Healthy menu options are essential when catering an event. It is important that there is something on the menu for everyone. Despite this, however, the healthy options should not be boring. They should be just as exciting as the rest of the menu.
Dietary requirements are necessary to think about now. There are individuals who are gluten free, vegetarian and lactose intolerant, for example. Finding healthy options for these individuals and for individuals who enjoy eating healthy, is essential to help your event and your caterer. Below you will find five new and exciting ideas that are healthy alternatives for the menu of your next event.
1. Vegetable Blankets
Many individuals enjoy comfort foods such as pigs in blankets at events. A healthier alternative would be vegetables in blankets. A vegetable that would be especially good for this would be asparagus. You could wrap asparagus in bacon to be a play on this classic comfort food.
Asparagus in bacon will give off a sweeter taste that many crave. Any vegetable would work, however. These will quickly become a favorite among your attendees so make sure you have plenty on hand. These could work as side dishes or appetizers.
2. Fruit
Fruit platters could be effective desserts alternatives for those who follow a healthy diet. Fruit cocktails could take the look of a kebab for a fun way to serve. Make them bright and eye catching so they are visually appealing to the attendees of the event.
Another way to utilize fruit as a healthy alternative is to create an artistic fruit bowl. These can double as decoration and will be sure to please your guests. Carve or create the fruits into new items like strawberry roses or watermelon animals. Be sure you keep the theme in whatever fruit display you create.
3. Healthier Alcohol
Alcohol is something that is expected at many events. Many attendees will want to sip a glass of wine or a spirit during the event. Some may even want to opt for a beer. Unfortunately, alcohol has significant amounts of carbohydrates and sugars. There are healthier alternatives, however.
There is gluten free wine that does not contain unhealthy carbohydrates. Light beers have less sugars and less calories. Soda mixes are great options for spirits. Offer other healthy drinks such as spring water and other low-calorie alternatives for attendees who do not drink alcohol.
4. Alternative Meats
If you are planning on serving hearty red meats such as burgers or steaks, it is important to have healthy alternatives. Many healthy alternatives can be taken by using leaner meats such as turkey or low-fat beef. Other alternatives include using alternate meats such as vegetables.
Portobello mushroom burgers are a popular alternative. These could be served open faced. They have great texture and flavor. Eggplant steaks are another popular alternative. Eggplant also has a meat-like texture and is cut in a similar way to steak. Either of these alternatives would be an effective healthy option.
5. Skewers
Skewers are an ever-popular food choice at events. They are great as appetizers or side dishes. They are also easily served and provide minimal cleanup and mess behind.
There are many healthy alternatives for skewers that are almost endless. These could include creating fruit skewers as mentioned above. Other possible skewers could be vegetarian, utilizing vegetables and cheese such as tomato and feta or other winning vegetable combinations. Other healthy skewers could utilize combinations of seafood, chicken and vegetables.
As you can see, making changes to your event menu to provide healthy alternatives is easier than you think. There are just a few adjustments to make and just a few things to add. Follow these tricks and more to provide healthy alternatives at your next catered event.
