Planning a party doesn’t have to be time consuming, especially when you prepare your appetizers the day before! Below is a simple way to create a quick and healthy option for your guests!
Serves: 8-10
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Ingredients
2 jars roasted bell peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
Olive oil spray
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ cup Fresh chopped basil
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dash of red pepper flakes
¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
1 can hearts of palm
1 English cucumber
1 lemon
2 zucchini
1 red onion
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 containers (16 ounces) of hummus (any flavor you like)
1 container of olives (Kalamata, green, or any assortment)
1 container of cherry tomatoes
1 jar of artichoke hearts
Crackers or baguette
To prepare (this can all be made the day before):
Take roasted peppers from jar, drain and slice into strips. Put into bowl and add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (just enough to coat thoroughly) and a dash of red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Chop parsley. Slice hearts of palm in half, but at an angle. Dip the angled tops into the parsley. Slice the cucumber into angled slices. Slice a lemon circle, cut half-way in and flip the sides out to make a twist.
Slice the zucchini long ways into ¼ inch slices. Slice the red onions into ½ slices so that they keep their ring shape. Spray both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. Using a non-stick grill pan, turn the heat on high and cook zucchini and onions for about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure there are nice black grill marks and the veggies are tender.
To assemble:
This is the joy of this recipe - assemble the platter anyway that best fits your needs. Roll the zucchini or tie knots with the onion rings. Serve with hummus, olives and cherry tomatoes. I’ve given you the ingredients according to the photo so use your imagination! Great with a sliced baguette or crackers.
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