14 Light Bridal Shower Appetizers
The bridal shower is such a special time! Decorating your home, spending time with your friends and family, and receiving gifts for your new life can make you feel so very loved and excited for what is to come!
Traditionally bridal showers are an occasion for all of your friends to celebrate the bride and groom, and a bridal shower is the perfect way for them to do that!
The many parties leading up to your wedding can really derail your weight loss and healthy eating goals. If you make sure there are plenty of healthy snacks at your parties, it will make it easier for you and all of your guests to stick to healthy choices on the shower menu.
Avoid the “normal” party foods like crescent roll wrapped mini hot dogs and deep fried buffalo wings, or even some finger sandwiches which are higher in carbs and trans fats, and instead include lots of veggies and lean protein.
Here are some delicious, healthy appetizer ideas for you to show off at your bridal shower!
Light Bridal Shower Appetizers
Share some of the love back by offering delicious but healthy appetizers. Even though it might not seem like it, it really is true - everyone appreciates healthy food offered at social events.
It’s likely that at least some of your guests are also trying to eat healthier, and it can be so hard when the only food served at parties is full of carbs!
These appetizer ideas are all nutritionist approved and will help you stay healthy while celebrating with friends and family.
Individual Veggie and Dip Cups
What you need:
An array of long and thin veggies, like bell pepper slices, celery, baby carrots and zucchini or cucumber sticks.
Individual cups of salsa, guacamole and/or low-calorie dressing (our recommendation is less than 50 calories per 2 tablespoons)
How to put it together:
Set veggies out on a nice platter and arrange by color for an added visual experience.
Arrange dip cups either in the center of the platter or around the outside. If they have lids you can even stack them into a pyramid.
Why we love it:
Food safety! Having individual cups reduces germ spread. PLUS it makes it super easy for your guests to grab what they want and move on down the line.
Salsa and Vegetable Platter
What you need:
An assortment of non starchy vegetables like artichoke, brussel sprouts, asparagus, cabbage and/or broccoli
2 or 3 varieties of salsa flavors (consider having at least one mild and one medium).
How to put it together:
Along the same lines of veggie and dip cups, cut up your veggies and place them on a platter.
Put salsa in individual cups or small bowls, clearly labeled with which type of salsa.
Why we love it:
When you're sitting around and talking for hours, it's nice to have something you can constantly munch on, but you don't have to worry about raking in excess calories.
Plus, who doesn’t love salsa? There are so many different varieties to choose from no matter the time of day, you’re sure to find a few that will suit everyone’s tastes.
Caprese Skewers
What you need:
Mozzarella balls
Grape Tomatoes
Balsamic Vinegar
Toothpicks
How to put it together:
This one is SUPER simple! Take a toothpick, add mozzarella balls, then grape tomatoes, and then drizzle with some balsamic vinegar.
Why we love it:
Not only is this so easy, it also makes a fancy appetizer and is so tasty! Caprese is always a party favorite of all the bridal shower recipes and this makes them easy finger food!
Fresh fruit Skewers
For a sweet treat, chop up some melons and pineapples, and grab some whole grapes and halved strawberries and put them on a toothpick, or even kabob skewers. Fresh fruit is a quick way to dish up an easy appetizer. You can drizzle them with a little dark chocolate sauce if you want or you can even have cream cheese for dipping, but they are great on their own too.
Smoked Salmon Bites
What you need:
Salmon (pre-smoked for ease) and whole grain crackers
How to put it together:
Cut the salmon up into bite size pieces. (Or buy pre-smoked). Set them out on a tray with a few varieties of whole grain crackers.
Why we love it:
It is delicious, healthy, and will look beautiful arranged on a platter amongst your other bridal shower food ideas. Want to add some extra flavor? Add some goat cheese crumbles!
Antipasto Platter
Create a platter with uncured versions (healthier for your colon) of these typically cured meats.
