Appetizer – The Food Joy

Appetizer Clean Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Vegan Vegetarian

Whipped Ricotta Board (Vegan)

By Nina Joy October 18, 2022 0 2 m read

This is my response to the butter board trend (which I find disgusting) by creating something that is only outrageous in it’s deliciousness not in its absurdity 🙂

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Side Dish

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dairy-Free)

By Nina Joy December 31, 2021 0 1 m read

Every time I make this dip… it is completely DEVOURED by the end of the gathering (usually sooner). And the best part? Nobody can tell that it is dairy-free!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Sauce Side Dish Vegan Vegetarian

Whipped Rosemary Ricotta (Vegan)

By Nina Joy November 23, 2021 0 2 m read

WOW this dish is tasty! I was actually pleasantly surprised after making this on a total whim hoping that I could add this to my holiday appetizer list and just could not stop eating it!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Sauce Vegan Vegetarian

Roasted Garlic Hummus

By Nina Joy November 17, 2021 0 2 m read

I promise you that after making this hummus at home you’ll never go back! I’ll show you a trick on how to cook your chickpeas beforehand to get the creamiest hummus texture!!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Dinner Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe Side Dish Vegan Vegetarian

Perfect Loaded Baked Potato

By Nina Joy July 12, 2021January 11, 2022 2 m read

In this post I’ll teach you how to make the absolutely PERFECT baked potato and, of course, add on all the classic toppings! I do provide suggestions on how to make this dairy-free and also vegan (by omitting the bacon).

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Appetizer Gluten-Free Recipe Side Dish Vegetarian

Burrata & Tomato Salad

By Nina Joy June 8, 2021 0 1 m read

If you’ve had burrata you know it’s the arguably better version of fresh mozzarella in that it tastes similarly but has an amazingly creamy center!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Dinner Lunch Recipe Vegan

Vegan Pistachio Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza

By Nina Joy April 21, 2021 2 2 m read

I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love a good pesto! Have you ever tried a pistachio pesto? It has such a nice nutty salty addition to a traditional pesto that uses walnut or pine nuts.

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Side Dish Vegan

Charred Corn Guacamole

By Nina Joy February 23, 2021 0 2 m read

I mean who doesn’t love a good guacamole?! Want to take it to the next level? Add some charred corn! What I love about adding in the charred corn is that it not only adds a nice grilled flavor but you get these subtle texture pops that break up the creaminess of a traditional guacamole! …

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Appetizer Dinner Lunch Recipe

White Pizza w. Prosciutto di San Daniele & Grana Padano cheese

By Nina Joy February 10, 2021 0 3 m read

This is absolutely one of those recipes that the more quality ingredients you use, the more incredible this dish will taste! Not only did I use freshly made mozzarella and ricotta cheese, but I also used a 16-month aged Grana Padano cheese and 18-month aged Prosciutto di San Daniele.

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Appetizer Dinner Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Goat Cheese, Apple and Prosciutto Tart

By Nina Joy December 18, 2020 0 2 m read

I just love everything about this savory tart! The puff pastry is just so flaky paired with creamy goat cheese for some tartness, baked apples for a slight sweetness, and topped with salty prosciutto and some crunchy, sweet candied walnuts!

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Appetizer Recipe

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostinis

By Nina Joy November 24, 2020 0 2 m read

Just in time for Thanksgiving, I have an exciting new recipe to share with you all! I just LOVE pumpkin flavored things and I love the idea of pairing it with something tangy like goat cheese for a delicious crostini.

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Recipe Side Dish Vegan

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

By Nina Joy October 5, 2020 0 1 m read

If you like cherry tomatoes then prepare to be OBSESSED with them after roasting them in some olive oil, salt and pepper until they begin to burst (literally) with flavor…!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Lunch Recipe Vegan

Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

By Nina Joy September 14, 2020 0 1 m read

How could you possibly make a great bruschetta even better? Using the BEST tomatoes possible.. which for me are heirloom tomatoes from my local farmer’s market. And why not use beautiful yellow ones for an even more unique version of this classic appetizer! And by appetizer I mean I totally so many that it qualified …

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Dinner Lunch Recipe Vegan

Vegan Chorizo & Mozzarella Pizza

By Nina Joy July 24, 2020April 21, 2021 0 2 m read

I’ve been working hard on perfecting my Vegan Mozzarella cheese and finally posted it a few weeks ago! Now it’s time to make recipes around it because for anyone who has a lactose intolerance, sensitivity, or is vegan.. this homemade (easy to make in just 15 minutes) mozzarella cheese is BEYOND better than …

