Mention the words “vegetarian catering” and as often as not, the first thing most people think of is “rabbit food”. Yet more and more people are opting to give up meat for both ethical and health reasons.  So how do you keep the palates of your greener guests happy without turning off the rest of your carnivorous friends and family?  While salads and vegetables are certainly staples in a vegetarian diet, you might be surprised to learn that today’s vegetarians eat a wide variety of foods that are so flavorful, your non-vegetarians guests will line up to get a taste.

A trip to any vegetable stand or the produce section of your local market will reveal an enormous selection of colorful and delicious vegetables to choose from. In addition, vegetarians don’t eat meat but they do require protein. Look to pulses to provide a tasty protein boost and interesting textures. How about a lovely and colorful three-bean salad?  Or look for Eastern inspiration; many Eastern countries are vegetarian, or have a larger range of vegetarian dishes than the US.  Morroco has many fragrant cous cous meals, while Indian potato, spinach and lentil dishes are so packed with flavor that your guests won't even miss the meat!

Most vegetarians also eat eggs and a variety of cheeses. A caterer could put together an assortment of cheese and vegetable quiches that will have everyone’s mouths watering!  There are also potato or pasta recipes that can include healthy vegetables, exotic cheeses and a wide variety of spices. Speaking of pasta, don't just think of the standard white pasta accompanied by a sauce...there are spinach or tomato infused pastas available that used to be sold only in gourmet stores but can now be found almost everywhere. You can also offer stuffed pastas such as tortellini or raviolis with fillings ranging from sun dried tomatoes and basil to lemon spiced ricotta.  Or create a dish with tagliatelle ribbons cut from vegetables such as carrots and zucchini, lightly sauteed in olive oil and mixed with black olives and herbs.

Tofu, made from soybeans, is also a common ingredient used in a lot of vegetarian fare. While the white chunks may not look very appetizing when you purchase them, tofu can be used in an assortment of dishes, both sweet and savory as a meat or cheese substitute.

If any of your guests are vegans your caterer may have to get even more creative.  The vegan regimen is a bit more restrictive as vegans do not consume any dairy or animal-derived products such as eggs or cheese. However, the creative chef can produce many dishes from beans, vegetables, and various nuts or seeds that look like meat dishes. They are not only pleasing to the eye but can well satisfy the vegan palate. For desserts, egg substitutes can replace eggs in many recipes; soy milk can substitute for cow’s milk.

Whether vegan, vegetarian or meat-eating, your guests can leave your wedding with warm memories of not only the ceremony, the flowers, and the music, but also the delicious and satisfying meals they shared with family and friends.