I prepare country lo boil yearly, with shrimp, new potatoes, fresh corn on the cob,and smoked sausage.

Sometimes I serve this:

Always well received

Alaska cole slaw (named this as I had the slaw in Ak and loved it)
5 cups shredded cabbage **I buy the preshredded plain, no carrots, etc at WalMart
1/2 cups almond slivers, toasted
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1/2 cup celery, diced**don't use
1/4 cup chopped green onions, white and green parts
1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper **don't use

This is the creamy dressing I used and it works great:

mix 1/2 c mayo with 2 Tbl cider vinegar **I used white wine vinegar, 2 tsp sugar, salt and pepper to taste Pour over coleslaw right before serving and toss JUST TO COAT

Combine cabbage, almonds, cranberries, celery, green onions, and green pepper in a large plastic bowl with a snap-on lid.
Combine all dressing ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour dressing over slaw just before serving. Stir well

Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, etc. Asparagus.

We usually don't have any thing other than the seafood, corn and potatoes.

Pasta salad would be a nice side for vegetarians.

Wow. I've never considered that a shrimp boil would need side dishes. It's a throw everything in a pot and eat it messy meal. Yum. Coleslaw would be good. I'd recommend Emeril's Maw-Maw's Slaw to sort of keep in the theme. Always well received when I've made it. Maw-Maw's Slaw

Or a green bean salad?

Well, they technically said to bring an appetizer to share, so maybe side dish isn't the right term. I was thinking of something I could eat as a vegetarian for my main dish that would also work as an appetizer for others.

I appreciate all the suggestions so far! I wish I knew what the other guests were bringing.

I make this and cut into small squares for an appetizer and I cut it into larger squares for a brunch - warm, room temp or cold, it all works. Its always a hit.

GREEN CHILE SQUARES

(from Ann T)

April 12/02 Perfectentertaining.com

With only three ingredients this whips up in under five minutes and then bakes unattended, making it perfect for parties.

It can also be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and served hot, cold, or at room temperature.

2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese

2 cans green chiles

4 well beaten eggs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle the cheese in the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish, then sprinkle the chilies over the cheese. Pour the eggs over the top. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and firm. Cool to room temperature and then cut into squares.

Side dish? Green beans almondine

Appetizer? Crab-stuffed mushrooms, crab dip...

Hmmmmmm. You don't eat meat or seafood right?

How about stuffed mushrooms?

https://www.bowlofdelicious.com/italian-vegetarian-stuffed-mushrooms/

Or Stuffed cherry tomatoes. Hollow them out and stuff them with some boursin cheese. You can stuff the mushrooms with it too. So good.

Or, something more seasonal might be a tomato tart. Most can be served room temperature too.

https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/tomato-tart

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/annas-tomato-tart-3756210

Homemade Carmelized Onion dip with some chips. Thats easy to make. Caramelize a bunch of onions with some garlic, mix in some cream cheese and sour cream and whatever flavoring you like. Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. Maybe some thyme. Whatever. Serve with potato chips.

A platter of assorted raw veggies and a dip.

Black bean salad?

I like the idea of a tomato tart.

Oh,and there is always deviled eggs. Mine have bacon in them so my recipe wouldn't serve your needs. But EVERYONE has a deviled egg recipe. And they are a good protein option.

Although it can several things I was trying to think of what I have had at shrimp/lobster feasts and can only think of very large chunks of various fruits. The pieces were too large for one bite and had only been tossed with lemon juice to keep the types that turn brown from looking odd. It had some type of thin dip or sauce on the side. Instead of toothpicks small pretzel sticks were in shot glasses to be used.

Bruschetta? I like the deviled egg suggestion. cheese platter with yummy crackers or breads

I am not clear if you are vegetarian and if so, what category....lactoovo, etc. or if you just don't do shrimp. Those green chili squares sound great; I could see myself making them.

I am having a hard time thinking of anything to suggest aside from a really nice veggie platter, with maybe some "different" veggies and the above suggested french onion dip. Veggies like multi colored carrots w/ tops still on, scallions, celery w/ tops, etc.....

I'm technically a pescatarian but I am picky about seafood and don't really care for shrimp. I eat eggs and dairy but no other meat.

