Let’s be real: the heart of any celebration is the food. To keep your guests happy, make sure the apps are flowing, which as it turns out, is a bit of an art form: appetizers should look “appetizing,” they should be finger-friendly, mess-free and only take a few bites to consume. That’s why these We Know You Have 10 Minutes vegan appetizers in the form of antipasto skewers make for the best addition to your table. They’re user-friendly, beautiful and a cinch to make! And since dietary restrictions are commonplace these days, it’s important to accommodate with vegan finger foods. These two dairy-free plant-based beauties are the perfect place to start.
Olive, Artichoke, Tomato and Balsamic Skewers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Ingredients:
Small wooden skewers (or toothpicks)
Artichokes, from a jar
Kalamata olives, pitted
Cherry tomatoes (extra points for multi-colour!)
Basil leaves
1-2 Tbsp balsamic reduction or syrup
Directions:
1. Remove the artichokes from the jar and cut them slightly so they’ll fit onto the skewers and are manageable to eat.
2. In any order, thread the ingredients above through the wooden skewers. We like to ribbon basil leaves between the ingredients to create more vibrant colour throughout and to get that punchy taste of raw basil with every bite.
3. Once all ingredients are on the skewers, take your balsamic reduction and lightly drizzle it over top. You can pour the balsamic on a spoon, hover about 10 inches above the skewers and drizzle away.
Eggplant, Tofu, Zucchini and Pesto Skewers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 to 35 minutes (if you roast the eggplant and tofu the night before, then the total time will only take 10 minutes!)
Servings: 3-4
Ingredients:
1 eggplant, chopped into 1 ½ inch cubes
1 brick tofu, patted dry and chopped into 1 ½ inch cubes
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
¼ tsp sea salt
Pinch of pepper
1 zucchini, peeled into ribbons
8 sun-dried tomatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
Small wooden skewers (or toothpicks)
2-3 Tbsp pesto
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Chop the eggplant and tofu into cubes, they should be around the same size.
3. Season both with oil, salt and pepper. Place them on separate baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Related: These Are the 5 Best Meatless BBQ Skewers You’ll Ever Eat
4. Roast the tofu for 15 minutes and the eggplant for 20-25 minutes. Both should be lightly crisp.
5. While the eggplant and tofu are roasting, peel the zucchini into thin ribbons and make your pesto, if you’re not buying it pre-made.
6. Once all veggies are prepped, begin threading them through the skewer in any order you desire.
7. Place them on a tray or plate and lightly dollop a few spoonfuls of pesto over areas of the skewers.
Like Tamara and Sarah’s vegan antipasto skewers? Try their easy lemon spatchcock chicken or sumac-spiced roasted delicata.
Published November 30, 2019, Updated December 23, 2020