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 of Home 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 of Home 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.
