10 Creative Vegan Snacks for your Snack Platter

Welcome to this blog post where we dive deeper into creating a surprising snack platter with 10 creative vegan snacks. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find snacks that are not only tasty, but also meet a vegan lifestyle. Whether you are hosting a party or just planning a relaxing evening at home, it is always nice to spoil your guests with unique and healthy treats. Let's discover new flavors and textures together that will surprise not only your taste buds, but also those of your friends and family. Will you join us on this culinary journey?

How to Make Vegetable Chips: A Step-by-Step Guide

Vegetable chips are a delicious and healthy snack option that is easy to make at home. In this section, you will learn how to make your own vegetable chips from different types of vegetables, such as sweet potato, beetroot and zucchini. We combine these crunchy treats with a creamy avocado dip for a flavorful experience.

Supplies

To make vegetable chips you will need the following ingredients and materials:

Ingredients

• Sweet potato: 2 medium sized
• Beet: 1 large
• Zucchini: 1 medium
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: to taste
• Paprika powder: 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (optional)

For the avocado dip

• Ripe avocado: 1 large
• Lemon juice: from 1/2 lemon
• Greek yogurt: 2 tablespoons (for extra creaminess)
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste
• Garlic: 1 clove, pressed

Materials

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Baking tray
• Baking paper
• Oven or dehydrator

Preparing vegetables

1. Wash and peel the vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potato and beetroot. Peel the sweet potato and cut it into thin slices (about 2-3 mm thick). Also cut the beetroot and zucchini into equal thin slices.
2. Mix the vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and add the olive oil, salt, paprika and garlic powder. Mix everything well so that the spices are evenly distributed.

Baking the vegetable chips

1. Preparing the baking tray: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with baking paper to prevent the chips from sticking.
2. Place the vegetables on the baking tray: Place the sliced vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they don't overlap so they cook evenly.
3. Baking: Bake the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Check frequently to prevent burning. If using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying vegetables.

Making Avocado Dip

1. Prepare avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and spoon the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mix: Add the lemon juice, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper and crushed garlic to the avocado. Use a fork or a hand blender to blend everything into a smooth dip.
3. Tasting and adjusting: Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more lemon juice for extra freshness if desired.

Benefits of Vegetable Chips

• Healthy alternative: Vegetable chips are a healthier alternative to traditional chips because they are rich in fiber and nutrients.
• Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and an oven, anyone can make vegetable chips at home.
• Adaptable: You can vary with different vegetables and herbs according to your own taste.
• Crispy and tasty: The combination of the crunchy chips with the creamy avocado dip makes for a delicious snacking experience.

Tips for the best vegetable chips

• Use a mandolin: For even and thin slices of the vegetables you can use a mandoline. A brand like OXO Good Grips offers good mandolines.
• Store in an airtight container: If you have any extra chips left over, store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispy texture.
• Experiment with herbs: Try different herbs and spices, such as chili powder or Italian seasoning, for a unique taste experience.

With these recipes and tips you are well prepared to make delicious vegetable chips with avocado dip yourself. Enjoy this healthy snack for a movie or as a snack!

Stuffed Mushrooms: A Sophisticated Snack for Any Drink Platter

Stuffed mushrooms are not only a delicious addition to your snack platter, they are also easy to make and perfect for vegetarians and vegans. This recipe is easy to adapt with different ingredients, allowing for endless variations. Let’s dive deeper into stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of nuts, herbs, and plant-based cheese.

The Basics: Choosing Mushrooms

There are several types of mushrooms you can use for stuffing, but the most popular are:

• Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus): The most common type, available in white and brown varieties.
• Portobello: Larger mushrooms with a firmer texture, ideal for a more filling snack.
• Shiitake: Has a unique umami flavor that adds extra depth to the dish.

Choose fresh mushrooms, preferably of organic origin, for the best taste and quality. A good example of an organic mushroom is the brand EcoPlaza.

The Filling Mixture: Nuts and Spices

The filling is where the magic happens. You can create a mix that is both nutritious and flavorful. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients for the Filling

• Nuts: Choose a combination of almonds and walnuts, for example from Pistachio, for a crunchy texture.
• Plant-based cheese: Usage Violife or Alpro for a creamy and flavorful addition.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, chives and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Salt and pepper: For the perfect balance of flavors.

