Traditional snack boards can be limiting for vegans and vegetarians, or people with dietary issues. Take the guess work out for your guests and create interesting – and delicious– vegan and vegetarian snack boards.
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There’s nothing as effortlessly entertaining as a snack board. But if you’re a vegan, you don’t want to be picking through grazing boards of meats to find something to eat; it just makes it less enjoyable. If you’re the host, vegan and vegetarian boards can be just as satisfying, crowd-pleasing and colourful. Whether you’re having a few friends over, catering for people with specific dietary requirements or just having a midweek snack, a plant-based spread can have lots of flavour and little fuss.
The key is variety. It’s not just throwing a bunch of vegetables on a board and calling it a day. Aim for balance of textures and tastes. Make sure there’s something creamy, something crunchy, something fresh and something indulgent.
Start with dips and spreads
Dips are key for any good snack board. Make sure your guests get to sample a little of everything, so include small bowls to keep things neat. Include two or three options like classic hummus, tzatziki or plant-based yoghurt dip, roasted red pepper or beetroot hummus, and a delicious nutty tahini or peanut sauce.
Add some crunch
Let your creativity shine with something fresh and colourful. Cucumber sticks, baby carrots, radishes, sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes all add colour and are tasty. Balance these with roasted or crisp foods like spiced chickpeas, healthy crackers, or even toasted sourdough bites and breadsticks.
Including something comforting and warm
You can still add something a bit more substantial, so why not add a warm element. Mini grilled cheese sandwiches, vegan toasties, stuffed mushrooms, sweet potato wedges work well – just prepare them beforehand and reheat just before serving.
Add a sweet touch
Sweet treats complete the board, and you can keep it on the healthy side. Fresh fruit, dates filled with nut butter, dark chocolate squares and a small bowl of roasted nuts add some wonderful contrast.
Keep it seasonal
In summer, choose fresh fruit, bruschetta and grilled veggies. In the cooler months, opt for roasted squash, baked Brie or a plant-based alternative. A great choice is also warm flatbreads for richness and comfort.
Pro-Tip
Presentation matters. Use different heights and textures when you assemble your board and try not to overcrowd. A relaxed and abundant look always feels more inviting.
With combinations that require just a bit of thought and some creativity, vegan or vegetarian snack boards can be practical and nourishing. Cater to all your guests and enjoy in the sharing.
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Warmer weather comfort foods and why we still crave it in Summer
Feature image: Pexels
