Summer evenings are full of grills sizzling and friends laughing. At backyard cookouts and potlucks, plates are piled high with snackable summer favorites and maybe a few unexpected bites, too. The season of fresh produce, summer is the perfect time to experiment with plant-based appetizers for everyone to share. So, let’s look at some of our most-loved plant-based appetizers.
Creamy and savory, this dip is a tantalizing fusion of Mediterranean flavors. Sautéed leeks, red pepper, kale and cherry tomatoes create a vibrant base, joined by cannellini beans and Pacific Foods Cream of Roasted Garlic and Herb Soup for richness.
After mixing in parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and baking for 15 minutes in a cast-iron skillet, you’ll have a delicious plant-based appetizer perfect for entertaining or cozy nights in. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a delectable dipping experience.
View the full recipe: Garlic & Herb White Bean Dip
Vegan spring rolls are filled with crisp lettuce, crunchy carrots and colorful bell peppers wrapped in rice paper. They’re fresh and light and make a tasty appetizer. Pairing them with a delicious dipping sauce, made with a base of Pacific Foods Organic Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup, makes them even better.
This soup is a mix of carrots, cashews, ginger and creamed coconut. It’s a little sweet, nutty and lightly spiced. Blending in cilantro, more ginger, curry powder, Thai pepper and spices creates a delicious, Asian-inspired dip.
These spring rolls are a fun appetizer for any summer gathering. And because they’re made with vegan ingredients, it’s easy for all your friends and family to partake!
View the full recipe: Vegan Spring Rolls with Ginger Curry Dipping Sauce
This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional macaroni and cheese, incorporating the sweet and nutty flavors of butternut squash to create a creamy and nutritious dish.
You’ll start by roasting the squash, then blending it into a smooth sauce with ingredients like garlic, cumin, Pacific Foods Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Broth and nutritional yeast.
Combine this rich mixture with cooked rotini pasta and top it off with sunflower seeds for added crunch. After popping it into the oven for 20 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, plant-based appetizer that everyone will love.
View the full recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Fruit pizza is another tasty appetizer that can impress at any gathering. This recipe uses a variety of fresh fruits, like strawberries, kiwis and blueberries, atop a crispy crust. We use Pacific Foods Original Organic Oat Milk to add a hint of nuttiness to the base of the pizza.
Instead of traditional pizza sauce, a sweet and luscious dairy-free cream cheese layer is added. With its eye-catching presentation, fruit pizza is a feast for the eyes, and its taste is a hit at summer gatherings. This fun appetizer is easy for people to eat while they mingle. You can even use different fruits to create color themes, like strawberries and blueberries for a Fourth of July party.
View the full recipe: Fruit Pizza
Persian jeweled rice is made with delicious, caramelized onions, barberries and raisins mixed into perfectly cooked rice. Luxurious saffron, cumin and cardamom add depth and a festive flair.
Beyond the spices, our products infuse the rice with even more rich flavors. Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Broth provides a savory base, and Pacific Foods Organic Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup adds brightness and extra creaminess without overwhelming the delicate spices.
View the full recipe: Persian Jeweled Rice
If you’re looking for an earthy appetizer, try braised mushrooms with polenta. This recipe includes a combination of cremini, shiitake and porcini mushrooms — all simmered in Pacific Foods Low Sodium Organic Vegetable Broth. The broth adds extra flavor while showcasing the taste of the fresh ingredients.
It’s the variety of mushrooms that truly lifts this dish. Each type provides a unique texture and flavor, creating a delightful contrast. Portion out into small bowls to create a plant-based appetizer that’s sure to please.
View the full recipe: Braised Mushrooms with Polenta
Summer is the perfect time for fun get-togethers with friends and family. You can liven up your next backyard barbecue or potluck with delicious plant-based appetizers.
From vegan spring rolls to jeweled rice, these tasty dishes are made with incredibly flavorful ingredients. Our vegetable broth adds richness, while plant-based beverages make dressings extra creamy and delicious.
Are you ready to try making these mouthwatering appetizers yourself? Head out to the store and to get your Pacific Foods products.