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How to Make a Vegan Snack Plate with Blue Diamond Almonds

in Snacks

This post on compiling an easy and delicious vegan snack plate is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds through their Tastemakers program.  I was provided with free product and was compensated for my time but, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

blue diamond 5I’m not going to lie.  In the past I have gotten a little bit jealous when I have seen other bloggers compile “snack plates” for gatherings or just for a fun and creative way to eat a quick and delicious lunch or dinner at home.  Ever since I first saw this concept in the blogosphere, I have been intrigued by it and have longed for my own chance to eat snacky foods for lunch while sipping on a cold beer on a hot Summertime day.

blue diamond 2The only problem, though, was that nearly every snack plate I had ever seen created included some type of meat and at least one variety of cheese.  We have already established that I do not do the meat thing, and while I truly enjoy cheese (made with dairy) and crackers now and then, I really wanted to challenge myself a bit to see what deliciousness I could come up with for my very own vegan snack plate.

blue diamond 3Since my vegan snack plate turned out rather delicious, I thought it was only fitting that I share the goods with you.  Whether you use this as an appetizer idea for a Summertime (or any season, really) get-together or treat it as a full meal, following is everything that you need to know about how to compile the perfect vegan snack plate.

Vegans like snacking, too! (and drinking… but that’s another story)

pretzel things snackCrunchy munchies.  What is a good snack plate without some type of cracker or pretzel?  I went with Trader Joe’s Everything Pretzel Slims for the crunch factor.  Salty, garlicy, and delicious.  Whether you go with pretzels or crackers, you will love the delicious texture and crunch.

cheese collageAs we established above, cheese is definitely one of those staples when it comes to creating a snack plate.  As a result, I obviously could not leave it out.  I went with Daiya’s dairy-free Jack-Style Block of “cheese” to keep things vegan.  This was the perfect accompaniment to my crunchy pretzel thins.   They also make cheddar and pepper-jack varieties that I am eager to try.

grapes snackAnd what pairs better with “cheese” than grapes?  I am all about black seedless grapes right now so these were an obvious choice.

blue diamondI decided that the crunch from my pretzel thins was just not enough.  Plus, my snack plate needed some protein and healthy fats since I was eating it for a meal.  Enter: Blue Diamond Almonds.  I went with the original staple Whole Natural almonds and tried their Rosemary and Black Pepper almonds for the first time.  Of course you can never go wrong with the simplicity of natural almonds, but I was really loving the Rosemary and  Black Pepper flavor.  The complexity of flavor from the almonds was a perfect compliment to the savoriness of the pretzels, cheese, and hummus and the sweetness of the grapes.

blue diamond collage

veggies hummus snackFinally, I hardly ever go a meal without incorporating in some veggies.  I am sure you know where I am going with this one.  Raw veggies and hummus are a major favorite of mine.  My snack plate featured carrots and cherry tomatoes dipped in roasted garlic hummus.  You better believe I dipped my Everything pretzel thins into the hummus too.  Garlic overload?  Never.

blue diamond 6Entertaining for guests or creating an easy no-cook Summertime snack plate for lunch or dinner does not have to be difficult.  In fact, it is much simpler and quicker to throw together than the majority of the meals I cook.  I sure appreciated being able to sit back and enjoy a warm Summer afternoon with this snack plate and a beer.  Seriously, there is nothing better.  Also, I promise it was after 12:00, so day drinking was a totally acceptable thing 😉

What snacky foods are your favorites?  Have you ever made a snack plate for entertaining or for a meal?

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{ 17 comments… add one }
  • Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies July 28, 2014, 7:44 am
    This looks tasty -- I love that you used Daiya, it's so good. No judgement even if you HAD started drinking before noon. Days off = acceptable day drinking days. So if you're responsible and wake up early, your day can clearly start at 10 am if you need it to ;-)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl July 28, 2014, 8:45 am
      Haha, I love the way you think!! You are totally right... I was simply being responsible ;)
  • Joanna @Makingmine July 28, 2014, 8:50 am
    Hummus is a snack favorite of mine! Carrots and pita are my favorite for dipping in it. Those rosemary and black pepper almonds sound fab though! Joanna @Makingmine recently posted...weekend on the waterMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl July 28, 2014, 8:54 am
      They are pretty awesome! You should have snagged some on Saturday. Everybody seemed to love them! And I hear you on hummus... I do not buy pita chips nearly as often as I should though :(
  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul July 28, 2014, 10:23 am
    Those rosemary almonds were so amazing! Thanks for sharing! Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted...Weekend Snapshots 7.28My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl July 28, 2014, 11:19 am
      Aren't they awesome! I am glad we could all find a new flavor that we love!
  • Katherine July 28, 2014, 11:21 am
    I LOVE snack plates. There's nothing better than some nuts, veggies, and hummus! Sometimes we get really complicated and innovative with recipes, and that's great, but going back to simplicity is always fresh and welcome!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl July 28, 2014, 3:31 pm
      I totally agree, Katherine. I often overlook the simplicity of meals like this one. I definitely need to go back to enjoying these meals more often because they sure are a lot easier and quicker to make!
  • Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers July 28, 2014, 1:17 pm
    Looks great! I like snack plates for entertaining or snacking, but I never feel satisfied when having one for a meal. Odd, right? Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers recently posted...Weekend Through A LensMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl July 28, 2014, 3:33 pm
      Maybe it is because your brain is tricking you into thinking it is "just" a snack? ;) Yet another reason to add lots of healthy fats/protein like almonds!
  • Luv What You Do July 28, 2014, 5:51 pm
    That is my kind of snack plate! I would just need a glass of red wine : ) I bought another brand of vanilla almonds and they are SO AMAZING! I can't stop eating them! Luv What You Do recently posted...I Wasn’t Sore Until Warrior IIMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl July 29, 2014, 8:18 am
      Flavored almonds are the best! If you like vanilla then you should try Blue Diamond's Toasted Coconut flavor! It's great!
  • Jessie July 28, 2014, 7:52 pm
    Vacation cannot come soon enough. You better believe I'll be stocking up on some Blue Diamond Almonds. They do have them here in Kuwait, but the flavor selection is weak & way too expensive.
    • ClnEatingVegGrl July 29, 2014, 8:19 am
      Ahh, bummer!! Sounds like you definitely need to buy a few cases when you are back! ;)

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