Very Low Calorie Appetizers for Dieters

It may sound like a tall order, but there are some excellent low calorie appetizers that can help to support your weight loss efforts. Sure, this takes diligence, dedication, and practice but you can find some of the most delicious ways to enjoy a snack without going overboard.

It’s all about using healthy and low-calorie ingredients that are actually good for you at the core. You want to be sure that you stay on top of keeping these foods in the house, and then take the time to prepare them the right way. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and if you can really take the initiative then you can help to keep the weight off and still give into some yummy appetizers that make you feel like you’re cheating when you’re really not!

Whether you are hanging out at home with your family, hosting a little get-together with friends, or preparing for the holidays, the low calorie appetizers below can give you some healthy ideas that all of your guests will love indulging in before the main course.

A Healthier Dip for Chips 

Rather than a high-calorie, high-fat cheese dip, why not serve up one that consists of healthy, low-calorie ingredients like tomatoes, black beans, and cucumbers? Then, to get some healthy fats in the mix, you can even add in some avocado. Yum! According to Skinny Taste, this is one of the top recipes when you are aiming to serve up low calorie appetizers that everyone will love.

To prepare it, all you have to do is combine a seedless cucumber that’s been peeled and diced with 2 medium tomatoes that have been diced. Add in 2 avocados that have also been diced, along with a can of black beans that have been rinsed and drained.

Then, incorporate 2 tablespoons of minced red onion, 2 tablespoons of minced cilantro, and the juice of 2 limes before adding salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve it right away or refrigerate it if you aren’t planning on having it immediately. Serve with tortilla chips. What an easy and tasty way to get a variety of nutritious ingredients at once, right?

Garlic-Chile Olives 

When it comes to low calorie appetizers that are a snap to prepare, this recipe is tough to beat because it is so simple and takes only 10 minutes or less to make. Plus, it is also a low-carb recipe, so it will please all of your guests who are following a low-carb diet. And, it is packed in healthy fats! You can even prepare this appetizer in a hurry if you have unexpected guests coming by, and you want to give them something tasty and filling.

According to EatingWell, all you have to do is combine ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil with ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper, 3 2-inch strips of lemon zest, and 2 cloves of garlic that have been crushed.

Add these to a saucepan that has been set over medium-low heat. Cook this mixture, making sure to stir occasionally, for anywhere from 3 minutes to 5 minutes, until the garlic starts to sizzle.

Then, take a cup of mixed olives that have been rinsed and are at room temperature, and place them in a serving boil before pouring the mixture over them. Allow it all to come to room temperature, and then serve.

Spinach and Cannellini Bean Dip 

Delicious spinach dip is a hit, but because of its cheese and cream, it isn’t the best idea if you’re hoping to serve up very low calorie appetizers when you have guests. For a healthier take on this classic appetizer, try this spinach and cannellini bean dip. It takes only 11 minutes to prepare, and it yields 4 to 6 servings. And, it contains 175 calories per serving, along with 9 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein.

Start by heating a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Then, add in 2 minced cloves of garlic to cook them for only about a minute until they are nice and fragrant.

Next, add in 1 6-ounce bag of baby spinach. Cook it for about 2 minutes until the leaves are wilted. Add in another 6-ounce bag of baby spinach to cook it the same way. Once it is all wilted, let it cool for just a few minutes.

Next, put 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, your spinach, and 1 15-ounce can of cannelloni beans that have been drained and rinsed in a food processor bowl. Add in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, along with a teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Blend this all together until it is smooth.

Finally, transfer your spinach dip to a serving bowl. You can serve it to your guests along with pita chips or crostini so they can enjoy one of the tastiest low calorie appetizers.

Lettuce Cups 

Another one of the many popular low calorie appetizers is lettuce cups. The key is to fill your lettuce leaf with healthy ingredients. This particular recipe uses tofu as a filling that is tasty and satisfying, without being high in calories. It takes about 42 minutes to prep this recipe, and it yields 4 servings.

Start by whisking together a tablespoon of chili-garlic sauce, 1.5 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup of hoisin sauce, and 2 tablespoons each of rice vinegar and sherry.

Then, take 8 ounces of extra-firm tofu that has been drained, and slice it into ½-inch slabs before finely mincing it and setting it aside. Next, heat up 2 teaspoons of canola oil in a wok over medium heat, and add in 2 tablespoons of minced ginger and 4 thinly sliced scallions. Cook these until the ginger is nice and fragrant and the whites of the scallions are translucent. It should take up to 3 minutes.

Add in the tofu and cook it, making sure to stir, for about 5 minutes. Add in your sauce, reduce the heat to simmer everything, and cook it for another 4 minutes, stirring often. Add in ½ cup of finely diced water chestnuts, making sure to stir it all together.

Finally, get a large head of lettuce and fill every leaf with your cooked mixture. Garnish with some peanuts and red bell pepper for one of the tastiest low calorie appetizers.

A Few Other Quick and Easy Low Calorie Appetizers to Try

• Hummus and Veggies - By far one of the best low calorie appetizers out there has to be hummus and veggies. This is an easy one to whip up ahead of time on your own or to buy store made. Either way you are getting the benefit of fiber and protein through the hummus, but you are doing so in a low-calorie manner. Adding vegetables gives you that nice crunch that you crave, and then the creamy hummus makes for an excellent dip for them.
• Yogurt Dip and Fruit - If you want one of those low calorie appetizers that also satisfies a sweet tooth, then this is one to check out. You simply find a delicious low fat and low-calorie yogurt that you like and then spruce it up with some chopped pineapple and perhaps a small dollop of low calorie cream cheese. Then chop up some strawberries and bananas, and voila you have a delicious and easy appetizer that’s actually good for you.
• Greek Yogurt Chive Dip with Baked Chips - This is so easy and yet one of the best low calorie appetizers. Rather than using sour cream, turn to low calorie Greek yogurt as the basis. Then add in chives, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper. Add your favorite baked chips that offer no guilt but all of the taste and crunch—this is a sure-fire winner and one that is bound to be enjoyed often!
• Kale Chips - Simply wash and chop up fresh kale, drizzle with olive oil and sea salt and bake in the oven at 375 for about 10 minutes. This makes for a really great treat and you won’t miss the fat—this is one of those low-fat appetizers that is truly good for you and you will just love it!

Enjoy Low Calorie Appetizers That Are Packed with Flavor! 

Just because you want to stick with low calorie appetizers certainly does not mean that you need to sacrifice any flavor. Because appetizers are often looked forward to as one of the best parts of a multi-course meal, why not have some fun with your options by coming up with your own delicious recipes, or following other easy ones, that you can prepare fresh for your guests? It’s a strategy that simply can’t be beat.