While offering a diverse menu can be a challenge year-round, the holidays especially can pose a unique challenge to those trying to cook for a plant-forward diet. While plant-forward diets don’t entirely eliminate animal products, they do focus on incorporating more plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits and tree nuts like walnuts. With the big main courses often centered on a meat dish, the plant-forward eater may feel a bit at a loss as to how to make traditional and festive recipes all their own for the holidays. And then to further complicate things, the dishes now have to be to-go or delivery-friendly. Here are some creative ideas for a successful plant-based Christmas or Hanukkah celebration this year.
Plant-Forward Christmas Dinner Menu
Appetizer: Toasted baguette slices topped with pesto, fluffy parmesan and walnut cream, sun-dried tomatoes and crunchy walnuts make up this delicious Crostini with Walnut Parmesan Cream recipe. To prevent a soggy dish, package the baguette slices and toppings separately for assembly at home.
Soup: The color of this Asparagus Walnut Bisque is a vibrant and festive addition to your Christmas table, and the flavor is equally tasty. Walnuts help thicken the bisque for a silky, creamy texture without the dairy. Plus, it can be batched ahead of time and sent with reheating instructions.
Salad: This Radicchio Salad with Walnuts and Ginger-Pomegranate Vinaigrette is crunchy, sweet and peppery with a creamy dairy-free dressing, making it a crisp palate cleanser to prepare for your main dish. The sweetness of seasonal pomegranates and the earthiness of toasted walnuts are beautiful additions to your menu. Consider bottling your vinaigrette and selling separately for consumers to purchase for any leftovers or future meals.
Side dish: A stunning vegetable side dish is a must for your plant-forward holiday table! Try this simple and delicious recipe for Roasted Vegetables with Walnut Vinaigrette. Just add the vinaigrette on the side to create the perfect sidekick to the main dish.
Main course: This dairy-free California Walnut Cream Alfredo Sauce gets its unbelievable flavor and texture from walnuts pureed with water, onion, garlic, lemon and nutritional yeast. Serve over fettuccine, ravioli or vegetables for a decadent main dish. And as a bonus, it can be portioned individually or in various “family sizes.”
Dessert: These Walnut Chocolate Bliss Balls are made with ingredients like maple syrup, Medjool dates and shredded coconut. They make a delicious and adorable dessert. Oh, and did we mention there’s no cooking involved?! So you won’t have to worry about them getting cold on the way home.
Modern Yet Traditional Hanukkah
Make your favorite vegan matzo ball soup, then enchant your diners with the following full-course plant-forward Hanukkah menu to commemorate the Festival of Lights.
Appetizer: This vegan California Walnut, Lentil and Mushroom Pate includes fresh herbs and a hint of lemon as the perfect starter to their plant-based festivities. For an added touch, include a diagram of how you would plate it in your restaurant so people can experience a bit of the magic they’re missing by dining at home.
Salad: With pops of color from the crisp bell peppers and celery, this Walnut-Dotted Potato Salad with Walnut Gremolata will surely stand out on the menu. Offer boiled eggs as an optional add-on.
Main course: These Walnut Mushroom Lasagna Rolls feature ricotta, chopped walnuts and cooked mushrooms, creating a savory blend of flavors that simply can’t compare to traditional meat-based lasagna. Consider frozen and ready-to-eat options to cater to all of your customers’ needs.
With these delicious recipes, you can plan and serve memorable, traditional and delectable holiday dishes that are exquisitely plant-forward. Be sure to visit our collection of plant-forward recipes for more inspiration.
