How to throw a healthy Stanley Cup party

Planning a healthy party menu

If you’re trying to stick to a healthy eating plan, hosting a party can present a real challenge-do you indulge in high-calorie drinks and snacks, or pack your menu with lighter fare? The truth is, you don’t have to load up on junk food to throw a great party-all it takes is a little creative cooking. Here are 10 crowd-pleasing recipes for your healthy Stanley Cup menu.

Artichoke Dip

What would a party be without flatbread, pitas and dip? This creamy dip is similar in texture to guacamole, without the added fat of cream or mayo. It’s great as an appetizer spread on whole-grain crackers, or as a dip for crisp, fresh vege­tables.

Get the recipe: Artichoke Dip

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Agua Fresca, Spanish for fresh, cold waters, is a combination of watermelon, water, fruit and honey blended together and served ice cold. This is the perfect summer drink to kick back with while you cheer on your favourite team.

Get the recipe: Watermelon Agua Fresca

Mushrooms Stuffed with Walnuts, Smoked Bacon and Goat Cheese

Stuffed mushroom caps are a pub classic-but making them yourself means that you can be sure to keep them light. In this recipe, bite-sized mushrooms are filled with smoked bacon and goat cheese create a delicately rich and savoury taste.

Get the recipe: Mushrooms Stuffed with Walnuts, Smoked Bacon and Goat Cheese

Beef Sliders Stuffed with Walnuts and Gorgonzola

Your Stanley Cup menu just wouldn’t be complete without a healthy burger recipe-it is grilling season, after all. These itty-bitty burgers pack big taste with the combination of crunchy walnuts, tender beef and gooey Gorgonzola. Baby arugula provides a perfect peppery match for these mouth-watering sliders, which can be cooked on the BBQ, indoor grill or stovetop.

Get the recipe: Beef Sliders Stuffed with Walnuts and Gorgonzola

Homemade Chicken Fingers

Hockey fans are sure to love this classic dish. Serve these tasty chicken fingers with carrot and celery sticks-just like you’d find them in a pub-and pair with salsa as a dip to get extra veggies in.

Get the recipe: Homemade Chicken Fingers

Spiced Vegetable Wedges with Tangy Mustard Dip

Potato wedges make a great party snack-but why not shake things up a bit with carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes, instead? Lightly crushed coriander seeds and a hint of cinnamon accentuate the flavours of the baked vegetable wedges, served with a tangy mustard and yogurt dip. It’s a terrific way to add more vegetables to your healthy party menu.

Get the recipe: Spiced Vegetable Wedges with Tangy Mustard Dip

Kid-friendly Turkey Sausage Rolls with Mango Chutney

Expecting little ones at your Stanley Cup bash? Kids love finger-foods, so try these simple sausage rolls. Using turkey sausage meat instead of pork sausage helps keep the fat content down.

Get the recipe: Kid-friendly Turkey Sausage Rolls

Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bites

Don’t worry-we haven’t forgotten about the sweet stuff! You won’t have to feel guilty about indulging in these bite-size chocolate raspberry brownies-the applesauce keeps them moist without any added fat.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bites

CC’s Crab Cakes with Easy Lime Aioli

Your Stanley Cup party is sure to be a hit with this light, tasty appetizer from Fearless in the Kitchen host, Christine Cushing. Top with fresh chives for an extra burst of flavour. Have some leftover crab meat? Give this crab and avocado dip a try.

Get the recipe: CC’s Crab Cakes with Easy Lime Aioli

Fresh Summer Watermelon

Need a quick and easy snack that’s sure to please? Skip the candy dish and treat your guests to some sweet, refreshing summer watermelon. Not only is watermelon an excellent hydrator, it’s also low in fat and packed with antioxidants. Serve cubed along with some low-fat vanilla yogurt dip, or try this fresh twist on the classic Caprese salad.

More healthy party appetizers

Next time you’re expecting a crowd, tempt them with heavenly finger foods. Enjoy 230 tasty dips and spreads, succulent chicken wings, dainty canapes, decadent desserts and more. Easy to make and a delight to devour!

Available now in the Best Health store.

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