Holiday Appetizers Under 150 Calories

By Maureen Callahan
December 11, 2015
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
Arm yourself with smart party choices, whether you're the host or invitee.
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Holiday Mingle Math

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Would you rather savor one buttery iced cookie or a dozen protein-packed oysters? Continue reading to find out how to pick a better party app.

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1. Iced Sugar Cookie Star

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

A holiday classic, filled with butter, sugar, and white flour. Make this treat a special occasion, and savor each bite.

1 cookie = 150 calories

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2. Steak & Cheese Crostini

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Leaner cuts of beef such as flank steak or tenderloin typically top these protein-packed toasts—a healthier option that satisfies in just a few rich bites.

2 crostinis = 150 calories

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3. Jalapeño Pepper Poppers

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

The heat makes it hard to overindulge on cheese-filled peppers. Remove the bacon wrap and save 95mg sodium.

3 poppers = 150 calories

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4. Salmon Sushi Roll Pieces with Pickled Ginger and Wasabi

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Munch on these perfectly portioned omega-3 fat–filled bites instead of mayo-laden seafood dip. Skip the soy sauce and save 200mg sodium per teaspoon.

4 sushi pieces = 150 calories

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5. Mini Toast Points with Caviar

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Dainty but rich, caviar needs little more than a smear of sour cream and crisp toast to deliver umami-filled satisfaction. A good choice for nibblers.

5 mini toasts = 150 calories

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6. Endive & Goat Cheese Bites

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Endive spoons are a nearly calorie-free vessel for rich, creamy goat cheese. Pick this option over cheese and crackers to save 95 calories on the dipper alone.

6 bites = 150 calories

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7. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Hummus

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Hummus is always a great lower-calorie, flavor-packed option. Whole-corn tortilla chips have half the sodium of pita chips.

7 chips = 150 calories (1 teaspoon hummus per chip)

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8. Chocolate-Drizzled Strawberries

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

You'll get your chocolate fix (dark has half the sugar of milk chocolate) plus a full cup of fiber-filled fruit.

8 strawberries = 150 calories

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9. Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Shrimp is mostly protein—22g in just 9 shrimp—a substantial, filling choice. Cocktail sauce adds a few calories, but lots of sodium, too. Go easy and save 234 calories over fried shrimp.

9 shrimp = 150 calories (with ½ teaspoon cocktail sauce on each)

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10. Proscuitto-Melon Skewers

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Three full servings of fruit in 10 of these sweet-and-salty skewers—a lighter, brighter option for the mindless munchers.

10 fruit skewers = 150 calories

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11. Roasted Walnut Halves

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

A heart-healthy fat–filled option that you'll find at nearly every party. Bonus: more than 3g protein and 1.5g fiber.

11 nut halves = 150 calories

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12. Oysters Mignonette

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

Yep, you can eat an entire dozen oysters for less than 150 calories, and more than half of your daily needs for iron.

12 oysters (on the half shell) = 150 calories 

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