20+ Vegan Appetizers to Start Any Dinner Party Off Right
:upscale()/2014/12/16/814/n/1922195/abd82eab3bc8cc6a_thumb_temp_cover_file157758181418683075.jpg)
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!
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/8ad266b5daf06a24_a3e39c1c4d6945cf_breadsticks.jpg)
Easy Breadsticks
A fresh batch of crisp breadsticks is easy to make and completely addictive.
:upscale()/2014/12/16/799/n/1922195/b81ba18080b1bbe3_39ec3f78e059f309_Pico-de-Gallo.jpg)
Pico de Gallo
You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone (vegan or otherwise) who doesn't love classic pico de gallo.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/4a2974ee8fa32bf0_87e429ccf32fc2f5_Kale-Chips.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
If you like the tangy taste of Salt & Vinegar Lay's, these salty kale chips will rock your world.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/40feb14e5238b639_00f1100c1fffd76e_Watermelon_-Cucumber_-and-Mango-Salsa.jpg)
Watermelon Mango Salsa
Watermelon, cucumber, and mango combine for a salsa that tastes like it just returned from a tropical vacation.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/5367c26d68b7fa72_e16d74bdc8eaf695_sun-dried-tomato-hummus-2.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/f5e231c447d7f24c_0125d47a7ae5cefe_Pineapple-Pickle-Salsa.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Pineapple Pickle Salsa
This dish sounds like a pregnancy craving, but the combination of pineapple, pickles, and pickled jalapeños is shockingly wonderful.
:upscale()/2014/12/16/799/n/1922195/e02f3ffbdcdd26ce_7ce15d7d9f19ede8_Vegan-Stuffed-Mushrooms.jpg)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/16/808/n/1922195/94ddccadb4f8167b_Red-Lentil-Terrine.jpg)
Red Lentil Paté
After tasting this Japanese-influenced terrine, your guests will definitely ask for the recipe.
:upscale()/2014/12/16/808/n/1922195/4483a76b85f32dc8_5c006933c9167d95_POP_SUGAR-Lime_Granita-Mango_Salsa_Bites-4.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/93e00694d79c49ac_2ed5359b5a65df1d_Spiced-Crunchy-Chickpeas.jpg)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/d7c93eda599d747f_876f41bead2c4d39_Babaghanouj.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Eggplant Dip
Lush baba ghanoush will be an instant hit at any party.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/6a3694810ef4fe19_75011aa3bdb1c1e2_walnutpizzadone.jpg)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/45e22f29a2698bf8_36179ec863e99331_salsa-21.jpg)
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Once you taste this tomatillo salsa recipe, you'll never buy the jarred stuff again.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/e34174f2916d6fb3_113707692b851e85_14753919977_5a70226b99_o.xxxlarge.jpg)
Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Guacamole
Upgrade guacamole with tropical fruits — coconut and pineapple — for an inspired take on this perennial favorite.
:upscale()/2014/12/16/806/n/1922195/7311534c79d34851_9298e1a691ce4953_Hummus-Toast.jpg)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/d19d0857e7e16520_d1e9d659c5273c14_Hummus.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Classic Hummus
Warm pita and creamy hummus make the perfect dish for communal snacking.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/9df698a500d0203f_bf68a73a37d8cf5b_Garam-Masala-Popcorn.jpg)
Garam Masala Popcorn
Garam-masala-spiced popcorn is a unique twist on a nostalgic favorite that will have everybody coming back for more.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/e4814ca00a072baf_e47a681997012f6d_olives.jpg)
Spicy Marinated Olives
Have just a few minutes? Look no further than this simple olive appetizer.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/207c6f1f32f99c4e_d2a023bd9d612516_white-bean-dip.jpg)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/5425ff7d5ef9c073_Watermelon-Radish-Avocado-Tacos.png)
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.
:upscale()/2014/12/15/985/n/1922195/8cb5d384e7bf5d2c_Old-Bay-Hummus-Recipe.jpg)
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
Eggplant spread — or melitzanosalata — is a Greek favorite that's sure to please even the pickiest palates.
/2015/12/18/926/n/1922195/ee4c3354e419f335_PS15_Food_VeganAppetizers_Pin_Collage.jpg)