Healthy Cocktail Party Food

No cocktail hour is complete without a spread of delicious cocktail food. Whether you're hosting a fancy soiree or a laid-back shindig, make sure you have enough goodies for your guests to chomp on and don't forget to include some healthy options. Start with a selection of easy basics, such as nuts, cubed cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables. Supplement these with several thoughtfully prepared hors d'oeuvres, add a signature cocktail or two, and your cocktail party will be a winner.

Not only are mushrooms inexpensive, they also provide an ideal palette for a variety of ingredients. For example, try stuffing them with wild caught salmon and chives before baking. Alternatively, experiment with spinach and non-fat Greek yogurt or bell peppers, onions and reduced or non-fat feta cheese.

This recipe is as healthy as it is easy to whip up. Gather 20 grape tomato halves, 20 fresh basil leaves and 20 small pieces of mozzarella cheese. "Using a toothpick, spear the tomato, basil and mozzarella," explains Stephanie Merchant, health and lifestyle coach. Whisk together 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil, then drizzle on top.

RELATED: Quick Snacks That Pack a Healthy Punch

"Ceviche is a great option," says Marley Majcher, owner of The Party Goddess! catering and event company. Boil 1/4 cup salt with 2 quarts water. Add 1 pound large peeled, raw shrimp, tailless. Remove from heat. Let set for three minutes. Drain. Rough chop shrimp. Add the juice of 2 lemons, 2 limes and 2 oranges; 1 cup peeled, diced cucumber; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 2 chopped Serrano chilies. Chill at least one hour. Before serving, add 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cubed avocado, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup olive oil.

These cucumber rolls deliver a burst of savory flavors and textures in one bite. Start out by peeling 8 lengthwise slices of cucumber, 1/8-inch thick. Next, spread a teaspoon of light cream cheese across each cucumber slice; top with shredded carrots and raisins to taste. "Roll up the cucumber, keeping the filling carefully inside," Merchant says. Secure with a toothpick and serve chilled.

RELATED: 15 Salty Snacks Under 150 Calories

Like cheese and wine, nuts are a must at any cocktail party. Instead of throwing a purchased can of nuts on the table, add a little personality to your selection. Try tossing almonds in olive oil, for example. Spread the nuts on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, thyme and fresh garlic over them. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Bruschetta is a favorite heartier cocktail party dish. Combine the following ingredients, all chopped, and let chill: 1 cup basil, 3 tomatoes, 1 small onion. Slice a baguette and drizzle olive oil on either side. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Grill or toast in the oven, then top with the tomato mixture. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top.

These chili-lime deviled eggs are an easy and healthy twist on a favorite standard. Prepare 8 hard-boiled eggs; let them cool, then cut each one in half. Remove the yolks and place in a bowl with 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons lime juice, 2 minced Thai chilies, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 tablespoons chopped tomatoes, 3 teaspoons chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons minced green peppers. Mix well and add salt and pepper to taste. Place the yolk mixture into a piping bag. Pipe into egg halves before guests arrive.

RELATED: 10 Easy Entertaining Appetizers

Salad on a stick is sure to be a popular choice among your guests, especially those watching their waistlines. The bonus for you is these are super easy to throw together. On wooden skewers, thread olives, cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots and sliced cucumbers. Alternate with iceberg lettuce cut into 2-and-a-half-inch chunks. If desired, drizzle with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture.