In this article, I’ll share 40 terrific vegan bbq ideas. Mix and match these vegan bbq recipes to create endless menus for all of your summer get-togethers.
As a bonus, I’ve tried including recipes exclusively from vegan bloggers whenever possible. Perhaps you’ll discover a few new ones to keep track of when seeking out inspiration for your plant-based meals.
Table of contents
- The ideal vegan bbq recipes
- Meat-free bbq ideas
- Actually grill-able vegan burgers and hotdogs
- Protein-rich vegan sandwiches
- Protein-rich vegan salads
- Plant-based appetizers and side dishes
- Vegan dips and sauces
- Interesting ways to grill veggies
- Vegan desserts perfect for barbecues
Well-balanced vegan bbq ideas
Before I share my favorite vegan bbq ideas with you, let me share a sprinkle of plant-based nutrition advice.
Although tasty, many vegan bbq recipes tend to be a little unbalanced. Cue-in the vegan carrot hot-dog recipe I kept coming across when researching for this article.
Literally a baked carrot in a hotdog bun.
You can’t expect such a low-protein meal to keep hunger at bay for long.
Protein is one of the nutrients that helps you feel fuller for longer. So if you don’t want to feel hungry a mere 1-2 hours after your meal, make sure to include some protein in it.
I’ll share some of my favorite protein-rich vegan bbq ideas with you down below.
But a good source of protein isn’t the only key to a balanced vegan bbq meal. Here’s the formula I personally use to check whether a meal is likely to meet my nutrient needs.
Plant-based protein + grain or starchy vegetable + non-starchy vegetable
Planning your menu according to this vegan balanced plate will ensure that your meal is both nutritious, and satiating.
With that in mind, allow me to help you discover 40 terrific vegan bbq ideas.
IN SUM – For a balanced vegan bbq meal, make sure it contains a combination of plant-based protein, non-starchy vegetables and a grain or starchy vegetable.
Meat-free vegan bbq ideas
Here’s a collection meat-free vegan bbq recipes that are not only unexpected, but also rich in plant-based protein.
- Gochugaru baked tofu, melon, veggie skewers with chili lime sauce by Vegan Richa.
- Hawaiian bbq tempeh kebabs by Well Vegan.
- Root beer bbq seitan wings by The Nut-Free Vegan.
- Barbecue five spice tempeh mushroom tacos by Post Punk Kitchen.
- Grilled sesame-lime tempeh by Pesky Vegan.
Actually grill-able vegan burgers and hotdogs
When I first went vegan, I was surprised at how difficult it was to find a vegan burger or hotdog recipe thatI could actually grill on the barbecue.
I mean, other than using a portobello mushroom or other sliced vegetable in lieu of the meat patty.
Most homemade burgers and dogs had such a soft texture that it was nearly impossible to keep them together on the grill. Luckily, this should no longer be a problem with the vegan bbq ideas below.
All of these vegan burgers and hotdog recipes are homemade, rich in protein and perfectly grillable.
- Grillable black bean & sunflower seed burger by Vegan Richa.
- Black bean and cashew veggie burger patties which you can cook 3 ways by Nora Cooks.
- Vegan falafel burgers with date ketchup from Rabbit and Wolves.
- Barbecuable vegan lentil hotdogs by Gaz Oakley.
- From scratch vegan hot dogs by That Vegan Nephew.
Protein-rich vegan sandwiches
Don’t feel like grilling? No problem. These protein-rich vegan bbq sandwich ideas can be made-ahead of time and will keep you full and satisfied.
- Bbq tempeh sandwich by Plant-Based on a Budget.
- Bbq pulled carrot tacos by Yup it’s vegan!
- Bbq soy curl sandwich with cabbage apple slaw by The Full Helping.
- Sabich sandwich by My Goodness Kitchen.
- Vegan sloppy Joes by Ela Vegan.
Protein-rich vegan salads
Summer is a opportunity to try new vegan meal salad recipes.
Meal salads light, rich in fiber and contain tons of other beneficial plant compounds. Plus, all of the ones listed below are also rich in protein, making them the perfect all-in-one vegan bbq ideas.
- Smashed potato salad by Eat Figs Not Pigs.
- Mediterranean eggplant chickpea salad by Veggies Save the Day.
- BBQ seitan salad by The Nut-Free Vegan.
- Grilled vegan caesar salad with crispy tofu croutons by Plant-Based RD.
- Tex Mex quinoa salad by Monkey and Me Kitchen Adventures.
Plant-based appetizers and side dishes
You’ve got your plant-based source of protein already covered? In that case, feel free to enjoy these tasty vegan bbq appetizer and side dish recipes.
The foiled garlic potatoes are child-friendly and make an appearance at every single one of our barbecues!
- Grilled pesto pizzas by Forks Over Knives. Unexpected but yes, pizza that’s actually grilled on the bbq.
- Georgian eggplant rolls by Lazy Cat Kitchen.
- Grilled garlic potatoes in foil by Essy Cooks. These are my family’s favorites!
- Vegan coleslaw with creamy dressing by Plant-Based Cooking.
- Crispy bbq tofu by Loving it Vegan.
Vegan dips and sauces
These are easy to make, and great to enjoy while your food is getting warmed up on the grill.
Beans dips are rich in both protein and fiber. This makes them easy to combine with common(but often more protein-poor) vegan bbq foods to still make a balanced meal out of it.
This makes then an excellent option to bring along when you’re invited to a bbq and aren’t sure how many plant-based options (other than veggies) will be available for you to eat.
- Sundried tomato and white bean dip by Pick up Limes.
- Vegan tzatziki by School Night Vegan.
- Hot vegan black bean dip by Desiree RD.
- Charred tomatillo salsa verde with avocado from Fried Dandelions.
- The best homemade hummus by Rainbow Plant Life.
Interesting ways to grill veggies
A barbecue party is the perfect opportunity to try grilling veggies you may not typically think of putting on the grill.
Our family’s latest experimentation has been a grilled pointed cabbage recipe, which I originally found on my (dutch) supermarket’s website.
I linked a close-enough english version below. It’s definitely worth a try if you’re a fan of miso. Simply switch the salted butter for the vegan butter of your choice.
- Grilled corn and watermelon skewers by Lucy & Lentils.
- Grilled miso cabbage from Great British Chefs.
- Buffalo vegan corn on the cob with ranch dressing by Sweet Simple Vegan.
- Grilled onions – this is a super simple, yet delicious idea. Simply place unpeeled yellow onions directly on the grill and cook until soft. This produces a delicious, sweet, and soft onion that even my little ones enjoy!
- Grilled asparagus by Feasting at Home.
Vegan desserts perfect for barbecues
The vegan dessert ideas below are a great end to any barbecue. Simple grilled pineapple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon (or speculaas) are my personal favorite. Super simple, yet surprisingly delicious.
If you’re in the mood for more intricate options, make sure to give the vegan strawberries and cream sheet cake recipe below a try.
- Easy grilled pineapple by Jessica in the Kitchen.
- Vegan strawberries and cream sheet cake by Rainbow Plant Life.
- Grilled watermelon with lime and mint by the Wimpy Vegetarian.
- Vegan popsicles 4 ways by Zucker & Jagdwurst.
- Grilled peaches and coconut ice cream by Jessica in the Kitchen.
To sum it all up
I hope these 40 vegan bbq ideas provide you with some inspiration for your next barbecue.
If you have a favorite vegan bbq recipe that I haven’t listed here, feel free to link it in the comments below.
Happy summer celebrations to you and your family!