Category: Appetizers

Think stuffed cheesy jalapeños but with cashew-based cream cheese instead of dairy cheese, baked rather than fried, and umami mushrooms in place of spicy jalapeños. This appetizer is going to wow your friends and family with its creamy center and crispy outside, thanks to the almond meal and cornmeal coating plus the action of the air fryer. Don’t own an air fryer? No problem! See the Chef’s Notes for baking them in the oven.

Love crab cakes but don’t love that they’re not good for the planet (or the crabs)? We have the most delicious solution for you that’s fantastic for the planet and great for your body while still delivering the same flavors and textures you know and love — Lion’s Mane Cakes! Made with spongy shredded lion’s mane mushrooms, aromatic veggies and seafood's best friend–old bay seasoning. These tasty cakes are so spot on you might forget they are not the real thing!

Bring some razzle-dazzle to sweet and tart grapefruit slices by broiling them with maple syrup and cinnamon! While those might not be two flavors you associate with grapefruit, the flavor combination is surprisingly delightful. The natural sweetness from the maple syrup and cinnamon balances the tart bite from the grapefruit to make a delicious and refreshing snack to rave about! There are also bursts of nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene (thanks to grapefruit) in this unique plant-based pairing. So go ahead and give it a try. We promise you won't regret it!

Sweet and refreshing Watermelon Ceviche is a plant-based lover's dream come true! This colorful watermelon creation is bursting with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients. Serve it with your favorite homemade vegetable chips or alongside your favorite plant-based taco recipe, and get ready for a restaurant quality dish at home!

They’re called Sloppy Joes for a reason — they’re sloppy, delicious, and fun to eat! This super-nourishing version of a traditional Sloppy Joe is packed with fiber from the lentils, immune-supporting compounds from the onion and garlic, and a huge amount of healing phytonutrients from the spices. Make friends and family happy by serving these at a spring or summer barbeque — they also make great little slider appetizers!

Steamed artichokes with a side of sauce is a classic. It’s been popularized in restaurants and on social media and cooking shows. It’s simple yet elegant, intriguing, and so much fun to enjoy as an appetizer. Serve steamed artichokes with the Plant-Based Aioli in the recipe or with a favorite sauce you have on hand. Visit the Chef’s Notes for suggestions on how to dive in once you’ve placed it in front of your guests!

Wow your guests at your next gathering by preparing this exceptional appetizer that will capture their attention with the edible flowers’ elegance and beauty. And, that’s just the visual presentation! Once they take a bite of the crispy crostini with herbed cashew cheese spread on top, their taste buds will sing in delight over the crispy and creamy texture and bursts of flavors from the herbs. P.S. If you’re not planning a gathering, these make lovely bite-sized snacks for one!

These tasty tostadas have lots going for them. First, they’re very easy to make. They’re also versatile, and can act as a satisfying main meal, fun appetizer, or sustainable snack. Packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients from the beans, sweet potatoes and slaw ingredients, they’re also loaded with an important type of carbohydrate — fiber! We can’t wait for you to try them.

These bite-size appetizers come with plenty of fiber, magnesium, and tryptophan, plus lots of flavor. They’re very fast to prepare if you have leftover brown rice or quinoa, and some prepared roasted red peppers on hand. The flavors might remind you of pizza!

Lentils are packed with plant-based protein, loaded with fiber, and filled with lots of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Plus, they don’t require soaking before cooking. Combine them with garlic and herbs to make a delicious side to a plant-based meal, a tasty addition to green salads, a fun topping on whole grain bread, or a satisfying snack all by themselves.