What to Serve Your Vegetarian Guests This Holiday Season (That Isn’t Just… Carbs)
- Steph
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re expecting vegetarians for dinner, the perennial question remains: what to serve?
The easy answer is a boatload of carbs and dairy — and while that may be well and good (Christmas dinners are about comfort food, after all), if you’re thinking of switching things up, there are plenty of seasonal vegetables at hand. These bring festive cheer, bright flavours, and enough umami to balance the onslaught of carbs and butter coming your way.
Because let’s be honest… that’s happening one way or another.
Below are some of my favourite recipes that make a perfect complement to any holiday table, whether you’re serving vegetarians or not. They’re also easy to adapt for vegan guests — simply skip the dairy or swap in vegan cheese or yoghurt. Easy.
Red cabbage is a seasonal favourite and for good reason and if you've ever tried it roasted, you know the char adds an irresistible depth of flavour. Add feta for saltiness and brininess, walnuts for crunch, and a sprinkle of pomegranate for sparkle, and you’ve got a side dish that looks as festive as it tastes.
Sticking to the same colour palette, this beetroot salad is earthy, sweet, and surprisingly refreshing amid the richness of a holiday spread. It’s one of those dishes that quietly balances the table but with a surprising mix of aromatics and flavours that will have your guests reaching for seconds.
This recipe has that perfect combination of sweet and slightly bitter. The toasted pine nuts give it that extra festive touch, while the yoghurt base keeps everything bright and tangy. It’s simple, elegant, and turns your guests’ expectations on what holiday food should look like on their heads.
A zippy twist on another classic holiday vegetable. The broccoli gets that smoky char that makes it instantly more interesting, and the fiery romesco underneath brings depth, warmth, and a little Mediterranean flair to the table. Ideal when you want something green that's not necessarily smothered in cream or cheese (although we love those too).
If you're looking for something more substantial — something hearty and addictive without being overly indulgent — try my version of mushroom risotto. Substituting the rice with farro gives it that delicious, chewy texture while keeping the whole dish lighter and more nutritious.
Just for fun, I've added my vegan, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free version of the holiday classic. You might be asking yourself: is it as delicious, though? The answer is a resounding yes — and if you don't believe me, feel free to try them yourself. I promise this recipe will stay with you long after the holiday season ends.
Whether you're hosting vegetarians, vegans, or a table full of omnivores, these dishes bring plenty of festive flavour to the holiday table. If you end up trying any of them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Wishing you a joyful, delicious, and cozy holiday season surrounded by good food and even better company. Happy Christmas!
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