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 kind of 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
Sesame Garlic Edamame
Coated in an irresistibly savory mix of garlic, ginger, and chili.
Caramelized Onion Crostini
Always the first platter to be devoured at my parties!
Lemon-Garlic White Bean Dip
This easy snack is ready in under 10 minutes and can be made in advance.
Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart
With a surprising vegan cheese substitute.
Muhammara Dip
This zingy roasted red pepper and walnut dip is a Middle Eastern staple.
Tuscan Beans on Toast
A rustic, Italian-inspired snack.
Salads + Vegetable Sides
Moroccan-ish Shredded Carrot Salad
With sweet raisins, salty olives, red onion, and parsley.
Kale-Orange Salad with Avocado
Especially perfect for winter gatherings.
Purple Cabbage Slaw
A crunchy and refreshing mayo-less slaw.
Cast Iron Skillet Charred Broccoli
An unexpected flavorbomb of a side dish.
Tomato-Peach Salad with Corn and Basil
My favorite way to showcase fancy summer produce.
Lemony Sautéed Cauliflower
A healthy one-pan dish with lemon, capers, and parsley.
Cashew Kale Caesar Salad
Even the biggest kale-haters love this creamy, umami-packed salad.
Lemony Pan-Fried Asparagus
The secret to the perfect asparagus? Using a cast iron skillet.
Main Courses
Pasta Bolognese
This meatless dupe features tempeh and mushrooms.
Vegan Spanakopita
This Greek spinach pie calls for marinated tofu instead of the traditional feta.
Tomato Tofu with White Wine Sauce
Pan-seared tofu with Italian riviera vibes.
Vegan Vegetable Lasagna
With layers of roasted vegetables and creamy cashew ricotta.
Mushroom Bourguignon
A veganized French bistro classic.
Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
Filled with rice, beans, and vegetables, and simmered in tomato sauce.
Cauliflower Pot Pie
With a hearty creamy filling and store-bought crust.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
With creamy spinach-farro filling and breadcrumb topping.
Shiitake Miso Risotto
The creamiest, savoriest dairy-free risotto.
White Bean Cassoulet
A cozy way to feed a crowd.
Starchy Sides
White Bean Purée
A high-protein alternative to mashed potatoes.
Fall Farro Salad
Features chewy grains, sautéed carrots, crunchy celery, and cranberries.
Pesto Pasta Salad
A crowd-pleasing low-effort dish with 5 ingredients.
Warm Potato Salad with Olives and Green Beans
The perfect gluten-free side.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, buttery, and infused throughout with garlic.
Dairy-Free Smoky Creamed Corn
Made with coconut milk, miso, and smoked paprika.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
With crispy edges and fluffy interiors.
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