Vegan Grazing Table
Vegan Grazing Table: The Journey Continues
In the previous article, we explored the concept of a vegetarian grazing table and asked ourselves whether it’s truly possible to create a satisfying and complete spread without using any meat. As it turned out, that wasn’t much of a challenge — a vegetarian diet still offers a wide variety of ingredients that make it easy to prepare an impressive and delicious table.
This time, I’ve taken it one step further and challenged myself to see if a vegan grazing table can be just as achievable. Considering the stricter dietary rules of a vegan lifestyle, the task initially seemed much more difficult. Not only is meat excluded, but so are all animal-derived products such as dairy, eggs, and even honey — which greatly limits the available options. Out of curiosity, I did a little research and discovered that very few catering services, especially in Derby, are prepared to offer such a fully vegan and creative spread.
Still, curiosity and a love for experimentation keep driving me forward. I want to find out whether it’s possible to create a beautiful, diverse, and — above all — delicious vegan spread, and what level of creativity and effort such a project demands.
What Does “Vegan” Really Mean?
For those familiar with the vegan diet but unsure of its full scope, here’s a quick overview of what the vegan lifestyle actually entails.
Veganism is more than a diet — it’s a philosophy of daily choices guided by respect for animals, people, and the environment. Vegans aim to avoid using animal products in all aspects of life, not just in food. That means no leather or wool clothing, no cosmetics tested on animals or containing animal-derived ingredients, and even steering clear of certain forms of entertainment like circuses or zoos.
The vegan diet eliminates all animal-based products. This means avoiding not just meat, but also fish, dairy, eggs, honey, and ingredients like gelatin or whey. The vegan kitchen is built around vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products.
How to Build an Attractive and Well-Balanced Vegan Grazing Table?
To make your vegan grazing table not only complete but also visually appealing and satisfying to guests, it’s worth taking time to thoughtfully select ingredients that vary in flavor, texture, and color.
I’ll admit it: I’m not a fan of overly processed substitutes for classic deli meats, cheeses, or sausages. In my experience, most of them are poor imitations of the originals — both visually and in taste. They often try to mimic something they’re not, and the fact that they’re labeled with a “vegan version of…” just reinforces that they’re not offering a unique experience.
So… what’s the alternative?
Instead of focusing on imitation, go for ingredients that are naturally vegan: fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, quality bread, dips, olives, pickles, and herbs. These can form a platter full of authentic, bold flavors — no pretending required.
A vegan spread doesn’t need to copy anything. It can be beautiful, flavorful, and satisfying in its own right — as long as it’s built on real quality and thoughtful composition.
Vegan Boards: Let’s Start Simple
Start with the basics — the fruit and vegetable boards.
These are classics: easy to prepare, visually striking, and made from simple, accessible ingredients. In the UK, there’s no shortage of fruit and vegetable variety — from the everyday staples to exotic or lesser-known options.
To build out your grazing table, create one or two fully fruit-based boards — full of freshness, color, and juiciness. For visual impact, consider color-coding your boards — one in light tones, the other in darker hues or mix them together.
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Light-Toned Fruit Board:
Light-Toned Fruit Board:• Lychee
• Melon
• Longan
• Green grapes
• Bananas
• Yellow kiwi
• Yellow plum
• Yellow fig
• Apricots
• White dragon fruit (pitaya)
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Dark-Toned Fruit Board:
Dark-Toned Fruit Board:• Red/purple grapes
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Dark figs
• Plums
• Raspberries
• Black olives (optional – to break the sweetness)
Both fruit boards can be elevated with fresh herbs (like mint or lemon balm), edible flowers, or a sprinkle of nuts — adding texture and a touch of elegance.
Crudité Board: Freshness, Crunch, and Color
A vibrant veggie platter packed with color and texture. Go for crisp, seasonal vegetables in a variety of shapes and shades to make the board both tasty and visually appealing.
Top picks include:
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• Radishes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Zucchini
• Sugar snap peas
• Avocado
Slice them into sticks, rounds, or florets — presentation matters!
Each board should be paired with 1–3 vegan dips to boost flavor and round out the composition.
Dip suggestions:
• Classic hummus
• Guacamole
• Plant-based pesto (e.g., kale or arugula)
Bread Board: Variety and Comfort
Offer a range of breads to suit all tastes. Combine crusty and soft options, made from different flours and in diverse forms.
Suggestions:
• Baguette
• Sourdough
• Ciabatta
• Grissini
• Mini rolls
Enhance the experience with flavorful extras:
• High-quality olive oil
• Caramelized onion
• Fruit chutneys (check labels for non-vegan additives like gelatin)
Present everything on a wooden board or elegant platter. Serve oils in small bowls at the center or drizzled around for decoration — let your creativity guide the final presentation.
