Honoring Juneteenth Through Flavor and Community

Juneteenth isn't just a date on the calendar—it’s a powerful celebration of freedom, resilience, and cultural heritage. In New York City, the day has grown from quiet gatherings into full-scale community events filled with music, art, and most importantly, food. Whether it's a backyard cookout in Brooklyn or a formal gathering in Harlem, one thing ties it all together: a soul-satisfying menu that reflects the legacy and flavor of Black culture.

Catering plays a huge role in setting the tone for a Juneteenth celebration. People are looking not only for traditional favorites but also for thoughtful presentation and inclusive menu options. That’s where a catering company like Green Apple steps in, blending culinary heritage with eco-conscious practices that match the spirit of the day.

Sample Juneteenth Catering Menu

This sample menu blends traditional soul food with fresh, health-conscious options. Each item can be customized based on your guests’ dietary needs and event scale.

• Appetizers:
  • Mini Cornbread Muffins (vegan optional)
  • Deviled Eggs with Avocado Cream
  • Grilled Watermelon Skewers with Mint
• Main Dishes:
  • Smoked Jackfruit Sliders with BBQ Sauce
  • Southern Fried Chicken (air-fried option available)
  • Baked Mac & Cheese (dairy-free version available)
  • Cajun-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Sides:
  • Garlic Collard Greens with Olive Oil
  • Sweet Potato Wedges with Chipotle Dip
  • Black-Eyed Peas and Rice
  • Fresh Garden Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
• Desserts:
  • Peach Cobbler (gluten-free option)
  • Red Velvet Cupcakes (vegan available)
  • Sweet Tea Popsicles
• Beverages:
  • Fresh-Brewed Hibiscus Iced Tea
  • Classic Sweet Tea
  • Watermelon-Lime Infused Water

Green Apple Catering: Soulful, Sustainable, and Proudly Local

Green Apple Catering is more than just a food service. Based in NYC, the company is proudly Black-owned and rooted in values that align with the essence of Juneteenth—freedom, creativity, and community uplift. What sets Green Apple apart is its deep commitment to sustainability. Every menu is crafted not only to celebrate flavor but to honor the environment, using locally sourced ingredients, composable packaging, and zero-waste setups whenever possible.

The company also specializes in custom-themed catering, offering personalized experiences for each event it serves. From décor suggestions to menu pairings, the team works closely with clients to bring their vision to life. For those planning a Juneteenth event, this means the ability to mix historical tradition with modern flair, creating a memorable experience for every guest.

Explore themed catering options by Green Apple

Signature Dishes That Bridge Past and Present

A successful Juneteenth catering menu is all about balance—honoring legacy dishes while giving them a fresh spin. At Green Apple, the chefs know how to deliver comfort food that satisfies both tradition and wellness goals. Picture slow-cooked collard greens infused with garlic and herbs instead of pork. Or mac and cheese made with creamy cashew-based sauces for a dairy-free twist.

Then there’s the star of the show: barbecue. Smoked jackfruit sliders, grilled veggie skewers, and house-made barbecue sauces offer something for vegans and meat lovers alike. Green Apple’s menus are flexible and built to suit your crowd, whether you’re going for a full Southern feast or a lighter, tapas-style setup.

Check out Green Apple’s Southwest BBQ catering ideas

Inclusive Catering for Every Guest

A key part of celebrating freedom is making sure everyone at the table feels included. Green Apple Catering understands the importance of creating menus that cater to different dietary needs without compromising on taste. From vegan cornbread to gluten-free peach cobbler, the kitchen ensures that every guest has something to enjoy.

Offering dishes that are plant-based, allergen-friendly, and crafted with clean ingredients allows hosts to throw a party that’s as inclusive as it is delicious. And for those interested in offering fully plant-powered menus, Green Apple’s culinary team has the creativity and experience to deliver standout dishes from appetizers to dessert.

See Green Apple’s vegan and vegetarian catering menu

Why Sustainability Matters for Cultural Celebrations

Juneteenth is a day to reflect on progress and purpose—and that includes how we care for our communities and the planet. Green Apple makes it easy to align your event with values like environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing. Every step of the catering process—from ingredient selection to cleanup—is done with sustainability in mind.

Not only does this approach reduce your event’s carbon footprint, it also reinforces the message that freedom and care should extend beyond our social systems to include the Earth we share. It’s a full-circle approach to celebration, showing guests that joy and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Learn about Green Apple’s sustainability practices

More Than Juneteenth: Culture is Always on the Menu

While Juneteenth is a major milestone, Green Apple’s catering goes far beyond a single holiday. The company has created unforgettable spreads for Kwanzaa celebrations, multicultural weddings, and other cultural milestones that deserve just as much heart and flavor.

Their team understands how to match a menu to the mood of any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a spiritual ceremony, a festive block party, or a family reunion, Green Apple adapts their approach to reflect the significance of the moment.

Discover Kwanzaa catering options by Green Apple

Comfort Food Reimagined: Healthy Without Losing Flavor

What makes Green Apple unique is their ability to preserve the rich, comforting essence of soul food while reworking it for today’s health-conscious diners. They understand that you don’t need deep fryers or heavy cream to make people smile. Instead, they lean into fresh herbs, cold-pressed oils, whole grains, and plant-based proteins.

Guests can enjoy all the heart and heritage of classic dishes with none of the after-meal sluggishness. Whether it’s baked sweet potato wedges with chipotle aioli or lemon-kissed collard greens sautéed in olive oil, the menu brings flavor without the compromise.

Learn more about Green Apple’s healthy catering options

Serving the Five Boroughs and Local Communities

One of the standout features of Green Apple Catering is their deep roots in New York City. The team serves all five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—ensuring no neighborhood is left out of the celebration. Their understanding of local venues, delivery logistics, and neighborhood vibes means less stress for event planners and more connection for guests.

Whether you’re planning an intimate rooftop dinner or a large block party in a city park, the team at Green Apple brings the same level of dedication and personalization to every table they serve.

See how Green Apple caters events across Staten Island

Seasonal Freshness That Matches the Moment

Juneteenth is a summer holiday, and that means tapping into the best of the season’s flavors. Green Apple’s catering menus make use of local harvests, incorporating ripe fruits, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs in dishes that feel light but full of flavor.

Signature summer items include chilled watermelon salad with mint, grilled corn with vegan butter and smoked paprika, and infused lemonades that help guests cool down and connect. Their seasonal offerings change with the market, ensuring each plate is fresh, bright, and rooted in what nature’s offering at the moment.

Browse Green Apple’s summer catering menu

Booking and Event Planning Made Easy

Booking your Juneteenth catering experience with Green Apple is as seamless as the service they provide. Their event planning team works directly with hosts to tailor the catering package to your specific needs—whether you need on-site staff, venue setup, décor coordination, or just a delicious drop-off menu.

They can even help you secure the right space for your event, thanks to partnerships with venues across NYC. From warehouse lofts to open-air gardens, Green Apple offers more than food—they offer a full experience designed to reflect your values and vision.

Check out Green Apple’s venue and event space services