Holiday tables are usually filled with rich dips, fried snacks, and sugary desserts. While these foods are part of the fun, guests often appreciate having at least one light, fresh, colourful option they can enjoy without feeling overly full or sluggish. Healthy party snacks aren’t about restriction—they’re about balance. When lighter foods are vibrant, bite-sized, and full of flavour, they become just as popular as the traditional options. These five simple party dishes use basic ingredients, stay under 150 calories per serving, and still feel festive enough for any Christmas gathering. They’re easy to transport, easy to prepare, and reliably loved by guests.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bites (Approx. 130 calories for 3–4 bites)
These chicken bites are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re sweet, slightly spicy, sticky, and easy to serve with toothpicks. Because they’re high in protein, they keep guests satisfied without being heavy. They work at any holiday event and offer a festive glaze that looks attractive on a platter.
Why they’re great for the holidays:
• High protein keeps people full 
• Simple to prepare and bake in big batches
• Kid-friendly
• Uses basic pantry ingredients
Ingredients:
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of chilli flakes
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the chicken pieces in soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and chilli flakes. Spread evenly on a lined baking tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush lightly with extra honey for shine and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Greek-Style Hummus & Light Flatbread Dippers (Approx. 110 calories per serving)
This is an effortless holiday platter that looks fresh, colourful, and festive. Hummus offers fibre, plant protein, and healthy fats. When paired with lightly toasted flatbread strips or veggie sticks, it becomes a lighter alternative to creamy, high-calorie dips.
Why it’s great for holiday gatherings:
• Very easy to prepare
• Naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free 
• Customisable toppings
• Looks great on a platter
Ingredients:
• 1 tub or homemade hummus
• Light flatbread or pita, cut into strips
• Toppings: cherry tomatoes, olives, paprika, parsley, olive oil drizzle
Optional Homemade Hummus Recipe:
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Pinch of salt
Blend ingredients until smooth, adding a splash of water as needed. Plate the hummus, swirl the top, and add paprika, tomatoes, and parsley. Toast the flatbread lightly in the oven or air fryer and serve.
Mini Mozzarella Meatballs (Approx. 120 calories for 3 meatballs)
These meatballs feel indulgent thanks to the mozzarella centre but remain low-calorie because they’re baked instead of fried. They pair perfectly with toothpicks and a simple tomato dipping sauce.
Why guests love them:
• Bite-sized and party-friendly
• High protein
• Can be made with beef, turkey, or chicken 
• Delicious with marinara, pesto, or sweet chilli sauce
Ingredients:
• 500g lean beef or turkey mince
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper
• Mini mozzarella pearls or small cubes
Instructions: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Mix the mince with egg, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Take a tablespoon of the mixture, flatten it, and place a mozzarella pearl in the centre. Roll into a ball and repeat. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Mini Stuffed Mushrooms (Approx. 90 calories for 3 mushrooms)
These stuffed mushrooms look gourmet but take very little effort. They’re savoury, creamy inside, and full of umami. They’re naturally low-calorie and feel festive thanks to their golden baked tops.
Why they’re perfect for Christmas parties:
• Low calorie and low carb
• Quick to prepare 
• Look elegant and festive
• Vegetarian-friendly
Ingredients:
• 12–15 button mushrooms
• ¼ cup light cream cheese
• 1 tbsp parmesan
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Optional herbs: parsley or chopped spinach
Instructions: Remove stems and hollow out mushroom caps. Mix cream cheese, parmesan, minced garlic, and herbs. Fill each mushroom with the mixture. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Crispy Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Bites (Approx. 120 calories per small handful)
These sweet potato bites bring beautiful colour to the holiday table and have a naturally sweet, comforting flavour. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior without deep frying, keeping them light and healthy.
Why they work so well:
• Vegan and gluten-free 
• Quick and easy
• Kid-friendly
• Beautiful festive orange colour
Ingredients:
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Seasoning options: paprika, cinnamon, or black pepper
Instructions: Toss the sweet potato cubes in olive oil and seasonings. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway. Serve with a Greek yoghurt dip or sprinkle with cinnamon for a sweet version.
Final Tips for Making Healthy Christmas Snacks Stand Out
• Add festive colours like red tomatoes, green herbs, and golden roasted ingredients
• Use small cups, toothpicks, or mini skewers for easy serving
• Pair creamy items with crunchy sides for texture contrast
• Label dishes so guests know they’re lighter options
• Keep portions small and bite-sized for easy grazing
References
Harvard School of Public Health – Healthy Protein Sources: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein/
Cleveland Clinic – Benefits of Chickpeas & Hummus: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-chickpeas-healthy/