Eating diabetic-friendly appetizers doesn't have to mean missing out on all the fun. These dietitian-approved apps feature healthy carbohydrates, fiber-rich foods and good fats to keep you happy and healthy all year long.
34 Healthy Diabetic-Friendly Appetizer Recipes
Air-Fryer Eggplant Fries
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 135 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
My kids love these air-fryer fries—and I like that they’re healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these eggplant fries are delicious and guilt-free. —Mary Murphy, Atwater, California
Beet Hummus
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Asian Wraps
Nutrition Facts1 wrap with 1 teaspoon sauce: 195 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap, but with more delicious and healthy flavor. Instead of ordering Chinese, you’ll be making these yourself! —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peachy Jalapeno Guacamole
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 90 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Fresh jalapenos and summer-ripe peaches lighten up this creamy guacamole. It’s got a little kick, but I love that it’s not so spicy it burns off my taste buds! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini
Nutrition Facts1 crostini: 77 calories, 2g fat (trace saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
I made a healthier spin on my favorite celebrity chef’s recipe by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. To top crostini, use this recipe for a pastelike pesto. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Cilantro & Lime Chicken with Scoops
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup chicken mixture: 97 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and I wanted a healthy chicken appetizer to serve in tortilla cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla chip cups or any other savory crispy cup you like. Enjoy leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. — Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois
Avocado Endive Cups with Salsa
Nutrition Facts1 appetizer: 43 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
I jazz up guacamole by serving it atop endive leaves to keep it low-carb. Add a brilliant red pepper salsa, and you’ve got a standout appetizer. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Balsamic-Goat Cheese Grilled Plums
Nutrition Facts1 plum half with 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons glaze: 58 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Make a real statement at your summer dinner party with this simply elegant treat that’s low in calories. Ripe plums are grilled and then dressed up with a balsamic reduction and sprinkled with tangy goat cheese. —Ariana Abelow, Holliston, Massachusetts
Tangy Texas Salsa
Nutrition Facts1/3 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
I’m a “transplant” from Wisconsin currently living in Texas. Even after 20 years, I can’t get enough of our wonderful local citrus. The combination of tangy fruit, spicy jalapeno and distinctive cilantro is so refreshing and light. —Lois Kildahl, McAllen, Texas
Makeover Creamy Artichoke Dip
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 104 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
Folks are sure to gather around this ooey-gooey, lightened-up dip whenever it’s placed on any buffet table. With cheese, jalapenos and a hint of lemon, it’s a treasured favorite. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
Nutrition Facts1 pot sticker with 3/4 teaspoon sauce: 52 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. Baking instead of frying keeps them lower in calories. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
White Bean Hummus
Nutrition Facts2 tablespoons: 78 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
My version of hummus features a delightful nuttiness from tahini, a peanut butter-like paste made from ground sesame seeds. The beans pack a lot of protein so it’s a healthy snack for kids. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Pork Satay
Nutrition Facts1 skewer: 73 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors to lean chicken that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Corn Salsa
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 24 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
This colorful, fat-free salsa is worth the extra time it takes to grill the ears of corn. The flavor goes well with barbecued meats, but it’s also tasty served with chips. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Caprese Skewers
Nutrition Facts1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
Trade in the usual veggie party platter for these lively kabobs. I often make them for my family as a healthy snack, and the kids like to help with the recipe! —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Fresh from the Garden Wraps
Nutrition Facts1 filled lettuce wrap: 64 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
We moved into a house with a garden that needed tending. Using the herbs we found, we made these fresh-tastic wraps for our first dinner there. —Chris Bugher, Asheville, North Carolina
Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets
Nutrition Facts1 tartlet: 76 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
These tasty appetizers look and taste gourmet, but they’re easy to make. Blue cheese is so flavorful that you don’t need much to add loads of flavor, which keeps them light. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Four-Tomato Salsa
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 15 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so healthy. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it’s hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It’s a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan
Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Wondering what to do with all those pumpkin seeds guests will be scooping out at your pumpkin-carving party? This healthy, microwave-easy recipe is the answer! Save some for yourself before they’re gone! —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
Nutrition Facts2 tablespoons dip: 58 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for another healthy nut like walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
Southwest Egg Rolls
Nutrition Facts1 egg roll: 50 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
Moderately crispy with a rich and creamy filling, these semi-spicy appetizers taste like they’ve been fried. —Danielle Booth, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
Nutrition Facts3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
This tasty snack of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is one that you can feel good about serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Orange Shrimp Mojo
Nutrition Facts1 serving: 172 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
With jalapeno, orange and avocado, every bite of this enticing starter is spicy, tangy and fresh. The sauce beautifully glazes the lean shrimp. —Don Thompson, Houston, Ohio
Smoked Salmon New Potatoes
Nutrition Facts1 appetizer: 35 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Give twice-baked potatoes a rest this year and try these stuffed spuds. Smoked salmon and cream cheese blended with lemon juice and dill are simply piped into small red potatoes. Leftovers are even good with eggs for breakfast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Garlic Bean Dip
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup dip: 102 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
There isn’t a bean that my family does not like. In fact, I serve one kind or another almost every day. This dip is one of our favorite ways to eat them. —Nancy Testin, Harrington, Delaware
Vegetable Samosas
Nutrition Facts1 appetizer: 79 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
My family enjoys the wonderful Indian flavors in a traditional samosa. Baked instead of fried, this version has fewer calories but keeps all the classic tastes and textures we love. —Amy Siegel, Clifton, New Jersey
Zippy Shrimp Skewers
Nutrition Facts1 skewer: 57 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
These low-fat skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. —Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
Skinny Quinoa Veggie Dip
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup (calculated without cucumber slices): 65 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Don’t let the name fool you. This good-for-you recipe will appeal to the health-conscious, but it has plenty of flavor to satisfy everyone. We use crunchy cucumber slices for dippers. —Jennifer Gizzi, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Roasted Chickpeas
Nutrition Facts1/3 cup: 178 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd-pleaser? You’ve found it! This zesty, crunchy chickpea recipe will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Spicy Shrimp Salsa
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
Radishes add a wonderful crunch to this colorful salsa that is also great over grilled fish. There’s just enough jalapeno to give flavor without much of the heat. —Mary Beth Relyea, Canastota, New York
Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
Nutrition Facts1 appetizer: 72 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
My strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Letting everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps, topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins, and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Old Bay Crispy Kale Chips
Nutrition Facts1 serving: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Here in East Hampton, NY, harvest time means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with Old Bay Seasoning to give them a little zing. For spicy chips add a dash of cayenne pepper.—Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York
Rosemary Walnuts
Nutrition Facts1/4 cup: 166 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat.
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago, and each time we visited her she would have a batch ready for us. Cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Baked Veggie Cups
Nutrition Facts1 appetizer: 40 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
These colorful veggie cups are not only tasty, but they also pack in a surprising amount of nutrition! The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan is the perfect Italian touch. —Cathy Horvath, Surrey, British Columbia