why You’ll Love It: This is a crispy and garlicky appetizer or side dish that is hassle-free, quick, and tastes so good even kids love it.
Using only 4 main ingredients and a variety of tasty seasonings, this one-sheet appetizer is a cozy and comforting addition to your Christmas meal. The flavors in this nutritious recipe are a simple garlic-herb seasoning that makes the vegetables taste phenomenal.
Kid-approved and healthy, this recipe is always a winner and makes for one of the best appetizer ideas for Christmas!
Get this recipe for roasted broccoli and potatoes here.
Vegetable Au Gratin
Calories: 251 — Fiber: 4g — Protein: 12g
Why You’ll Love It: A comforting Christmas eve appetizer that adds healthy veggies.
If you’re looking for easy yet satisfying holiday party appetizers full of good-for-you veggies, this recipe is for you. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, this is a decadent and rich appetizer without the addition of heavy cream.
Even kids love this nutrient-dense dish, and it’s pretty easy to make. It is the perfect way to use up any veggies you have at home. The Christmas season just got a whole lot better!
Get this recipe for vegetable au gratin here.
Vegetarian Cheese Board
Calories: 258 — Fiber: 3g — Protein: 13g
Why You’ll Love It: A perfect addition to any Christmas party, this vegetarian alternative to a Christmas charcuterie board is just as spectacular.
This is an easy-to-put-together veggie tray disguised as a cheese board full of healthy veggies and high-quality cheese. It is a great way to entertain your guests while waiting for the main course. Also, it’s lighter than traditional cheese boards. Decorate the board with fresh fruits or easily customize this appetizer to your preferences.
Get the recipe for this vegetarian cheese board here.
Mushroom Fritters
Calories: 95 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 4g
Why You’ll Love It: A mouth-watering aromatic appetizer with a minimal prep time that everyone will enjoy.
This savory appetizer is full to the brim with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Making this on the holidays won’t be a hassle because prep time is only 10 minutes, and they’re ready in just over a half hour. Fragrant and flavorful, these crispy mushroom pancakes are a crowd-pleaser and a breeze to put together. Everyone will love these Christmas Eve appetizers!
Get the recipe for mushroom fritters here.
Cheesy Baked Asparagus With Mozzarella
Calories: 91 — Fiber: 3g — Protein: 7g
Why You’ll Love It: One of our top Christmas appetizer recipes that is ready in no time, effortless to make, and full of flavor.
Easy appetizers for Christmas? Yes please! This recipe is a great way to impress our Christmas dinner guests if you want to go beyond your average baked asparagus. The sharp cheesiness of parmesan contrasts well with the flavor of the asparagus.
You can prepare this appetizer and put it in the oven at the last minute, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Kids who don’t always love their veggies will approve of this cheesy appetizer. It’s a guaranteed winner on your Christmas table.
Get the recipe for cheesy garlic roasted asparagus here.
Vegetarian Wontons
Calories: 108 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 5g
Why You’ll Love It: An impressive addition to a gluten-free Christmas feast, ready in 30 minutes. Healthy appetizers for Christmas do not get much better!
Add a touch of spice to your spread with a few readily available ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by wrapping the wontons! I promise it’s a lot simpler than it looks.
This Asian staple tastes amazing, and the healthy dose of veggies means it’s good for you, too. The seasonings used in the recipe make this a delicious treat for the holiday season. Easily swap vegan wonton wrappers, and you’ll have a tasty, gluten-free, vegan appetizer. Make ahead and freeze to save time on Christmas day.
Get the recipe for these vegetarian wontons here.
Pear Gorgonzola Pizza With Walnuts
Calories: 256 — Fiber: 3g — Protein: 11g
Why You’ll Love It: A sweet, savory, crunchy pizza with contrasting flavors that’s easy to turn into mini-pizzas.
Sharp cheeses and pears complement each other well in this quick-to-put-together appetizer. Make a mini version by cutting up the pizza dough (or buy them small), and you’ll have a decadent crowd-pleaser on your Christmas menu in no time. Replace the pizza dough with vegan flatbreads to save even more time.
This kid-friendly recipe is high in protein and fiber, so it’s one of the healthier holiday appetizer recipes.
Get the recipe for pear gorgonzola pizza here.
