Foodies are constantly craving new flavours, and lately, one emerging trend concerns the increasing number of vegetarians around the dinner table. For diehard carnivores who aren’t yet on board with a meatless dinner menu, change their minds with these delicious vegetarian catering menu ideas.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Cauliflower continues to have its “It” moment. Lightly coat the cauliflower in flour, then roast it in the oven for the perfect appetizer. Present the roasted cauliflower with buffalo sauce on the side or drizzled over it, or consider tossing the cauliflower completely in the sauce.
Serve it with celery and carrots, just like you’d serve wings. Guests will be surprised they’re getting their serving of vegetables, and it’s a light alternative to the traditional main.
Avocado Pomegranate Crostini
Shake up the traditional version with this tasty vegetarian option. Mix chunks of avocado with pomegranate, lime, and goat cheese. The crunch of the pomegranate pairs perfectly with the sour taste of the lime. The colours of this snack are in tune with the season, bringing so much taste to the menu for all guests to enjoy.
Crostini is one of those catering menu ideas that never go out of style.
Meatless Meatloaf
For guests expecting to physically see meat—or something like it, serve meatless meatloaf. It’s a traditional meal with a vegetarian twist.
This vegetarian option can include eggplant, tofu, and mushrooms, with plenty of herbs for flavour. Finish with classic side dishes, such as a savoury mushroom gravy, seasonal vegetables, and a side of potatoes, either roasted or mashed. This classic meal—sans meat—is sure to fool even the biggest meat eater at the table.
Pesto Pizza with Smoked Gouda and Mushroom
A pizza is the perfect mingling meal that evokes a sense of sharing, and a vegetarian option is something everybody can enjoy.
Mushroom, gouda, and red onions add vibrant colours to the pizza with great flavours and tastes to leave guests happy and full.
Serve them as personal pizzas or as traditional sizes, letting guests help themselves via buffet or passing slices among the table. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, consider offering a few types of mini pizzas for guests to choose from and sample a bit of everything.
Pasta with Vegetables
Pasta as an entrée or main is always a crowd pleaser, and it’s a meal with so many options, making it easy to serve both the vegetarians and carnivores on your list.
Simply pick the pasta, the sauce, and the vegetable to go with it. For a smaller crowd, serve baked penne in rose sauce with spinach and peppers. For a lighter version, create an olive oil pappardelle with pumpkin and caramelized onions.
Incorporate seasonal flavours while adding a sophisticated twist to a standard meal.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
These meat-free kabobs are the perfect side dish. Not only are they colourful and vibrant, they ensure everyone gets their daily serving of vegetables. Serve them alongside a vegetarian main, such as quinoa stuffed peppers or Portobello mushroom burgers.
Popular choices for these kabobs include peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onion, but consider adding a few others, such as mushrooms and zucchini. Drizzle with olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar, choosing to bake the kabobs or grill them, then serve to guests.
A Sweet Vegan Dessert
Satisfy every guests’ sweet tooth with options for everyone to enjoy. It’s easy to make vegan cookies and brownies—and no one will be the wiser. It simply requires substituting traditional ingredients, such as butter and chocolate, for vegan-friendly alternatives.
Try a vegan cheesecake, which substitutes cheese for silken tofu. Caterers are there help to help plan your event, with the ability to whip up any recipe you choose. Your guests will never know what hit them.
These vegetarian catering menu ideas will satisfy even the biggest carnivore at the dinner table. See if they can spot the difference.