What about Glenda's Tomato Pie and also I love the Impossible Zucchini Pie (Bisquick). Eggs and cheese - but no meat. Both are delicious and my family loves. Be happy to post recipes, if you're interested.

Tomato Pie is an excellent idea! I make a version of it and it is always a hit. I will have to find Glenda's recipe and try that. It is my go to when tomato's are crazy plentiful and you can adapt seasonings to fit the rest of the meal.

I would do a watermelon feta cheese and avocado or olive oil salad. To me it is nice and refreshing with the lime juice and if you like a bit of mint.

Missed the whole it's not a side dish it's an appetizer conversation. Cheese and veggie loaded nachos, and for dipping refried beans, salsa and sour cream are always a welcome dish.

Avocado hummus, spinach dip in a hollowed out pumpkin round, Summer pizza, Mexican Dip

Summer Pizza:

2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - pat out on Jelly Roll cookie sheet and bake according to directions on package (10 min.) 2 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, 1 pkg. ranch dressing. Mix together and spread over cooked crescent rolls.

3/4 C. red bell pepper, diced, 1 C. caulifowerets (cut very tiny), 1 C. broccoli flowerets, (cut very tiny), 3/4 C. radishes, diced small, 3/4 C. carrots, grated, 1/4 c. onion, diced. Mix together and lightly press into cream cheese. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Cut into bite-sized squares.

Super Easy Humus

1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drain and reserve liquid, 3 T. lemon juice, 1 T. olive oil, 1 clove garlic, crushed (small clove), 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1 1/2 - 2 T. Tahini. Put everything in blender, add enough reserved mixture for texture you like. Add two ripe avocados diced up. You may need more liquid to incorporate the avocado. Serve with Pita chips or tortilla chips.

Mexican Dip

2 cans bean dip.Spread on serving plate. Sprinkle 3 soft, diced avocados over bean dip. Sprinkle with juice of 1/2 lemon. Mix together 1 C. Mayonnaise, 1 C. sour cream, 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix. Spread over avocado. Sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese. Top with sliced black olives, chopped green onions and diced tomatoes. Chill and serve with tortilla chips.

Baked Camembert served with nachos. There are many versions. The garlic and olive oil being a favorite of mine

Many don't like cheese and seafood in the same meal. That's something to factor in.

When I think of a shrimp boil I see a paper lined table with a mess of shrimp, sometimes other seafood and sausage, potatoes ,corn and sometimes carrots strewn across it with bowls of clarified butter and lemon wedges available. It's a messy community table, dig in and eat with your fingers thing. If a side was served , maybe cole slaw, but who wants to fill up on sides with that wonderful spread before you?

Don't try to upstage the main event. It's a shrimp boil, not a potluck.

Appetizers? Something light to not ruin appetites. Crudites, a light dip (crab?) and light crackers etc.

Vegetarian? Why would a vegetarian attend such a party? If you must attend, bring your own bag or boxed meal but no messing with tradition.

I agree with others that suggest an appetizer is what should be offered and not a side dish. My advice to you is to eat ahead of time at home, and bring a summer appetizer to share.

a favorite of time is based on a simple pate a choux recipe, made with a small scoop in order to make mini puffs. When cooled, the pastry puffs can be stuffed with any type of savory filling......crab salad, egg salad, pimento cheese spread, etc. These can be served chilled.

Alternatively, one can modify the basic cream puff recipe by adding cheese and a bit of onion in order to make gougeres, the most delectable cheese puffs imaginable.

Jalapeño poppers are always a favorite here. Deviled eggs too!

This time of year...appetizer.... a melon platter. Cantaloupe, watermelon & honeydew...cut in little triangles served in a bowl with some red grapes for color.

cold sliced watermelon to compliment your host’s menu. (I agree the vegetarians might want to eat before the party, (because you know it’s a Shrimp boil) go with a full stomach.).

"Vegetarian? Why would a vegetarian attend such a party? If you must attend, bring your own bag or boxed meal but no messing with tradition."

What a rude comment!

Translation: Don't spend quality time with friends that *gasp* eat differently than you!

I like the Tomato Pie and Chille Casserole suggestions.

Yes, I'm going for the socializing, not the food! And DH will have no issue eating my share, if necessary. :) I've been to parties hosted by this neighbor and she always has plenty of options. I'm not worried about going hungry or messing with tradition. If they don't do sausage, I will probably eat the potatoes and corn too.

