Light starter for Christmas Day lunch?

buyitall

Hi all,
This year we're cooking for 9 for Christmas. We will have the full works for main course, and lots of puddings, so I'm looking for ideas for a very light starter. Four of the guests don't like smoked salmon, so that's out. I think soup will be too filling but can't think of anything else that's not bread-based or too rich. Also needs to take up not much oven space due to all the main course bits. I am considering not doing a starter, but if anyone here can suggest something nice and simple that would be great xx

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VfM4meplse

Why not opt for some festive roasted and spiced nuts with pre-dinner drinks instead? Quick and easy and doesn't require any fridge space.

Sunflower1227

Go for an old fav, that doenst need to be cooked and can be prepared in advance - Prawn Cocktail :T

melliec

I have done this simple starter for Christmas dinner a few times....

Arrange a couple of tinned pear halves on a plate/dish and fill with a stuffing made of cream cheese, chopped dates, walnuts and dried cranberries. garnish with some baby leaves

tanith

Melon is easy and light.. I used to buy three different types/colour and either slice or ball it into pieces and put in a glass.. with a cocktail cherry on top .. very 70's

madtrekker

You could always serve some canapes with drinks beforehand if you think a "proper" starter would be too filling.

Ladyhawk

I know you have said no soup - but last year I made a lovely light soup as a starter. It was a beetroot and vodka soup and absolutely delish!

Let me know if you want the recipe and I will dig it out.

hot.chick

my suggestion is prawn cocktail too.....

no cooking, just assemble

or pate and melba toasts - also served cold.

If you keep portions quite small and serve with mixed leaves would keep it light

Running_On_Empty

Avocado and prawn mayonnaise.

Running_On_Empty

Tomato caprese: sliced tomato, basil, mozarella, olive oil.
Or sliced tomato, avocado fan and basil, olive oil.

rachbc

i'm doing a goats cheese salad at hubbys request