These 51 easy vegan appetizers are simple to make but big on flavor. They’re exactly what you want to bring to your next party to impress your friends and relatives.
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These vegan appetizers are crowd-pleasing (even for the omnivores). They don’t require fancy or obscure ingredients and can be pulled together in no time at all.
I love sharing plant-based vegan recipes with my family and friends. It’s my time to shine and show them that vegan food is as good if not better than traditional recipes. The best thing is when I bring a healthy appetizer to the party that’s also vegan, nobody even realizes it! It simply disappears.
These are the best vegan appetizers for game-day football parties or tailgates. They also seamlessly integrate into holiday celebrations and birthday parties. For almost any occasion, you’re sure to find a recipe that will be the talk of the party! For more party tips, check out my posts about How to Make a Vegan Charcuterie Platter and Veggie Tray Ideas.
Dips and Spreads
Traditional Guacamole
Pass the guac! It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion! This traditional guacamole is an easy recipe that will become one of your tried and true go-to’s. It’s made with authentic ingredients that bring out the avocados’ subtle flavor and natural creaminess. Not too spicy yet full of flavor! Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!
Get the recipe: Traditional Guacamole.
Creamy Gluten-Free Hummus
This gluten-free hummus recipe has the creamiest texture without needing any oil! Top with fresh parsley! It’s naturally vegan and whole-food plant-based, making it a healthy snack or spread. It’s ready in less than 10 minutes!
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Hummus.
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy vegan spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack made with all-natural ingredients. It has all the cheesy and creamy goodness without any artificial vegan cheese substitutes. Shhh! Nobody will even know it’s vegan!
Get the recipe: Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
Vegan Pumpkin Dip
This creamy vegan pumpkin dip has only four simple ingredients and whips up in under 5 minutes. It tastes like a light and creamy pumpkin pie filling. It’s perfect for dipping fruit, graham crackers, or my favorite gingersnap cookies!
Get the recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Dip.
Vegan 7-Layer Dip
If you like the traditional 7-layer dip, you’ll love this vegan version that incorporates all the same elements but is dairy-free!
Get the recipe: 7-Layer Vegan Bean Dip.
Avocado Salsa Verde
A simple and delicious avocado salsa that combines two favorites in one!
Get the recipe: Avocado Salsa Verde.
Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
This roasted cauliflower hummus is the perfect healthy snack! Not only that, it’s low-carb, paleo, keto, vegan, and gluten-free (so everyone can eat it)!
Get the recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Hummus.
Vegan French Onion Dip
This Vegan French Onion Dip is rich and creamy, sweet and tangy, and highly addictive!
Get the recipe: Vegan French Onion Dip.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is an authentic Mexican chunky salsa recipe that’s simple to make at home with fresh ingredients found at any grocery store. It’s delicious and addictive and has a spicy kick.
Get the recipe: Pico de Gallo.
Chipotle Corn Salsa by Happy Kitchen
This addictive Chipotle Corn Salsa is a perfect accompaniment to any Mexican food. Sweet roasted corn makes a perfect pairing with smoky chipotle peppers.
Get the recipe: Chipotle Corn Salsa.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This Black Bean and Corn Salsa is a go-to for parties! It’s easy to make ahead of time and is perfect for dipping, topping, or just eating with a spoon!
Get the recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa.
Finger Foods and Chips
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Make your own tortilla chips with a few simple steps. They pair well with a variety of vegan dips.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips.
Vegan Kale Chips
These super crunchy, savory, homemade, cheesy vegan kale chips with vegan cashew cheese sauce will have your arms reaching for more!
Get the recipe: Vegan Kale Chips.
Vegan Bruschetta
A mixture of sweet tomato, crunchy zucchini, and creamy white beans sit on top of a whole wheat baguette for this simple vegan bruschetta recipe.
Get the recipe: Vegan Bruschetta.
Healthy Homemade Plantain Chips by Eat the Gains
Easy paleo homemade plantain chips! All you need is plantains, oil, and salt to make it crispy, baked, and not fried, which is better than store-bought plantain chips. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or even meal prep. Paleo, vegan, and gluten-free.
Get the recipe: Plantain Chips.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Crispy air fryer zucchini chips are perfect for dipping in all your favorite sauces.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips.
Vegan Black Bean Nachos with Cashew Cheese
These vegan nachos with black beans and cashew cheese sauce are the ultimate easy family dinner for those weeknights when you’re ready to call in for take-out. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s healthy and nutritious and mouth-watering delicious!
