40 Easy Vegan Appetizers

If you're looking for vegan appetizers that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor, you're in the right place. From creamy soups and hearty salads to crispy, savory snacks, I've rounded up a collection of my favorite easy vegan appetizer recipes that are as simple to make as they are delicious.

As a vegan chef, I've spent years crafting plant based recipes that appeal to everyone. I believe that the key to great appetizers is striking the perfect balance of textures and flavors while keeping things simple enough that anyone can prepare them.

These vegan recipes for appetizers reflect that philosophy, offering a range of options that are bold, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you're planning a casual family gathering or looking for vegan appetizers for parties, these recipes are guaranteed to impress.

Best Vegan Appetizers

Crafting an impressive spread of vegan appetizers doesn’t have to be a daunting task. I've selected recipes that are easy to make yet delicious. Let's dive into these vegan appetizer ideas!

1. Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup

This comforting tomato soup combines fresh, ripe tomatoes and flavorful roasted garlic. It's a fantastic appetizer that feels both light and satisfying.

I like to serve it with some crusty bread for an extra touch of coziness.

2. Crispy Fried Tofu with Chipotle Sauce

Golden, crispy tofu bites are always a hit, and this version doesn’t disappoint. The tofu is lightly seasoned and fried to perfection, resulting in a delicious crunch on the outside while staying soft inside.

I like to serve them with my vegan chipotle mayo sauce to add just the right amount of heat and creaminess. This appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who love a bit of spice.

3. Vegan Crab Cakes

My vegan crab cakes are loaded with flavor, using chickpeas, hearts of palm, and classic Old Bay seasoning to mimic the taste and texture of traditional crab cakes.

Lightly pan-fried, they develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. A dollop of tangy vegan tartar sauce on the side elevates these seafood cakes, making them an impressive and satisfying vegan starter.

4. Vegan Caesar Salad with Lentils

This vegan twist on the classic Caesar salad is a fresh, hearty appetizer. Crisp romaine lettuce is tossed with cooked lentils, tomatoes, and my creamy homemade vegan Caesar dressing.

The lentils add protein and substance to this dish, turning a simple salad into a more filling starter that’s perfect for any occasion.

5. Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup

This bright and flavorful soup combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the zing of fresh ginger for a smooth, velvety appetizer. The ingredients are simmered together and then blended until silky, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Garnished with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this soup is both refreshing and comforting, ideal for any time of year.

6. Vegan Queso with Chips

You won’t miss the dairy in my creamy vegan queso. Made with a base of cashews, potatoes, nutritional yeast, and spices, this dip has all the cheesy flavor you’d expect but in a fully plant based version.

It’s perfect served warm with crispy tortilla chips or raw veggies for dipping. This queso is smooth, rich, and addictively delicious. It's one of my favorite vegan party appetizers for any casual gathering.

7. Vegan Ceviche with Hearts of Palm

If you're looking for cold vegan appetizers, this vegan ceviche is a must! It swaps out fish for hearts of palm, giving it the same delicate texture as the traditional dish. Tossed in lime juice with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, this ceviche is bright, zesty, and layered with flavor.

Serve it with tortilla chips or on its own as a light appetizer. It’s a refreshing, tangy vegan appetizer perfect for warm weather or a fresh kickoff to a meal.

8. Vegan Falafel

Crispy falafel balls are a blend of chickpeas, garlic, parsley, and spices, fried until they turn golden brown. They crunch on the outside and stay soft on the inside. I like to serve them with a smooth, creamy tahini dipping sauce.

Whether you serve them as part of a mezze platter or on their own, these vegan falafel balls are an irresistible appetizer packed with Mediterranean flavors.

9. Guacamole

This classic guacamole is a must-have at any gathering. Made with creamy avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomatoes, it’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in minutes.

Whether paired with tortilla chips or used as a topping for tacos, my guacamole recipe is a delicious appetizer that everyone will love.

10. Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

My vegan take on broccoli cheddar soup is rich and creamy without any dairy. Nutritional yeast and potatoes provide the “cheesy” texture and flavor.

It’s a cozy, comforting dish that’s great for dinner parties or casual family dinners.

11. Vegan Cobb Salad

My plant-based twist on the traditional Cobb salad features an abundance of fresh vegetables like crispy lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and cucumber. Instead of bacon and eggs, this version includes smoky coconut bacon and a protein boost from chickpeas.

Drizzled with my creamy vegan ranch dressing, this hearty salad makes a fantastic appetizer that's both fresh and satisfying.

