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The 16 Healthiest Holiday Party Foods

Get a head start on your New Year's resolution.

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garlicky dipping oil
Chelsea Lupkin

There's no party like a holiday party, but when you've got a handful of office, friends, and/or family parties all within the span of a week and a half, it can seriously wreck havoc on your diet. Instead of succumbing to all the cheesy, fried, salty, and sugary foods, reach for one of these healthy options to make sure holiday party season doesn't show up on your waistline.

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Dish, Cuisine, Food, Ingredient, Comfort food, appetizer, Brunch, Bruschetta, Recipe, Finger food,

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2

Crostini

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Butternut squash, Produce, Staple food, Vegetable, Vegetarian food, appetizer,
Ethan Calabrese

OK — so you might lose a few points for the bread, but crostini, if it's topped with veggies, healthy fats, or protein can actually be a healthy way to satisfy your appetite without killing your diet.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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3

Shrimp Cocktail

garlicky-shrimp-cocktail
Jonathan Boulton

If you fill up on protein, you'll be less likely to indulge in all that fried-greasy-salty food tempting you from the buffet. Bonus: shrimp is a great source of B12 and antioxidants.

Get the recipe from Delish.

4

Cheese Platters

antipasto wreath
Jonathan Boulton

Skip the bread and go straight for the olives, cheese, and meat for a boost of protein, calcium, and vitamins and minerals.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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5

Caprese

caprese bites
Jon Komar

The combo of low-calorie mozzarella and antioxidant-rich tomatoes is a totally guilt-free party choice. Plus, it tastes incredible.

6

Olive Dipping Oil

garlicky dipping oil vertical
Chelsea Lupkin

Healthy fats FTW!

Get the recipe from Delish.

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7

Antipasto Picks

antipasto picks
Ethan Calabrese

If they're skewered with olives, veggies, tomatoes, and cheese you'll have a light but tasty app.

Get the recipe from Delish.

8

Smoked Salmon

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Bruschetta, Smoked salmon, appetizer, Hors d'oeuvre, Ingredient, Canapé, Finger food,
Ethan Calabrese

Get those omega-3's in where you can.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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9

Cauliflower

Buffalo Cauliflower Vertical
Jonathan Boulton

Cauliflower is having a moment right now, and we're not mad about it. It's the low-carb way to have your favorites (buffalo, pizza, wings, etc.) without totally regretting it the next morning.

Get the recipe from Delish.

10

Sweet Potato Chips/Fries

Sweet-Potato-Chips
Chelsea Lupkin

Once you break up with regular fried potatoes, you may never go back.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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11

Greek-Yogurt Based Dips

Greek Yogurt Onion Dip
Jonathan Boulton

Greek yogurt provides a much healthier, lower-calorie alternative to dip, and it packs in extra protein.

Get the recipe from Delish.

12

Guacamole

dip
Ethan Calabrese

Avocado is full of healthy fats, just make your swap your chips for veggies.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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13

Nuts

edamame
Ethan Calabrese

A little goes a long way when it comes to nuts — a few can fill you up, but too many can be a caloric overload, so snack carefully.

Get the recipe from Delish.

14

Hummus

Dill Pickle Hummus Vertical
Chelsea Lupkin

Chickpeas and tahini (sesame paste) are the main ingredients in hummus, and they're full of protein and healthy fats.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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15

Stuffed Mushrooms

Burger Stuffed Mushrooms Verticle
Jon Boulton

Mushrooms are a good source of vitamins that support the immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease. Watch out for fatty, cheese-based stuffings.

Get the recipe from Delish.

16

Chocolate-Covered Fruit

chocolate kiwi pops
Jonathan Boulton

In moderation, dark chocolate can contribute to a heart-healthy diet, and most fruits are packed with vitamins.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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17

Pickles

Red Hot Pickles Vertical
Jon Boulton

The spears are packed with probiotics, which is a healthy bacteria that can improve gut health. Don't chow down on too many, though: The sodium and sugar count can quickly add up.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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