Grilling out is often synonymous with one food: meat. But the truth is, there’s so much more you can cook up in your backyard than beef patties. Besides homemade vegan burgers (that don’t taste like hockey pucks), there are some fruits and veggies you may feel meh about that taste absolutely delicious when cooked over an open flame.
Plus, expanding your grilling recipe repertoire to include more plant-based options allows the vegans and vegetarians in your life to be part of the party, too. Virtually every vegan has walked into a cookout to find that the only food they can eat is a bag of potato chips or crudités and hummus.
Not only will the vegan grilling recipes rounded up here ensure that never happens again, but they put plants center stage as main protein dishes, sides, and desserts. Keep reading to check them out.
11 vegan grilling recipes to try this summer
1. Barbecue Bean Burgers With Caramelized Onions
There’s no shortage of vegan burger recipes out there, but many of them don’t hold up when it comes to grilling; instead they fall apart, just leaving a mess. But these patties pull through. Besides canned beans, they’re made with ground walnuts, rice, and lots of spices. Top them off with caramelized onions and you’ll have yourself one mouthwatering burger.
Get the recipe: barbecue bean burgers with caramelized onions
2. BBQ Seitan Chicken
If you’re looking for a vegan entree you can grill that isn’t a burger, this is it. The seitan is made with vital wheat gluten, chickpea flour, and a blend of seven different spices. This ensures it gets nice and crispy on the grill and each bite is full of flavor. Also included? Instructions for making a homemade barbecue sauce.
Get the recipe: BBQ seitan chicken
3. Grilled Tofu Skewers
Tofu skewers are another fun vegan entree idea; you’re still getting enough protein to fill you up and they aren’t as messy as a burger. This recipe gives the steps for making sure your tofu is flavorful (thanks to a soy sauce-barbecue sauce blend) and grilled to perfection.
Get the recipe: grilled tofu skewers
4. Grilled Coconut Corn
Throwing your corn on the grill instantly gives it a whole new flavor, but this coconut corn recipe takes it to the next level. Made with coconut flakes, paprika, all spice, and thyme, it’s savory and sweet. One note: The recipe calls for mayo, so just sub it out for a vegan mayo (or see how to make your own vegan mayo here), to keep it vegan.
Get the recipe: grilled coconut corn
5. Grilled Mini Peppers With Spiced Walnut & Lentil Crumble
These mini peppers are stuffed with French lentils, which means they bring enough protein to the table to be a main course. While the wide range of spices they’re made with makes them flavorful as-is, this recipe also shows you how to make a vegan “Parmesan” sauce, by blending cashews, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and lemon zest.
Get the recipe: grilled mini peppers with spiced walnut and lentil crumble
6. Smoky Grilled Eggplant
Eggplant is another one of those vegetables that really transforms flavor-wise when cooked on the grill. This recipe gives a tangy sauce to coat it with, made with coconut aminos, avocado oil, and a few key spices.
Get the recipe: smoky grilled eggplant
7. Grilled Stuffed Avocado
Similarly to peppers, the shape of avocados make them the perfect little bowls to stuff with a protein-rich mix. In this case, they’re filled with chickpeas, which are grilled using a grill basket or by being placed on tinfoil. The avocados can be grilled too, adding another layer of smokiness.
Get the recipe: grilled stuffed avocado
8. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
On its own, cauliflower can taste a little bland, but you definitely won’t have that problem if you follow this recipe. Honey, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper all add tons of flavor.
Get the recipe: grilled cauliflower steaks
9. Grilled Peaches With Blackberry Coconut Cream
There’s no sweeter way to end a cookout than with this dessert: maple-syrup-sweetened peaches topped with tart blackberries, coconut cream, and crushed pistachios. You’ll be licking your fingers clean.
Get the recipe: grilled peaches with blackberry coconut cream
10. Grilled Pineapple With Coconut Whipped Cream
One bite of this dessert will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation—even if you’re just in your own backyard. The pineapple is topped with chopped macadamia nuts and a hint of lime juice, adding another layer of taste and texture.
Get the recipe: grilled pineapple with coconut whipped cream
11. Grilled Banana Split
Warm, caramelized banana topped with creamy, homemade, vegan ice-cream is the ultimate summer treat. Pro tip: Add walnuts on top for a satisfying bit of crunch.
Get the recipe: grilled banana split
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