Healthier canapé ideas
Looking for some healthy party food? Try our delicious and nutritious recipes for lighter nibbles to impress your guests at any social occasion.
Buffet food and party nibbles have a reputation for being high in calories, fat, salt and sugar, so if you're watching your waistline or eating for a particular dietary condition, it can seem like there are very few suitable options. We've put together some delicious canapé ideas that use nutritious ingredients, so you can offer your guests a lighter party snack or pre-dinner appetiser. The best bit? They're all so tasty, they'll never guess that they're good for you too!
1. Avocado canapés
Creamy avocado makes a great base for a layered verrine, and we’ve created two tasty flavour combinations for easy party prep – choose from crab or Mexican kidney bean. Avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which makes them very satisfying, so you’re less likely to overeat later on.
Get the recipe for avocado canapés.
2. Stuffed cocktail eggs
Stuffed cocktail eggs are a classic party pick, but did you know that eggs have some seriously impressive health benefits too? They have a high choline content, which helps them to support the liver – valuable if you’ve had one glass too many! They are also protein-rich to keep you feeling fuller for longer. We've topped ours with small amounts of smoked salmon and chorizo, which add plenty of flavour without piling on too many calories and fat content.
Get the recipe for stuffed cocktail eggs.
3. Cucumber & blue cheese canapés
Crunchy cucumber, salty blue cheese and sweet fruit – this canapé really has it all. Not only are these moreish nibbles gluten-free, low-calorie and low-fat, cucumber is also very hydrating and offers some vitamins and minerals, including heart-friendly potassium.
Get the recipe for cucumber & blue cheese canapés.
4. Chicken & basil meatballs
Meatballs are the perfect shape for canapés, and we’ve chosen to serve ours two ways – on cocktail sticks with roasted peppers and nestled in crisp chicory cups. They are made with lean chicken breast meat, resulting in a low-calorie, healthy canapé. To make it even healthier, roast your own peppers rather than using those from a jar in order to reduce the amount of added salt.
Get the recipe for chicken & basil meatballs.
5. Curried fishcake bites
Healthy, low-calorie and low-fat, these canapés are still packed with flavour. Many canapés are carb-heavy, but these use lean cod along with sweet mango, crunchy cucumber and juicy tomatoes to add plenty of texture and colour to each bite.
Get the recipe for curried fishcake bites.
6. Beetroot & rye tartines
These tasty, mini open sandwiches are perfect finger food for a party. Low-calorie and healthy, they use high-fibre rye bread as a base, which will help keep you more satisfied than refined white bread. We’ve included two toppings – pastrami and smoked mackerel – to pack a flavour punch, and they’re super simple to make. Party nibbles sorted!
Get the recipe for beetroot & rye tartines.
