In fact, we go to events to see pals, however let’s be actual—we’re additionally there for the apps. Snacks are a spotlight of any gathering, particularly when everybody can get pleasure from them. Lately, you’re doubtless have a buddy who skips grains or one other who’s strictly plant-based, making it difficult to cater to all dietary preferences. For that reason, we’ve rounded up the very best gluten-free, dairy-free appetizers to share.
A grazing desk lets friends combine and match flavors and textures, personalizing their plates nonetheless they please. Whereas there are numerous starter choices, I’ve a go-to listing of fool-proof favorites which might be straightforward to arrange, nice at room temp, and as nourishing as they’re scrumptious. Most of those recipes want just some elements, take 20 minutes or much less, and are all a secure wager for any visitor. Scroll on for the very best gluten-free, dairy-free appetizers to convey to your subsequent social gathering.
Featured picture by Suruchi Avasthi.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
This roasted cauliflower salad is a flavor-packed bowl, that includes caramelized cauliflower, contemporary herbs, and a zesty dressing — all naturally gluten- and dairy-free. It’s the right appetizer for these looking for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing choice that isn’t a bore.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon French dressing
This crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts salad is a crisp, refreshing appetizer tossed with nuts, herbs, and a dairy-free French dressing (be certain to go away off the parmesan to maintain the entire salad free from dairy!).
Winter Chopped Salad
Utilizing the identical easy lemon French dressing because the shaved Brussels sprouts salad above, this winter chopped salad isn’t simply visually interesting. Full of crunchy radicchio and a little bit of protein from white beans, it’s an all-around improbable appetizer so as to add to your listing.
White Bean & Raddichio Salad
Certain, the garnish of Parmigiano Reggiano may take this app out of the dairy-free class, however one among our favourite issues about salads (apart from the truth that they make it tremendous straightforward to get your greens) is that they’re totally customizable. This salad balances a barely bitter chunk with a creamy texture.
Spring Crudité with Inexperienced Goddess Dressing
For those who’re craving colour, contemporary taste, and veggies, this spring crudité platter delivers on all counts. You’re welcome to serve the colourful, verdant inexperienced goddess dressing with any mixture of uncooked and/or roasted veggies of your selecting. Want slightly steering? The extra your platter mimics the rainbow, the higher.
Bhutta Avenue Corn Guacamole
There’s at all times room for guacamole on the menu—significantly one which brings a complete host of taste to our favourite basic app. Wholesome fat-filled avocados, roasted corn, contemporary cilantro, lime juice, and a mix of just-hot-enough spices. What’s to not love?
Carrot Turmeric Hummus
Whilst you can (and may!) be ok with snacking on any and all bites you set in your plate, that is one which’ll ship your serotonin skyrocketing—particularly when served with an array of colourful veggies. This hummus can be bean-free, so it’s a secure wager for anybody who is likely to be delicate to legumes, too.
Mangoes are an ingredient I at all times prefer to throw into any salad-type dish. Whereas some may suppose the fruit operates finest in desserts and candy dishes, we’d argue that they deserve their place in veggie-forward apps. Working example: this stunner of a salad. The colours are vivid and the whole dish delivers a complete lot of taste.

Is it sufficient to name a recipe the most effective gluten-free, dairy-free appetizers based mostly on visuals alone? Properly, the excellent news is that this dip is aesthetically pleasing whereas additionally satisfying all of your gustatory wants. Candy? Savory? Spicy? Examine, verify, and verify.
Scrumptious and creamy, this dairy-free queso may even win over your cheese-loving pals. It makes use of cashews, dietary yeast, and scorching water for the “tacky” base, with a mixture of scrumptious spices for some added taste.
Let’s be actual—any gathering is absolutely simply one other alternative to make spinach and artichoke dip. Wealthy and creamy, this more healthy tackle a basic dish is bound to remedy your consolation meals cravings—minus any post-indulgence discomfort.
This recipe requires simply 4 elements that you simply doubtless have already got available: cannellini beans, lemon, olive oil, and garlic. Does cooking get a lot simpler than that?
This isn’t your common bean dip. Starring candy potatoes, black beans, and avocado, this appetizer is mainly a mash-up of all of my favourite flavors in a single bowl.
Candy and savory, these baked sesame rooster wings are gluten and dairy-free… and they’re full of taste. You’ll end up coming again to this recipe time and again.
You want this appetizer at your subsequent social gathering. We constantly make a batch of those chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates for large-scale gatherings, and so they’re at all times the MVPs of the evening.
Salty but refreshing, this smoked salmon carpaccio with crispy capers will transport you to Italy after only one chunk. Elevate your subsequent grazing desk with this lovely, nutrient-packed dish.
What’s it about rooster nuggets that make them a necessity at each social gathering? This rooster nugget recipe (created by my sister) is on the common dinner rotation at our home, so belief me once I say these nuggets are easy, wholesome, and hit the spot each time. Seems, there’s no breading required to get that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture that makes rooster nuggets such a success.
Blistered peppers are a kind of appetizers which might be finest saved easy. Simply warmth up some oil in a pan, sauté the entire batch, and also you’ve acquired a restaurant-worthy appetizer able to go in minutes.
After I whipped up a batch of those cauliflower wings for a football-watching social gathering, they had been gone in seconds. (Don’t fear, I assure they’ll be a success served for any and all events.) They’re flavorful, straightforward to make, and finest served with the yummy dipping sauce of your alternative.
You really can’t go unsuitable with candy potato fries. In case you have a knife and an oven, you’re already effectively in your solution to making this standout recipe. These are crispy oven fries, mastered—and it’s a recipe that’s at all times a go-to when my fry cravings hit.
How attractive is that this salad? Generally there’s nothing higher than your entire favourite seasonal fruits on a platter drizzled with a refreshing French dressing.
This crispy potato bruschetta is the gluten-free model of your favourite Italian starter. By swapping out the bread for equally scrumptious crispy potatoes, you’ve made this dish plant-based in a snap with out sacrificing taste.
This submit was final up to date on March 19, 2025 to incorporate new insights.