50+ Lifestyles

Dietitian-Approved Appetizers to Celebrate the New Year!

By Nina Struss RDN, LDN
Hy-Vee Registered Dietician
(515) 695-3779     NStruss@hy-vee.com

Whether you’ll be staying in or throwing a New Year’s Eve bash, keep your get-togethers festive by offering bite-sized appetizers geared for socializing. This allows guests to munch while mingling and enjoying themselves throughout the night. Another additional benefit is that when enjoying alcoholic beverages, it can be helpful to have a meal or heartier appetizers alongside any drinks rather than on an empty stomach.

You can dress up your appetizer display and dazzle your guests by serving dishes that appear elegant yet are simple to prepare. Have fun showcasing your items with boards, serving trays and decorations to celebrate the New Year. Look for dietitian-approved appetizer recipes that are balanced by providing protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrates. These types of recipes will be similar to a “mini-meal” by being both filling and satiating while also offering a variety of flavors and textures to enjoy. This Garlic Shrimp Toasts recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite with a crispy baguette, homemade guacamole and grilled shrimp.

Garlic Shrimp Toasts 

Serves 8

All you need:

16 Fish Market fresh natural peeled and deveined raw shrimp (size 31-40 ct per 1-lb)

¼ cup plus 3 tbsp Gustare Vita garlic-flavored olive oil, divided

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp minced garlic, divided

¾ tsp salt, divided

½ tsp black pepper

1 large avocado, seeded, peeled and mashed

1½ tbsp finely chopped red onion

1 tbsp fresh cilantro, plus additional for garnish

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

1½ tsp fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped*

8 (3/8-inch thick) slices Hy-Vee Bakery artisan French baguette

Lemon zest

Lemon wedges

All you do:

1. Place shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag. Stir together ¼ cup garlic-flavored olive oil, lemon juice, 1¼ tsp minced garlic, ½ teaspoon sea salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour marinade mixture over shrimp in bag. Refrigerate 1 hour, turning bag occasionally.
2. For guacamole, stir together avocado, red onion, 1 tablespoon cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, remaining ¾ tsp minced garlic, and remaining ¼ tsp sea salt in a small bowl; set aside.
3. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill with greased grill rack for direct cooking over medium-high heat (375 degrees).
4. Remove shrimp from bag; discard marinade. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Thread shrimp onto metal skewers. Brush both sides of baguette slices with remaining 3 tablespoons garlic-flavored olive oil.
5. Grill shrimp and baguette slices for 4 to 6 minutes or until shrimp reach 145 degrees and baguette slices are toasted, turning halfway through.
6. To serve, spread guacamole on one side of baguette slices. Top each with 2 shrimp. Garnish with lemon zest and additional cilantro; serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

*Note: Chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes. When working with jalapeño peppers, wear protective gloves.

Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/garlic-shrimp-toasts

New Year’s is such a special time to celebrate with friends and family while also being mindful of nutrition and thinking ahead to health goals for the year ahead. Get a jump-start on your food-related resolutions by connecting with your Hy-Vee dietitian today to find the nutrition services that are the best fit for you! Learn more about our upcoming Vitamin D Screening, Healthy Habits Menu Program, and our BEGIN Program by visiting www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians.

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Nina Struss represents Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association). She can be reached at (515) 695-3779 or at nstruss@hy-vee.com.