Anonymous wrote:Agree with the above, green salad (no cheese or croutons but make it interesting), fish, whatever roasted vegetable, a potato on the side for those who want it, and poached fruit for dessert.

Where is my invitation, because it sounds delicious!

Yep.
-Green salad with lots of chopped fresh herbs and some thinly sliced fennel (no fruit, nuts, cheese please), homemade vinaigrette on side or tossed lightly immediately before serving
-poached salmon
-roasted non starchy vegetables
-some type of quinoa, farro, brown rice pilaf.

With vegetable forward menus I like to make sure there are lots of flavors and it still feels hearty. Something like a shrimp and vegetable tagine with a couscous salad. Maybe a side of roasted carrots with spiced yogurt or crispy brussel sprouts or harissa roasted cauliflower.

For dessert I agree with something small but rich so a Flourless tahini chocolate cake with fresh berries.

I would make sure to include some sort of healthy carbs because typically dinner parties include wine and it's nice to have something heartier with alcohol.

Agree with the above, green salad (no cheese or croutons but make it interesting), fish, whatever roasted vegetable, a potato on the side for those who want it, and poached fruit for dessert.

Where is my invitation, because it sounds delicious!

I came in ready to suggest fish as already mentioned above. I also like instead of the usual grains or potatoes having some lentils or beans of some type instead, whether it is about being healthy or just more variety works either way. I am a big fan of more vegetables - maybe do a salad in addition to a veggie side or just two different veggie sides.

Then have something really great for dessert. Some don’t want it anyway and those who do probably prefer something “worth” the calories. I much prefer a small portion of something rich or intense or amazing than a larger one of something just OK. I’m thinking like a rich dark chocolate mousse, poached pear, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Grilled fish with spice rub.
Arugula salad with mini tomatos and green goddess dressing.
People debate so much about what is a healthy carb….but maybe roasted mini potatoes in olive oil, salt and garlic. Or Farro cooked in vegetable broth with carmekized onions, if you think potatos are unhealthy.

Fruit for dessert? Or angel food cake (no fat but lots of sugar and carb). Or a flourless chocolate torte (no flour but lots of fat and some sugar). Rice pudding with brown rice, cinnamon, cardomon and raisins? (High fiber and protein but lots of sugar)

I was going to suggest a similar menu! My attitude on potatoes/grains is that people can skip if they want. You could add roasted cauliflower with cumin if you want another side for non-potato-eating guests.

Grilled fish with spice rub.
Arugula salad with mini tomatos and green goddess dressing.
People debate so much about what is a healthy carb….but maybe roasted mini potatoes in olive oil, salt and garlic. Or Farro cooked in vegetable broth with carmekized onions, if you think potatos are unhealthy.

Fruit for dessert? Or angel food cake (no fat but lots of sugar and carb). Or a flourless chocolate torte (no flour but lots of fat and some sugar). Rice pudding with brown rice, cinnamon, cardomon and raisins? (High fiber and protein but lots of sugar)

Crab cakes are a lot of work and not actually that healthy. I’d probably do some sort of fish fillet as the entree.

Need some ideas for a healthy dinner party menu? I’m thinking of doing crab cakes , but don’t know what sides? Also open to ditching the crab cakes. Any ideas?