Hosting a vegetarian dinner party is a delicious way to bring friends together and celebrate good food, vibrant flavors, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re catering to a mix of dietary preferences or want to showcase the beauty of plant-based cooking, the right recipes ensure no one misses the meat.
Inspired by the ever-popular BBC Good Food vegetarian dinner party recipes, I’ve curated a selection of standout dishes that are both impressive and satisfying. From stunning starters to indulgent mains and elegant sides, these recipes promise to deliver restaurant-quality results without stress.
Gather your favorite people, set a beautiful table, and let your kitchen creativity shine with these vegetarian dishes that are anything but ordinary!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
BBC Good Food’s vegetarian dinner party recipes are beloved for their versatility, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal. These recipes are:
- Flavor-packed: Each dish is thoughtfully seasoned and layered with taste, making them a hit even with carnivores.
- Visually stunning: Vegetarian ingredients are celebrated for their color and freshness—perfect for an Instagram-worthy spread.
- Make-ahead friendly: Many of these recipes can be prepped in advance, so you can enjoy the party alongside your guests.
- Nutritious and filling: Protein-rich legumes, hearty grains, and fiber-filled vegetables keep everyone satisfied.
- Adaptable: Easily tweak the recipes for gluten-free, vegan, or other dietary needs.
“These vegetarian dinner party recipes will have your guests asking for seconds—and the recipes!”
Ingredients
Here’s a sample menu inspired by the best of BBC Good Food’s vegetarian dinner party recipes. You’ll find:
- Starter: Roasted Beetroot Carpaccio with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
- Main: Mushroom, Leek & Gruyère Wellington
- Side: Honey Roasted Carrots with Dukkah
- Salad: Warm Lentil & Roasted Vegetable Salad
Roasted Beetroot Carpaccio with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Raw beetroot | 4 medium |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Soft goat cheese | 100g |
Walnuts, toasted | 40g |
Fresh dill | Handful |
Balsamic glaze | For drizzling |
Mushroom, Leek & Gruyère Wellington
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Mixed mushrooms (chestnut, portobello) | 500g |
Leeks, sliced | 2 medium |
Butter | 2 tbsp |
Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
Gruyère cheese, grated | 125g |
Fresh thyme | 2 tsp |
Puff pastry (ready-rolled, all-butter) | 1 sheet (320g) |
Egg, beaten | 1 |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Honey Roasted Carrots with Dukkah
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Carrots, peeled & halved | 800g |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Honey | 2 tbsp |
Dukkah (spice & seed blend) | 3 tbsp |
Sea salt | To taste |
Warm Lentil & Roasted Vegetable Salad
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Puy lentils | 200g |
Red onion, sliced | 1 |
Bell peppers, assorted colors | 2 |
Courgette (zucchini), sliced | 1 |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Red wine vinegar | 2 tbsp |
Fresh parsley | Small bunch |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Baking trays
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Pastry brush
- Saucepan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Serving platters
Instructions
Roasted Beetroot Carpaccio with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
- Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Wash the beets, wrap them in foil, and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender. Allow to cool, then peel and slice thinly.
- Arrange the beet slices on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and a little salt.
- Crumble goat cheese over the beets. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and torn fresh dill.
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve at room temperature.
Mushroom, Leek & Gruyère Wellington
- Heat butter in a large pan. Sauté leeks for 3-4 minutes, add garlic, then stir in mushrooms and cook until soft and reduced—about 10 minutes.
- Stir in thyme, season with salt and pepper, and cook until any moisture has evaporated. Let cool slightly, then stir in Gruyère cheese.
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto parchment paper. Spoon the mushroom mixture along one long side, leaving a border. Roll up and seal the edges.
- Brush the top with beaten egg. Chill for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool slightly before slicing.
Honey Roasted Carrots with Dukkah
- Toss carrots with olive oil and honey. Season with sea salt and arrange on a baking tray.
- Roast at 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 for 30-35 minutes until caramelized, turning once halfway.
- Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with dukkah.
