Food is fuel but it’s also social, cultural and fun. Food is more than just calories in vs calories out and it brings people together and creates memories. The holidays are for celebration, connection, and great food — but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise your wellness goals to enjoy them. These five appetizers are vibrant, flavorful, and nourishing, with a mix of healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep you feeling your best through every gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday get-together or need a dish to bring to the party, these lightened-up recipes deliver all the flavor — without the heavy aftermath.

1. Red Curry Deviled Eggs

Servings: 12 halves (6 whole eggs) | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Calories: ~80 per piece

A zesty, Thai-inspired twist on a classic party favorite. The red curry paste adds just enough heat, while lime and cilantro brighten everything up.

Ingredients

6 eggs
3 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Thai red curry paste
2 tsp lime juice
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp raw peanuts, finely chopped
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Directions

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit 10–12 minutes.
Peel eggs and slice in half. Scoop yolks into a bowl.
Add mayonnaise, curry paste, lime juice, salt, and pepper; mash until smooth.
Spoon or pipe mixture into egg whites. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro.

2. Salmon-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Servings: ~16 pieces | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Calories: ~45 per piece

Fresh, bite-sized, and full of protein and omega-3s — these stuffed cherry tomatoes are the perfect make-ahead appetizer for any party spread.

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes
3¾ oz canned wild salmon
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp chives, chopped
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

Directions

Slice off the tops of the cherry tomatoes and scoop out the insides.
In a bowl, mix salmon, mayonnaise, chives, salt, and pepper.
Fill each tomato with the salmon mixture. Chill before serving.

3. Mini Pomegranate Avocado Crostini

Servings: 12 mini crostini | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Calories: ~90 per piece

A festive, colorful bite with creamy avocado, tangy lime, and pops of juicy pomegranate — the perfect balance of flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

1 medium avocado
¼ lime, juiced
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
6 small sourdough slices, toasted and cut in half (about 1¾ oz total)
2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
1 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Spread on toasted crostini pieces.
Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, feta, and chili flakes. Serve immediately.

4. Loaded Greek Hummus with Crackers

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Calories: ~180 per serving

A vibrant, crowd-pleasing dip layered with Mediterranean flavors — rich in fiber, healthy fats, and color.

Ingredients

1 cup hummus
½ medium cucumber, finely chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
½ cup black olives, chopped
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup parsley, chopped
2½ oz rice crackers

Directions

Spread hummus on a platter.
Layer cucumber, tomato, olives, onion, feta, and parsley on top.
Serve with rice crackers or fresh veggie sticks.

5. Chili Lime & Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Calories: ~230 per ¼ cup

Sweet, spicy, and savory — these crunchy roasted nuts make the perfect nibble between cocktails or as a holiday gift-in-a-jar.

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lime, juiced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
½ tsp sea salt
1½ cups raw almonds
1½ cups raw cashews

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and salt.
Toss nuts in mixture and spread evenly on the sheet.
Roast 13–15 minutes, stirring once. Cool before serving.

✨ Mind–Body Moment

The holidays aren’t about restriction — they’re about connection. These appetizers let you celebrate flavor and well-being. Enjoy every bite slowly, tune into how you feel, and remember: wellness is about what you add in, not what you take away.

Think about your strategy for the holidays. How can you enjoy food, connection & the spirit of the holidays and create balance at the same time?

START YOUR GROCERY LIST ONLINE WITH WHOLE FOODS OR AMAZON FRESH

You can easily find most of these ingredients through Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh for quick, high-quality delivery straight to your door.

👉 Shop Whole Foods Market | Shop Amazon Fresh

Tip: Add what you need to your cart now — order online for convenient then check off any remaining items from your local store to make meal prep simple and stress-free.