Simplest and cheapest vegetarian starter ideas for a family dinner

[hadies]

I need the words simplest and cheapest starter.

Throwing a big surprise dinner for a family member there will be 18 of us so I've hired crockery and tables. I also have very little time to prepare. Basically I get back from event and dinner needs to be on the table within 30m (really poorly timed but life happens).

For the dessert I'm getting supermarket cheese cake and plating it up pretty. There are three of us who are plating everything.
For main I have a friend who runs a restaurant so I get 50% off am getting takeaway and plating it up pretty. It will be option of pasta, risotto or chicken and I've already taken orders.

But I need a really quick and easy vegetarian starter that doesn't require heating and that's also really inexpensive.

What do you recommend?

Melon wedges

Gazpacho. Whizz up with ice cubes in blender so you don't need fridge space, and serve in small bowls just as an appetiser with some croutons or just good bread.

What about diced tomato, shallot and basil on toasted baguette sliced or similar. You can buy the slices toasted or toast them earlier leave cool and put in an airtight container. You will be using the tomatoes anyway. You could also make something like chopped olive, anchovies herbs. Or a thick sauce Verde on the tomatoes and bread.

Yes, brilliant idea! Serve with dried ginger.

Rachel Ama’s vegetable chilli recipe is so easy and freezes brilliantly. Could you serve tortilla chips with a dollop of this, jalapeños and grated cheese? You could do her guacamole recipe on the day and add a large tablespoon of that and some sour cream? Her book is Vegan Eats.

Derail but is this book worth ordering? I could do with some more vegan recipes but all the books I have have like one chapter of dinners then millions of side dishes which I'm too lazy to make

Pea and mint soup… make in advance or honestly, just buy cartons and add some garnish on top.

Breadsticks, dips and things like olives, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes in oil - just appetisers that everyone can help themselves to.

Small quiches/ tarts with a salad garnish and drizzle of balsamic glaze.

onion bhajis / samosas and chutneys

I preferably would like something as simple as a cake ie. bring it out the packet, cut it and plate it. But also want it to feel fancy.