Fabulous (and Healthy) New Year’s Eve Recipes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining good vision. Mixed with Greek yogurt, lemon juice and caramelized onions, this dip is bound to be both healthy and scrumptious.

These meatballs get a nutritional boost with the addition of quinoa. The tart and tangy cranberry sauce served on top makes the entire dish sparkle.

Use fresh herbs as the skewers for these delicious and juicy appetizers for a burst of extra flavour with every bite.

Lettuce wraps are delicious, low-carb finger foods that are impossible not to enjoy. This Asian-inspired recipe includes cashews, which have lower-than-usual saturated fat content compared to other nuts and a wealth of veggies.

There’s nothing better than low-calorie appetizers that are bursting with flavour. Five of these prosciutto-wrapped scallops topped with orange zest and balsamic vinegar are only 148 calories. Nibble the night away!

Kale has fast become one of the most versatile green veggies. Baked kale chips with a dash of olive oil, salt and chili is an easy and delicious way to get your essential vitamins, fibre and potassium in on New Year’s night.

Quinoa is the ultimate super grain that’s packed with protein, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and grapefruits (especially during the winter) help you retain your much-needed vitamin C. What more can you ask for from a healthy New Year’s Eve snack?

Pack this enticing fiery red hummus with pita chips and crisp veggies for a convenient and healthy snack the whole family will love.

Whip out some gluten-free crackers to complete this elegant eggplant appetizer that’s full of classic Italian flavours.

Serve this bright and colourful appetizer in slices or individual squares for crispy, veggie-filled party bites. Or, get creative and use the cauliflower crust as a base for more savoury hors d’oeuvres, like smoked salmon or crispy bacon.

Skip the store-bought appetizers and opt for this easy recipe for southwest-inspired egg rolls filled with Mexican spices, black beans, chiles and cheese, served with homemade salsa for dipping.

A tasty side party hors d’oeuvres bursting with surprising flavours.

Give your party a little je ne sais quoi with these swanky crudite bundles served with a fresh and lemony Greek yogurt dip.

The 1999 Cocktail is a New Year’s Eve drink through and through. Lemon juice helps stimulate the digestive tract (which is why it’s so great as an after-dinner cocktail), and pomegranate seeds are known to help lower blood pressure. It only helps that the drink looks like a party in a cup.

An simple bevvy with only three ingredients is exactly what we need on New Year’s Eve. Vodka is the liquor of choice for those watching their caloric intake and freshly squeezed lemon juice is full of vitamin C to help you ward off illnesses that come your way in the new year.

Toast to the colour of the year with a bright margarita that sneaks some fresh and healthy green juice into your happy hour.

Since cocktails are a must during New Year’s Eve, why not serve up something simple and celebratory? The Graduate Cocktail features elderflower, lime juice, gin and a splash of soda water.

Get the recipe for The Graduate Cocktail.

Christina Gonzales is a lifestyle and food writer who’s written for award-winning magazines. When she’s not eating or drinking her way around Toronto, she’s chasing the next big story. Follow her daily ramblings on Twitter @xtinagonzales.