Mashed Potato Fritters With Onions And Kale
Calories: 247 — Fiber: 8.5g — Protein: 7g
Why You’ll Love It: Pillowy potatoes and amazing flavors of onion and kale are nutritious and tasty appetizers everyone loves.
A healthy spin on potato latkes, this slightly longer recipe is worth the time. The pillowy mashed potatoes go well with the sharp flavors of onion and kale. Kids will love these delicious baked fritters. Serve with sour cream for a tart contrast or ketchup for the kids. You can prepare these beforehand, even though they don’t require much effort.
Get the recipe for mashed potato fritters here.
Vegan Garlic Bread
Calories: 191 — Fiber: 2g — Protein: 6g
Why You’ll Love It: This delicious appetizer is a crowd-pleaser with just four ingredients and is ready in 20 minutes.
You won’t be able to say no to this scrumptious garlic bread. You can enjoy this healthy spin on traditional garlic bread recipes, guilt-free. It only takes four vegan ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time. Let the air fryer do the rest! The fresh bread comes out buttery and packs a punch of flavor. You can even make a gluten-free version with a simple swap!
Get this recipe for vegan garlic bread here.
Kale Dip With Cream Cheese And Parmesan
Calories: 37 — Fiber: 0.2g — Protein: 1.4g
Why You’ll Love It: Smoky and utterly delicious—this is an easy make-ahead creamy dip recipe that will hold guests over for the main meal.
Skip the extra calories in traditional dips without missing out on the flavor. This cheese dip recipe is great to make ahead as it keeps well as the flavors sit. This holiday appetizer is ready in under half an hour, and great party food to serve to your guests.
Customize it according to your dietary preferences with a few simple swaps. It’s already a low-fat, low-calorie dip, bursting with smoky flavor.
Get the recipe for kale dip here.
Vegan Bruschetta Recipe With Tomatoes
Calories: 254 — Fiber: 14g — Protein: 13g
Why You’ll Love It: A twist on the Italian classic, this delicious appetizer is a crowd-pleaser with more protein and veggies.
Your hunt for vegan appetizers for Christmas ends right here- this Italian classic is a tasty addition to any Christmas dinner menu that’s easy to customize with what you have. While it’s already vegan, using gluten-free bread is an easy swap to make.
Use fresh tomatoes for a flavor burst, and add as many different vegetables as you like. When you want savory appetizers for Christmas, give this a try!
Get the recipe for vegan bruschetta here.
Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Calories: 147 — Fiber: 3g — Protein: 6g
Why You’ll Love It: A kid-friendly and flavorful recipe full of nutrients and convenient for Christmas or any other occasion.
Leave out the processed ingredients of store-bought pizza rolls and make them yourself. This trouble-free recipe is easily customizable and a breeze to make. Thanks to the blend of cheeses and various toppings, it packs a lot of flavor. Make your pizza dough, or grab a whole wheat version for convenience. Air frying makes this appetizer crispy, healthy, and ready in minutes. Kids and adults will love these.
Get the recipe for these air fryer pizza rolls here.
Mushroom Toast
Calories: 140.7 — Fiber: 2.7g — Protein: 7.5g
Why You’ll Love It: A vegan take on a fancy French classic to impress your guests. If you want quick-to-prepare Xmas appetizers, look no further.
These “tartines” are a spectacular-looking dish, full of umami flavor. Packing a substantial punch of protein, these are as nutritious as they are tasty. If you are a garlic lover (who isn’t?), you’ll love the roasted garlic spread.
The best part? You can have this holiday hors d’oeuvres recipe ready effortlessly and in half an hour. All you need to do to make this gluten-free is swap the bread! This is a must on your vegetarian Christmas appetizers list!
Get this recipe for mushroom toast here.
Healthy Low-Calorie Biscuits
Calories: 140 — Fiber: 3.6g — Protein: 4g
Why You’ll Love It: A low-fat, low-calorie appetizer ready in 20 minutes and tastes phenomenal.
No one can tell that these flaky, fluffy biscuits are “healthy.” With almost no fat and a low-calorie count, your guests won’t mind helping themselves to seconds. These biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas meal, but they’re just as good on their own. This recipe is so simple that even beginner bakers will get it right, and you’ll have hot biscuits on the table in 20 minutes. If you need an easy Christmas party appetizers, these biscuits are just the thing!