Small Bites and Finger Foods
Let’s craft plant-based finger foods that are flavorful and beautifully styled.
Even though we’re mainly using fruits, veggies, and herbs, there’s no room for boredom here. We’ll highlight the best of these ingredients, creating visually engaging and delicious bites that your guests will love.
While I’m not a fan of fake meats or cheeses, I’ll include a few subtle touches for those who enjoy or are new to plant-based eating — used sparingly and thoughtfully.
Despite the ingredient limitations, we’re going to create something unique — fresh, light, and visually delightful
Stuffed Veggie Skewers:
• Mini peppers stuffed with millet
• Cherry tomatoes filled with avocado mousse
• Endive boats filled with white bean paste
Mini Sandwiches:
• Baguette with vegan pâté and caramelized onions
• Toasts with avocado spread and sprouts
• Mini crostini with hummus and roasted red pepper
Mini Wraps & Rolls:
• Mini wraps with hummus, carrot, cucumber, and arugula
• Zucchini rolls with cashew spread and sun-dried tomatoes
• Lettuce wraps with tofu, sesame, and coriander filling
Skewers & Combos:
• Vegan camembert (cashew-based) + grape + walnut
• Vegan feta (tofu or almond-based) + cucumber + black olive
• Plant-based blue cheese + pear + arugula
Fruit & Veggie Skewers:
• Cherry tomato + olive + cucumber
• Grape + vegan cheese + basil
• Roasted red pepper + smoked tofu + arugula
• Melon + cucumber + mint
• Pineapple + tempeh + sweet chili sauce
Bonus Touches – Decoration & Extras:
• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro)
• Edible flowers
• Mini pickles and gherkins
• Dipping sauces (aquafaba aioli, sriracha-mayo, dill yogurt)
Vegan Desserts
No grazing table is complete without desserts. They often serve as the final flavor note of any gathering. While plant-based eating comes with limitations, making vegan desserts isn’t difficult — in fact, it’s a great opportunity to tap into natural ingredients and culinary creativity.
Vegan sweets are based on plant ingredients, with fruits often serving as natural sweeteners. Plus, many traditional desserts can be easily “veganized” without sacrificing flavor or texture.
These treats aren’t just delicious — they’re usually healthier, lighter, and suitable for a broader audience.
What to include on a vegan grazing table to wow both the eyes and taste buds?
• Vegan muffins – with blueberries, carrot, or pumpkin
• Mini fruit tarts – on a crust of nuts and dates
• Strawberries dipped in vegan chocolate – a classic, made elegant
For lovers of sophisticated miniatures:
• Chia pudding with fruit purée
• Mini cheesecakes made from tofu or cashews
• Vegan tiramisu in little jars
Of course, these are just a few suggestions. With veganism firmly rooted in today’s culinary world, countless recipes and ideas have emerged. The internet is bursting with plant-based inspiration — use it, experiment, and create your own edible art
Drinks – The Essential Final Touch
While many drinks are naturally vegan, it’s essential to be mindful of certain ingredients. Some beverages may contain animal-derived components like milk, honey, whey, lactose, carmine (E120), or albumin (egg white protein). Always check labels to ensure compliance with vegan standards.
Homemade lemonades and fruit infusions
• Fresh juices and smoothies
• Mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails)
• Even wine and beer — just make sure they’re labeled vegan
Make your drinks look as good as they taste — garnish with herbs, fruit, or even ice cubes filled with edible flowers. A small touch that adds charm and consistency to your entire table.
Final Thoughts – Is a Vegan Grazing Table Worth It?
At first, I was skeptical. Could a fully vegan grazing table really work? The plant-based diet felt too restrictive to produce something truly diverse and impressive. But after doing my research and exploring available ingredients, I quickly realized: yes, it’s absolutely possible.
Sure, it takes a little more attention — checking labels, finding substitutions, and trying out new techniques. Some items may require a bit more effort than their traditional counterparts. But the truth is, modern plant-based cuisine offers endless possibilities. It’s colorful, flavorful, rich in texture — and most importantly, it appeals to everyone, regardless of their diet.
Until now, I’d only created partially vegan grazing tables, with separate sections for plant-based guests. Today, I can confidently say that a fully vegan grazing table is not just possible — it’s a beautiful, creative, and delicious solution for any occasion.
If you’re looking for this kind of experience — our catering team in Derby would love to help! Let’s create a table that not only reflects your values but also delights every guest. Reach out — I’ll work with you to tailor the menu to your needs and preferences.
