You have all your wedding details down pat, but what about the food? What are you planning on serving your guests? Picking the right appetizer depends on factors like theme, season, health philosophy, and more. So, check out these healthy ideas to start your celebration off right.
1. Upside-Down Mushroom Tartlets
Add a little bit of earthiness to your menu by starting with this delicious tartlet. It brings a touch of elegance that vegetarians will appreciate. This appetizer is suitable for all seasons, but may be appreciated more fully in an autumn or winter wedding.
2. Basil and Tomato Bruschetta
Sometimes simplicity is best with this bruschetta topped with basil and tomatoes. Opt for organic ingredients if possible. This is a great option if you need to cater to vegans or anyone with soy or nut allergies.
3. Veggie Infused Breadsticks
Serve up these thin crisp breadsticks that are colorfully infused with extracts from parsley, beets, carrots, or tomatoes. For added elegance, arrange these colorful sticks like flower arrangements and have your guests “pluck” them from centerpiece arrangements.
4. Figs and Gorgonzola
Decadent and rich, this appetizer is a great way to start off your wedding meal. Figs are packed with a variety of health benefits including glowing skin, digestion aid, and blood pressure regulation. Use this no-cook appetizer for summer weddings because figs are hard to find once fall comes around.
5. Greek Salad in Eco-Friendly Cups
Give the Greek salad a new spin by portioning them out into tiny disposable cups. Make sure the cups are made from recycled paper, or forgo them completely by using edible “cups” such as cored out cucumbers or lettuce “plates”.
6. Goat Cheese on Baby Spinach
Want a Mediterranean flair to your appetizer dish? Try this goat cheese appetizer: fresh balls of goat cheese, coated with chopped pistachios, and on top of individual baby spinach leaves. The leaves are an easy and fun way to lift and eat the appetizer.
7. Roasted Mixed Nuts
Serving special cocktails pre-dinner? Pair them with a unique mix of roasted nuts. Flavor with sea salt, or a dash of your favorite spice for variety. Serve them in individual-sized cups for that personal touch that brings elegance to this simple snack.
8. Purple Potato Chips topped with Crème Fraiche and Caviar
Ready for a conversation starter that may wow your guests? Try these purple potato chips. The fact that these chips are deep-fried will be overlooked when your guests notice each individual chip topped with creamy crème fraiche and caviar. Extra bonus points if your wedding colors coordinate with the purple of the potato.
9. Beet Chips Topped with Goat Cheese Salad
Like the purple potato chip idea but want to elevate your appetizers more? Try using beet chips for a finger-friendly serving of goat cheese salad topped with microgreens. Don’t worry about staining your guests’ fingers because the beets are crisped. So, your clothing and linens are safe and your guests are suitably sated.
10. Savory Madeleines
A new twist on madeleines? Don’t wait for dessert to serve up this delicious treat. Give them a savory makeover with flavors from your favorite cheeses, seasonings, and herbs.
Make different flavors of this vegetarian-friendly appetizer and serve them in pretty centerpieces, or special individual portions on top of a bed of edible flowers.
11. Butternut Arancini
If you are having a fall wedding, take advantage of seasonable vegetables like butternut squash. This lightly fried mixture of goat cheese, rice, sage, and squash brightens up an appetizer plate. Drizzled with honey, it provides a nice balance between savory and sweet that your guests will rave about.
12. Summer Rolls with Spicy Almond Sauce
Fresh and nutritious, these summer rolls can be completely vegetarian or one can add shrimp for an extra protein boost. Pair them with a spicy almond sauce for an added kick. They’re gluten-free and vegan-friendly if you forgo the shrimp.
13. Spring Herb Cream Cheese Cups
Pay homage to your spring wedding by including these colorful appetizer cups in your menu. Add fresh herbs such as dill and parsley to brighten the cream cheese. Try garnishing with organic hot house grape tomatoes, radish, and salad cucumber for added color and nutrients.
14. Vegetarian Buffalo Sliders
Who says wedding food needs to be stuffy? If you are having a casual, down-to-earth wedding, these Buffalo sliders may be the perfect appetizer. Substitute tofu, cauliflower, and beans for the traditional chicken for protein. Your carnivore guests will never know the difference.
15. Watermelon Gazpacho
Utilize this favorite summer treat in a savory and refreshing gazpacho appetizer. Serve this vegan-friendly, dairy-free soup in festive shot glasses for a unique spin. Remember to garnish with fresh herbs for a flavor boost, or sliced serrano pepper for a spicy kick.
16. Mini Quinoa Chickpea Cakes
Ready for a nutrient-packed powerhouse for your guests’ palate? Quinoa and chickpeas have numerous health benefits, and when mixed in these little cakes they taste great too. This high protein and fiber appetizer is also dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
17. Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Blackberry
Having a summer wedding? These healthy and tasty skewers are a tasty way for your guests to beat the heat. The feta cheese adds a hint of savor that enhances the sweetness of the fruit, but it is not vegan-friendly. Try substituting a vegan tofu feta if you need to accommodate vegan guests.
18. Themed Food Stations
Having a casual affair, or catering the dinner meal yourself? One healthy appetizer option is to have themed food stations. Showcase prepared summer fruits or robust roasted veggie platters for your guests to help themselves and minimize your own work in the kitchen. Try locally sourced organic produce to ensure freshness and support your area farms.
19. Fried Green Tomato Sliders
Celebrate your Southern roots with these fried green tomato sliders as appetizers. The “frying” part is misleading since you can bake them in the oven for a healthier option. Add sweet-hot pickle chips as a fun garnish to this casual appetizer option.
20. Veggie Fries
Need another appetizer option for your casual wedding? How about offering veggie fries in fun recycled paper cones? Try parsnip, sweet potato, carrot, and taro for a unique take on this comfort food. Young family members may enjoy the familiarity, while your guests will appreciate the health benefits of this appetizer treat.
Lastly, veggie fries may be a simple fare but they are also vegan-friendly, paleo-friendly, and all-around healthy for guests with strict dietary restrictions.
Wrap Up
Designing the perfect menu may be frustrating, but finding healthy appetizer options don’t have to be. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If you are having a casual wedding, serving finger foods or sliders is a great option. On the other hand, sit-down elegant weddings can still feature unique appetizers with simple fresh ingredients.
Finally, when in doubt go with what your guests will enjoy eating. Your reception is a celebration, and the food you serve should reflect the joy you want to share with your guests.
