In today’s diverse culinary landscape, accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions has become essential in wedding planning. Whether you or your loved ones are a dedicated vegan, a committed vegetarian, or following a gluten-free diet, there are endless possibilities to create a wedding menu that satisfies every palate.
Embracing Vegan Elegance
Vegan cuisine has transformed from bland salads and tofu, into a vibrant and diverse culinary art form. From appetizers to desserts, vegan dishes offer a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and colors that will impress even the most discerning food connoisseurs.
Photo Credit: Gauper Photo
Appetizers
- Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers: Filled with a creamy cashew cheese and sun-dried tomato mixture.
- Vegan Spring Rolls: Fresh and crisp, filled with julienned vegetables, tofu, and vermicelli noodles, served with a tangy peanut dipping sauce.
- Mushroom Crostini: Sautéed mushrooms atop toasted baguette slices, drizzled with balsamic glaze and garnished with fresh thyme.
Main Dishes
- Butternut Squash Ravioli: Pillowy homemade ravioli stuffed with roasted butternut squash and sage-infused vegan ricotta, served with a creamy cashew Alfredo sauce.
- Vegetable Paella: A colorful medley of saffron-infused rice, bell peppers, artichokes, peas, and tomatoes, simmered to perfection and garnished with lemon wedges.
- Jackfruit Tacos: Tender jackfruit marinated in a smoky chipotle sauce, served in warm corn tortillas with avocado slices, pickled red onions, and cilantro.
Desserts
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse: Silky smooth and decadent, made with whipped aquafaba (chickpea brine), dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla.
- Raspberry Coconut Cake: Moist coconut cake layers filled with tangy raspberry compote and frosted with creamy coconut whipped cream.
- Vegan Lemon Bars: Tangy lemon filling atop a buttery almond flour crust, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Vegetarian Delights
Vegetarian cuisine celebrates the abundance of plant-based ingredients, offering a rich plate of flavors and textures that delight all the senses. From savory starters to indulgent desserts, vegetarian dishes are sure to impress your guests.
Photo Credit: Chris Van Winkle Photography
Starters
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves skewered on toothpicks and drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Spinach and Feta Phyllo Triangles: Crispy phyllo pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs.
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas: Warm flour tortillas filled with mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, served with salsa and guacamole.
Main Dishes
- Eggplant Parmesan: Layers of breaded and baked eggplant slices smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with a side of spaghetti marinara.
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese.
- Mushroom Wellington: Flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs, baked to golden perfection.
Desserts
- Classic Tiramisu: Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder.
- Berry Galette: Rustic and charming, filled with fresh seasonal berries and encased in a buttery gluten-free crust, served with a dollop of whipped cream or dairy-free ice cream.
- Vegetarian Cheesecake: Creamy and luscious, made with a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with a tangy cream cheese filling, adorned with fresh fruit or fruit compote.
Gluten-Free Gastronomy
For guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, offering gluten-free options ensures that everyone can enjoy the festivities without worry. Gluten-free dishes can be just as delicious and satisfying as their gluten-containing counterparts.
Photo Credit: Paxton Photography
Starters
- Quinoa Salad Cups: Miniature cups made from crispy baked quinoa, filled with a refreshing salad of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, and herbs, dressed with a zesty vinaigrette.
- Zucchini Fritters: Crispy and golden brown, made with grated zucchini, gluten-free flour, and herbs, served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
- Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites: Thinly sliced cucumbers topped with smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, and a sprinkle of dill.
Main Dishes
- Grilled Herb-Crusted Salmon: Tender fillets of salmon coated in a gluten-free herb crust, grilled to perfection and served with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa pilaf.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, topped with melted cheese or dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Chicken Piccata: Tender chicken breasts dredged in gluten-free flour and pan-seared to golden brown perfection, topped with a tangy lemon caper sauce and served with roasted potatoes or gluten-free pasta.
Desserts
- Flourless Chocolate Cake: Rich and decadent, made with dark chocolate, eggs, and sugar, served with a dollop of whipped cream or dairy-free coconut whipped cream.
- Coconut Mango Sorbet: Refreshing and tropical, made with ripe mangoes and creamy coconut milk, served in chilled bowls with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Tangy lemon filling atop a buttery gluten-free shortbread crust, dusted with powdered sugar.
Creating a wedding menu that caters to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets ensures that you or your guest will have no worries throughout the night and be able to enjoy the evening. It is also an opportunity to showcase the diverse and delicious possibilities of plant-based and gluten-free cuisine. Let your wedding feast be a celebration of love, unity, and culinary creativity. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and unforgettable flavors!