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Vegan

Vegan Mozzarella Cheese

By Nina Joy June 30, 2020April 21, 2021 0 2 m read

There are a lot of great sliced vegan cheese options in the grocery stores nowadays (especially at Whole Foods or specialty stores) BUT I will say that I have yet to find a great vegan mozzarella option. Sliced, shredded or stretchy. Miyokos does make a fairly good product that melts very well in a lasagna, …

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Dinner Lunch Recipe Sauce Side Dish Vegan

Vegan Caesar Salad

By Nina Joy May 15, 2020 0 2 m read

I used to LOVE Caesar salads growing up and always ordered one as an appetizer at restaurants… until I grew up and looked at how many calories are in the dressing and I (almost) never went back! But now I’ve perfected a vegan caesar dressing that is so much healthier and dairy-free! And let’s not …

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Dinner Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe

Dairy Free Nachos

By Nina Joy May 4, 2020 0 2 m read

The best part about this recipe, besides it being deliciously dairy free, is that it doesn’t require you to bake it so you can enjoy it even sooner!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Dinner Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Colombian Empanadas

By Nina Joy April 3, 2020December 22, 2020 2 3 m read

Well if this isn’t the perfect time for a recipe that feels like a mini arts and crafts project! Empanadas made fresh are SO worth the effort let me tell you especially with a good sauce (don’t worry I got you on that too!).

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Appetizer Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Roasted Tomato & Goat Cheese Toasts

By Nina Joy March 30, 2020October 5, 2020 0 1 m read

So simple. So delicious. If this isn’t your new go-to easy lunch or appetizer then I give up.. (not really, but I did personally eat 3 of these back to back).

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Appetizer Recipe

French Onion Bread Bowl

By Nina Joy January 27, 2020 0 2 m read

I made this for my blog one weekend and it was so good that the following weekend I immediately made it again for a friend’s birthday party. Short story: it was such a hit that people were scraping the bottom of this bread bowl for the last bit of this dip!

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Appetizer Dinner Lunch Recipe

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sliders

By Nina Joy January 20, 2020 2 2 m read

Buffalo sauce, Dean’s Ranch dip, tender rotisserie chicken all married together on some soft slider buns? Oh, and some melty mozzarella cheese? Interested yet? Good!

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Appetizer Gluten-Free Recipe

Bacon & Chicken Ranch Dip

By Nina Joy January 13, 2020March 19, 2020 0 1 m read

When I dip you dip we dip… into this warm bowl of greatness. Because bacon makes everything better. As does ranch and cheese!

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Appetizer Dinner Lunch Recipe

French Onion Sliders

By Nina Joy January 6, 2020January 5, 2020 0 2 m read

I was inspired by Dean’s French Onion Dip to create these delicious French Onion Sliders, which are also really easy to prep for a large group! Adding caramelized onions to any sandwich or burger in my opinion just makes it so much better and adds such deep flavor.

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Side Dish Vegan

Dairy Free Spinach Artichoke Dip

By Nina Joy November 12, 2019March 19, 2020 0 2 m read

I had to make one of my party-favorites into a dairy-free and vegan version for myself and for my other dairy-sensitive friends! As I quote my friend who tried it, “wait, this doesn’t have any dairy in it?” with a perplexed face. Well… I nailed it.

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Appetizer Lunch Recipe

Pear & Brie Grilled Cheese

By Nina Joy October 30, 2019 0 1 m read

There are just so many of my favorite ingredients all tucked nicely inside the crispy, buttery bread in this grilled cheese!

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Appetizer Dinner Lunch Recipe

Apple, Goat Cheese & Prosciutto Flatbread

By Nina Joy October 11, 2019 1 1 m read

I love a good flatbread! They’re perfect for so many occasions–appetizers at a party, a quick meal for lunch or dinner, and a very easily transportable meal if bringing a dish to another event/house/apartment/cave/etc.

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Appetizer Recipe Side Dish

American Lamb Meatballs with Harissa Yogurt

By Nina Joy September 23, 2019October 9, 2019 0 2 m read

These flavorful and tender American Lamb meatballs are perfect for elevating your football game day snacks!

