According to a recent poll taken by Gallup.com, more than 5% of Americans claim to be a vegetarian, while many more take on the resolution every single day. Additionally, many faiths and cultures maintain a diet that is free of meat and meat by-products. Now more than ever, vegetarianism is making its way into the mainstream culinary arts with fervor and success because it promotes healthier eating, mindful consumption, and farm-to-table practices. Many people eat a mostly-vegetarian diet and don’t even realize it! So, if you are planning a party or event for vegetarians, don’t feel limited or intimidated by the job. You can look forward to creating a custom vegetarian menu from an array of endless and delicious options!
For some instant inspiration or ideas, continue reading for a full course vegetarian catering menu, plus information on where to get trusted catering services near you.
Vegetarian Catering Menu Options
Appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvres
There are several appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvres to choose from when custom creating a vegetarian catering menu. From finger foods and charcuterie to bread selections, hummus cups, canapés, tapenade, and more, the selection is more than generous. Here are some popular choices to consider:
▢ Bread Roll Platters
▢ Caprese Salad Skewers
▢ Bruschetta
▢ Stuffed Mushrooms
▢ Edamame
▢ Cucumber Cream Cheese Boats
▢ Stuffed Jalapeños
▢ Artichoke Hearts
▢ Flatbreads (Try Mushroom/Gruyere, Truffle Parmesan, or Fig and Goat Cheese)
▢ Vegetable Spring Rolls
▢ Macaroni and Cheese Cups
▢ Hummus Platter
▢ Cheese and Crackers
▢ Charcuterie
▢ Veggie and Ranch Dip Platter
▢ Chips and Salsa/Guacamole
▢ Falafel
▢ Hush Puppies
▢ Tapenade Platter
First Course Options
When it comes to the first course, it is important to provide foods that will satisfy and spark hunger, but not fill your guests up completely. After all, when serving a full course meal, the first course is always followed by the main course. So, think light, like salads and soups. Here are some functional and tasty first course options that meet vegetarian catering guidelines:
🥗 SALADS:
▢ Leafy Green Salad (Spinach, Caesar, Garden, etc.)
▢ Caprese Salad
▢ Watermelon Feta Salad
▢ Cucumber Onion Salad
▢ Mushroom Vinaigrette Salad
▢ Tabbouleh
▢ Baba Ghanoush
▢ Meatless Pasta Salad (Pesto, Italian, Creamy, etc.)
▢ Thai Papaya Salad
▢ Fruit Salad
▢ Cottage Cheese and Pineapple
▢ Waldorf Salad
🍵 SOUPS:
▢ Potato
▢ Broccoli Cheddar
▢ Mushroom
▢ Vegetarian Chili
▢ Gazpacho
▢ Tomato
▢ Cauliflower
▢ Butternut Squash
▢ Pumpkin
▢ Black Bean
▢ White Bean Chili
▢ Pea Soup
Main Course Options and Sides
For the main course, you are free to go big. Focus your meal selections on savory foods that fill up the belly and satisfy the palate. When choosing your main course items, consider seasonal foods too, like pumpkins and apples in the Fall and oranges in the summer. Here are some delicious and versatile main course options for vegetarian catering:
▢ Eggplant Parmesan
▢ Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
▢ Ratatouille
▢ Fettuccine Alfredo
▢ Spaghetti w/Mushroom Ragù
▢ Vegetarian Pasta
▢ Cacio e Pepe
▢ Black Bean Cheese Burgers
▢ Grilled Tofu
▢ Mushroom Wellington
▢ Cheese Stromboli/Calzone
▢ Vegetarian Lasagna
▢ Mushroom Stroganoff
SIDES:
▢ Macaroni and Cheese
▢ Potatoes (Mashed, Baked, Scalloped, Sweet, Tots, Fries, etc.)
▢ All Vegetables (Steamed, Stewed, Grilled, Roasted, Fried, etc.)
▢ Mashed Cauliflower
▢ Rice
▢ Beans (Baked, Black, Refried, Lima, etc.)
▢ Onion Rings
▢ Coleslaw
Vegetarian Dessert is Easy!
Dessert should not be a problem for vegetarian catering planning. Not many desserts are made with meat. Steer clear of maple bacon options and bacon jams, and you should do well!
Are you looking for a qualified catering company to help plan your custom vegetarian or vegan catering menu? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for customized catering services in Peachtree City, GA and its surrounding counties.
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Easy Guide to Catering a Vegan Meal Spread
Helpful Tips for Kosher Catering
The Benefits of Farm to Table Catering