Invited to a LUAU = any suggestions? (soy, bbq, tomato, hawaiian)

[sheena12]

We are invited to a Hawaiian themed party in early August.l They are serving pork and desert as well as a potent punch.
Everyone is asked to take a side dish that can be shared by everyone, If we do not want to go hungry we will need to take a main dish as well as a side dish.

Any ideas? I was thinking of a faux ham stir fry, with pineapple, Asian veggies and fried rice.

We are not vegans but we lean that way. Any good Pacific Rim Hawaiian recipes?

[Bulldogdad]

Poi, Poi and more Poi. Your fellow party goers will LLUUUUVVVVV you.

[sheena12]

Where does one get POI in PA?

[stone-ground]

If there's a bbq handy, veggie/pineapple kabobs would be yummy.

A nice marinade for peppers and onions, pre-steamed nugget potatos, mushrooms, etc .. little tamari, roasted sesame oil and fresh garlic.

[Peggy Anne]

I would have to be a smartie, and take a fake human head with an apple in its mouth. Aloha ! But that's just me.

[stan4]

I would buy mangoes and pineapple and strawberries and grapes, etc, and cut them into pieces and put little sticks in them. Garnish the plate with those little umbrellas you get in fruity vacation drinks.

[stone-ground]

Great idea Stan.

Reminds me of another great appetizer we experienced at a summer wedding. Small 4" wooden skewer, piece of cucumber, small fresh basil leaf, piece of watermelon, small basil leaf, another piece of cuke, basil leaf and end with a cherry tomato. So refreshing, especially on a hot day. Can serve them atop a tray of ice to keep them cool.

[jasper12]

Pineapple fried rice, Asian salad, yummy.

[sheena12]

Thanks for the ideas everyone! Went to the Luau and had a blast! Very glad that there was no roast pig - I really hate to see that. Also, learned that many of my new friends are Veggie leaning !

I made a Hawaiian Chic'n Salad, and since everyone liked it, I will share the (rough) recipe here;

2lbs chicken analogue ( I used Kworn which is not vegan but there are others) tofu of tempeh would
work also)
1 cup champagne grapes ( or any seedless)
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup mandarin oranges (reserve juice)
1 1/2 cups pineapple tidbits
1 cup finely diced celery
2 cans water chestnuts

Dressing -
2/3 cup veganaise or other mayo
1 container pina colada yogurt or vanilla silk
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 T reserved juice from oranges and pineapple
Blend dressing ingredients.

fold into salad ingredients.

Enjoy!

The recipe is VERY forgiving so if there is anything that you do not like - or want to add - feel free
Everyone liked the interplay of crunchy, salty, foods with softer sweeter ones.

A man commented " This is vegetarian? I could eat like this all the time!"

Now THAT'S what I like to hear!