The holidays are a time for gathering and enjoyment, and it’s essential that everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their dietary preferences. You want to make sure your guests have a wonderful experience, which is why creating a vegan snack platter is an excellent choice. In this blog post, we’ll give you inspiration and practical tips to create a festive, tasty, and varied snack platter that will not only delight vegans, but everyone around them. Let’s create something special together for this special time of year.
What is a drinks board?
A snack platter is a carefully composed selection of various snacks, often served as an informal meal or as a snack during drinks. This concept has gained popularity in recent years, especially during holidays and special occasions. What makes a snack platter so attractive is its versatility and the possibility to combine different flavors and textures.
The composition of a drinks platter
A typical snack platter can include a wide variety of elements, creating a varied and tasty experience. Here are some popular components to consider:
- Dips: Think of classics like hummus from Maza or guacamole from Holy Guacamole. These dips are perfect to combine with vegetables or nachos.
- Snacks: Various types of cheese, such as Old Dutch mature cheese or a creamy brie Leerdammer, are always a hit. Also add some charcuterie, such as sliced salami from Salami of Varzi or prosciutto from Parma otto.
- Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber and carrots are not only healthy, but also colorful. They are perfect for dipping in hummus or tzatziki.
- Fruit: A selection of seasonal fruits such as grapes, strawberries and apples adds a sweet touch to the drinks platter.
- Nuts and seeds: Add a mix of salted nuts or healthier options like almonds and walnuts from Arugula add for a crispy texture.
The social atmosphere of a drinks platter
The concept of a snack platter is not only focused on the snacks themselves, but also on the social interaction it promotes. Sharing a snack platter encourages conversation and creates an informal atmosphere in which guests feel at ease. This makes it an excellent choice for holidays, birthdays or just a cozy evening with friends or family.
Examples of popular snack platters
Below are some sample combinations of snack platters that you can consider for your next gathering:
| Drinks Board Type | Dips | Snacks | Vegetables | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean Plank | Hummus, Tzatziki | Feta, Olives | Cucumber, Bell Pepper | Grapes, Figs |
| Meat Lovers Plank | Guacamole, Salsa | Salami, Chorizo | Carrots, Radish | Strawberries, Apple |
| Vegetarian Plank | Baba Ganoush, Pesto | Goat cheese, olives | Cherry tomatoes, celery | Mango, Kiwi |
Why choose a drinks platter during the holidays?
During the holidays, the drinks platter is an excellent choice for several reasons:
- Convenience: Putting together a drinks platter is easy and does not require extensive cooking skills.
- Flexibility: You can adapt the plank to the preferences of your guests, whether they are vegetarians, meat eaters or vegans.
- Visually appealing: A well-composed drinks platter is a feast for the eyes and will certainly impress your guests.
By offering a drinks platter during your festive gatherings, you not only create a tasty experience, but also an opportunity for connection and conviviality.
Vegan Ingredients for your Snack Platter
A snack platter is a great way to combine different flavors and textures, and even if you eat vegan, there are plenty of delicious options available. Below you will find an overview of different vegan ingredients that are perfect for a festive snack platter.
Plant-based Cheeses
Plant-based cheeses are a great substitute for traditional cheeses and come in a variety of flavors and textures. Some popular brands include:
- Willicroft: Offers a range of vegan cheeses, including a creamy camembert and a spicy cheddar.
- Violife: Known for their grated and block cheese varieties, including the popular 'Greek White' and 'Creamy Original' in various flavours.
- Koko Dairy Free: Their coconut based cheeses are perfect for a creamy addition to your drinks platter.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are not only nutritious, but they are also a great source of healthy fats. Here are some options you can add:
- Cashew nuts: Perfect for making vegan dips like cashew cheese or pesto.
- Almonds: Delicious salted or peppered for an extra bite.
- Chia seeds: Ideal for making chia seed pudding or as a topping on other dishes.
Olives
Olives add a salty, delicious flavor to your snack platter. Try a variety of olives for a colorful presentation:
- Green Olives: For example, the 'Kalamata' olives, which have a rich, earthy flavour.
- Black Olives: These are often milder and can also be found in various marinades.
Hummus and Dips
Hummus is a versatile dip that can be paired with a variety of vegetables and crackers. Some popular brands and variations include:
- Hummus from Alpro: This is available in different flavors such as classic, paprika and truffle.
