Vegetarian Grazing Table
Does a Vegetarian Grazing Table Make Sense? Let’s Find Out!
Year after year, more and more people are choosing a vegetarian lifestyle—and for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it’s about health, sometimes ethics, the environment, or simply curiosity and a desire to try something new. Whatever the reason, I truly believe that any intentional step toward healthier, more conscious eating is a good one. After all, food isn’t just fuel—it’s also how we care for ourselves and those around us.
In my catering work, I often get requests to include vegetarian options. These days, that’s not surprising at all. But up until now, those options have always been just that—options. A few carefully labeled items alongside a more traditional spread. I’ve never actually created an entire vegetarian grazing table version. So I thought: why not give it a go?
This blog post is all about exploring that idea: Is it possible to create a fully vegetarian grazing table that’s just as beautiful, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing as the ones we’re used to seeing with meats and cheeses? Let’s find out!
How Do You Even Build a Vegetarian Grazing Table?
When creating a grazing table, I always start by dividing it into sections. There are the classic boards with elegantly sliced cheeses or cured meats, colorful spreads of fresh fruit, ready-made platters of small appetizers, one-bite sandwiches, desserts, and of course—something to sip on.
But in this case, it’s a little different. For a fully vegetarian grazing table, we naturally skip anything that contains meat, seafood, fish, or animal-based products like gelatin (which often hides in sweets and jellies). Basically, if it comes from a once-slaughtered animal—it’s out.
The good news? Vegetarians aren’t usually as strict as their vegan friends, so we still have a lot of room to get creative. Unlike with vegan menus, we can freely use cheese (yes, even the fancy ones!), yogurt, eggs, and honey. That opens up a world of delicious possibilities without compromising the vegetarian values.
Let’s Start with the Classics – Cheese Boards
In our offer, we’ve always had cheese-only boards, so this element is absolutely no issue when building a vegetarian grazing table. These boards include a variety of cheeses—from creamy camembert and sharp cheddar to delicate goat cheese—paired with olives, nuts, and fresh fruits like blackberries, grapes, and strawberries. All of these ingredients perfectly fit within the boundaries of a vegetarian diet and look absolutely stunning when arranged together.
The only thing to watch out for is the chutney or chili jam often served alongside. Some store-bought versions can contain gelatin, which is not vegetarian-friendly. To avoid any surprises, be sure to check the ingredients carefully—or better yet, go for natural honey instead. It pairs beautifully with cheese and adds a lovely sweetness, without breaking the vegetarian rules.
Another great option? Fruit and veggie platters (aka crudités).
Fruits and vegetables are, of course, a no-brainer—they’re colorful, fresh, healthy, and 100% plant-based. No ingredient-checking required. You can go wild here: think juicy strawberries, kiwi, grapes, melon, blueberries, alongside crisp cucumber sticks, carrots, bell peppers, or celery. Add a couple of vegetarian dips like natural yogurt-based dressings or classic hummus, and you’re good to go. There is no way this will be missing from your vegetarian grazing table.
One of my personal favorites is the Mediterranean-style platter.
Our regular version of Mediterranean platter includes some meat, but that’s super easy to swap out for a vegetarian alternative—think soy-based cutlets or grilled tofu. Everything else stays the same: olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, grapes, roasted peppers, eggplant, and hummus. It’s a flavorful, colorful option that brings a real wow factor to your vegetarian grazing table.
And let’s not forget about the bread.
A platter of fresh breads—from classic baguettes and focaccia to mini rolls—is a fantastic addition to any grazing setup. Serve it with garlic butter or a homemade white bean spread, and suddenly, bread becomes more than just a side—it’s a star.
Small Bites, Big Impact
Let’s be honest—small finger foods are often the stars of the grazing table. These tiny bites, perfectly sized to pop into your mouth in one or two goes, do more than just satisfy hunger. When thoughtfully composed, they grab attention with their colors, textures, and bold flavor combinations—much more than a simple slice of cheese ever could.
So, what can you serve? The possibilities are endless. Think mini open-faced sandwiches topped with egg salad, herbed cream cheese, or classic hummus. Try sweet-and-savory mango balls with mozzarella—always a hit—or mini skewers with mozzarella, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes (a fun, bite-sized twist on caprese).
Stuffed mushrooms with creamy cheese and herbs? Yes, please. Or maybe go for elegant mini quiches with spinach and feta—perfectly warm, buttery, and satisfying.
These are just a few ideas, but trust me, there’s a whole world of vegetarian finger foods out there. Our own menu is packed with delicious little bites that not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on the table. And let’s face it—we eat with our eyes first.
Something to Drink? Easy.
Now, when it comes to drinks… honestly, it doesn’t get much simpler. Most beverages are naturally vegetarian, so there’s very little to worry about. Water, homemade lemonades, iced teas, cold brew coffee, fresh juices, kombucha—they’re all perfectly fine.
The only real exception that comes to mind is… bone broth. But let’s face it, serving a mug of bone broth as a party drink would be pretty weird anyway.
Wrap It Up: Build your Vegetarian Grazing Table Now
As we can see, putting together a fully vegetarian grazing table—even an elaborate one for a larger group—is absolutely doable. While there are a few dietary restrictions, vegetarians tend to be quite flexible when it comes to animal byproducts like cheese, eggs, and honey. And that gives us a lot of creative freedom when planning the menu.
It’s also worth noting that animal-based ingredients, especially fats, play a big role in carrying and enhancing flavor. They add richness and depth, which makes building a delicious, well-rounded menu much easier.
That said, I’ve started wondering what it would take to create an entirely plant-based (vegan) grazing table. That challenge sounds a bit more complex… and just might be something I explore in the near future.
For now though, as we’ve clearly seen, a vegetarian version is no problem at all. So if you’re looking for a stunning and delicious vegetarian grazing table for your event, feel free to browse our menu and get in touch for a custom order.
We’re always happy to help, offer suggestions, and create something truly special—even for the most discerning guests.
