As we prepare to welcome another new year, impress your guests with a spread of colorful, seasonal produce platters when the ball drops this New Year’s Eve. Fresh fruits and veggies make for tasty appetizers that will brighten up your holiday table.

Why Fresh Produce Appetizers?

Rather than serving the expected fried foods or heavy bites that can leave everyone feeling sluggish, go for fresh produce appetizers this New Year’s Eve.

Not only are fruits and vegetables more nutritious than traditional party foods, but they also allow the natural flavors and colors to shine. Produce that’s in season now also costs less than out-of-season items, saving you money.

Simple Veggie Platters

Vegetable Crudités with Dips

A vegetable crudité platter with an array of seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, peppers, cucumbers, and cauliflower gives guests choice and color. Cut each fresh vegetable into slices or sticks for easy grabbing. Offer a couple of dips like hummus, goddess dressing, or this maple tahini dip. The veggies paired with protein-packed dips make for satisfying yet healthy bites.

Roasted Vegetables

For deeper flavors, try roasting vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or delicata squash. Toss the chopped veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. The high oven heat caramelizes natural sugars and intensifies flavors. Arrange the cooled roasted veggies on a platter alongside this ginger maple dipping sauce for a tasty way to showcase winter produce.

Pickled Vegetables

Quick-pickled vegetables are also an easy way to incorporate seasonal produce. Try thin sticks of carrots, cauliflower florets, sliced radishes, green beans, or turnips for variety. Mix white or apple cider vinegar with salt, sugar, and spices like coriander, mustard seed, or red pepper flakes to pour over the prepared veggies. Refrigerate overnight and serve chilled. The bright, tangy flavors pair nicely with rich dips.

Fruits as Appetizers

Fruit Skewers with Dip

Alternating colorful fruits like melon cubes, berries, pineapple chunks, and kiwi or grape halves onto skewers makes for a visually stunning platter. Serve alongside this honey vanilla bean dip for dipping. The sweet yet healthy bites will be the first appetizers to disappear. For added flair, thread sprigs of mint or basil onto the skewers.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This classic, crowd-pleasing fruit salad has stood the test of time for good reason. Sweet segments of orange and berries combined with coconut flakes, marshmallows, and sometimes mini marshmallows for texture and tropical flavor. Topping it off with a dash of rum or splash of orange liqueur takes this ambrosia fruit salad to the next level.

Baked Brie with Fruit Toppings

A whole wheel of brie cheese baked until just melted, topped with spiced fruit makes for an elegant appetizer perfect for New Year’s Eve entertaining. Try topping with thin apple slices, figs, cranberries, apricots, or cherries before baking. Then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with nuts or herbs once out of the oven. Serve with slices of baguette or crackers. The combination of warm, creamy cheese and sweet fruits is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Herbed Cheese and Crackers

Whipped Feta with Herbs

Mixing feta cheese with olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs like dill or mint gives it an airy texture perfect for spreading onto pita chips, crostini slices, or veggie slices. For extra credit, make the pita chips and crostini yourself. It’s simple, cheaper than store-bought, and you can season or top them just how you like.

Ricotta with Honey and Nuts

Ricotta cheese also works beautifully as a herbed spread. Beat together whole milk ricotta, honey, lemon zest, thyme, or rosemary until light and fluffy. Top with chopped pistachios, walnuts, or almonds for crunch. Serve with an assortment of crispy crackers or bread rounds. The flavor combinations are endlessly adaptable for creating easy yet impressive appetizers.

Goat Cheese with Fruit Jam

A classic pairing, tangy goat cheese coupled with sweet fruit jam or marmalade served on baguette slices can’t be beaten. Try experimenting with flavors like apricot, cherry, fig, or orange to complement the herbal notes of the goat cheese. This can be made ahead, just assemble and slice before guests arrive. The contrast of flavors and textures is always satisfying.

Easy Dips and Spreads

While having dips and spreads accompany the fresh fruits and veggies is recommended, consider bypassing heavy cream and mayo-based options in favor of lighter yet still delicious plant-based dips featuring produce. They feel just as special but won’t leave everyone overstuffed.

Avocado Basil Dip

Blending avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, basil, and salt makes for a quick, protein-packed dip that pairs nicely with raw veggies. Garnish with extra chopped basil. You can also swap in cilantro or chives. Serve chilled with an array of cut veggies like carrots, celery, radishes, or cucumber slices.

Red Pepper Walnut Spread

For sweet and spicy flavor, pulse together roasted red peppers, walnuts, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor until combined but still textured. Season to taste. This vibrant dip is delicious and served alongside bread slices, crackers, or fresh veggies, adding color and nutrition.

Curried Carrot Hummus

For an unexpected twist, add pureed cooked carrots to traditional hummus along with spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, and a touch of curry powder. Top with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Serve with crackers, bread, or the always-classic veggie sticks. The golden hue with hints of spice makes this hummus anything but ordinary.

Source Fresh Ingredients for Your Party

Take advantage of all the seasonal produce nature offers this time of year when planning New Year’s Eve appetizers. Vibrant, nourishing fruits and vegetables allow for lighter offerings guests will appreciate as you celebrate the start of a healthy, happy new year.

When selecting ingredients for your appetizers, seek out fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables from trusted local providers like Fresh Farms. Our commitment to sustainable agriculture and extensive produce selection makes shopping for your New Year’s Eve party a breeze. Browse our seasonal offerings today to start the new year off deliciously and responsibly.