Easy, Healthy Appetizer Recipe Ideas

These appetizers are easy to make, delicious, and healthy enough that you won't feel guilty about eating them.

Melon wrapped in low-fat ham. This is a great sweet and salty appetizer. You can use a melon baller to make bite-size melon pieces, or just use a knife to make small melon cubes. Then cut low-fat, thinly sliced deli ham into strips that are slightly narrower than the melon pieces. Wrap a strip of ham around a melon piece and secure with a toothpick. I recommend using cantaloupe but honeydew melon works just as well.

Hummus. Not only is this delicious, but also it's so good for you. I'm almost afraid to tell you that the base of hummus is crushed chick peas. Don't let that turn you off, though -- the seasonings make it irresistible. No need to feel guilty about having "just a little more" of this appetizer. You can make hummus from scratch (it's not that hard) or buy it at the store. There are all kinds of flavor variations, although I prefer the traditional flavor. If you're going to buy it pre-made, I'd recommend buying it from a specialty food store as opposed to getting a brand name from the supermarket. Serve hummus with raw vegetables, fresh pita points, reduced fat crackers or boxed pita pieces.

Fruit platter with yogurt dip. This is a real treat any time of the year. Fruit platters always go over big in the winter because fresh fruit gets so expensive that people cut back on buying it. It makes a good appetizer in the summer because a fruit platter is so light and refreshing in the summer heat. My favorite fruit platter is sliced fresh pineapple, sliced cantaloupe or honeydew, and red or green grapes served with a side of strawberry or vanilla yogurt for dipping. You could use almost any kind of fruit and any flavor of yogurt. Strawberries, orange slices or kiwi are good choices.

Vegetable tray with low-fat dip or low-cal dressing. This traditional appetizer is seen as a safe choice by many dieters. Just about any type of fresh vegetable can be used: celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, radishes or scallions. A lot of dips and salad dressings come in a low-fat version. I'm particularly fond of T. Marzetti's light dips; you really can't tell that they're low in fat. You can make your own homemade dip or dressing by mixing non-fat sour cream with dry soup mix or Good Seasons salad dressing mix.

Guacamole and salsa with tortilla chips. This is a lower fat and lower calorie option than potato chips and creamy dip. Salsa doesn't have any fat at all, and it has a nice spicy flavor. For those who miss the creamy texture of a traditional dip, guacamole is a perfect alternative. Guacamole does have fat, but it's the good (monounsaturated) kind. Tortilla chips are lower in fat than potato chips, and come in a variety of flavors. (My family likes the lime-flavored tortilla chips the best.)

For a delicious start to your next party, serve one (or all) of these easy appetizers!