One-of-a-Kind Appetizers for Your Finest Cocktail Party

By Laura Rege
December 29, 2019
Credit: Chelsea Kyle
Festive, gorgeous, jewel-toned: These healthy cocktail party appetizers pack huge taste into small bites. Make them all for your guests to graze on, or combine several for a sit-down dinner.
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Blood Orange Salad with Crisp Rosemary and Olives

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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While there's nothing wrong with a classic Caesar or house salad, your cocktail party guests (and their tastebuds) will appreciate a starter that differs from the norm. Defy expectations by tossing this citrus salad, which features pomegranate seeds (for pops of sweetness and welcome crunch) and kalamata olives (for a sharp burst of flavor).

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Roasted-Beet Tartare

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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Plant-based eaters, rejoice! This meat-free take on beef tartare is just as filling as the real deal, and it also works wonders on sandwiches or served over greens. The best part? Your cocktail party guests won't need to worry about E. Coli.

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Shrimp with Carrot Cocktail Sauce

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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By plating a single shrimp on its own, your get-together will feel like a Michelin-star restaurant. Pair it with this addictive sauce, which combines the natural sweetness of carrot with the tartness of lemon juice, for a binge-worthy cocktail party appetizer. Plus, the spices lend just the right amount of depth and boldness. (Give the host a helping hand by bringing these healthy party snacks with you.)

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Chickpea Rolls With Smashed Avocado and Smoked Salmon

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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For a gluten-free pick, try this take on hearty pinwheels, using chickpea flour to make the crepes. Add nutrient-packed turmeric to the batter for a lovely golden hue, then layer the crepes with salmon and avocado for a colorful cocktail party appetizer.

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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This spin on prosciutto and melon subs in Japanese sweet potatoes and adds crisp sage for a cocktail party appetizer fit for fall. Don't forget to add a drizzle of balsamic reduction to bring all the flavors together.

To make the reduction, pour balsamic vinegar into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and let vinegar simmer until it’s reduced by about half.

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Romesco-Stuffed Brussels Sprout Bites

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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These aren't your grandma's Brussels sprouts. Thanks to the smoky romesco sauce, the flavorful veggie takes on a subtle note of bacon—without actually using the meat. To make the dish suitable for your cocktail party, use skewers for mess-free munching.

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Manhattan di Ambra

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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Remember: It's not a cocktail party without a classic cocktail. The richness of this Manhattan makes it the season’s most satisfying sip.

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Sticky Sesame- and Pistachio-Crusted Cauliflower Bites

Credit: Chelsea Kyle
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For a cocktail party appetizer that stands out on the crowded grazing table, turn to this purple cauliflower dish. The veggie not only gives the starter a deep, gorgeous hue, but it also offers extra antioxidants. (Mor here: Why You Should Eat Colorful Foods) Pistachios and sesame seeds complement the nuttiness that cauliflower develops when roasted.

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