12. Vegan Ranch and Veggies

This classic appetizer brings together a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables paired with a smooth and tangy vegan ranch dip. The creamy dip, made with simple ingredients, mimics the texture and flavor of traditional ranch, without the dairy.

Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers are the perfect companions for dipping, making this one of the best vegan starters for any occasion.

13. Vegan Pupusas

Pupusas are thick, hand-pressed corn tortillas stuffed with flavorful fillings like refried beans, vegan cheese, or sautéed vegetables. Served with a side of curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw), these savory Salvadoran delights are warm, comforting, and flavorful.

Perfect as vegan apps, they offer a taste of something unique and authentic. Plus, I love that you can make them ahead of time and reheat them, which makes them ideal for party meal prep.

14. Baba Ganoush

Recipes for vegan appetizers don't have to be difficult, this creamy, smoky eggplant dip is a Mediterranean classic that's naturally vegan and pairs beautifully with pita bread or fresh veggies. The eggplants are roasted until tender, then blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice to create a smooth and flavorful dip.

Baba ganoush is light yet deeply satisfying, offering a perfect balance of smokiness and tanginess as an appetizer.

15. Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

These bite-sized stuffed mushrooms make great vegan hors d'oeuvres for both fancy dinner parties and laid-back gatherings. Filled with a savory mixture they’re baked until golden and tender. These elegant little morsels are always a hit at my parties and gatherings.

But the best part is that you can easily prep them the night before! This recipe is on my list of easy veg appetizers because they are delicious and simple.

16. Vegan Caprese Skewers

A fresh and light appetizer, these vegan Caprese skewers feature cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and tofu, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Each skewer offers a bite-sized burst of flavors, making them ideal for a casual appetizer.

The balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the tomatoes and basil perfectly, creating a refreshing start to any meal.

17. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

This creamy, rich vegan spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleaser. Made with a blend of spinach and tender artichokes, it’s baked until bubbly and golden on top. I serve it with pita chips, crackers, or fresh bread for dipping.

This comforting and decadent dip is perfect for sharing and makes a great centerpiece for any vegan appetizer spread.

18. Vegan Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are elevated in this tasty appetizer. Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they’re roasted until crispy and caramelized.

Drizzled with a balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of my vegan parmesan cheese, these sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender inside. This appetizer is a great addition to any table.

19. Vegan Sweet Potato Rounds

These roasted sweet potato rounds are a sweet and savory delight. Topped with vegan sour ricotta and toasted walnuts, they make for a colorful and flavorful appetizer.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the contrasting toppings, offering a balanced vegan bite that’s sure to please.

20. Vegan Spring Rolls

Fresh, light, and packed with vegetables, these spring rolls are one of my favorite healthy vegan finger foods.

Filled with a variety of crisp veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and cabbage, and baked tofu, these rolls are wrapped in rice paper and served with a peanut dipping sauce.

They’re perfect for a light start to the meal or for those who love crunchy, fresh flavors.

21. Vegan Stuffed Mini Peppers

Mini bell peppers are the perfect vessel for a variety of flavorful fillings. This vegan version features a mixture of lentils, corn, and spices, all baked until tender.

They’re a fun, easy vegan finger food that’s even easier to enjoy.

22. Vegan Peach and Cream Cheese Toasts

Take a break from avocado toast and give these vegan candied peaches and cream cheese toast bites a try. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, they are delicious.

If you're looking for plant based appetizers with fresh fruit, I suggest you give this recipe a try.

23. Vegan Zucchini Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these vegan zucchini fritters are a yummy appetizer. Shredded zucchini is mixed with herbs, spices, and a little chickpea flour then pan-fried to golden perfection.

Served with a vegan sour cream or yogurt dipping sauce, these fritters are light yet satisfying, making them a great choice for both casual snacking and more formal events.

24. Hummus and Pita

Hummus is a classic vegan appetizer, loved for its creamy texture and bold flavors. Made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, this smooth dip is perfect when paired with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.

It’s a versatile, easy-to-make bean dip that can be dressed up with toppings like roasted red peppers, pine nuts, or olive oil. Hummus never fails to please a crowd.

25. Vegan Sliders

These mini plant-based burgers are delicious and perfect for any gathering. Made with black beans, these vegan sliders are spiced to perfection and topped with all the classic burger fixings!

Whether served on small buns or lettuce wraps, these sliders are satisfying, savory, and fun to eat.