Get the recipe for healthy low-calorie biscuits here.
Gluten-Free Pasta Salad With Olives And Herbs
Calories: 433 — Fiber: 13g — Protein: 22g
Why You’ll Love It: High protein, low fat, gluten-free, and utterly delicious! When you need easy holiday appetizers, look no further!
One of the most delicious gluten free appetizers for Christmas, this pasta salad packs a lot of flavor and various textures. It’s a low-fat, easy-to-make addition to your Christmas menu that dazzles your guests.
While this classic Italian dish is typical for summer or spring, it’s also a great way to lighten up your holiday feast. Chickpea pasta boosts the protein and lowers the calorie count, so you won’t mind a second helping. This vibrant salad with fresh herbs is satiating, healthy, and an easy Christmas appetizer.
Get the recipe for gluten free pasta salad here.
Vegan Potato Pancakes
Calories: 223 — Fiber: 4g — Protein: 4g
Why You’ll Love It: A family-friendly and quick appetizer full of flavor and packed with nutrients. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, yet this is a crowd-pleaser.
Everyone on your dinner table will love these creamy and spiced potato pancakes that are satisfyingly crispy on the outside. They’re allergen friendly and suitable for any dietary restrictions, and you can whip them up in just 20 minutes. Halfway between french fries and mashed potatoes, these will be a favorite around the table. When making this recipe to add to the holiday spirit, get the whole family together.
You can find the recipe for these vegan potato pancakes here.
Gluten-Free Focaccia
Calories: 105 — Fiber: 2g — Protein: 2g
Why You’ll Love It: Foolproof, crispy, and utterly delicious, this gluten-free version of Italian bread is a winner.
Even without baking experience, you can pull off this garlicky and fluffy bread. Both gluten-free and vegan, this recipe is as healthy as it is delicious. The contrast of textures from this bread’s crisp exterior and airy interior make it the perfect accompaniment for your Christmas meal.
Your kids will love this bread, and so will adults. More importantly, it’s hassle-free and requires only a few pantry staples. Be sure to add to your list of holiday appetizer ideas!
Get the recipe for gluten free focaccia here.
Deviled Eggs Without Mayo
Calories: 36 — Fiber: 0.04g — Protein: 3g
Why You’ll Love It: All the flavor and creaminess of traditional deviled eggs without the fattiness and unhealthy ingredients like mayo.
A hassle-free recipe that’s ready in 28 minutes and packs a lot more protein than traditional deviled eggs, skipping the high-fat content. This enticing recipe is creamy, and a touch of paprika complements the fresh dill to make it mouthwatering and fragrant. You can find all these ingredients for this recipe at your local grocery store, and the impressive appetizer comes together effortlessly.
Get the recipe for deviled eggs without mayo here.
Healthy Greek Salad
Calories: 254 — Fiber: 2g — Protein: 9g
Why You’ll Love It: Vibrant, zest, and low-carb, this healthy Greek salad is quick and tastes amazing.
You may think it’s difficult to find tasty keto appetizers for Christmas, but this recipe will change your mind. Combining a tangy Greek salad dressing and a heap of fresh vegetables, this is a low-carb appetizer that everyone will enjoy. The addition of healthy fats makes this salad even more nutritious. Because it takes only 10 minutes, it’s perfect for your busy holiday menu. This recipe is ideal for anyone on a ketogenic diet, but you’ll love it nonetheless.
Get this recipe for healthy Greek salad here.
Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad
Calories: 135 — Fiber: 4.3g — Protein: 5.1g
Why You’ll Love It: Kid-friendly and gluten-free, this fresh and lighter appetizer contains nutrients and tastes exceptionally delicious.
For a veggie-based Christmas-worthy appetizer, it’s healthy, fresh, and nutritious! The chickpeas add a protein boost to this simple salad that takes little time or effort. While the ingredients are simple and fresh, they work together to create a flavorful salad that everyone will love.
Get this recipe for tomato avocado cucumber salad here.
Leek Asparagus Soup
Calories: 221 — Fiber: 8.5g — Protein: 8.3g
Why You’ll Love It: Creamy and smooth, this herby flavorful soup is a crowd-pleaser with a protein powerhouse. It’s vegan and dairy-free too.
