Entertaining Ideas
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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vegan summer salads?
I am hosting a BBQ next weekend and I have a couple vegan guests. We are going to have veggie burgers available, but as far as sides go- what suggestions do you have? I know with summer time there are so many great things I could make with fruits and veggies. I'm just looking for a little inspiration! (P.S. I am not the most talented chef...)
(Any ideas for 1-2 non vegan dishes would be appreciated as well!)
Thank you!
Re: vegan summer salads?
My first thought was grilled veggies. I do them a few ways, for a small group I get small zucchini, squash and eggplant and cut them lengthwise. Toss in olive oil and grill seasoning and put directly on the grill. For bigger groups get a roasting pan and stab some holes in the bottom. Chunk your veg and toss in oil and seasoning. Throw them in the roasting pan and turn as needed.
You could also do some corn on the cob. Tossed salad potato salad.
I can't rave about this recipe enough. It sounds funny, but it's so crisp and different and yummy.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Caribbean-Sweet-Potato-Salad/Detail.aspx
If you have a Trader Joe's or a Sprouts or possible a Whole Foods near you, I'd recommend doing just a nice mixed greens salad (with radishes, carrots, cucumbers, brocolli, etc.) and using Annie's Naturals dressing - they have vegan versions and are all super tasty.
Also, a consideration to make -- if you're planning on cooking the veggie burgers on the grill, please be sure you're using a clean part of the grill (no meat touching it at all) and using clean tools. Otherwise, plan on having an alternate way to cook the veggie burgers. My husband is a vegetarian and my sister-in-law is a vegan, and this tends to be their biggest concern. It's not just about the food but also how it's prepared.
I just made a black bean corn salad today...it was easy and of course vegan.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/black-bean-and-corn-salad-recipe/index.html
This. Just put down foil on the grill before you put down the veggies and use separate utensils.
This! Yummm it's so wonderful, and my vegetarian H loves it. I also like to do potatoes on the grill- cube them, toss them with a little salt, pepper, herb of your choice (I like a tiny bit of rosemary) and olive oil, wrap them in a little tin foil tent and just stick it right on the grill. Takes FOREVER to cook compared to veggie burgers, but so, so worth it.
Planned Executed
Sides are so easy to do vegan that I don't think non-vegans would even notice that is what you are trying to do. I wouldn't make an extra effort to have specific non-vegan side items.
Vinegar based coleslaw, mustard based potato salad, grilled veggies, baked beans (without the pork, of course), grains, salads.... all vegan. I'm sure the non-vegans will eat them up