4 Last-Minute Holiday Appetizers

A holiday get-together should be a happy time, even for the host! Why stress over elaborate appetizers? Instead, serve fresh dishes, loaded with wholesome ingredients, that can be made in less than 20 minutes.

Just remember to keep a few key ingredients on hand during the holidays, and you’ll be ready to whip up some cheer in no time. Whether it’s an impromptu get-together or a holiday party, these last-minute appetizers are sure to please!

Shrimp with Spicy Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce
Prep Time:
10minutes
Cook Time:
nocooking
Total time:
Serves:
6
Recipe by:The Alternative Daily
Ingredients
  • 1pound cooked shrimp, defrosted
  • 1cup mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise
  • 4cloves garlic, pressed
  • 2tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2tsp sea salt
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Arrange shrimp on a platter and set aside.
  2. Add mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to a medium bowl and whisk together. Add seasonings and combine well. Spoon into a serving dish and serve alongside the shrimp. Garnish with lemon wedges.
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White Bean and Walnut Bruschetta
Prep Time:
10minutes
Cook Time:
10minutes
Total time:
Serves:
6
Recipe by:The Alternative Daily
Ingredients
  • 2cups canned white beans, rinsed
  • 1/3cup walnut pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 2tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2tsp sea salt
  • 1/2tsp pepper
  • 6 Belgian endive spears, separated
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the walnuts on a baking pan and roast until fragrant, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Coarsely chop and set aside.
  2. Rinse and drain the beans, and add to a food processor. Mince the garlic and add to the beans. Process the beans and garlic to combine. Add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of olive oil; continue processing until smooth.
  3. Divide the purée among the six Belgian endive spears. Top with chopped walnuts and drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil.
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Fresh Tomato and Olive Salsa — Fast!
Prep Time:
15minutes
Cook Time:
nocooking
Total time:
Serves:
6
Recipe by:The Alternative Daily
Ingredients
  • 4 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 white onion, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1cup of green, pimento-stuffed olives, sliced
  • 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Non-GMO, certified gluten-free, multigrain tortilla chips
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Add all chopped ingredients into a medium bowl. Add the sliced olives, olive oil and lime juice. Stir and combine well. Allow to stand for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to combine.
  2. Spoon into a serving dish and serve with tortilla chips.
Recipe Notes

Note: To save time chopping, add seeded tomatoes, seeded jalapeños, onion, chopped garlic, and olives into a food processor. Pulse ingredients until slightly chunky. Pour into a bowl and mix in olive oil and lime juice. Combine well.

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Easy Peasy Guacamole with Tomato
Prep Time:
10minutes
Cook Time:
10minutes
Total time:
Serves:
6
Recipe by:The Alternative Daily
Ingredients
  • 3 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
  • 1/2small onion, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed
  • 1 fresh lime, juiced
  • 1tbsp mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 1 tomato, seeded and chopped finely
  • 1/2tsp sea salt
  • Non-GMO, certified gluten-free, multigrain tortilla chips
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in the mayonnaise. Add the chopped onion, garlic, jalapeño, and tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  2. Refrigerate for one hour to allow the flavors to blend, or serve immediately with tortilla chips.
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Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your company!

—The Alternative Daily

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