Preparing the Filling

1. Chop the nuts finely: Use a food processor to grind the nuts into a coarse texture.
2. Mix the ingredients: Add the plant-based cheese and herbs to the nuts and mix well.
3. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste.

Stuffing and Baking Mushrooms

After you have prepared the filling, it is time to stuff the mushrooms.

Steps to Follow

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C.
2. Prepare the mushrooms: Carefully remove the stems and hollow out the caps a little with a small spoon.
3. Fill the mushrooms: Take a spoon and fill each mushroom cap with the nut mixture.
4. Bake the stuffed mushrooms: Place them on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed mushrooms are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an appetizer: Perfect for a party or drinks.
• With a salad: Add them to a fresh green salad for extra flavor and texture.
• On a drinks platter: Combine with other snacks such as olives, hummus and crackers.

Benefits of Stuffed Mushrooms

By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can create an irresistible snack that everyone will enjoy. Stuffed mushrooms are not only a feast for the eyes, but also a delight for the taste buds!

Mini Pita's with Hummus and Vegetables

Mini pitas are a great way to get creative with your snack platter. They are not only tasty, but also healthy and easy to prepare. In this section we will discuss how to make these delicious mini pitas, the different types of hummus you can use and which vegetables go perfectly with this dish.

The Basics: Mini Pita Breads

Mini pitas are small, half-sized breads that are perfect for filling with tasty ingredients. They are available from several brands, such as Odin and Morrisons, and are often made with whole wheat or white dough. Whole wheat pitas are a healthier option, as they contain more fiber.

Benefits of mini pitas:

• Easy to fill
• Healthy alternative to chips or crackers
• Ideal for both adults and children

Hummus: A World of Flavor

Hummus is a versatile spread that comes in a variety of flavors. Some popular brands include Hummus Bros and Deli HummusHere are some flavor variations to consider for your mini pitas:

• Classic hummus: a timeless choice, perfect for everyone.
• Roasted Red Pepper hummus: gives a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Garlic hummus: for those who love a strong taste.
• Olive hummus: adds a salty, Mediterranean twist.

Vegetables: Colorful and Healthy

Using fresh, colorful vegetables makes your mini pitas not only appealing, but nutritious as well. Here are some great choices:

• Cucumber: refreshing and crunchy, ideal for pita.
• Bell pepper: available in different colors, adds sweetness and crunch.
• Cherry tomatoes: juicy and full of flavor, perfectly sliced.
• Arugula: adds a spicy flavor and is rich in nutrients.

Preparation

1. Pre-treating pitas: Cut the mini pitas in half so you can fill them.
2. Choosing Hummus: Choose one or more types of hummus and scoop a spoonful into each pita.
3. Add vegetables: Fill the pitas with a combination of the vegetables mentioned above.
4. Serve: Place the filled mini pitas on a nice serving platter and garnish with some extra hummus or a sprig of parsley.

Tips for Variation

You can vary the filling of the mini pitas to make them even more interesting:

• Add feta or goat cheese for an extra creamy texture.
• Use avocado for a creamy, healthy option.
• Spice it up with some Sriracha or chili oil.

Health Benefits

By choosing mini pitas with hummus and vegetables, you will benefit from several health benefits:

• Fiber: Whole wheat pitas and vegetables are rich in fiber, which is good for digestion.
• Vitamins: The vegetables are full of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Proteins: Hummus, made from chickpeas, provides a good source of vegetable protein.

By choosing mini pitas with hummus and vegetables, you create a healthy and colorful addition to your drinks platter that will certainly be appreciated by your guests.

Conclusion: Explore and Enjoy These Vegan Flavors

In conclusion, with the four creative vegan snacks we discussed, you can take your drinks platter to the next level and surprise your guests with delicious and surprising flavors. Whether you choose crispy vegetable chips or tasty stuffed mushrooms, these snacks offer a perfect addition to any occasion. We encourage you to try them out and discover which snack becomes your personal favorite. Enjoy your drinks and the compliments of your guests!