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Planning a vegan New Year lunch spread is a fun way to celebrate with family and friends, showing that plant-based dishes can be just as delicious, filling, and festive. To make sure the meal is full of flavours, colours, and textures, focus on seasonal ingredients and mix up different cuisines to keep everyone excited. This is Healthy Hampers’ guide to help you prepare an absolutely memorable vegan New Year lunch.
Start with Starters and Snacks
No lunch spread is complete without some appetisers to get everyone in the mood. Since it’s a New Year celebration, aim for a variety that can accommodate different tastes without being too heavy.
Stuffed Mushrooms – These are always a hit. You can fill button mushrooms with a mix of breadcrumbs, garlic, spinach, and chopped walnuts or pecans. Season with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an earthy flavour that sets the tone for the meal.
Mini Vegan Quiches – Made with tofu as a base, mini quiches are perfect finger foods. You can fill them with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and caramelised onions for a savoury, rich flavour. These little bites are easy to make in advance and taste delicious warm or at room temperature.
Bruschetta with Cashew Cream Cheese – Top toasted baguette slices with a dollop of cashew-based cream cheese, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This is a light, refreshing way to begin and offers a burst of flavour in every bite.
Colourful and Fresh Salads
Salads are essential, but let’s move beyond the typical leafy greens. Aim for a variety of textures and tastes by adding grains, roasted veggies, and hearty toppings.
Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad – Roasted beets have a naturally sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with tangy oranges or grapefruits. Add some rocket for a peppery bite and top it with a sprinkle of walnuts or pumpkin seeds. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a maple-Dijon vinaigrette makes this dish come alive.
Quinoa and Chickpea Salad – Quinoa is protein-rich and has a light, nutty flavour that works well with chickpeas. Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley. Dress it with a lemon-tahini sauce to tie everything together. This salad is great for balance as it’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own but works well as a side.
Kale, Apple, and Pecan Salad – Massaged kale paired with crisp apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans is a winter favourite. A creamy dressing with vegan yoghurt or tahini, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
Warm and Comforting Soups
If your New Year’s Day happens to be chilly, a warm soup adds comfort and cosiness to the spread.
Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup – Butternut squash is a winter staple, and its natural sweetness combines well with the creaminess of coconut milk. Season it with ginger, garlic, and a hint of curry powder for an exotic twist. Garnish with fresh herbs like coriander or basil to brighten the bowl.
Lentil and Spinach Soup – This hearty soup is full of protein and fibre, keeping everyone satisfied. Cooked with diced tomatoes, garlic, and some spices like cumin and coriander, this soup is nourishing and rich. Add fresh spinach at the end to maintain its bright colour and freshness.
Carrot Ginger Soup with Turmeric – This light and zesty soup is easy on the stomach and offers a bright pop of colour to the table. Blend carrots with fresh ginger, a dash of turmeric, and coconut milk for a smooth, golden soup that feels both nourishing and celebratory.
Main Dishes to Impress
The main course should feel substantial and celebratory. Aim for dishes that offer a balance between proteins, grains, and veggies.
Stuffed Acorn Squash – Acorn squash halves, stuffed with a mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and pecans, make a beautiful presentation. Add a sprinkle of sage and thyme for an earthy flavour, and bake until the squash is tender. This is one of those dishes that looks impressive and adds a festive touch.
Mushroom and Walnut Wellington – A vegan spin on the classic Wellington, this dish uses a mixture of mushrooms, walnuts, onions, and spinach, all wrapped in puff pastry. Bake until golden brown and serve in slices. The flaky pastry and savoury filling make this a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions.
Chickpea Cutlets with Gravy – These cutlets, made from chickpeas, vital wheat gluten, and a mix of spices, have a texture that’s hearty and satisfying. Serve them with a creamy mushroom gravy or a savoury onion gravy for extra depth. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Sides for Extra Flavour
Sides are where you can play with flavours and textures to round out the main dishes.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Classic mashed potatoes made with plant-based butter and a splash of almond or oat milk are always a hit. Add roasted garlic for an extra depth of flavour that complements nearly any main dish.
Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Carrots – Roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots drizzled with a bit of maple syrup add a lovely caramelised sweetness. For a savoury twist, toss in a handful of toasted hazelnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Cauliflower Cheese Gratin – Layered cauliflower baked in a cashew-based “cheese” sauce is creamy, indulgent, and so satisfying. Sprinkle some vegan breadcrumbs on top for a nice golden crust. This dish is comforting and feels like a true treat.
Desserts to End on a Sweet Note
A vegan dessert can be indulgent and beautiful, offering the perfect way to wrap up the meal.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse – Avocado and cacao blend together to create a creamy, decadent mousse. Sweeten with a bit of maple syrup and top with fresh berries or shaved dark chocolate for a beautiful and delicious dessert.
Mini Apple Pies with a Crumble Topping – Use vegan pastry or make your own crust to create mini apple pies filled with spiced apples and topped with a crumble. Bake until golden and serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra flair.
Lemon Coconut Cake – This light, refreshing cake made with coconut milk and fresh lemon juice is the perfect way to cleanse the palate after a hearty meal. Add a simple glaze of icing sugar and lemon juice, or top with toasted coconut for an elegant finish.
Beverages for the Toast
Don’t forget some festive drinks! Sparkling water with fresh fruit, a fruity mocktail, or even a vegan eggnog (made with coconut or almond milk, nutmeg, and vanilla) can make the table feel celebratory. For something a bit more fun, offer mulled wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.
Tips for Success!
Make Sure to Prep in Advance – Many of these dishes can be prepped a day or two before, which means less stress on New Year’s Day. Soups, salads, and stuffed vegetables are especially easy to make in advance.
Balance Your Menu – Since some dishes can be rich and filling, balance them with lighter, refreshing options like salads or citrus-based dishes.
Garnish for Festive Flair – Fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, or edible flowers add vibrant colour and make each dish feel special.
Celebrate Seasonality – Try to use ingredients that are in season like root vegetables, leafy greens, and citrus fruits. Not only will the flavours be at their peak, but this also helps keep costs reasonable.
With a bit of planning, you can create a New Year’s lunch spread that’s plant-based, satisfying, and full of festive flavours. The key is to offer a range of tastes, textures, and colours so everyone at the table feels like they’re part of the celebration. Plus, a vegan spread can be healthier and leaves guests feeling great long after the meal is done.