What about a dessert instead of a side?

She requested an appetizer.

Depending you might not have a plate to eat off of. You could just have a spot at the table and some large bowls for refuse. Boils are very casual. Kind of hard to eat a salad that way.

I like the idea of veg and fruits with dips. Light, easily eaten with picks and not filling before the main event.

She requested an appetizer.

Chi said side dish.

I did say side dish but the invitation says appetizer. To me, knowing this couple's entertainment style, it will all be placed on a side table for people to help themselves throughout the party, so in my mind I consider them the same.

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy yourself considering how you have been feeling lately.

Thanks, jtc. :) It's a welcome distraction!

I appreciate everyone's suggestions! Thanks so much. I will definitely be saving some of these ideas for the next party.

I've decided to do deviled eggs, a 7 layer dip and maybe some brownies. Well, that's the plan anyway. I bought fresh eggs and those are harder to peel so if they get mangled, I'll just keep them for us at home.

You can always mash up the mangled eggs and make deviled egg dip.

A nice summer appetizer is basil leaves stuffed with lemony goat cheese, topped with chopped toasted pecans and drizzled with olive oil.

I did hard boiled eggs( fresh but at room temp) in my instant pot and they peeled like a dream. I think steaming might be the secret if you do them stovetop.

"Vegetarian? Why would a vegetarian attend such a party? If you must attend, bring your own bag or boxed meal but no messing with tradition."

What a rude comment!

The party is around a pretty well known food theme. The food and how it is traditionally served is a min part of the "social" in this case.The hostess is serving a shrimp boil. She said bring an appetizer.

ap·pe·tiz·er/ˈapəˌtīzər

1. a small dish of food or a drink taken before a meal or the main course of a meal to stimulate one's appetite.

Note the key words are stimulate one's appetite, not kill it off for the main course.

Yet the poster is planning on bringing not a light appetizer with any thought to the main menu but things more conducive to a potluck or picnic plus adding a dessert item. And you think I'm rude???

Te message is loud and clear, I don't want your food so I am bringing unrelated things so I will have something to eat while socializing by not partaking in what is regionally known as a social event, a dig in and enjoy shrimp boil.

If I didn't eat pork I am not showing up to a pig roast with a seafood platter for me. If I were invited to a vegetarian household for dinner I wouldn't bring meatballs as an appetizer. That would be rude.

Chi I'm so glad you had a wonderful time!

I too have several diet restrictions. I often bring my own food just in case and don't want to burden my hosts with my extreme diet problems. They often surprise me by thoughtfully providing me with plain food that I can eat. It's funny how warming that gesture is.

It is easy to feel like an outsider and it is very nice when someone accepts you and accommodates you seemingly without concern.

So glad you enjoyed. The neighbors invited you for your company. I try to accommodate guests and most of mine who have either allergies or preferences are very undemanding. Most do as you did if it is a bring a dish gathering and bring something to share that they can eat. No one makes a big issue and they quietly enjoy what they can. My husband is allergic to certain seafood but we are still able to serve it or go to seafood events because it is not so severe he cannot be around it. We would never say we won’t show up to a boil ....it is about fellowship not just food.

It doesn’t matter if it is allergy or preference, we invite people because we want their company.

I do have a friend who is kosher and I always make sure with her that I am bringing something that is ok and normally get something from the kosher cafe near her....obviously she never has a crab boil.

Also, one of my kids had a classmate growing up that was extremely allergic to peanuts. A small school so as parents we made sure any parties were geared to making the child safe but without making a show of it...we ran stuff by mom, who was very helpful and we did not make a big deal out of it in front of the child.

I find it offensive that someone would suggest you sit at home because you cannot or do not eat a certain food. If my family and friends started excluding each other on our differences I would have to get a divorce, stop talking to the children and even my precious granddaughter who at 1 refuses to eat sweet potatoes and never see my in-laws again.!

I'm so glad you had a lovely time, Chi. You needed that right about now!

One of the 3 tables set up in the backyard. There was so much food! Each guest took a container of the shrimp boil home as well.

Beautiful! What a great host!

Never can go wrong with Deviled eggs! Glad they liked them. They are so inexpensive and easy to make. I take them often to gatherings. That looks like a great spread of food! Looks so yummy.

Spectacular, and well thought out, presentation!