May is filled with fun events like Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and graduation parties. The flowers are planted, and the parties begin. Sharing meals with friends and family is often the highlight of any celebration. Before planning a food related event, keep these healthful tips in mind.
Start off Light
Appetizers are a must and often set the scene for the party. It is always nice to have food on the table when guests arrive. Depending upon what else is planned for the gathering, there is a fine line between offering some light bites for nibble to heavy hors d’oeuvres that will blow up a diet.
This Honey Dijon Hummus is perfect as a delicious spread or dip. Sweet and tangy, this healthy and flavorful hummus pairs well with fresh veggies, some toasted pita or crisp crackers.
These light and colorful Cucumber Cups are great option to start off a celebration. Filled with shrimp, tilapia, tomatoes, peppers, onions and more, they are low-calorie, low-carb, low-sodium and delicious! At 17 calories a pop, this appetizer is a win.
Tomato and Mozzarella skewers are always a hit. Fresh basil adds color and flavor to this easy to make, “fancy-looking” appetizer.
Olives, nuts and fresh fruits are also great additions for guests to graze on during a party.
Keep Guests Hydrated
For a healthy alternative to soda or alcohol, keep a pitcher of fruit-infused water on hand. Or try this Cucumber Spa Cooler with a hint of rosemary to keep your guests cool.
Consider serving this cool and easy Minted Iced Tea recipe. With just 6 ingredients, this tea will provide just enough sweetness along with refreshing flavor. Substitute fresh lemon slices for lemon verbena leaves.
Your guests will love a cool, tall glass of Pink Lemonade. Fresh-squeezed lemons make this pink lemonade low in calories but high in flavor.
Serve Something Green and Fill up on Vegetables
Serving plenty of fresh vegetables will ensure your guests are feeling satisfied with delicious, healthy food.
This flavorful and nutrient-dense Green Goddess Salad will make taste buds come alive! A mix of fresh romaine lettuce, crisp red cabbage, and protein-rich cashews make for a delicious crunch paired with a delicious verdant dressing.
An Asparagus Green Bean Salad gets a boost when dressed with lemon, olive oil, fresh basil and parsley. Sliced plum tomatoes give this dish a burst of color.
Deliciously healthy and colorful, this Crunchy Asian Ramen Salad counts towards healthy fare. Sliced almonds and sunflower seeds are tossed together along with a sweet and savory sesame maple vinaigrette for an incredible medley of flavors and textures.
Lighten up Sauces and Dressings
Use vinegar, olive oil, spices and lemon juice to create your own salad dressings and sauces for mains. The dressing or sauce you choose can make a huge difference to the nutritional value of the dish. So many store-bought salad dressings and sauces contain large amounts of processed sugar and unhealthy fats.
This Middle Eastern-inspired Za’atar Vinaigrette or this Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette will wow guests. Brighten up greens without drowning them in extra calories.
Include Lean Protein
A balanced meal should include lean protein to keep your guests feeling satisfied!
- Simple and healthy ingredients make these Grilled Swordfish Kebabs an easy and delicious summer dinner. Livened up with a refreshing rosemary lime marinade, these kebabs also taste great with tuna, salmon, or any thicker cut fish.
- Celebrate the sunny days of spring with a cookout starring healthy, low-calorie burgers made with lean ground meat and portabella mushrooms. For a lower fat, lower sodium option, skip the cheese.
- These Black Bean Burgers are a tasty and healthy vegetarian option made with black beans, quinoa, and simple seasoning. Easy to cook and full of flavor, enjoy this veggie burger with your favorite toppings!
End On a Healthy Note
By the time dessert is served, guests should be feeling satisfied — but there’s always room for a sweet treat! Serving fruit with dessert will help guests to reach their recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables — especially any kids who are fussy eaters. A fruit platter can be visually pleasing and healthy at the same time!
This Summer Berry Fruit Salad is bursting with color. Packed with a variety of berries, kiwi and grapes, fresh mint and lime zest give this salad a lively flavor boost.
These Healthy Peanut Butter Cups are easy to make and super tasty! Made with four simple ingredients—peanut butter, oats, maple syrup, and dark chocolate – they taste just like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Serve up a guilt-free treat with this sweet and crunchy Peach Blueberry Crisp! Loaded with fresh fruit and a healthy nutty topping, this delicious crisp can be served as a nutritious dessert. Enjoy leftovers at breakfast!
Happy Entertaining! Don’t forget to call McCaffrey’s Catering department for any catering needs.
