Planning a dinner menu that meets different dietary needs takes care and some good planning. Here are some simple steps to help you:

1. Know the Dietary Restrictions

Start by making a list of any dietary restrictions your guests have. Some common ones include:

• Vegetarian: About 5% of people in the U.S. don’t eat meat.
• Vegan: Around 3% of people don’t use animal products at all.
• Gluten-Free: Roughly 1% of Americans can’t eat gluten because of celiac disease.
• Nut Allergies: About 1-2% of people have nut allergies.

2. Pick a Main Dish

Choose a main dish that fits the most common dietary needs. A great option is stuffed bell peppers. They can be made to suit both vegan and gluten-free diets easily.

3. Offer a Variety of Side Dishes

Include different side dishes to please everyone:

• Vegetable Dishes: Try roasted seasonal vegetables that are both gluten-free and vegan.
• Grains: Quinoa or brown rice are good, hearty choices that are gluten-free.
• Proteins: Lentils or chickpeas can be good protein sources for vegetarians and vegans.

4. Label Everything

To keep things clear and safe, label each dish with its ingredients. This is especially important for guests with allergies or strict diets.

5. Prevent Cross-Contamination

Use separate utensils and cutting boards when preparing food for different diets. This helps to avoid mixing in ingredients that someone might be allergic to.

6. Talk to Your Guests

Encourage your guests to tell you about their dietary restrictions before the dinner. About 50% of people prefer to share this information early so you can plan the menu better.

By following these steps, you can create a fun and welcoming dinner that respects everyone's dietary needs.