26. Edamame with Sea Salt

A simple yet delicious appetizer, steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a fresh, light snack that’s both healthy and satisfying. The bright green pods offer a salty, slightly nutty flavor, and are perfect for munching on at the start of a meal.

I love that this appetizer is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for casual gatherings or as a snack on its own.

27. Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

These spicy, crispy cauliflower buffalo wings are a vegan twist on the traditional appetizer. The cooked cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that packs a punch.

Served with my vegan ranch dressing and celery sticks, these wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold, fiery flavors.

28. Polenta Fries

Polenta fries are a unique and tasty alternative to regular fries. Made from firm polenta that’s cut into sticks and baked or fried until crispy, these fries are crunchy on the outside and soft inside.

Served with a tangy marinara or a spicy vegan aioli, they offer a deliciously different vegan party appetizer option that’s perfect for dipping. I just love them and I think you will too!

29. Vegan Mozzarella Sticks

These crispy vegan mozzarella sticks are a nostalgic favorite made plant-based. Vegan cheese is breaded and cooked until golden brown, creating a gooey, melty center wrapped in a crunchy shell.

Served with my marinara sauce for dipping, mozzarella sticks are hot vegan appetizers everyone loves.

30. Vegan Carnitas Tacos

Jackfruit makes an incredible gluten free and vegan taco filling, thanks to its meaty texture. Served it in small tortillas with my fresh pico de gallo, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Tacos are a fun, hand-held appetizer that’s perfect for sharing.

31. Corn Fritters

Golden, crispy, and slightly sweet, these vegan corn fritters are one of my favorite simple vegan appetizers. Fresh or frozen corn kernels are mixed with a simple batter of flour, spices, and herbs, then pan-fried until they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Served with a tangy dipping sauce or vegan sour cream, these fritters are great for any gathering.

32. Vegan Sushi Rolls

If you're looking for vegan appetizers ideas that are fresh and flavorful, these sushi rolls need to be on your list. Rolled in nori sheets with sushi rice, these bite-sized rolls are perfect for dipping into soy sauce, wasabi, or tamari.

Whether you’re a sushi lover or just looking for a light, refreshing appetizer, these rolls are sure to impress.

33. Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

These spicy stuffed jalapeños are the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The creamy filling tempers the spiciness of the peppers, making them an addictive and flavorful appetizer that’s great for those who love a little kick in their food.

34. Chickpea Cucumber Avocado Bites

Light, refreshing, and simple, these chickpea cucumber avocado bites are perfect for a healthy appetizer. Slices of cucumber are topped with creamy avocado and blackened chickpeas.

These bites are crisp and cooling, making them a refreshing addition to any table. I get compliments every time I serve them.

35. Vegan BBQ Meatballs

These savory vegan meatballs are made from a hearty mix of lentils, mushrooms, and spices, giving them a satisfying texture and deep flavor.

Served with a tangy BBQ sauce for dipping, these meatballs are a filling and flavorful appetizer that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

36. Vegan Spinach Spanakopita

This vegan version of spanakopita is just as flaky and flavorful as the original. Layers of crispy phyllo dough are filled with a mixture of spinach, tofu, garlic, and herbs, and then baked until golden brown.

Perfect for any gathering and a great way to add a Mediterranean flair to your vegan appetizer spread.

37. Loaded Vegan Nachos

Nachos make for some of the best vegan party snacks! Loaded with toppings like vegan cheese, black beans, avocado, and jalapeños, these loaded vegan nachos are the ultimate shareable appetizer.

Serve them with my amazing blender salsa and vegan sour cream for the perfect party food.

38. Vegan Sausage Rolls

These flaky vegan sausage rolls are made with a savory mushroom and lentil filling, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked until golden brown. They’re perfect for snacking or as an elegant appetizer at a gathering.

39. Vegan Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

These traditional stuffed grape leaves are filled with a mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice. The grape leaves are tender and slightly tangy, while the rice filling is savory and aromatic.

Serve them chilled or at room temperature as a light, refreshing appetizer that brings Mediterranean flair to your gathering.

I love pairing them with my quinoa tabbouleh salad.

40. Vegan Bruschetta

Sometimes the best vegan appetizer recipes are the simple ones! Bruschetta is always a party favorite.

Crisp slices of toasted baguette are topped with a mixture of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. This classic Italian appetizer is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make.

⭐️ One Last Thing! If you make any of these amazing easy vegan appetizers recipes, please leave a review and rating to let me know how you liked it! Doing so helps other readers and me too! Your feedback makes a difference.

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