Dairy-free starter for New Year’s Eve meal

[SparrowhawkSky]

Help, I’ve left this a bit late…!

I'm responsible for the starter tonight, 10 people. One of the party can’t eat dairy / eggs… I need to prepare this at home so something that can be put together in advance or easily assembled when we arrive.

The main course is chicken.

King prawns in garlic and chilli on a bed of lettice

Seasonal soup with lovely bread (check the bread ingredients for milk, though, it can pop up in unexpected places).

King prawns (I had some a while ago in a tomato sauce, served with bread on the side).

Bruschetta (there are lots of dairy free topping options)

Smoked salmon roll ups (you could use avocado instead of cream cheese, or use a dairy free substitute, sparingly... tbh I'd go for avocado as dairy free substitutes are pretty rubbish).

Another vote for bruschetta and you could do a few variations. With mozzarella and without. Just make sure the bread is allergy free. With fresh tomatoes/ herbs / onions as one dip, lovely olive oil and vinegar, mozzarella and pesto etc

Smoked salmon
Prawn cocktail- can make the dairy free persons Marie Rose sauce with dairy free mayo.

Theres loads of things as mentioned already, prawns in sizzling garlic oil, served with bread (checked), stuffed mushrooms with lentils and pine nuts, lots of olive oil, or use meat instead of lentils, a soup bit difficult to make it wow without using cream or cheese, chicken samosa type things, filo pastry parcels with things in them, mini pastry parcels, salad using a tahini and sesame dressing, green beans and almonds with a dressing over, etc etc

Mayonnaise is dairy free...it does contain egg though so get a vegan mayo.

I wouldn't do a fresh tomato based bruschetta at this time of year as the tomatoes won't be at their best. Also soup for 10 that needs reheating at someone else's house potentially could be a pain.

I'd go for gravadlax or smoked salmon with remoulade made using vegan mayo on salad leaves served with slices of baguette. Make the remoulade in advance. Assemble starter once at the party.

Thanks everyone… some great ideas.
I’m always flapping around last-minute and it usually comes together. 😅
I could make a resolution to be more organised but I doubt I’ll change now!

Melon and Parma ham, prepare the sliced melon in advance

Avocado vinaigrette

Beetroot and pink grapefruit salad, use pre cooked but not pickled beetroot, with horseradish vinaigrette

Calamari with sweet chilli dipping sauce

Smoked duck on bitter leaves with a citrus dressing