What you need:
Cheeses - choose 2: fresh mozzarella, manchego, provolone, Parmigiano-Reggiano, gouda
Meats - choose 2: prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, mortadella
Vegetables - choose 2: artichokes, roasted red bell or cherry peppers, mixed olives
How to put it together:
My favorite way to arrange is not. I like to find local shops or restaurants that offer charcuterie boards, or maybe you have a bridesmaid who makes them for fun for her gatherings!
If you are arranging them, it can be very simple. Slice the cheese thin (or buy it pre-sliced) and arrange them all to one side of the platter or cheese board.
Next put the vegetables in the center, arranged however you think looks best.
Last separate the meats into individual slices so they are easy to pick up. You can kind of fluff them up to take up less platter space. Arrange these on the opposite side of the board from the cheese.
Why we love it:
Cheese and meats are filling, delicious, and don't include excess sugar. They make perfect finger food.
Here's a great article with more detail!
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
What you need:
Here's a recipe we love for spinach and artichoke dip.
You’ll also need cut-up veggies like celery, cucumbers and carrots.
How to put it together:
Follow the recipe above, or choose your own, to make the dip.
Place sliced veggies on a tray surrounding the bowl of artichoke dip.
Why we love it:
This dip is a low-sugar and low-carb option, and you are replacing chips or crackers with veggies! Win-win!
Zucchini Pizza Bites
What you need:
Zucchini
Roasted Tomatoes
Parmesan Cheese
How to put it together:
Slice zucchini into rounds. Fry them in a little olive oil if you want something a little crispy.
Here's an easy recipe to try or modify!
Why We love it:
Zucchini is a great substitute for bagel bites or mini pizza crusts, keeping this appetizer low carb, and using roasted tomatoes instead of pizza sauce eliminates any added sugar!
Mini quiche
What you need:
Quiche lorraine
Mushrooms
Garlic
Mediterranean flavors
How to put it together:
Here's an easy recipe we love - complete with a how-to video and mini quiche done in 4 ways!
Why we love it:
They’re elegant, hardy, and nutritious bites – which makes them perform for wedding showers and offers something most on your guest list will love.
Bacon wrapped dates
What you need:
Bacon slices
Pitted dates
How to put it together:
Here's an easy recipe we love - complete with a how-to video!
Why we love it:
This one is a little higher in sugar than our other options, but is a true crowd-pleaser. And when it comes to sweet and savory, you can’t get much healthier than this.
Apple Prosciutto Bites
What you need:
Apple
Leafy greens, arugula
Parmesan cheese
Prosciutto
How to put it together:
Slice 1 small apple.
Top apple slice with 1 piece arugula + 1 strip of shaved Parmesan.
Wrap 1 small strip of prosciutto around the stack and pierce with toothpick if desired. Continue.
Dairy free? Use a dairy free cheese, or more prosciutto. Vegetarian? Add more cheese instead of using prosciutto.
Why we love it:
It’s a simple, clean, and easy way to pack a punch in a small bite. It also looks super elegant.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
What you need:
Mayonnaise
Garlic salt
Chicken breast
Buffalo sauce
How to put it together:
Cut chicken into small pieces.
Spray a pan with an oil spray.
Cook for ~8 minutes, turning the pieces so they cook through. Once cooked, cut them into smaller pieces so they’re easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Mix chicken, celery (diced), mayo, and buffalo sauce.
Add seasoning. And wallah. You’ve got chicken salad.
Serve with carrots and celery.
No chicken? Use tuna or make a bean salad.
Why we love it:
It’s a tasty spin on a classic chicken salad.
It doesn’t have to be difficult to offer healthy choices at your bridal shower. With these delicious, healthy appetizers your guests will feel like they are being treated to the best of the best while they celebrate you and shower you with gifts and love!
Remember to enjoy your day and toast your guests (and maid of honor) with a glass of champagne!
Keep in mind, you don’t have to make any of this yourself. Store bought options can be a perfect way to keep things easy and stress free.
