15 Healthy Cocktail Party Recipes

Throwing a party for the holidays or another celebration? This list of 15 healthy cocktail party recipes will help you pull it all off effortlessly.

When I was in college, inevitably most “cocktail parties” involved beer, shots made with some sort of throat-searing alcohol, bags of Doritos and boxes of takeout pizza. Most of my male friends would roll their eyes when the girls tried to elevate the party standards by bringing plates of hors d’oeuvres – stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped scallops and and at least one spinach artichoke dip were always present. But you know what? The guys were always the ones crowded around the appetizer table, wolfing down all of the hors d’oeuvres. Roll your eyes all you want, boys. You know you loved our appies!

These days, there’s always a good reason for a cocktail party! Christmas, New Year’s Eve, anniversary celebration, birthday bash, or just because it’s a random Friday night in the middle of March. And I always walk away a happy host or guest if there’s a lineup of healthy cocktail party recipes.

Below are some of my favorite hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, many with make-ahead options. You could argue that cocktails shouldn’t be included in a list of healthy recipes, but these particular cocktails are made with natural sweeteners and fruit juices. In my mind, they get a pass into the healthy category.

Whether it’s a cranberry kamikaze shot (something for the wilder party goers) or my favorite Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip, there’s something here for everyone.

15 Healthy Cocktail Party Recipes:

#1 Chili Lime Shrimp

Chili Lime Shrimp is a fantastic way to spice up the appetizer table at your next cocktail or holiday party! Dip them into the savory cilantro yogurt sauce.

For the recipe => Chili Lime Shrimp

#2 Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail

Raise a glass to the holidays with this refreshing and delicious Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail! Nothing but natural sweeteners in the syrup.

For the recipe => Cranberry Prosecco Cocktail

#3 MINI HUMMUS & ROASTED PEPPER PHYLLO BITES

These easy and addictive Mini Hummus & Roasted Pepper Phyllo Bites are perfect for entertaining or healthy snacking! And believe me, I’ve eaten enough for afternoon snacks to attest to that!

For the recipe => Mini Hummus & Roasted Pepper Phyllo Bites

#4 SMOKED SALMON & CUCUMBER APPETIZER WITH CAPER YOGURT

We made this Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Appetizer with Caper Yogurt recipe for New Year’s Eve last year and again for a Christmas dinner appetizer this year. It can be made ahead of time and it always curbs our craving for smoked salmon.

For the recipe => Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Appetizer with Caper Yogurt

#5 Healthy Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip

This Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip is one of my favorites! It’s a fresh and healthy take on a classic appetizer. It will be a hit at any party!

For the recipe => Healthy Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip

#6 Cranberry Kamikaze Shot or Cocktail

I’m reviving my “kamikaze queen” status with this cranberry version of a classic shot or cocktail. It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve or any other cocktail party!

For the recipe => Cranberry Kamikaze Shot or Cocktail

#7 Hoisin Mushroom Phyllo Cups

For the recipe => Hoisin Mushroom Phyllo Cups

#8 Baked Hummus & Feta Cauliflower Bites

Looking for something a little different for everyday snacking, Super Bowl entertaining or your next cocktail party? These baked cauliflower bites, with hummus and feta tucked inside should do the trick!

For the recipe => Baked Hummus & Feta Cauliflower Bites

#9 3-Ingredient Brie & Cranberry Phyllo Turnovers

Brie cheese and cranberry sauce are tucked into phyllo dough to make irresistibly flaky and cheesy appetizer turnovers.

For the recipe => 3-Ingredient Brie & Cranberry Phyllo Turnovers

#10 PINK GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITA

These Pink Grapefruit Margaritas will impart a burst of freshness into the typically heavy offerings of the season. There’s no fake stuff in this drink…all fresh juices!

For the recipe => Pink Grapefruit Margarita

#11 Mini Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Potatoes

This fun and light mini spinach and artichoke stuffed potatoes recipe is perfect for cocktail parties at any time of the year!

For the recipe => Mini Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Potatoes

#12 Curry Spiced Nuts

These Curry Spiced Nuts will take you 7 minutes from start to finish. The tart cherries add wonderful flavor and health benefits to this tasty snack!

For the recipe => Curry Spiced Nuts

#13 Skinny Pesto Pizza Crostini

These easy, make-ahead Skinny Pesto Pizza Crostini will be the hit of the party. They’re perfect for the holiday season!

For the recipe => Skinny Pesto Pizza Crostini

#14 Fresh Orange Moscow Mule

This refreshing Moscow Mule recipe gets a kick of citrus with the addition of freshly squeezed orange juice. Is it 5 o’clock yet?

For the recipe => Fresh Orange Moscow Mule

#15 Roasted Grape & Ricotta Phyllo Cups

There is a wonderful balance of sweet and savory in these Roasted Grape and Ricotta Phyllo Cups. Watch these disappear from the appetizer table!

For the recipe => Roasted Grape & Ricotta Phyllo Cups

This post was originally posted on December 9, 2016, and has been updated.