Put together a holiday spread that everyone can enjoy with these vegan Christmas appetizers. Just be sure to double-check that all your ingredients are truly vegan before purchasing.
21 Ideas for Vegan Christmas Appetizers
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
1/21
Red Lentil Hummus with Brussels Sprout Hash
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of chickpeas, this red lentil hummus uses lentils to create a hearty, healthful appetizer. The Brussels sprout topping makes this feel more special than plain hummus, but you can serve it without the topping too. —Carolyn Manning, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 154 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
Fill out your whole menu with these vegan Christmas dinner recipes.
2/21
Mamma’s Caponata
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is fabulous as an appetizer, but you can easily turn it into a meal. Instead of having it on bread, serve it over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 57 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Don’t forget to whip up a batch of vegan eggnog, too!
3/21
Hummus
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
4/21
Pine Nut and Basil Guacamole
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guacamole is typically a Mexican dish, but that doesn’t mean you can't try to make it with other global flavors. For an Italian-inspired basil guacamole recipe, top it off with toasted pine nuts and fresh herb ribbons. You can also substitute the traditional lime for lemon juice.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 153 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1/2 starch.
5/21
Cashew Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3/4 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Spread this vegan cashew cheese on crackers, layer it on a toasted bagel or serve it with fresh vegetables. It also makes a delicious, out-of-the-ordinary sandwich spread! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 56 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
6/21
Spicy Pickled Grapes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love sweet and spicy flavors, so I created these pickled grapes. They are excellent as an appetizer, a sneaky addition to salads or a topper in your favorite Bloody Mary. —Carla Hinkle, Memphis, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/21
Pumpkin Hummus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 155 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
8/21
Roasted Eggplant Spread
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup spread: 84 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/21
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
10/21
Red Pepper Tapenade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons dip: 58 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
11/21
Spanish Marinated Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I had some amazing marinated mushrooms in a little tapas bar in Seville when I was stationed in Spain with the U.S. Navy. A couple of months ago, I decided to see if I could make something close, and here’s what I came up with. The longer you keep them refrigerated, the stronger the vinegar taste will be. —Patricia Mitchell, Ingleside, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 10 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
12/21
Spicy Edamame
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edamame are young soybeans in their pods. While I love to get them with my sushi when I go out, they are also so easy to make at home. —Mark Neufang, Bayshore, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 52 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
13/21
Pressure-Cooker Caponata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This Italian eggplant dip preps quickly and actually gets better as it stands. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Try adding a little leftover caponata to scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
14/21
Focaccia Barese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
15/21
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
16/21
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 78 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
17/21
Avocado Endive Cups with Salsa
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazz up guacamole by serving it atop endive leaves. Add a brilliant red pepper salsa, and you’ve got a standout appetizer. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 43 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/21
Smashed Olives
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My best friend and I came up with this recipe to bring back the wonderful tastes of Spain with us. When you are finished with the olives, use the flavored olive oil for a chicken or shrimp marinade. —Tiffani Warner, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 162 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
19/21
Roasted Chickpeas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 178 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
20/21
Tangy Pickled Mushrooms
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Home-canned pickled mushrooms are a handy addition to your pantry. They’re ideal for cocktails, appetizers, salads and relish trays.—Jill Hihn, Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms, West Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 18 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Free food.
21/21
Colorful Fruit Kabobs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 cup glaze
From the Recipe Creator:
These luscious fruit kabobs are perfect as a summer appetizer, snack or side dish. The citrus glaze clings well and keeps the fruit looking fresh. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 teaspoons glaze: 18 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
