Thanksgiving dinner can leave you bursting at the seams, but while all the fixings are getting prepped and the turkey is roasting, a few light, full-flavored appetizers will surely keep your hungry mob contented. These light, easy-to-make starters won't add to the already hefty holiday meal, yet their zingy flavors will surely be a hit. Imagine everything from mouth-watering shrimp to bite-sized caviar waffles, irresistible dips and refreshing crudités gracing your table.

Diana Chistruga proposes sautéing shrimp or squid in a combination of spicy, garlic-infused olive oil. Giving them a quick toss in dry sherry and lemon juice, then garnishing with parsley - this is a light crowd favorite that's ready in just 20 minutes. A quick grill can set the stage for artichoke halves perfectly complemented by a generous serving of creamy lemon aioli.

For those looking for a pop of freshness, a bite-sized appetizer that tosses feta-filled Castelvetrano olives in a fragrant amalgam of lemon peel strips, oil, jalapeño, parsley, za'atar, salt and pepper, provides a welcome vibrancy and it requires no more than 20 minutes to prepare. For a flavorful dip, swirl seeds and peanuts in romesco and pair with a homemade carrot dip and fresh-cut veggies. Delicious!

The team - Greg DuPree, Margaret Monroe Dickey, and Christine Keely, offer an intriguing take on classic shrimp - adding zing with lemon and garlic and a kick with crushed red pepper, then finishing with a smoky grilled flavour, all achievable within half an hour. For the daring and adventurous, a duo of flavors - finely diced raw tuna tossed with tamarind-spiked coconut-lime dressing and topped with Caribbean-flavored jerk-spiced peanuts offers both bold and warm tones.

A tantalizing carrot spread introduced by Emily Neighbors Hall and Christina Daley involves caramelizing grated carrots with ghee and a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, and Urfa pepper. Served with tangy whipped feta, this spread combines earthy and sweet in each delicious bite.

Other interesting appetizers include well-chilled, large raw shrimp served with garlic aioli and an excitingly spicy, fish sauce-based dip; a smooth and tangy dip that pairs caramelized onions in butter with a creamy mix of sour cream, and cream cheese; and Stephanie Izard's delightful dip that features a balanced concoction of roasted garlic, tahini, umami, tamari, tangy lemon juice, and a sprinkle of chili crunch. Ideal for vegetable dipping.

For a luxurious twist, Justin Chapple suggests waffle strips filled with divine caviar, crème fraîche, and snipped chives. Turning the salad course into bite-sized treats, consider Little Gem lettuce dredged or dipped in a creamy, anchovy-infused dressing and crunchy panko. And Chef Daniel Humm offers a hearty choice with zucchini slices topped with a ratatouille-like blend of sautéed zucchini strips, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all finished off with a sprinkle of cheese.

This Thanksgiving, satisfy your guests' pre-feast pangs with these light, bright, and flavorful appetizers.