A hearty soup that incorporates the earthy flavors of leek and asparagus, this recipe uses chickpeas to boost protein and creaminess without dairy.
Serve it with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and crusty bread; your guests will approve! For those who take dairy, a little goat cheese will make this more decadent, but you can keep it dairy-free. This rich soup is a crowd-pleaser and packs a lot of protein.
Get the recipe for asparagus soup without cream here.
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Calories: 230 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 16.4g
Why You’ll Love It: An elegant-looking appetizer that will impress your guests and takes little to no effort to make, and it’s low in calories.
This sophisticated recipe takes very little skill to make and uses simple ingredients. A mouth-watering take on a classic Italian appetizer, this recipe is baked so you can enjoy it guilt-free. Fresh and light, this cheesy appetizer is a spectacular addition to your Christmas menu that is guaranteed to wow your guests. It’s low-cal and provides over 16 grams of protein per portion so you can enjoy it without the guilt.
Get the recipe for stuffed zucchini flowers here.
Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad Recipe
Calories: 206 — Fiber: 4.5g — Protein: 10.2g
Why You’ll Love It: A vibrant, high-protein, nutritious salad with homemade ranch that’s scrumptious and healthy.
Salad doesn’t need to be boring, and this recipe will prove that. Sweet, savory, and healthy superfood ingredients come together in this salad to give you a variety of flavors and textures.
The salad takes only 15 minutes, perfect for impromptu holiday gatherings. Add to your list of Christmas appetizers recipes to make this year!
Get the recipe for our copycat Chick-Fil-A kale salad here.
Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Calories: 64 — Fiber: 1.7g — Protein: 1.5g
Why You’ll Love It: A 10-minute appetizer that uses less oil and will make even the pickiest eater love brussel sprouts.
This recipe makes crispy brussels sprouts with a tender inside in a drastically reduced cooking time. Garlic and onion powder elevate the flavor profile and make them irresistible, complementing the sweetness of the brussels sprouts. A quick and easy air fryer recipe, this appetizer is a must-have on your Christmas menu that will have your guests wondering why they didn’t try it before.
Get the recipe for crispy brussel sprouts here.
Carrot Potato Soup
Calories: 289 — Fiber: 10g — Protein: 12g
Why You’ll Love It: A kid-friendly quick recipe that packs a lot of protein and tastes phenomenally delicious.
Bursting with nutrition, this low-fat delight suits both vegetarian and vegan preferences. It’s kid-friendly and quick to make. Toss everything in the slow cooker to make it even easier. Sweet potatoes and spices blend to make a subtly flavored and velvety low-calorie soup full of vitamins and nutrients. It’s perfect for a Christmas menu because of the cozy flavors and hearty sweet potato bites.
Get the recipe for carrot potato soup here.
Healthy Mozzarella Sticks
Calories: 150 — Fiber: 1.5g — Protein: 10.4g
Why You’ll Love It: Gooey and crispy at the same time, these crowd-pleasing healthy Christmas appetizers will remind you of restaurant-style mozzarella sticks but without the added fat and calories.
Who doesn’t love mozzarella sticks? You’re guaranteed to satisfy your guest’s cravings with the stretchy cheesiness of this appetizer. Using the air fryer and whole wheat breadcrumbs makes these a healthier option without skimping on flavor. The recipe turns simple grocery store ingredients into a delectable appetizer that everyone around the table will enjoy. Serve with homemade or store-bought marinara sauce.
Get the recipe for healthy mozzarella sticks here.
Feta Salad With Cucumbers, Tomatoes, And Lentils
Calories: 110 — Fiber: 4.6g — Protein: 7g
Why You’ll Love It: Quick, packed with nutrients and protein, and scrumptious—this recipe is a hearty salad that your guests will enjoy.
This simple salad packs a protein punch, and it’s super nutritious, but you wouldn’t know that by the taste. It’s so tasty that even kids will approve of it, and it is a breeze to whip up. You’ll be surprised by how lentils are transformed into a delicious appetizer in this dish. Crunchy cucumbers add freshness, and feta cheese provides a touch of salty goodness. You can change up the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, but it’s already gluten-free and vegetarian.
Get the recipe for lentil feta salad here.
Ginger Carrot Coconut Soup
Calories: 172 — Fiber: 4.4g — Protein: 3.3g
Why You’ll Love It: Packed full of flavor, this healthy and comforting soup is vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly.
