20+ Vegan Appetizers to Start Any Dinner Party Off Right

Many holiday party hosts get nervous when they hear the word "vegan" spoken by a potential guest, but there's no need to fear vegan cooking. There are plenty of tasty, party-appropriate dishes that steer clear of meat and animal byproducts. Try a few of these appetizers for a scrumptious break from the norm . . . Even meat-eaters will love them!

Easy Breadsticks
Camilla Salem
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Easy Breadsticks

A fresh batch of crisp breadsticks is easy to make and completely addictive.

Pico de Gallo
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Pico de Gallo

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone (vegan or otherwise) who doesn't love classic pico de gallo.

Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips

If you like the tangy taste of Salt & Vinegar Lay's, these salty kale chips will rock your world.

Watermelon Mango Salsa
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Watermelon Mango Salsa

Watermelon, cucumber, and mango combine for a salsa that tastes like it just returned from a tropical vacation.

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
The Two Bite Club

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

Don't even think about skipping the tomato garnish atop this sun-dried tomato hummus — it adds both visual and textural interest.

Pineapple Pickle Salsa
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Pineapple Pickle Salsa

This dish sounds like a pregnancy craving, but the combination of pineapple, pickles, and pickled jalapeños is shockingly wonderful.

Stuffed Mushrooms With Arugula, Walnuts, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Stuffed Mushrooms With Arugula, Walnuts, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Many stuffed mushroom recipes call for sausage, cream, or cheese (or all three), but not these bold bites. The flavorful filling is a mixture of greens, walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.

Red Lentil Paté
Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Red Lentil Paté

After tasting this Japanese-influenced terrine, your guests will definitely ask for the recipe.

Lime Granita Mango Salsa Bites
Cooking on the Weekends

Lime Granita Mango Salsa Bites

If you're looking for a refreshing way to start a party, these salsa-topped cucumber bites are the perfect choice.

Mediterranean-Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Mediterranean-Spiced Roasted Chickpeas

Forget bar nuts — these cumin-dusted chickpeas are an unexpectedly delightful snack to nosh on with a frosty bottle in hand.

Eggplant Dip
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Eggplant Dip

Lush baba ghanoush will be an instant hit at any party.

Spanish Coca With Chard, Walnuts, and Raisins
Camilla Salem
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Spanish Coca With Chard, Walnuts, and Raisins

We'll bet your friends haven't tried coca (essentially a Spanish pizza), but they're sure to love the creative dish.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Once you taste this tomatillo salsa recipe, you'll never buy the jarred stuff again.

Hummus, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Pea Shoot Crostini
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Hummus, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Pea Shoot Crostini

This hearty, hummus-topped toast serves equally as well as a party nibble as it does as a snack for one.

Classic Hummus
Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Classic Hummus

Warm pita and creamy hummus make the perfect dish for communal snacking.

Garam Masala Popcorn
Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Garam Masala Popcorn

Garam-masala-spiced popcorn is a unique twist on a nostalgic favorite that will have everybody coming back for more.

Spicy Marinated Olives
Camilla Salem
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Spicy Marinated Olives

Have just a few minutes? Look no further than this simple olive appetizer.

White Bean Dip
Susannah Chen
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

White Bean Dip

Bean dips don't begin and end with hummus. For something a bit different, try this citrus- and herb-flecked white bean take.

Watermelon, Radish, and Avocado Tacos
POPSUGAR Studios

Watermelon, Radish, and Avocado Tacos

You don't need a meat filling to create a perfect taco, and these watermelon- and radish-filled wraps are proof.

Old Bay Hummus
POPSUGAR Studios

Old Bay Hummus

Old Bay seasoning isn't just for seafood anymore. Try the tasty concoction in hummus for a new way to enjoy an old favorite.

Eggplant Caviar
Fresh Tart

Eggplant Caviar

Eggplant spread — or melitzanosalata — is a Greek favorite that's sure to please even the pickiest palates.