I need suggestions for make ahead vegetarian or fish dishes for a lunch time party. I can't reheat anything so room temp or cold is needed.

Things that aren't fussy to eat or make would be ideal. I was thinking of a quiche or egg dish, salmon, salads etc. but I love BOLD flavors and don't want it to all be too too bland. Best recipes served cold and ideas very welcome.

jan2
  • Posted by: jan2
  • February 27, 2013
  • 6849 views
  • 11 Comments

11 Comments

Lydia M. March 1, 2013
A pasta or grain salad with chickpeas and big flavors, like olives, pesto, feta, red onions, sundried tomatoes, etc. If you're looking for the dish to be filling, definitely add beans. Egg dishes are nice, but you don't want them held at room temperature for very long.
 
Sam1148 February 28, 2013
Easy; frozen baby lima beans just defrosted and very lightly cooked--so they're intact and not mushy.
Dress that with a lemon/garlic/olive oil, oregano dressing.
And let that cool overnight, give a couple of tosses in the night to mix well. Then before you remove to transport, add feta cheese and chopped parsley.
It holds up very well and is served at room temp..some green onion or finely chopped red onions are good in the mix.
 
creamtea February 28, 2013
You could make a lime-marinated ceviche, using cod or halibut, red and green peppers, plenty of garlic, olive oil, salt, maybe some thinly-shaved red onion. This recipe is based on a Gourmet recipe from several years ago, and has always been a favorite. Just serve in a lettuce-lined platter instead of cucumber cups: http://food52.com/recipes/15333-portuguese-seviche-cucumber-cups
 
Summer O. February 28, 2013
A hearty vegetable pie? We have made different versions of this, it's quite good and filling. http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/spinach-and-grape-leaf-pie Maybe you could serve it with a cold or room temp soup. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Moroccan-Spiced-Cold-Tomato-Soup-108156 Also, a big favorite around here.
 
la D. February 27, 2013
This recipe for Spring Pea and Herb Salad is vibrant and flavorful, only getting better as it marinates in the fridge. Serve cool or at room temp.

http://ladomestique.com/2012/04/26/cook-in-the-moment-spring-pea-herb-salad-with-extra-virgin-olive-oil/
 
creamtea February 27, 2013
My Not-quite Nicoise Salad has a yummy dressing and does not require re-heating. There is minimal cooking as well: http://food52.com/recipes/17798-not-quite-nicoise-with-lime-chive-cream
 
hardlikearmour February 27, 2013
This recipe has very bold flavor and is quite good at room temperature. http://food52.com/recipes/2538-fregola-sarda-with-caramelized-squash-and-charmoula
 
Miachel P. February 27, 2013
Vegetarian Meatballs are a fun, hearty, party food - along with a cold Lentil Spinach Pear Salad.
Here are links to both:
http://spicedcuriosity.com/easy-veggie-meatballs-not-just-for-veg-heads/
http://spicedcuriosity.com/hurricane-salad-spinach-lentils-and-pears/
 
HalfPint February 27, 2013
Sesame noodles. I like this recipe, http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/simple-sesame-noodles/
 

Voted the Best Reply!

darksideofthespoon February 27, 2013
I like bringing this quinoa salad to gatherings where there will be vegetarians or vegans. I prefer it cold/room temperature so I hope this fits the bill for you!
http://food52.com/recipes/18012-quinoa-salad-with-hazelnuts-apple-and-dried-cranberries
 
inpatskitchen February 27, 2013
Take a look at my Spring salmon platter...you can add whatever veggies you like and it's totally make ahead.
http://food52.com/recipes/11679-spring-vegetable-and-salmon-nicoise-platter
 
Recommended by Food52