80(ish)--- Feta & Date Cheese Balls with Walnut & Arugula Crumbs

Obviously there is no real way for a cheese ball to be a true 80. However, reducing the fat in the cheese used and adding yummy ingredients that are high in fiber, healthy fats, or antioxidants will certainly improve a cheese ball's nutritional value.

These are a simple, easy, very tasty appetizer for your next holiday party! I make my cheese balls individual size, so there is no messing with serving utensils.

Feta & Date Cheese Balls with Walnut & Arugula Crumbs

Serves 24

8 oz reduced fat cream cheese

1 cup crumbled Feta cheese

6-7 dried pitted dates, diced into small pieces

1 tsp dried minced onion

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup baby arugula leaves

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, and Feta cheese. With a hand mixer, combine until smooth. Add dates, minced onion, and salt. Stir to combine.

In a food processor, blend walnuts and arugula leaves until finely chopped. Scoop mixture out onto a clean plate and spread evenly.

With clean hands, remove ~1 Tbsp of cream cheese mixture from bowl. Roll into a ball. When ball is formed, roll in arugula walnut mixture until all sides are covered. Continue to roll the ball in your hands to press mixture into cream cheese. Continue process with remaining mixtures.

Serve with toast points, wheat crackers, thick cucumber slices, or pita chips.

Nutrition Info per 1 cheese ball: 60 calories, 4 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 2.5 g protein, 2.5 g carbohydrates