17 Easy Appetizers for Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Loaded Black Bean Dip

Make these easy appetizers in just 20 minutes or less. Each delicious recipe meets our diabetes-appropriate nutrition parameters, meaning they’re lower in calories and saturated fat, use sodium-conscious ingredients and have no more than 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Plus, these flavorful dips, finger sandwiches, mini wraps and more contain complex carbs like fruits, veggies, legumes and whole grains to support healthy digestion and help manage blood sugar levels. Recipes like our Reuben Pickle Bites and Loaded Black Bean Dip make delicious pre-dinner bites or nutritious, crowd-pleasing snacks for festivities.

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Loaded Black Bean Dip

Loaded Black Bean Dip

This is a 7-layer black bean dip simplified: Just heat and season refried beans, then top with fresh vegetables for a texturally exciting dip.

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Reuben Pickle Bites

stacks of pickles, bread, pastrami and cheese with a toothpick

This pickle-on-a-stick appetizer has all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in one small bite. Watch this crowd-pleasing no-cook appetizer disappear in a snap at a party, game-watch or tailgate.

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Light & Airy Whipped Cottage Cheese

a recipe photo of the Whipped Cottage Cheese
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Annie Probst

Give this whipped cottage cheese recipe your own spin by making it with your favorite fresh herbs. You can use it as a dip with fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.

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Grilled Romaine with Avocado-Lime Dressing

Grilled Romaine with Avocado-Lime Dressing

Romaine lettuce takes on a nice charred, smoky flavor with a quick trip to the grill in this healthy wedge salad recipe. Avocado makes the dressing extra-creamy without any cream. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

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Rosemary-Goat Cheese Toast

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Crusty bread is topped with a touch of creamy goat cheese, fragrant rosemary and a drizzle of sweet honey in this healthy toast recipe that makes a perfect soup pairing or an easy snack.

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Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip

Easy Scallion-Salmon Dip

Inspired by the classic combination of smoked salmon and cream cheese, this spread is perfect for slathering on a bagel or serving as a dip with bagel chips.

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Strawberry & Brie Bites

Strawberry & Brie Bites

Strawberries, Brie cheese, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar come together in this addictive one-bite appetizer recipe.

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Thai Chile-Curry Dip

thai curry dip
Charlotte & Johnny Autry

Curry paste lends a pop of heat to this 7-layer dip, while carrots and snap peas add fresh crunch on top. Look for roasted peanut oil for the strongest nutty flavor.

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Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh

A quick spread of pimiento cheese stuffs these mini bell peppers for an easy, three-ingredient appetizer.

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3-Ingredient Kalamata-Olive Hummus

3-Ingredient jazzed up hummus
Photo by: Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.

Who doesn't like hummus? It's an easy snack or appetizer as is, but jazzing it up with simple toppings can make it feel like a special starter. Here we top store-bought hummus with Kalamata olives and olive oil (a staple ingredient that doesn't count toward our three!) and serve it with crunchy pita chips.

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Creamy Smoked Trout Spread

Smoked Trout Spread
Johnny Autry

Here the smoky flavor of the fish pairs exceptionally well with the robust bite of horseradish and onion. Serve with crackers, apple slices or cucumber slices for an easy appetizer.

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Smoked Salmon Cheese Toast

smoked salmon cream cheese toast

Perfect with soup or as an easy snack, this healthy cheese toast recipe pairs reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), smoked salmon and dill on top of crusty bread.

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Date Wraps

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Sweet dates and salty prosciutto combine in a tasty bite.

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Edamame Hummus

Edamame Hummus
Casey Barber

In only 10 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this light and refreshing edamame hummus that's even better than the store-bought brands. If you're not a cilantro fan, just substitute flat-leaf parsley or celery leaves.

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Smoked Gouda & Giardiniera Charcuterie Sticks

Smoked Gouda & Giardiniera Charcuterie Sticks
Jacob Fox

Crunchy pickled vegetables pair perfectly with creamy Gouda with a hint of smoke.

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Garlic-Chile Marinated Olives

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Simply pour warm aromatic oil over a selection of olives to infuse them with loads of flavor fast. These olives are a wonderful easy party appetizer—add any leftovers to salads or simply snack on them.

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Lemon Ricotta Cheese Toast

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Creamy ricotta and lemon zest lend bright flavor to this healthy cheese toast recipe, for a perfect soup pairing or easy snack.

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