Having people over for dinner? Scroll on for my tried-and-true vegan dinner party recipes, including apps, hearty mains, and unique sides.
Not to brag but, dinner parties are kinda my thing. I’ve been hosting friends for elaborate meals since high school (I’m now in my thirties) and I’ve learned a lot since those humble, jello shot-fueled gatherings.
Tips for Putting Together a Vegan Menu
- It’s all about texture. Any meal – but especially a plant-based one – has to have a variety of textures to be satisfying to eat. Be sure to include chewy, crunchy, and creamy elements in the meal for a good balance.
- Include all the tastes. Figure out how to feature savory, sour, sweet, and salty tastes in the menu to satisfy the palate.
- There’s gotta be protein. I love a cauliflower steak or portobello burger as much as anyone, but they don’t have enough protein on their own to be filling (and the last thing you want is someone leaving your party to grab takeout on the way home…). Aim to include beans/legumes, whole grains, tofu, tempeh, and/or nuts in the meal.
Vegan Dinner Party Recipes
Snacks + Appetizers
Muhammara Dip
This zingy roasted red pepper and walnut dip is a Middle Eastern staple.
Easy Beet Hummus
A showstopping fuchsia dip.
Sesame Garlic Edamame
Coated in an irresistibly savory mix of garlic, ginger, and chili.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Creamy and luscious, made with just 4 ingredients.
Caramelized Onion Crostini
Always the first platter to be devoured at my parties!
Chipotle-Maple Candied Cashews
A crunchy sweet-and-spicy cocktail party snack.
French Cake Salé
Savory snack cake with sun-dried tomatoes – goes great with chilled wine.
Salads + Vegetable Sides
Tahini Kale Salad
With apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries, this is perfect for chillier weather.
Moroccan-ish Shredded Carrot Salad
With sweet raisins, salty olives, red onion, and parsley.
Celery Salad with Walnuts and Dates
Crunchy and bold!
Cashew Kale Caesar Salad
Even the biggest kale-haters love this creamy, umami-packed salad.
Purple Cabbage Slaw
A crunchy and refreshing mayo-less slaw.
Lemony Pan-Fried Asparagus
The secret to the perfect asparagus? Using a cast iron skillet.
Mexican-ish Charred Corn Salad
A summer treat loaded with cilantro and cherry tomatoes.
Main Courses
Lentil Loaf
Vegan “meatloaf” with lentils, walnuts, and oats.
Mushroom Puff Pastry Tart
With savory walnut cream instead of cheese.
Tofu Schnitzel
Crunchy breaded tofu cutlets with mushroom gravy.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
An elegant pasta inspired by French onion soup.
White Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
A creamy and indulgent, yet totally dairy-free white lasagna.
Asparagus-Leek Puff Pastry Tart
Perfect for spring.
Pasta Bolognese
This meatless dupe features tempeh and mushrooms.
Barbecued Tempeh Sandwiches
Saucy, messy vegan sandwiches with a crunchy slaw.
Vegan Spanakopita
This Greek spinach pie calls for marinated tofu instead of the traditional feta.
Mushroom Bourguignon
A veganized French bistro classic.
Vegan Vegetable Lasagna
With layers of roasted vegetables and creamy cashew ricotta.
Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
Filled with rice, beans, and vegetables, and simmered in tomato sauce.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
With creamy spinach-farro filling and breadcrumb topping.
Cauliflower Pot Pie
With a hearty creamy filling and store-bought crust.
Shiitake Miso Risotto
The creamiest, savoriest dairy-free risotto.
Starchy Sides
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, buttery, and infused throughout with garlic.
Winter Orzo Salad
With roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, plus crispy chickpeas.
Warm Potato Salad with Olives and Green Beans
The perfect gluten-free side.
Dairy-Free Smoky Creamed Corn
Made with coconut milk, miso, and smoked paprika.
Celeriac Purée
An unexpected alternative to mashed potatoes.
White Bean Purée
A high-protein alternative to mashed potatoes.
Fall Farro Salad
Features chewy grains, sautéed carrots, crunchy celery, and cranberries.
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