Add cozy flavors to your Christmas feast in this quick and easy soup that will impress everyone around the table. Your guests will feel warm and invited once they taste this velvety soup and comforting soup. The aromatics in this soup will flood your home with its yummy aroma, and your guests will feel more welcome.
The recipe combines the sweetness of carrot, the spiciness of ginger, and the mellow creaminess of coconut. Using only a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have one of the best winter appetizers to warm you up!
Get the recipe for ginger carrot coconut soup here.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Calories: 163 — Fiber: 4g — Protein: 11g
Why You’ll Love It: A lighter version of the classic, this recipe brings all the cheese goodness of the original with a better nutritional profile.
Pull out your Instant Pot for this effortless, light and nutritious recipe without cutting back on flavor. You’ll get all the cheesiness you expect, plus a boost of fiber and other nutrients. Lower in calories, carbs, and fat, this quick recipe is rich and creamy.
It’s a family-friendly appetizer that’s vegetarian and gluten-free. Your guests will approve of this satisfyingly good soup, and they’ll mistake it for Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup here.
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe
Calories: 402 — Fiber: 2g — Protein: 16g
Why You’ll Love It: A flavorsome, healthier version of the infamous recipe that’s ready in no time.
Using only 4 ingredients, this effortless recipe is better for you than you’d expect. You’ll love the creamy cheese, especially knowing it’s high in protein and vegetarian. It’s a gourmet Christmas appetizer that takes only 15 minutes to make from start to finish. While Trader Joe’s ravioli will give you the best taste and nutrition, you can replace it with any other store-bought version or your own.
Get the recipe for Trader Joe’s butternut squash ravioli recipe.
Vegan Quinoa Patties
Calories: 311 — Fiber: 13g — Protein: 17g
Why You’ll Love It: An easy, crispy appetizer with a Mexican flavor profile and a boost of nutrition—this comes together in no time.
Make these crispy quinoa cakes packed to the brim with flavor and loaded with nutritious veggies. High in fiber and protein, this appetizer comes together easily and boasts the amazing flavors of Mexican spices.
Everyone around the table will enjoy these pan-fried delectable cakes, and you can change up the recipe according to what you have on hand. While these are not traditional, they are vegetarian appetizers everyone will adore. The fact that they pack 17 grams of protein is just a bonus!
Get the recipe for vegan quinoa patties here.
Tofu Skewers With Ginger Soy Marinade
Calories: 183.9 — Fiber: 4.5g — Protein: 15g
Why You’ll Love It: Impressive and nutritious, these skewers are easy to make and boast a balance between sweet and savory flavors that everyone will approve of.
This is an easily customizable and effortless appetizer that will wow your guests. It’s a great holiday party food that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition on a stick. It’s also a great opportunity to get the kids involved, so it’s a family-friendly option to add to your Christmas feast.
Get this recipe for tofu skewers here.
Bruschetta Burrata
Calories: 384 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 11g
Why You’ll Love It: A luxurious Italian appetizer that takes little to no effort and will impress your Christmas guests.
This indulgent appetizer adds a level of decadence to the traditional bruschetta. It’s a surefire way to impress a crowd of guests. The recipe is very easy to make and uses simple ingredients. It also comes together very quickly, making it perfect for a holiday feast.
You’ll love the balance between the rich burrata and the freshness of the tomatoes. A drizzle of olive oil brings the appetizer to another level, and you can make this gluten-free or vegan with a simple swap of ingredients.
Get this recipe for bruschetta burrata here.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad With Spinach And Chickpeas
Calories: 321.5 — Fiber: 10.2 g — Protein: 9.6g
Why You’ll Love It: A hearty and satisfying protein-packed salad, bursting with flavor and takes only minutes to prep.
A warm salad dressing brings this salad to life, and roasting the vegetables adds a layer of delicious caramelization. This perfect make-ahead recipe packs a tonne of protein and nutrients. The tender vegetables combine beautifully in this vegan and gluten-free appetizer, plus it’s a super simple one–pot recipe. That means less cleanup!
Get the recipe for roasted cauliflower salad here.
Hummus Wreath
Calories: 35 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 2g
Why You’ll Love It: A quick make-ahead recipe guaranteed to impress and excite your guests, this gluten-free appetizer is a healthy showstopper!
