Guest Blogger: Erin Vaughan
Just because it’s your wedding doesn’t mean you have to throw the whole diet out the window. After all, you’ve worked for weeks to fit into that wedding dress—so why stop now? Especially when you don’t have to choose between taste and your waistline! Here’s how to start off the next phase of your life right, with these seven healthy (and delicious!) reception appetizer recipes.
This recipe manages to be elegant, fresh and healthy all at once. With its colorful appearance and delicate preparation, it’s certainly a little bit more elevated than your traditional crudités. You can even create variations by substituting pears, cantaloupes or apples for the mango. With just 29 calories a pop and plenty of vitamin A and C, these tasty little snacks make a delicious pairing with a healthy signature cocktail, like this hibiscus margarita. Perfect for an outdoor wedding on a gentle summer day.
Compact Little Flavor Bundles
Did someone say bruschetta? This twist on an old classic combines hummus and fresh sprigs of pea shoots for finger food that’s as graceful as it is good. For a healthier alternative to white bread, try substituting a whole wheat baguette or cucumber slices. Packed with protein and important minerals like manganese and copper, these tasty treats will give you and your guests the energy you need to cut a serious rug on the dance floor!
Elegant, Crunch-Creamy Concoctions
Some things just seem made for one another—you and your partner, love and marriage, cheese and fruit. Honor this most delicious marriage of sweet and savory with these tasty goat-cheese smothered pear slivers. Cut into chic slices, with a dollop of cheese and a sprinkle of cranberries and pistachios for good measure, these apps will be the belle of the ball—after yourself, of course!
Briny, Scrumptious Seasoned Oysters
If you have some adventurous gourmands to please, there’s nothing better than this simple preparation of raw oysters on the half shelf. Seasoned with pink peppercorns and tarragon leaves, these are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the stomach. And oysters are some of the most nutritionally balanced foods available, just brimming with protein, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium and zinc. There’s nothing better than when haute cuisine meets health food.
These Savory Antipasto Skewers
Even your Italian mother-in-law will be in love with these classic antipasto bites! Served upright on skewers, with zesty low-fat sausage and a hit of fresh basil, they’ll have everyone’s mouths watering for the buffet. Paired with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes and basil, they definitely hit the mark for healthy fare.
These Paleo-Approved Poke Stacks
Is someone on your guest list eating paleo? They won’t have to pack their own food on your special day! These paleo-compatible poke stacks are made from marinated sushi-grade tuna, avocado, and tomato and served on a homemade wonton for a bite-sized punch of flavor without the calories. Even your least-healthy friend will love it!
These Mouth-Watering Gluten-Free Stuffed Grape Leaves
Going gluten can be a bummer sometimes, especially when you show up to a party where the only thing on the menu is carbs, carbs and more carbs. This delicious stuffed grape leaf recipe is as healthy as it is hearty—with zero traces of gluten in sight. That way, everyone can enjoy your special day as much as you will. Now, if only they made a healthy, great-tasting alternative to wedding cake! Oh wait, they totally do!
Erin Vaughan is an avid runner and tennis player. He currently resides in Austin, Texas where he works as the president and co-founder of FitnessTrainer.com, the leading online marketplace to find a local personal trainer that can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
