A number of years ago (all the way back in 2011!) I wrote a post sharing some of my favourite bring a plate recipes. It had ideas for starters, salads and sweets.
I thought I would do an updated list as I now have many more years of recipes in the blog archives and would focus on vegetarian bring a plate recipes as I am no longer eating meat.
According to Wikipedia Tostada is a Spanish word meaning “toasted”. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, it is the name of various local dishes which are toasted or use a toasted ingredient as the main base of their preparation. Tostada usually refers to a flat or bowl-shaped tortilla that is deep-fried or toasted.
In my simple version of the Tostado, I use organic round corn chips, layer them with mashed avocado, then top with my delicious fresh salsa. You need to make these just before you want to eat them, as if they sit too long, they become soggy. But once they are on the table, they will be gone in minutes as they are delicious and you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Making your own sushi is actually pretty easy and by making it yourself you can choose exactly what ingredients you would like to have. You can find my sushi recipe with step by step instructions by clicking here.
My two favourites combinations at the moment are cucumber with garlic aioli and egg and cucumber.
Depending on the style of event, taking salad presented as a single serving can work really well. You could try different types of salads, but I have had the most success with grain-based salads. The one I made in the photo is this mixed grain salad and my own barley salad would work well too as would this Mexican inspired salad.
With so many people needing or choosing to eat gluten free, taking gluten free crackers as your bring a plate option, will be a popular choice. These salted sesame gluten free crackers are seriously easy to make and you can either make your own dip or buy one to go with them.
Watermelon and feta sticks are perfect to bring along, when you are pushed for time and the weather is hot. They are refreshing and quick to make.
This raw snickers cake is so good! It is vegan and gluten free, but even friends and family members who don’t have these dietary requirements won’t notice. It is full of flavour and totally delicious.
This is another raw, vegan and gluten free recipe. It is a super tasty peppermint slice that can easily be made in advance and kept in the fridge or freezer until you need it.
These raw macadamia and coconut balls are super easy to make and while they are a sweet treat still, macadamias do have an excellent nutrient profile. The balls can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Fruit cups are an easy way to make a simple plate to share look a little fancier. I have found that presenting the fruit this way means kids are more likely to choose this option. And of course you will find adults love them too – fruit is so refreshing on a hot day.