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.

Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Guacamole
Girl Versus Dough

Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Guacamole

Upgrade guacamole with tropical fruits — coconut and pineapple — for an inspired take on this perennial favorite.

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.