- Baba Ganoush of Maza: A delicious aubergine dip that goes perfectly with pita bread or vegetables.
Colorful Vegetables
Freshly cut vegetables are a must-have on any snack platter. Think of:
- Carrots: Cut them into fun shapes or use mini carrots for a playful look.
- Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, can be served sliced or sticks.
- Bell pepper: Use different colors for a vibrant presentation.
Combinations and Presentation
For an attractive presentation, you can arrange the different ingredients on a large wooden board. Here are some tips:
- Make use of different heights by stacking bowls or plates.
- Group ingredients with similar colors together for a visually appealing look.
- Add some sprigs of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for extra color and fragrance.
Where to Buy
Many of these vegan ingredients can be found at:
- Supermarkets: such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl, which are increasingly offering more vegan options.
- Health food stores: such as Ekoplaza or De Tuinen for specialized products.
- Online: Websites like Vegan XL or the Vegan Store offer a wide range of vegan products.
With this variety of vegan ingredients you can create a delicious and colorful snack platter that will appeal to both vegans and non-vegans.
Creative presentation of your vegan snack platter
A vegan snack platter is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also for the eye. An attractive presentation can significantly enhance the dining experience. In this section, we share some valuable tips for creatively presenting your vegan snack platter, so that your guests can not only enjoy the delicious flavors, but also a visual spectacle.
Use of different types of plates and bowls
The choice of plates and bowls is crucial for the presentation of your snack board. By combining different materials and shapes, you create a dynamic and inviting look.
Materials and styles
- Wood: A wooden plank, such as the Küchenprofi Cutting board, gives a rustic look and is perfect for a natural look.
- Ceramics: Soft, round shells like those of IKEA's FÄRGRIK series can be used to present dips and spreads.
- Glass: For a modern touch you can use glass bowls, for example the Bodum Bistro series, which give a more minimalist effect.
By combining different materials, such as a wooden board with ceramic bowls, you get a playful and inviting drinks board.
Arranging ingredients for an aesthetic appearance
The way you arrange your ingredients is essential for an attractive presentation. Here are some tips to do this effectively:
Group and vary
- Color: Provide a colorful mix of vegetables, fruits, and dips. Green avocados, red bell peppers, and yellow cherry tomatoes create a visual palette that is appealing.
- Texture: Vary the textures by using crunchy crackers, creamy hummus and soft cheese alternatives, such as Violife Feta Whether the Alpro Cashew Spread, to combine.
- Height: Add height to your presentation by creating a tower of olives or a stack of nachos, for example.
Here's an example of how you might arrange the ingredients:
- Place your dips in the middle of the plank.
- Group vegetables on the sides, such as carrots and cucumbers.
- Add nuts and dried fruit for an extra element of color and texture.
Adding decorative elements
Decorative elements can take the presentation of your vegan snack platter to the next level. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add an extra flair.
Examples of decorative elements
- Fresh herbs: Sprigs of mint or basil can give a fresh look. For example, try fresh basil from the organic supermarket.
- Edible flowers: Add edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums for colour and a playful look. These can often be found at local garden centres or specialist shops.
- Colorful napkins: Use napkins in bright colors, such as those from Hema, to complete the overall presentation.
Bullet Points for a Quick Overview
- Plates and Bowls:
- Wooden boards (Kitchenprofi Cutting board)
- Ceramic bowls (IKEA FÄRGRIK)
- Glass bowls (Bodum Bistro)
- Ranking:
- Group by color and texture
- Add height with turrets
- Dips in the middle, vegetables on the sides
- Decoration:
- Fresh herbs (organic mint or basil)
- Edible flowers (violets, nasturtiums)
- Colorful napkins (Hema)
With these tips and examples you can present your vegan snack platter creatively and attractively, so that your guests not only enjoy the food, but also the visual presentation.
Enjoy a festive and sustainable drinks experience
In conclusion, a vegan snack platter offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy delicious and healthy snacks during the holidays. By experimenting with different ingredients and paying attention to presentation, you can create a visual and culinary masterpiece that will delight everyone. Let your creativity run wild and create a snack platter that not only surprises your guests, but also contributes to a sustainable party experience. Get started and discover the many possibilities that a vegan approach has to offer!