Warm Lentil & Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Cook puy lentils in boiling water for 18-20 minutes, until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, toss red onion, peppers, and courgette with olive oil, season, and roast for 25 minutes at 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
- Combine lentils and roasted vegetables in a bowl. Toss with red wine vinegar and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, swap goat cheese for vegan cheese or omit it, and use plant-based puff pastry and cheese in the Wellington.
- Try different nuts—hazelnuts or pecans—in the beetroot carpaccio.
- Add extra protein to the salad with crumbled feta or toasted seeds.
- Instead of dukkah, sprinkle za’atar or sesame seeds over the carrots for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Advance prep: All these dishes can be made earlier in the day and gently reheated or served at room temperature for easy entertaining.
- For more hearty vegetarian mains, try our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal produce—these recipes are easy to adapt to what’s freshest at your market!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition will vary by serving size and specific ingredients, but here’s an approximate per serving (based on a 4-person dinner party):
Dish | Calories | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roasted Beetroot Carpaccio | 140 | 5 | 3 | 7 |
Mushroom, Leek & Gruyère Wellington | 390 | 12 | 4 | 3 |
Honey Roasted Carrots | 130 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
Warm Lentil & Roasted Veg Salad | 220 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
Totals per person (approximate): 880 kcal, 28g protein, 17g fiber, 24g sugar.
Serving Suggestions
- Start with a refreshing mocktail or sparkling water with citrus and herbs to set the tone for a sophisticated evening.
- Pair the Wellington with a robust red wine or non-alcoholic alternative, such as a blackcurrant spritz.
- Serve the beetroot carpaccio on individual plates for a restaurant-style starter.
- Family-style platters encourage sharing and conversation—pile up roasted carrots and lentil salad in beautiful bowls.
- For dessert, try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to finish the meal with a naturally sweet treat.
- Offer crusty bread—our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a perfect choice!
Conclusion
Vegetarian dinner parties can be just as elegant, satisfying, and memorable as any meat-based gathering. BBC Good Food vegetarian dinner party recipes highlight the versatility and richness of plant-based cuisine, offering dishes that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.
Whether you’re new to vegetarian entertaining or a seasoned plant-based host, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and spark conversation around the table.
With a little planning and creativity, you can craft a menu that feels both special and effortless. Don’t forget to check out more vegetarian and vegan inspiration like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for even more ways to celebrate vegetables.
Here’s to good food, good friends, and unforgettable vegetarian feasts!
More BBC Good Food Vegetarian Dinner Party Recipes to Try
If you’re planning a multi-course evening or want options to suit every palate, here are some of the top-rated BBC Good Food vegetarian dinner party recipes you’ll want on your radar. These dishes are easy to scale up for a crowd and guaranteed to get rave reviews!
Aubergine Parmigiana
- Thin slices of aubergine are layered with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan, then baked until bubbling and golden. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto
- Creamy arborio rice cooked with roasted butternut, fresh sage, and a splash of white wine. Finish with a knob of butter and freshly grated parmesan for luxury in every spoonful.
Vegetarian Moussaka
- A Mediterranean classic made with layers of aubergine, potatoes, and a spiced tomato-lentil filling, all topped with creamy béchamel sauce. Try a vegan version using our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
- Pasta tubes stuffed with spinach and ricotta, baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with bubbling cheese. This dish is always a crowd favorite.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Large portobello mushrooms are filled with herby breadcrumbs, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, then baked until golden. Serve as a starter or a main with a salad.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
- Spiced roasted sweet potatoes and black beans tucked into warm tortillas, topped with avocado and fresh salsa. A fun, build-your-own dinner party dish!
Caramelised Onion & Goat Cheese Tart
- This elegant tart features flaky pastry topped with sweet onions and tangy goat cheese. Slice into wedges and serve with a peppery rocket salad.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Earthy wild mushrooms shine in this creamy risotto, finished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad
- Couscous tossed with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemony dressing makes a light yet satisfying dish. Ideal for buffets or sharing platters.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- For dessert, try this naturally creamy mousse made with ripe avocados, dark chocolate, and a touch of agave. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly healthy.
