Of course, we go to parties to see friends, but let’s be real—we’re also there for the apps. Snacks are a highlight of any gathering, especially when everyone can enjoy them. These days, you’re likely have a friend who skips grains or another who’s strictly plant-based, making it tricky to cater to all dietary preferences. For this reason, we’ve rounded up the best gluten-free, dairy-free appetizers to share.
A grazing table lets guests mix and match flavors and textures, personalizing their plates however they please. While there are countless starter options, I have a go-to list of fool-proof favorites that are easy to prepare, great at room temp, and as nourishing as they are delicious. Most of these recipes need just a few ingredients, take 20 minutes or less, and are all a safe bet for any guest. Scroll on for the best gluten-free, dairy-free appetizers to bring to your next party.
Featured image by Suruchi Avasthi.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
This roasted cauliflower salad is a flavor-packed bowl, featuring caramelized cauliflower, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing — all naturally gluten- and dairy-free. It’s the perfect appetizer for those seeking a healthy, crowd-pleasing option that isn’t a bore.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts salad is a crisp, refreshing appetizer tossed with nuts, herbs, and a dairy-free vinaigrette (make sure to leave off the parmesan to keep the whole salad free from dairy!).
Winter Chopped Salad
Using the same simple lemon vinaigrette as the shaved Brussels sprouts salad above, this winter chopped salad isn’t just visually appealing. Filled with crunchy radicchio and a bit of protein from white beans, it’s an all-around fantastic appetizer to add to your list.
White Bean & Raddichio Salad
Sure, the garnish of Parmigiano Reggiano might take this app out of the dairy-free category, but one of our favorite things about salads (other than the fact that they make it super easy to get your greens) is that they’re entirely customizable. This salad balances a slightly bitter bite with a creamy texture.
Spring Crudité with Green Goddess Dressing
If you’re craving color, fresh flavor, and veggies, this spring crudité platter delivers on all counts. You’re welcome to serve the vibrant, verdant green goddess dressing with any mix of raw and/or roasted veggies of your choosing. Need a little guidance? The more your platter mimics the rainbow, the better.
Bhutta Street Corn Guacamole
There’s always room for guacamole on the menu—particularly one that brings a whole host of flavor to our favorite classic app. Healthy fat-filled avocados, roasted corn, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a blend of just-hot-enough spices. What’s not to love?
Carrot Turmeric Hummus
While you can (and should!) feel good about snacking on any and all bites you put on your plate, this is one that’ll send your serotonin skyrocketing—especially when served with an array of colorful veggies. This hummus is also bean-free, so it’s a safe bet for anyone who might be sensitive to legumes, too.
Mangoes are an ingredient I always like to throw into any salad-type dish. While some might think the fruit operates best in desserts and sweet dishes, we’d argue that they deserve their place in veggie-forward apps. Case in point: this stunner of a salad. The colors are bright and the entire dish delivers a whole lot of flavor.
Is it enough to call a recipe one of the best gluten-free, dairy-free appetizers based on visuals alone? Well, the good news is that this dip is aesthetically pleasing while also satisfying all your gustatory needs. Sweet? Savory? Spicy? Check, check, and check.
Delicious and creamy, this dairy-free queso might even win over your cheese-loving friends. It uses cashews, nutritional yeast, and hot water for the “cheesy” base, with a mix of delicious spices for some added flavor.
Let’s be real—any gathering is really just another opportunity to make spinach and artichoke dip. Rich and creamy, this healthier take on a classic dish is sure to cure your comfort food cravings—minus any post-indulgence discomfort.
This recipe requires just four ingredients that you likely already have on hand: cannellini beans, lemon, olive oil, and garlic. Does cooking get much easier than that?
This is not your average bean dip. Starring sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado, this appetizer is basically a mash-up of all of my favorite flavors in one bowl.
Sweet and savory, these baked sesame chicken wings are gluten and dairy-free… and they’re packed with flavor. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
You need this appetizer at your next party. We consistently make a batch of these chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates for large-scale gatherings, and they’re always the MVPs of the night.
Salty yet refreshing, this smoked salmon carpaccio with crispy capers will transport you to Italy after just one bite. Elevate your next grazing table with this beautiful, nutrient-packed dish.
What is it about chicken nuggets that make them a necessity at every party? This chicken nugget recipe (created by my sister) is on the regular dinner rotation at our house, so trust me when I say these nuggets are simple, healthy, and hit the spot every time. Turns out, there’s no breading required to get that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture that makes chicken nuggets such a hit.
Blistered peppers are one of those appetizers that are best kept simple. Just heat up some oil in a pan, sauté the whole batch, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy appetizer ready to go in minutes.
When I whipped up a batch of these cauliflower wings for a football-watching party, they were gone in seconds. (Don’t worry, I guarantee they’ll be a hit served for any and all occasions.) They’re flavorful, easy to make, and best served with the yummy dipping sauce of your choice.
You truly can’t go wrong with sweet potato fries. If you have a knife and an oven, you’re already well on your way to making this standout recipe. These are crispy oven fries, mastered—and it’s a recipe that’s always a go-to when my fry cravings hit.
How gorgeous is this salad? Sometimes there’s nothing better than all of your favorite seasonal fruits on a platter drizzled with a refreshing vinaigrette.
This crispy potato bruschetta is the gluten-free version of your favorite Italian starter. By swapping out the bread for equally delicious crispy potatoes, you’ve made this dish plant-based in a snap without sacrificing flavor.
Last but definitely not least, a grilled vegetable platter is a simple way to healthify your next feast. Just throw your favorite veggies on the grill or in a pan and wait until they’re soft and slightly charred. You can’t go wrong!
This post was last updated on March 19, 2025 to include new insights.