Category: Appetizers

Bhaji is an Indian finger food that is traditionally made with onion fried in batter with lots of fragrant Indian spices. This recipe includes those healing and delicious spices but ditches the oil to make a healthy version of this traditional appetizer.

A twist on the standard olive tapenade, this one combines both black olives and kalamata olives along with toasted walnuts. The taste is still pungent and flavorful, but not overpowering or overly salty. Each bite comes with a hearty helping of healthy monounsaturated fats from the olives and healing omega-3’s from the walnuts!

Trying to eat less meat? You’ll want to try these Lentil Quinoa Meatballs. They’re a bit different than traditional meatballs in that the flavor is slightly different, but also in that you won’t be getting saturated fat, hormones, antibiotics, or any other unwanted ingredients that come with red meat. Instead, you’ll receive tons of fiber, plant-based protein, lots of phytonutrients, and vitamins and minerals found in the quinoa and lentils. What’s fantastic about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. Make them as a party appetizer, stuff them into an organic whole grain wrap, dip them in your favorite plant-based sauce, or top them on spaghetti squash for “spaghetti and meatballs.” Tell us how you enjoy them and what fun things you pair with them in the comments below.

Want the sauce without the wings? This plant-based dish has all the flavor, and just as much protein, as the meat-based version. Enjoy this by itself, serve it as an appetizer, or savor it alongside a veggie burger. No matter how you dive in, you’re getting a boatload of vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber, and protein from this nutritious dish.

Once your Herbed Cashew Cheese is prepared, this appetizer takes minutes to make. (But your friends and family will think it took you hours — we won’t tell!) One of the coolest things about squash is its versatility — it can be enjoyed baked, grilled, steamed, or raw. It can also be combined with a number of other ingredients because of its neutral flavor. Use it often!

The bites are yummy on their own as an on-the-patio or porch appetizer. When paired with the cooling and refreshing Cucumber Raita — made with crisp cucumbers and creamy cashews — it all comes together and they positively pop with flavor! Not to mention, you’ll be looking out for your dinner companions’ health by offering them an appetizer that will boost their fiber and phytonutrient intake!

This environmentally friendly, cruelty-free and healthy whole-food version of a charcuterie board is everything you’d ever want in a plant-based appetizer: crunchy crackers, creamy cashew cheese, savory tempeh bacon, and sour, pungent, sweet and bitter olives. It’s a party for all your tastebuds!

Did someone say peaches? These bites are a fun and different way to enjoy your favorite summer fruits. Use fresh when they’re in season or frozen when you want to call in the memory of summer suppers. Plus, feel good that they’re helping to keep your immune system strong from the plentiful vitamin C in the peaches, red peppers, and limes!