Make a Creative Vegan Holiday Party Platter

Foods from 12 o'clock going clockwise: Savory Tofu, Carrot, Celery, Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic Hummus, Carrot, Cashew and Chive Cream Cheese, Marinated Beets, Carrot, Oven Roasted Spicy Chickpeas, Center Pineapple/Cranberry Relish

 

Tis the season to entertain and here are ideas, tips, and techniques to help you create gorgeous vegan canapé/appetizer platters. 

Select a platter or platters large enough to attractively display the nibbles and munchies you've decided to serve. 

An Assortment of Platters and Serving Dishes

Learn how plant-based food prep ideas make it easy to celebrate any holiday or simple gathering of friends and family in style.

Consider assembling finger foods that are luscious and eye-appealing, yet offer guests alternatives to conventional, highly processed charcuterie board ingredients.

Presentation is important, so why not make it colorful and whimsical? Get into the flow and have fun by mixing and matching textures, aromas, colors, and flavors. 

Don't forget the wellness quotient. Learn about foods that are nutrient dense and pick out ones with health promoting benefits. Select those vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and plant-based protein you think your guests might like to try. 

Save big by making food choices from in-season or on-sale products that are easy on the pocketbook and waistline too.

Here are simple guidelines for party planning.

1. Plan ahead. A few weeks before your event, search through your pantry. Are there foodstuffs you already have on hand you might use? 

My search revealed black pitted Kalamata olives, red pepper and eggplant spread, grape leaves stuffed with rice, and whole grain crackers of various shapes and sizes.

2. Think about your favorite snack foods and feature flavorful ones with nutrient dense ingredients. When you're ready to go food shopping, shop with a list that includes store specials and seasonal items to keep costs down.

3. No ho-hum taste either. Consider foods with distinct salty, sweet, savory, and spicy elements. If the item is bland tasting, season it well.

For example I selected pineapple/ cranberry relish, savory hummus, roasted spicy chickpeas, marinated beets, cashews, almonds, and coconut dipped date rolls. 

Food Choices Might Include:

Salty -Homemade potato chips, with recipe  from Nancy Andres (yours truly). Other choices can be olives, pickles, and salty spreads.

Organic Russet Potatoes scrubbed clean and sliced thin, but not peeled. Slices are roasted on baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approx. 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Serve warmed.

 

Sweet and Tart – 2 ingredient Pineapple/Cranberry Relish from Nancy Andres at Colors 4 Health.

This is Sweet and Tart Pineapple/Cranberry Relish made with one can crushed pineapple packed in its own juice, and a bag of fresh cranberries. Combine both ingredients and chop in food processor (optional 1/4 cup chopped nuts)

Eat apples, grapes, pears, or bananas for sweet fruit choices. Munch on a tangerine, grapefruit, or kiwi for tart flavor.

Dried fruit including raisins and apricots, and nuts, seeds, and coconut date rolls are fun to serve as a sweet finish to a wonderful meal.

From 12n and going clockwise: Coconut coated Date Rolls, Raisins, Date Rolls, Cashews, Date Rolls, Pumpkin Seeds, Date Rolls, Almonds, Apricots in Center

Savory – savory tofu, hummus, or roasted savory seasoned beans.

Spicy – roasted spicy chickpeas or spicy roasted nuts. 

  4. For Dipping – use crunchy crackers, pita, artisan bread, or colorful veggies for dipping devices with hummus or things including vegan cream cheese. Crackers like Wasa, and snacks like pretzels or homemade potato chips are additional choices to use with spreads.

Serve gluten free crackers or gluten free chips on another plate and mark crackers with a little gluten free sign.

5. People appreciate eating foods that are fresh, seasoned well, and attractive. Select quality over quantity.

It's fun to let your creativity shine. Make your Vegan Holiday Party Platter a colorful feast for the eyes and palate, and a display of deliciousness and joy.

Do you yearn to keep the holidays or  informal gatherings cost effective and within your budget? Please share about that in the comment section below.

Want to spend more time with your guests than in the kitchen? Do you think a make ahead party platter would work? Share your comment below. 

Please don't use links in your comment, as we can't publish it that way.

Make a Creative Vegan Holiday Party Platter hours before your next party and relax, kick-back, and celebrate. 💖👍

If you like what you see, please share on social media. Thanking you in advance for your support.

 Wishing you a Joyous Holiday Season and a very Healthy, Happy, and Satisfying December.

This post has been shared at Dinner Ideas on TFT Jan 2, 2025

This post has been shared at Full Plate Thursday 727

This post has been shared at Talking About it Tuesday #51

This post is FEATURED at Senior Salon Pit Stop #341. Yahoo! I'm excited and honored.

This post has been shared at senior-salon-pit-stop #340

This post has been shared at Talking About it Tuesday #49

This post has been shared at The Hearth and Soul Link Party – December 2024 Edition

This post has been shared at Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! November 28, 2024