How to build a healthy platter this Easter: Dietitian reveals the foods she fills her trolley with

How to build a healthy platter this Easter: Dietitian reveals the foods she fills her trolley with – and the items you need to ditch now

  • Dietitian Susie Burrell shared her top tips for building a healthy Easter platter
  • She said you should opt for white cheeses and Jarlsberg over creamy options
  • The dietitian also explained foods like hummus can be better than some dips
  • Choose fresh veg over marinated and smoked salmon over deli cuts of meat 

With the Easter long weekend just a week away, thousands across the country will be thinking about what to buy to build the perfect entertaining platter for their guests.

But a platter needn’t be full of unhealthy ingredients. With just a few swaps, you can enjoy a festive feast without compromising your diet or healthy eating goals.

Sydney dietitian Susie Burrell shared the staples she stocks up on every Easter to build a ‘relatively healthy and lighter’ platter, and the simple swaps you can make to improve the nutrition of your own.

Scroll down for video 

Sydney dietitian Susie Burrell shared the staples she stocks up on every Easter to build a ‘relatively healthy and lighter’ platter (pictured: Susie’s platter shopping trolley)

Susie said picking things like wafer thin crackers, chopped up veg, beetroot hummus and smoked salmon can save you hundreds of calories (platter pictured)

Susie said picking things like wafer thin crackers, chopped up veg, beetroot hummus and smoked salmon can save you hundreds of calories (platter pictured)

1. CRACKERS 

Crackers form the basis of any platter, and Susie said the healthiest types to buy include a ‘mix of lighter wafer thins and grain or seed crackers’.

‘These often contain fewer carbohydrates than some of the more popular higher fat options,’ she posted on Instagram. 

Susie said you might consider replacing the popular Jatz crackers with wafer thin options.

2. CHEESE

Cheese is another staple for platters, but it doesn’t have to widen your waistline at the time of enjoyment.

‘White cheeses and light Jarlsberg have less fat than creamy cheddars and gooey French options,’ Susie explained.

She always includes Danish feta and bocconcini, which are also healthier choices.

Opting for cream cheese instead of goat’s cheese will save you a few calories too.

3. DIPS

Dips make a delicious addition to any platter, but if you’re trying to be healthy, it’s better to go for either an olive-oil based hummus or the lighter dips by Chris’s Dips Australia.

This particular range includes a beetroot hummus and tzatziki, both of which are good options if you’re trying to cut back on fattening extras.

‘Ditch the delicious Obela pesto dip and choose one of the Chris dips to save valuable calories,’ Susie explained. 

Salami, prosciutto and cold deli meats are all delicious on a platter, but items like reduced salt smoked salmon, oysters and prawns all carry far more nutrition, Susie (pictured) said

Salami, prosciutto and cold deli meats are all delicious on a platter, but items like reduced salt smoked salmon, oysters and prawns all carry far more nutrition, Susie (pictured) said

What are the main food swaps? 

* Swap regular crackers for wafer thins.

* Swap soft cheese and cheddar for Jarlsberg and white cheeses.

* Swap pesto-based dips for beetroot hummus and tzatziki.

* Swap deli meats for reduced salt smoked salmon and prawns.

* Swap marinated veg for chopped-up fresh veg.

* Swap regular chips for pea chips. 

4. PROTEINS

Salami, prosciutto and cold deli meats are all delicious on a platter, but items like reduced salt smoked salmon, oysters and prawns all carry far more nutrition. 

Susie said she recently made a platter with Tassal’s reduced salt smoked salmon, and it was a huge hit with all of her guests.

5. EXTRAS

The extra things like bread sticks and chips are when you can really get carried away with a platter.

But try swapping these for chopped up nuts and fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumber for a nutritious hit. 

If you must have chips, Susie recommends something like Harvest Snap’s pea chips. 

Roasted beans are also a delicious and healthy addition. 

‘Fresh chopped veg will always be better for you than marinated oily vegetables,’ Susie said.

‘There are so many ways you can make your Easter platter healthier.’