Healthy Holiday Recipe: Bruschetta Crostini

Usher in the holiday season with this vegetarian appetizer

Bruschetta crostini holiday dish.

Usher in the holiday season with this vegetarian appetizer

Holiday parties aren’t exactly known for their healthy food. Lighten up yours with this recipe for crispy crostini topped with antioxidant-packed tomatoes and basil. 


This dish is perfect for holiday potlucks and parties because it's both healthy and easy to make. For more fiber, swap sourdough for whole-grain bread.


Here are other tips for navigating holiday parties without having to worry about what you’re eating. First, focus on fruits and vegetables, filling half your plate with them and eating these before anything else. Second, plan ahead and bring a vegetable-centric dish to ensure there is always a healthy option available.


Finally, make exercise part of the party. Step up your exercise routine during the holiday season and invite your friends and family to join in. Not every celebration has to revolve around food.

Bruschetta Crostini

Yields 2 servings

Ingredients: 


  • 4 pieces sourdough baguette, sliced on a bias, 1 inch thick 
  • 1 ounce olive oil
  • ¾ cup quartered cherry or grape tomatoes
  • ¼ cup diced red onion 
  • 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese 
  • ½ tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 ½ tablespoons chiffonade basil
  • 1 ounce balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: 


  1. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. 
  2. Brush both sides of the baguettes with olive oil and place them on the pan to toast. 
  3. When the side touching the pan is golden brown, flip, season with salt and pepper and do the same on the other side. Remove bread from heat when finished. 
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato, red onion, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil and the rest of the olive oil and mix.
  5. Add the balsamic vinegar to the bowl, then season with salt and pepper. 
  6. Scoop the topping onto the crostini and enjoy!

Crostini nutrition facts

  • Serving size: 2 Crostini
  • Calories: 258.8
  • Fat: 16.8 g
  • Saturated fat: 3.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 5.4 g
  • Sodium: 291 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 21.8 g 
  • Fiber: 1.6 g, Protein: 5.7 g