This article was originally published on May 18, 2017.
The weather is warming up and summer is on the horizon. It’s the season to get together with friends to celebrate sunny days and warm weather. With plenty of holidays, graduations, and long summer nights, there’s no shortage of reasons to break out the grill and barbecue with the people we love most. While it’s a great opportunity to kick back and relax, plant-based eaters often feel anxiety at barbecues, scrambling to find animal-free, vegan BBQ recipes to satisfy their appetite and please their meat-eating friends. However, there’s no reason to stress: though commonly used for carnivore cooking, the grill can also be a wonderful tool for creating flavorful and crowd-pleasing plant-based dishes. If you’re ready for some summer lovin’, add these recipes to your vegan BBQ menu.
If you love appetizers that are as adorable as they are delicious, this healthier, cruelty-free take on the classic “pigs in a blanket” is the perfect finger food to start your feast. In addition to being creative and tasty, they are surprisingly easy to make. The roasted carrots add nutritional punch while the flaky breading is tempting enough to trick picky eaters into consuming vegetables. For a mouthwatering flavor combo, dip them into classic yellow mustard.
Both vegans and non-vegans can agree that guacamole is a delicious addition to any party. Mix up the classic iteration by adding black beans and corn for extra texture, fiber, and protein. This loaded guacamole recipe is a Peaceful Dumpling reader favorite. Be sure to make extra because this stuff is addictive!
Coleslaw is a barbecue classic and for good reason. It’s delightfully tasty and refreshing on a warm day. Mix up a batch of this vegan-friendly alternative to the traditional recipe to enjoy all of the flavor but none of the animal products. It’s crunchy, satisfying, and only takes 10 minutes to make.
Potato salad is another barbecue staple that can easily be made without dairy. This version is mixed with a vegan pistachio pesto to add crunchy texture and a nutty, cheesy flavor. The dairy-free dish will fill you up without weighing you down, meaning you’ll have plenty of energy to play some beach volleyball after you eat.
5. Vegan Elotes
A traditional Mexican favorite, elotes is a salty, buttery treat adored by many. If you’re someone who loves this grilling favorite, this vegan version lives up to the original and is sure to keep everyone nibbling with joy.
Crumbly, warm, and hearty, corn bread is an awesome addition to grilled dishes. This light and moist plant-based bread is the epitome of comfort food and perfect for dipping in barbecue sauce. Share it with your carnivorous friends and we promise that no one will miss the eggs or dairy.
7. Vegetable Skewers
What’s more fun than food on a stick? Vegan food on a stick. Veggie skewers are a wonderful way to eat vegan off the grill, with endless variations to suit any tastes. Add veggies, protein, and even fruit! Check out a couple of our favorite recipes that are packed with color, zest, and healthy nutrients. Here’s one for balsamic and garlic grilled mushroom skewers and another for tofu vegetable kebabs with peanut sauce. Mmm!
Switch up your basic veggie burgers for a protein-packed helping of maple-glazed tempeh. This budget-friendly dish is insanely simple with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it a lifesaver if you’re looking for something awesome to make at the last minute. It’s also super versatile and is great to enjoy on its own or on a sandwich with your bun of choice.
9. Jackfruit Barbecue Sandwich
If you haven’t tried it yet, jackfruit is an incredible meat substitution and works well in recipes that traditionally call for crab or pulled pork. Those who love sweet, spicy dishes with a hearty texture will adore these jackfruit sandwiches that are so good, your meat-eating friends will be begging for a bite.
10. Peach Crostata
No barbecue is complete without dessert. This delectable Italian peach crostata is the perfect way to polish off a meal with Mediterranean flair. The combination of flaky crust and juicy peaches is divine and will have everyone singing “That’s Amore” with every bite.
11. Popsicles
After enjoying the heat coming off the grill, cool down with these refreshing, creamy, and fruity popsicles that will make you feel like you’re partying on a tropical island. And because they don’t contain any refined sugar, they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without spiking your blood sugar and making you sleepy later.
What’s your favorite vegan BBQ fare?
Also by Ashley: 8 Essential Tips For Traveling The World When You’re A Recent Grad On A Budget
Related: 10 Vegan Grilling Ideas for Your 4th of July BBQ
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How To Host a Vegan-Friendly Grill Party
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Photo: Unsplash, Christina Ramirez, Missy Ruttencutter, Lauren Sacerdote, Quincy Malesovas
