10 Cold Vegetarian Appetisers for Every Occasion: Easy and Refreshing Semrushtools

Are you looking for some delicious, easy-to-make, and healthy appetisers that are totally meat-free? If so, then you’ve come to the right place!

Whether you’re hosting a friendly dinner party or just want a quick and tasty snack, we’ve got you covered with various cold vegetarian appetisers. These dishes are not only healthy and flavourful, but they’re also easy to prepare and perfect for summer or warm weather events.

So, get ready to tantalise your taste buds with our amazing selection of cold vegetarian appetisers.

Popular Cold Vegetarian Appetisers

Cold vegetarian appetisers are small dishes or finger foods served cold or at room temperature and do not contain any meat, poultry or seafood. These appetisers are typically made using fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and dairy products like cheese and yoghurt. 

Cold vegetarian appetisers are an excellent choice for parties, picnics, and other gatherings because they are often easy to prepare ahead of time, do not require cooking, and can be served in small portions. 

Here are some popular cold vegetarian appetisers recipes:

Cucumber Cups

Cucumber cups are a refreshing and healthy vegetarian appetiser perfect for spring and summer gatherings. They are easy to prepare and can be filled with a variety of delicious fillings. 

Instructions:

1. Cut the cucumbers into medium-sized slices.
2. Using a small spoon, scoop out the seeds from the centre of each cucumber slice, leaving a narrow hole in the centre.
3. Mix the cream cheese, Greek yoghurt, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each cucumber cup, filling it to the top.
5. Top with desired toppings, such as chopped cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, diced red onion, or crumbled feta cheese.

Make the cucumber cups ahead of time but wait to fill them until just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a classic cold soup from Spain made with fresh, raw vegetables and is perfect for warm weather. 

Instructions:

1. In a blender, puree the tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and garlic until smooth.
2. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper and blend again until well combined.
3. Pour in the tomato juice and blend until the Gazpacho reaches your desired consistency. Add more or less tomato juice as needed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Chill the Gazpacho in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
6. Serve with desired toppings, such as diced avocado, chopped fresh herbs, or croutons.

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Stuffed cherry tomatoes are a flavourful and colourful cold vegetarian appetiser perfect for a light snack. Here’s how to make them:

Instructions:

1. Slice off the tops of the cherry tomatoes and scoop out the seeds and pulp from the centre of each tomato and discard them.
2. Mix the goat cheese, olive oil, and chopped herbs in a small bowl until well combined. 
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Fill each cherry tomato with the goat cheese mixture using a small spoon. 
5. Place the filled tomatoes on a serving platter and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to firm up the filling.
6. Sprinkle the stuffed cherry tomatoes with extra chopped herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavour and colour.

You can use any type of soft cheese instead of goat cheese, such as cream cheese or feta cheese. You can also add more ingredients to the filling, such as chopped nuts or diced olives.

Avocado and Mango Salsa

Avocado and mango salsa is a delicious and refreshing cold vegetarian appetiser perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a healthy snack. Here’s how to make it:

Instructions:

1. Combine the diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
2. Drizzle the lime juice over the top of the mixture, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 
3. Gently toss to coat the ingredients with the lime juice and seasonings evenly.
4. Serve the avocado and mango salsa immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled tofu or tempeh.

This salsa is best when served immediately, as the avocado will start to brown over time. If you need to make it beforehand, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and add the avocado just before serving.

Caprese Skewers

Instructions:

1. Rinse the tomatoes and pat them dry. 
2. Cut the mozzarella cheese into small cubes.
3. Take a toothpick or small skewer and thread a cherry tomato onto it, followed by a cube of mozzarella cheese and a small basil leaf. Repeat until you have used all the ingredients.
4. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the skewers right before serving. If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, you can use balsamic vinegar instead.

You can add other ingredients to the skewers, such as olives or grilled vegetables, for extra flavour and texture.

Watermelon and Feta Skewers

Watermelon and feta skewers are a refreshing and flavourful vegetarian appetiser perfect for summer gatherings. Here’s how to make them:

Instructions:

1. Rinse the watermelon and cut it into small cubes. 
2. Cut the feta cheese into small cubes.
3. Take a toothpick or small skewer and thread a cube of watermelon onto it, followed by a cube of feta cheese and a small mint leaf. Repeat until you have used all the ingredients.
4. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
5. Drizzle the skewers with balsamic glaze just before serving, if desired. 

You can make watermelon and feta skewers up to a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is a fresh and flavourful Mexican salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. It’s perfect as a topping for tacos or simply an appetiser with tortilla chips.

Instructions:

1. Combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl.
2. Squeeze the lime over the mixture and stir to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for half an hour for the flavours to meld together.
5. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or on tacos.

Hummus

Hummus is a cold vegetarian appetiser typically made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Hummus is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients like fibre, protein, and healthy fats. It is a great addition to any vegetarian menu.

Instructions:

1. Combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt in a food processor, and process until smooth and creamy.
2.  Add more water if the hummus is too thick, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Add more salt or lemon juice as needed after tasting.
4. Put the hummus in a serving bowl and drizzle with extra olive oil and any desired toppings before serving. 

Baba Ghanoush

Baba Ghanoush is a Middle Eastern dish similar to hummus but made with roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas. It is a delicious and healthy appetiser perfect for dipping bread or fresh veggies.

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