Delightful Small Plates To Munch on Before Dinner
Try some of these delightful dairy-free appetizers with our small plate recipes that are perfect for snacking on for a pre-dinner experience.
Sometimes, the best part of dinner isn’t even dinner—it’s the appetisers! There’s something about having a lineup of small, flavourful bites that kick off the meal just the right way, whether hosting or just treating yourself. A thoughtful spread of delights gets bellies rumbling in the best possible way!
Below are some small plates to munch on before dinner to help curb your appetite.
1. Crispy Red Potato Fries
Fries are an absolute classic, and red potatoes take them to a new level. Slice those beauties into thin wedges, coat them in olive oil, sprinkle with some of my favourite seasonings (like smoked paprika and garlic powder), and roast in the oven until golden and crispy.
The result? Fries with an irresistibly earthy flavour and a texture that’s soft inside but crispy outside. I always pair them with a dairy-free spicy aioli (or my go-to condiments) for dipping to create a crowd-pleaser before the main course lands.
2. Tomato-Cucumber Salad With a Twist
Salad isn’t the first thing that springs to my mind when thinking “appetiser” either, but truth be told, it’s wildly underrated for this purpose. I love how this recipe comes together so easily and always impresses my guests—plus, it’s an easy snack to make for lunch.
This version stars juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber slices, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and thinly shaved red onions. Toss it all in a zesty vinaigrette made from lime juice and olive oil, and—if you’re feeling bold—a dash of chili flakes for a bit of heat. It’s fresh and tangy and balances out the heartier items on the table. For me, this perfect balance of fresh and tangy flavours complements the heartier dishes.
3. Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
Bright, sweet, bite-sized mini bell peppers are little blank slates waiting to be filled with flavour. I love to whip up a mixture of mashed avocado, garlic, and black beans for this easy dairy-free snack!
Spoon the mix into halved mini peppers and sprinkle with roasted sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch. The creaminess of the filling with the crispness of the peppers makes every bite feel satisfying and fresh.
4. Sesame Soy Edamame
Edamame is one of my favorite snacks because they’re tasty and effortless. Steam a batch of edamame pods, then toss them in a savory mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of grated ginger. Then, I sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Your guests will marvel at how such a simple dish can taste so unexpectedly delicious. For me, eating edamame is half the fun—it’s an interactive appetiser that keeps everyone reaching for more.
5. Zucchini Fritters
Last but absolutely not least, let’s talk zucchini fritters. I love making these because they’re so simple yet so impressive. These crispy little patties are an appetiser powerhouse—you’ll feel like some wizard pulling mouthwatering texture and flavour out of plain zucchini.
Grate zucchini (squeeze out the excess moisture!), mix it with chickpea flour, scallions, and a pinch of cumin, and pan-fry until golden brown. For dipping, I always pair them with a dairy-free tzatziki made with coconut yogurt that ties it all together.
Your Appetizer Game, Elevated
Trust me, these small plates are more than just bites before the main event. They set the tone, spark conversation, and bring flavours that your guests—or you—will want to savor. These options will steal the show next time you’re whipping up small plates to munch on before dinner.