Get the recipe: Vegan Black Bean Nachos.
Loaded Vegan BBQ Nachos
Healthy CAN taste amazing! These Loaded Vegan BBQ Nachos are made with easy-baked BBQ tempeh, sweet corn, ranchero beans, coleslaw, and a creamy oil-free cashew-lime sauce (plus all of your favorite toppings)!
Get the recipe: Vegan BBQ Nachos.
Air Fryer Tofu Bites
Spicy and crispy air fryer tofu with five simple ingredients is flavorful and versatile.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Bites.
Smoky Maple Roasted Chickpeas
Smokey Maple Roasted Chickpeas are a super tasty healthy snack that tastes like maple cured bacon but is vegan and made with sesame oil, smoked paprika, onion granules, and maple syrup.
Get the recipe: Smoky Maple Roasted Chickpeas.
Stuffed Appetizers
Vegan Jalapeño Poppers
These vegan jalapeño poppers are crispy, cheesy, and gluten-free and pack just the right amount of spice for an easy 30-minute appetizer.
Get the recipe: Vegan Jalapeño Poppers.
Vegan Zucchini Pizza Bites
These Zucchini pizza bites are low-carb and dairy-free.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Pizza Bites.
Spicy Hummus Stuffed Roasted Potato Bites
Baby potatoes are baked and stuffed with hummus then topped with smoky paprika for the perfect bite!
Get the recipe: Hummus Stuffed Roasted Potatoes.
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
These moist bites are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, shallots, and garlic.
Get the recipe: Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms.
Vegan Spanakopita
Spinach and vegan feta are wrapped in phyllo dough and baked until golden brown.
Get the recipe: Vegan Spanakopita.
Vegan Dumplings
Making your own homemade vegan dumplings is easier that you think with a vegetable and tofu filling.
Get the recipe: Vegan Dumplings.
Red Cabbage and Radish Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls filled with the most DELICIOUS red cabbage, mushroom, and radish filling you could ever hope for in your life.
Get the recipe: Red Cabbage Spring Rolls.
Vegan Potato Skins
These vegan potato skins are crispy on the outside and warm and cheesy on the inside.
Get the recipe: Vegan Potato Skins.
Vegan Egg Rolls
These vegan egg rolls are stuffed with shredded vegetables and fried until golden brown.
Get the recipe: Vegan Egg Rolls.
Small Bites
Easy Black Eyed Pea Falafel
Delicious falafel dish that substitutes black-eyed peas for chickpeas. Perfect as an appetizer and great with hummus.
Get the recipe: Black Eyed Pea Falafel Cakes.
Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs
These gluten-free and vegan Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs are the perfect party appetizer! You can also enjoy these veggie balls over rice or quinoa for an easy dinner! These chickpea balls are extra delicious when drizzled with homemade vegan ranch dressing and chopped scallions.
Get the recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs.
Vegan Potato Pancakes
These vegan potato pancakes (or latkes) will disappear in no time! Made with russet potatoes and bound together with flour, they are simple to make and come out crispy and flavorful!
Get the recipe: Vegan Potato Pancakes.
Onion Bhaji
Crispy Indian onion fritters made with gram flour, onions, and spices.
Get the recipe: Onion Bhaji.
Chickpea and Squash Fritters
Crispy and delicate, these chickpea and squash fritters are a delightful bite!
Get the recipe: Chickpea and Squash Fritters.
Vegan Cheese
Hawaiian Vegan Cashew Cheese Ball
The sweetness paired with how creamy this cheeseball is out of this world! It’s super easy to make and tastes delicious.
Get the recipe: Hawaiian Vegan Cheeseball.
Traditional Vegan Cheeseball
How about a creamy vegan cheese ball covered with pecans and fresh herbs? It’s irresistible!
Get the recipe: Traditional Vegan Cheeseball.
Vegan Ricotta Spread
A perfectly textured vegan ricotta that you can spread on your favorite crackers.
Get the recipe: Vegan Cashew Ricotta.
Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
This simple vegan nacho cheese sauce is nut-free and made with potatoes, carrots, nutritional yeast, and spices. It’s perfect as a chip dip. Mix in your favorite chunky salsa, or spice it up with jalapeño.
Get the recipe: Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce.
Vegan Cheese Dip
An easy, creamy vegan cheese sauce made with raw cashews and spices. This versatile cheese sauce is perfect for nachos, quesadillas, steamed veggies, or using it as a base for mac and cheese! It’s a vegan classic made with whole-food ingredients that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Get the recipe: Vegan Cheese Sauce.