This appetizer is so beautiful that you can even use it as a centerpiece! Shaped like a wreath, this is one of the more festive Christmas themed appetizers! Combining creamy hummus and a variety of dippers, this is a surefire way to impress everyone around the table. The best part? You can make the entire dish a day before and pull it from the fridge before your Christmas meal.
Get the recipe for hummus wreath here.
Cranberry Bites
Calories: 214 — Fiber: 0.6g — Protein: 5.6g
Why You’ll Love It: Made with only three ingredients, this is a clever way to use already-made cranberry sauce!
Whether you’re a cranberry sauce fan or not, you’ll want to try this recipe. It’s a showstopper that’s perfect for entertaining. The recipe combines sweet cranberry sauce with creamy brie and flaky puff pastry.
Using store-bought puff pastry or layering phyllo dough makes these cranberry brie bites exceptionally easy to make. You can have this easy holiday appetizer ready in less than half an hour. This is effortless and irresistibly good, despite being relatively simple.
Get the recipe for these cranberry bites here.
Butternut Squash Crostini With Goat Cheese And Fig Glaze
Calories: 256 — Fiber: 3.6g — Protein: 6.2g
Why You’ll Love It: An elegant take on the traditional crostini with the wintery ingredients and a mix of textures.
Butternut squash is a classic fall and winter ingredient, but you’re probably bored of simply roasting it or making soup. This crostini four-ingredient appetizer has an incredibly delicious medley of flavors and textures. From the creamy goat cheese to the fig glaze, this is the best food for your holiday celebration.
Get the recipe for butternut squash crostini with goat cheese and fig glaze here.
Cream Cheese Penguins
Calories: 44 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 1g
Why You’ll Love It: Adorable and simple, these light appetizers are a yummy and interesting addition to your menu.
Using only around five ingredients, this is a star appetizer dish! While it looks impressively complex, it’s really simple to assemble. It’s a vegetarian appetizer that combines simple flavors but looks visually appealing and creative.
Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Penguins here.
Reindeer Cheese Ball Appetizer
Calories: 106 — Fiber: 1g — Protein: 7g
Why You’ll Love It: This is a whimsical and festive way to serve cheese that’s great for parties and takes little to no effort to make. One of the best Christmas appetizers!
This creative recipe by SustainMyCookingHabit adds a festive flair to finger foods for a Christmas party. Kids and adults will be impressed by these simple Christmas appetizers, and they’ll love the exceptional taste as well.
Replace the bacon with vegan bacon to make this a healthier appetizer that none of your guests will hesitate to try. You can also swap the pretzels for a gluten-free option if you want. This is a great thing to bring to Christmas parties all season!
Get the recipe for the reindeer cheese ball appetizer here.

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- 65 Vegan Party Food Ideas
- 103 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
- 115 Vegan Meal Prep Ideas
- 40 Healthy Pumpkin Desserts
- 85 Healthy Desserts
- 45 Baby Dinner Recipes For A Happy Eater
- 50 Vegan Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
- 51 Vegan Sandwich Ideas
- 84 Indian Dessert Recipes
We do all appetizers on Christmas Eve, so this list is sure to come in handy. Can’t wait to try some of them!
Awesome! I’m sure you will love these recipes Taylor!
Thank you so much for these amazing recipes! Saving this list for the holidays!
Yay! Great to hear – thanks Toni!
Wow, what an incredible list. Everything looks and sounds marvelous. Can start making them for Thanksgiving and go all the way through the New Year!
Thanks Kathleen! Enjoy!
I am always looking for new appetisers and there is such a great collection here. Next on my to make list are the cheesy asparagus tarts.
Awesome! That recipe is one of my favorites!
These recipes look absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try them all!
Thanks Ned!! Hope you enjoy them!
This is such a great round up of holiday appetizers! Will definitely be giving these a try; they all look too good to pass up, indeed!
Yay! So happy to hear that Sara! 🙂
These all look marvelous- I want to try them all! Those cream cheese penguins will be a hit with the kids for sure!
Thanks Tayler! Enjoy!
I can’t wait to try the mushroom fritters. I think my kids will like the air fryer mozzarella sticks. This is a great list!
Thanks so much Jen! 🙂