- Creamy arborio rice cooked with roasted butternut, fresh sage, and a splash of white wine. Finish with a knob of butter and freshly grated parmesan for luxury in every spoonful.
Vegetarian Moussaka
- A Mediterranean classic made with layers of aubergine, potatoes, and a spiced tomato-lentil filling, all topped with creamy béchamel sauce. Try a vegan version using our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
- Pasta tubes stuffed with spinach and ricotta, baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with bubbling cheese. This dish is always a crowd favorite.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Large portobello mushrooms are filled with herby breadcrumbs, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, then baked until golden. Serve as a starter or a main with a salad.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
- Spiced roasted sweet potatoes and black beans tucked into warm tortillas, topped with avocado and fresh salsa. A fun, build-your-own dinner party dish!
Caramelised Onion & Goat Cheese Tart
- This elegant tart features flaky pastry topped with sweet onions and tangy goat cheese. Slice into wedges and serve with a peppery rocket salad.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Earthy wild mushrooms shine in this creamy risotto, finished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad
- Couscous tossed with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemony dressing makes a light yet satisfying dish. Ideal for buffets or sharing platters.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- For dessert, try this naturally creamy mousse made with ripe avocados, dark chocolate, and a touch of agave. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly healthy.
- Pasta tubes stuffed with spinach and ricotta, baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with bubbling cheese. This dish is always a crowd favorite.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Large portobello mushrooms are filled with herby breadcrumbs, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, then baked until golden. Serve as a starter or a main with a salad.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
- Spiced roasted sweet potatoes and black beans tucked into warm tortillas, topped with avocado and fresh salsa. A fun, build-your-own dinner party dish!
Caramelised Onion & Goat Cheese Tart
- This elegant tart features flaky pastry topped with sweet onions and tangy goat cheese. Slice into wedges and serve with a peppery rocket salad.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Earthy wild mushrooms shine in this creamy risotto, finished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad
- Couscous tossed with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemony dressing makes a light yet satisfying dish. Ideal for buffets or sharing platters.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- For dessert, try this naturally creamy mousse made with ripe avocados, dark chocolate, and a touch of agave. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly healthy.
- Spiced roasted sweet potatoes and black beans tucked into warm tortillas, topped with avocado and fresh salsa. A fun, build-your-own dinner party dish!
Caramelised Onion & Goat Cheese Tart
- This elegant tart features flaky pastry topped with sweet onions and tangy goat cheese. Slice into wedges and serve with a peppery rocket salad.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
- Earthy wild mushrooms shine in this creamy risotto, finished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad
- Couscous tossed with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemony dressing makes a light yet satisfying dish. Ideal for buffets or sharing platters.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- For dessert, try this naturally creamy mousse made with ripe avocados, dark chocolate, and a touch of agave. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly healthy.
- Earthy wild mushrooms shine in this creamy risotto, finished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Roasted Vegetable Couscous Salad
- Couscous tossed with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemony dressing makes a light yet satisfying dish. Ideal for buffets or sharing platters.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- For dessert, try this naturally creamy mousse made with ripe avocados, dark chocolate, and a touch of agave. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly healthy.
- For dessert, try this naturally creamy mousse made with ripe avocados, dark chocolate, and a touch of agave. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly healthy.
Feeling inspired? Mix and match these recipes to create a menu that suits your taste and the season.
For more easy vegetarian feasts, be sure to browse our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners for even more crowd-pleasing ideas.
📖 Recipe Card: Mushroom & Spinach Wellington
Description: A show-stopping vegetarian main with earthy mushrooms, spinach, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 500g mixed mushrooms, chopped
- 200g fresh spinach leaves
- 100g cream cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and cook onion until soft.
- Add garlic and mushrooms, cook until moisture evaporates.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Remove from heat, mix in cream cheese and thyme, season well.
- Roll out puff pastry and spoon filling along the center.
- Fold pastry over filling and seal edges.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 390 kcal | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Carbs: 34g
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