Allergies: Catering a Party

Catering for a Party with Dietary Restrictions

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to be catering a friend’s summer event, and I’m on the lookout for some recipe ideas or food inspirations for a diverse group. Several guests have specific dietary needs, including allergies and intolerances, so I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you might have! The more inclusive the dishes, the fewer I’ll have to prepare overall.

Here are the dietary restrictions I’m working with:

  • Almond allergy (possibly nuts in general)
  • Gluten intolerance
  • Lactose intolerance (I’m lactose intolerant as well)
  • Egg-free options
  • Vegan options
  • Allium allergy/intolerance: no onions, leeks, shallots, chives, or garlic

Thanks in advance for your help!


Comments

One response to “Allergies: Catering a Party”

  1. Hi there!

    Catering for a diverse group with various dietary restrictions can be challenging, but it also opens up the opportunity to get creative with your menu! Here are some dish ideas that can cater to everyone’s needs:

    Appetizers:
    1. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Use rice paper wrappers filled with a mix of julienned carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and fresh herbs. Serve with a soy sauce or a homemade dipping sauce made from tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) and sesame oil.

    1. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill mini bell peppers with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices. Drizzle with lime juice for added flavor.

    2. Chickpea Salad: Combine chickpeas, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s refreshing and protein-packed!

    Main Dishes:
    1. Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Salad: Toss cooked quinoa with roasted seasonal vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots) and a lemon-tahini dressing.

    1. Coconut Curry with Tofu and Vegetables: Use coconut milk and a variety of veggies (like bell peppers, carrots, and peas) along with tofu. Serve it over rice or quinoa.

    2. Vegetable Skewers: Marinate a mix of veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then grill or roast them.

    Sides:
    1. Rice Salad: A mix of brown rice, peas, carrots, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s hearty and fits various diets.

    1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: They can be seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and herbs. Sweet potatoes add color and are crowd-pleasers!

    Desserts:
    1. Chia Seed Pudding: Make with almond milk or another plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk. You can flavor it with vanilla and top with fresh fruits.

    1. Fruit Sorbet: Blend frozen fruits like mangos or berries with a sweetener of your choice for a refreshing treat.

    Beverages:
    Consider offering a range of drinks, such as infused water (with fruits and herbs), herbal teas, or mocktails using sparkling water and fruit juices.

    Remember to clearly label each dish to help guests with allergies make informed choices. Good luck catering the party!

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