Save A vibrant and elegant vegan appetizer featuring sweet figs, crunchy walnuts, creamy plant-based cheese, and an array of accompaniments, artfully arranged in a star shape—perfect for festive gatherings.
This dish has become my go-to for holiday parties because everyone loves the combination of flavors and the beautiful star shape is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Fresh Produce: 8 fresh figs, quartered, 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved, 1 small pear, thinly sliced, 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- Nuts & Seeds: 1 cup raw walnuts, halves or large pieces, 2 tbsp shelled pistachios (optional, for garnish)
- Plant-Based Cheese: 150 g vegan soft cheese (e.g., cashew-based), 100 g vegan blue cheese-style wedge (optional)
- Crackers & Bread: 12–16 assorted vegan crackers, 1 small baguette, thinly sliced and toasted
- Extras: 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar, Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the quartered figs and walnut halves in alternating points to form a star shape on a large serving board or platter.
- Step 2:
- Fill the spaces between the star points with clusters of grapes, pear, and apple slices.
- Step 3:
- Place dollops of vegan soft cheese and pieces of vegan blue cheese-style wedge around the board.
- Step 4:
- Fan out the crackers and toasted baguette slices along the edges of the board.
- Step 5:
- Drizzle maple syrup or agave nectar lightly over the figs and walnuts.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with pistachios and fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, encouraging guests to mix and match flavors.
Save This recipe always brings my family together, sparking conversations as everyone picks their favorite combinations of fruits, nuts, and cheese.
Notes
Try dried apricots, vegan pâté, or roasted chickpeas for variety. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, Paring knife, Small bowls or ramekins (for cheese or syrup optional), Bread knife
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (walnuts, pistachios) and gluten (if using wheat-based crackers/bread). Vegan cheeses may contain soy or cashews—check labels if allergic.
Save This fig and walnut star board is as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can dried figs be used instead of fresh figs?
Yes, dried figs can substitute fresh ones, offering a sweeter and chewier texture but still complementing the other ingredients well.
- → What types of plant-based cheese work best here?
Soft vegan cheeses like cashew-based or plant blue cheese-style wedges provide creamy texture and rich flavor contrasts on the board.
- → How can I enhance the crunch on the board?
Try candied walnuts or add crunchy crackers and toasted baguette slices for varied texture throughout the platter.
- → What garnishes add a festive touch?
Sprigs of fresh rosemary and shelled pistachios bring color, aroma, and an elegant finish to the arrangement.
- → What beverages pair well with this star board?
Light, crisp drinks like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus enhance the fresh and nutty flavors beautifully.