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Appetizer Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Caramelized Onion Cheese Fries

By Nina Joy September 8, 2019March 19, 2020 0 2 m read

I was really craving a Philly cheese steak the other day and my brain went to how delicious the american cheese is with the grilled onions and then I jumped to hand cut fries and then to caramelized onions and BOOM this happened. I pretty much love anything that involves caramelized onions because they are …

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Side Dish

Caviar Deviled Eggs

By Nina Joy July 30, 2019March 19, 2020 0 1 m read

These deviled eggs are just SO creamy I couldn’t stop eating them!! And talk about adding a classy touch.. I topped them with caviar and chives!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe Vegan

Everything Bagel Dip

By Nina Joy June 13, 2019March 19, 2020 0 1 m read

Growing up in New Jersey, bagels were a pretty essential part of the weekends for me and my family. There was nothing like my Dad bringing home fresh, warm bagels on a Sunday! And now that I live in NYC where you can’t go a few blocks without stumbling upon a bagel or deli shop. …

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Lunch Recipe

Steak & Truffle Ricotta Crostinis

By Nina Joy November 16, 2018December 6, 2020 2 m read

I got this idea from a recent event I attended at a cheese shop in NYC and took it home and made it with my favorite dairy-free ricotta cheese with some honey to make it sweet and truffle oil… because, truffle oil!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe Side Dish Vegan

Cheese Flavored Vegan Fries

By Nina Joy October 3, 2018March 19, 2020 2 m read

I was really craving some hand-cut french fries but I try my hardest to keep my apartment dairy-free–since I am sensitive to dairy and only indulge when I’m out at restaurants–and I wanted to make them taste like cheese fries. The trick? Nutritional yeast!

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Appetizer Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Potato Skins 3 Ways

By Nina Joy February 2, 2017March 19, 2020 2 m read

I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of the Super Bowl when it comes to the actual football part…but the food part…touchdown!

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Appetizer Dinner Lunch Recipe

Shrimp Summer Rolls

By Nina Joy January 4, 2017March 19, 2020 2 m read

Make these beauties for a healthy, fresh snack or for appetizers with friends!

I was inspired from my recent trip to Vietnam to attempt to make these shrimp summer rolls at home. It’s just such a light, fresh and tasty snack, appetizer or even meal–and doesn’t hurt that they’re really …

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Recipe

Truffle Honey Ricotta Crostinis

By Nina Joy October 20, 2016March 19, 2020 0 2 m read

These are my go-to, easy to put together but always a hit appetizer!

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Appetizer Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Loaded Tater Tots

By Nina Joy September 19, 2016March 19, 2020 1 m read

Warning: I couldn’t stop eating these…I even put them in tupperware in the fridge and kept going back into them with a fork…

Forget what you thought you were going to eat tonight and make these instead!

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Appetizer Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Big Mac Empanadas

By Nina Joy April 15, 2016March 19, 2020 2 m read

In a conversation with a friend where I was talking about my secret love for McDonald’s Big Macs, they suggested I try to make it at home for my blog. And then I got creative and thought, let me try making this an empanada!

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Recipe Side Dish Vegan

Beet Hummus

By Nina Joy February 6, 2016March 19, 2020 1 m read

If you’ve never made hummus at home you should absolutely try this recipe so you realize just how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own hummus! Perfect for a party (cough cough Super Bowl) or just as a snack for yourself!

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Appetizer Dinner Lunch Recipe

Steak Sliders & Tzatziki Sauce

By Nina Joy February 3, 2016March 19, 2020 1 m read

Another Superbowl treat that will definitely please!

Let’s just start by saying the tzatziki sauce I made was really on point! I’ll be making that for myself quite often…

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Appetizer Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Buffalo Chicken Empanadas

By Nina Joy February 2, 2016March 19, 2020 1 2 m read

Great for the Superbowl or for any party (or just for yourself…!)

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Appetizer Recipe Side Dish

Eggplant Parmesan Bites

By Nina Joy January 7, 2016March 19, 2020 1 m read

The perfect crunchy and flavorful appetizers for your next party!

I just love how these turned out! They are easy to prepare and your guests will love them.

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Appetizer Dairy-Free Dinner Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe Side Dish Vegan

Arugula, Wheatberry, Fennel & Pomegranate Salad

By Nina Joy December 21, 2015March 19, 2020 1 m read

This is the perfect warm salad for the winter months!

I know everyone is obsessed with quinoa but I dare you to broaden your horizons and try some other grains like wheatberry, which are essentially unrefined wheat and a packed with fiber!

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Appetizer Gluten-Free Lunch Recipe Side Dish

Grilled Peach, Goat Cheese and Candied Walnut Salad

By Nina Joy September 21, 2015March 19, 2020 0 1 m read

Let’s make a delicious, summer-appropriate salad!

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Appetizer Recipe

Grilled Peach Crostini

By Nina Joy September 10, 2015March 19, 2020 0 1 m read

Summer is NOT over until September 22nd, therefore, here is an easy appetizer dish you can put together with juicy, grilled peaches and some ricotta, and prosciutto! Yum!

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Appetizer Lunch Recipe

Goat Cheese, Tomato & Basil Toast

By Nina Joy September 2, 2015March 19, 2020 0 1 m read

I can’t get enough of these tomatoes from the farmers market! This is SO easy to make and I promise you will be surprised by how delicious it is…

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