Parties usually mean swirling chips in something creamy and decadent. This year, try one of these lighter versions of your traditional favorites.
Parties are all about celebration, not deprivation. No one wants to skip the one-bite quiches, mini crab cakes, or bacon-wrapped anything. And when it comes to creamy onion dips and guacamole, you can easily lose track of what you've consumed. Was that one chip, two, or maybe 10?

I decided to break the cycle of overindulgence and regret by creating four delicious yet guilt-free dips. Replace fried tortilla and potato chips with fresh crudités, and your chip-counting days are behind you.

1. Blood Orange and Avocado Salsa with Pomegranate Seeds

Photo: John Kernick
This guacamole makeover is lighter and more refreshing, with blood orange and pomegranate added to chunks of avocado.

Get the recipe: Blood Orange and Avocado Salsa with Pomegranate Seeds

2. Smoky Black Bean Dip

Photo: John Kernick
Silky black bean dip gets its smoky kick from chipotle chilies.

Get the recipe: Smoky Black Bean Dip

3. Indian-Spiced Cauliflower Dip

Photo: John Kernick
A curried cauliflower spread satisfies the urge for creamy texture without the fat (the secret: low-fat yogurt and sour cream).

Get the recipe: Indian-Spiced Cauliflower Dip

4. Amber Ale Cheddar Cheese Spread

Photo: John Kernick
Savory Cheddar cheese gets an extra kick from spicy horseradish and Dijon mustard in this low-fat spread.

Get the recipe: Amber Ale Cheddar Cheese Spread

Next: 16 veggies to try as dippers, plus a super-simple, guilt-free recipe for baked tortilla chips

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