Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean all of your health and fitness goals have to go completely out the window.
It’s absolutely possible to enjoy Christmas and all of its delicious trappings – yes, including dessert! – without overindulging and feeling like a stuffed Christmas ham the next day.
Let’s be honest here – sometimes it’s the delicious treats put out before lunch even stars that can be out greatest undoing – all those bowls of chips, fried foods and mini pies.
So if you’re hosting a Christmas ‘do this year, or if you’re a guest at someone else’s gathering and have been asked to bring a plate, take charge and use this opportunity to fill the Christmas food table with healthy options that won’t put too much pressure on the waistline.
These 20 recipes feature fresh, wholesome ingredients and make for perfect healthy Christmas finger food and canapés – and we’ve even included a few healthier sweet treats that we guarantee will satisfy even those with the strongest sweet cravings.
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Haloumi
Haloumi and asparagus bites
These are dead-easy to make and can be done on the fly, even while your guests are arriving. Hot tip: If your children are confident in the kitchen and old enough to use a frypan, this is a perfect Christmas Day job to assign them.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Squid
Five spice squid with lime mayonnaise
Excite your dinner guests with this crunchy, succulent and delicious five-spice squid, served with zingy lime mayonnaise. It makes the perfect share-plate for your next dinner party!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Tacos
Salmon tacos with chipotle mayonnaise
If you’re after most substantial finger food, these healthy and light tacos will please a crowd.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Oysters with chilli and ginger dressing
Oysters with chilli and ginger dressing
Fresh and full of flavour, this simple canapé dish looks fancy and impressive, but is actually super easy and makes for the perfect summer entrée.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Fish scrolls
Fish scrolls with capsicum salsa
These delicious fish scrolls are beautiful topped with a zesty capsicum salsa – healthy, fresh and super tasty! They make the perfect finger food for a Christmas dinner party.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Warm spiced prawns with avocado salsa
Warm spiced prawns with avocado salsa
This light, fresh and flavoursome dish is perfect as a starter or finger food for Christmas dinner parties.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here
Stuffed vine leaves with yoghurt dip
Stuffed vine leaves with yoghurt dip
This healthy twist on the traditional Greek dish uses burghul instead of rice and includes a whole bunch of delicious nuts and herbs for extra flavour.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Roasted capsicum and green olive dip
Roasted capsicum and green olive dip
This dip looks impressive, but it’s actually super easy. And it looks way better on your table than a store-bought tub of dodgy hommus.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Cauliflower pizza
Cauliflower pizza
Sink your teeth into this deliciously wholesome, healthier cauliflower pizza – loaded with fresh tasty ingredients and mouthwatering flavour!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Kingfish carpaccio with tangy dressing
Sliced thin and served fresh with herbs and a lime and soy dressing, this seafood dish brings tang to a party appetiser.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Tarts
Sweet potato, mint and goat’s cheese tartlets
The hardest part about this recipe is roasting the sweet potato. Everything else is dead-easy!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Smoked chicken canapes
Smoked chicken canapes
Serve your guests this delicious canape that takes just 15 minutes to make. Just drizzle cranberry sauce over juicy chicken strips and serve on a crisp lettuce leaf.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Roasted parsnip hummus with warm spiced chick peas
Roasted parsnip hummus with warm spiced chick peas
The perfect healthy snack. This roasted parsnip hummus is topped with caramelised onions and chickpeas that will keep you reaching for more.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Blinis with smoked salmon
Blinis with smoked salmon
These light and fluffy mini savoury pancakes make the ultimate dinner party starter or appetiser, and are divine served with a dollop of fresh cream, and tender smoked salmon.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Prosciutto, fig and goats cheese bites
Prosciutto, fig and goats cheese bites
We promise you, even if you can’t really cook, these are beyond easy. And they’re the perfect recipe to assign a child or helpful house guest to assist you on Christmas Day.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Ginger, coconut and almond slice
Ginger, coconut and almond slice
Ginger slice lovers rejoice! This delicious vegan friendly slice is layered with creamy coconut and topped roasted flake almonds and crystallized ginger.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Sugar-free salted date caramels
Sugar-free salted date caramels
These little bites of goodness will keep you full and provide the perfect afternoon pick-me-up without the refined sugar.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Sugar-free cacao and hazelnut cookies
Sugar-free cacao and hazelnut cookies
With chia seeds for extra protein and crunch, these healthy cookies won’t disappoint when it comes to flavour.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Biscotti
Sugar-free biscotti with dried fruit
This guilt-free biscotti is perfect with a cuppa. Packed with dried fruit and no added sugar, you can have your treat and eat it too!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
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