Vegan Fondue
A creamy vegan fondue that is ready in minutes!
Get the recipe: Vegan Fondue.
Vegan Brie
This vegan brie is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also deliciously similar to its dairy counterpart.
Get the recipe: Vegan Brie.
Flavorful Veggies and Potatoes
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Cauliflower buffalo wings are super flavorful with just the right amount of heat. Soft and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for game day and party platters! Bonus: they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and even oil-free!
Get the recipe: Cauliflower Buffalo Wings.
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
This sticky sesame cauliflower is like your favorite Chinese takeout but better. It’s easy to make, gluten-free, vegan, and perfect as a simple entree or an appetizer for a crowd.
Get the recipe: Sticky Sesame Cauliflower.
Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
Slightly spicy, these air fryer shishito peppers come together in minutes and are such a tasty bite!
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Shishito Peppers.
Air Fryer Asparagus
This easy Air Fryer Asparagus is seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper and comes out perfectly cooked and crispy in minutes.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus.
Air Fryer Rainbow Carrots
These air fryer carrots are seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. A touch of olive oil roasts them to perfection. Serve topped with fresh dill!
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Rainbow Carrots.
Baked Sweet Potato Wed
These easy-baked sweet potato wedges and chipotle cashew dip are always the first to disappear at the party!
Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
These simple air fryer potato wedges are a healthy alternative to French fries. Made with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, these air fryer potato wedges come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
Veggie Tray
This veggie tray has unique flavors, textures, and dips to tantalize your tastebuds!
Get the recipe: Veggie Tray.
Skewers and Kebabs
Thai Tofu Skewers
Delicious and flavorful Thai skewers use tofu and veggies (zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and bell pepper) with a homemade basil sauce.
Get the recipe: Thai Tofu Skewers.
Vegan Tofu Kebab
These vegan kebab skewers with marinated tofu and an assortment of vegetables have the perfect char and seasoning.
Get the recipe: Vegan Kebab.
❓ FAQS
Combining home-cooked, store-bought, and no-cook appetizers is a great idea when preparing for a party. This lessens the pressure on the host. Some easy, no-cook appetizers include raw veggie platter with hummus, fruit skewers, pita chips and hummus, and chips and salsa.
Vegans can enjoy various delicious foods at parties while adhering to their plant-based diet. When planning a vegan-friendly party, you must clearly label or inform your guests about vegan dishes to accommodate their dietary preferences and needs. Simple-to-prepare options include hummus and veggies, guacamole and salsa, fruit platter, vegetable spring rolls, mini vegan sandwiches or wraps, nuts, and trail mix.
Appetizers come in various forms. These are the five most common types of appetizers: dips and spreads, finger foods, soups and salads, skewers and kebabs, and stuffed appetizers.
📝 Expert Tips For Preparing Vegan Appetizers for Your Next Party
Plan Ahead: Plan your menu well before the party to ensure you have enough time to gather ingredients and prepare the dishes.
Know Your Audience: Consider your guests’ dietary preferences and any allergies. Some vegans may also have gluten or nut allergies, so be mindful of that when selecting recipes.
Variety is Key: Offer a variety of vegan appetizers to cater to different tastes. Include options that are savory, sweet, spicy, and mild.
Experiment with Flavors: Vegan appetizers can be as flavorful as non-vegan ones. Experiment with herbs, spices, and unique ingredients to create bold flavors.
Veganize Familiar Favorites: Vegan versions of classic dishes can be a hit at parties. Think vegan nachos, vegan sliders, or vegan buffalo cauliflower bites.
Keep It Simple: While experimenting with flavors is excellent, remember that sometimes simple recipes can be the most delicious. A plate of fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes with basil and balsamic glaze can be a delightful vegan appetizer.
😋 More Vegan Recipe Round-Ups!
Please comment below if you found this article helpful or have any additional questions. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!
Recipe
Easy Vegan Appetizers
Equipment
- Platter
Ingredients
- 12 ounces vegan cheddar
- 16 ounce rice crackers
- 1 lb green grapes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup hummus
- 6 celery stalks cut and trimmed
Instructions
- Arrange the vegan cheddar block, rice crackers, washed grapes, cherry tomatoes, and celery on a platter.
- Add the hummus to a small bowl for the vegetables.
- Serve with some of the amazing easy vegan appetizer selections.
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