As the weather warms up, it’s time to embrace the grilling season. Dining outdoors and savoring the smoky flavors from the grill are some of the joys of summer.
Grilling is not only a delightful way to dine al fresco but also offers a variety of options for meals, even if you’re cooking solo.
There’s a vast array of spectacular plant-based dishes that can be created on the grill, including vegan burgers and “steaks,” vegetable-focused sides, grilled fruits, and vibrant salads.
So dust off the barbecue and let these summer grill recipes spark your culinary creativity.
Here are 21 tantalizing plant-based grilling dishes to try this summer!
Contents
21. Grilled Veggie Salad – Backyard BBQ Recipe
This dish is like summer served on a plate, making it a delightful main course for the warmer months. The blend of crisp lettuce leaves with Dijon-marinated blackened vegetables offers a fantastic contrast of flavors and textures.
Using seasonal garden-fresh veggies not only adds a burst of color and freshness but also enhances the nutritional value, making this meal a great way to increase your family’s enjoyment of nourishing plant-based foods.
The vibrant combination in this hearty mix is sure to please any palate, celebrating the best of summer’s bounty.
20. Grilled Watermelon and Honeydew Summer Salad
Grilled melon is a uniquely sweet and succulent treat, perfect for a summery side dish. This recipe showcases three different types of melon, each bringing its own distinct flavor and texture to the plate.
While white balsamic vinegar is a classic choice for enhancing the natural sweetness of fresh melons, you can easily substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
This simple adjustment makes the recipe versatile and adaptable to different tastes, ensuring that the grilled melons shine in this delightful dish.
19. Afghan Cauliflower and Tofu Tikka Kebab Veggie Skewers
That’s right, you might already be familiar with tikka from Indian cuisine and kebabs from Middle Eastern dishes.
Tikka typically refers to chunks of meat that have been marinated and then cooked by grilling or baking, while kebabs are meat dishes that might be skewered or not. These terms traditionally didn’t apply to vegetables or vegan ingredients, but I’m shaking things up with these
Afghan cauliflower and tofu tikka kebab skewers!
In this innovative take, the tikka marinade is a creamy, yogurt-based sauce, which can vary in spices from one culture to another.
While Indian tikka, especially from the Punjab region, is often robust and spicy, Afghan tikka is known for being milder—both less spicy and more subtly spiced.
This adaptation uses those principles to create a dish that’s uniquely flavorful yet suitable for a plant-based diet. It’s a delicious and creative way to blend these culinary traditions!
18. Simple to Make Grilled BBQ Tofu Vegan Kebabs
These Grilled BBQ Tofu Vegan Kebabs, slathered in a rich Bourbon BBQ Sauce, are not only saucy and tangy but incredibly flavorful. They’re easy to make and are packed with robust late summer vegetables.
This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, and can easily be made gluten-free.
As a BBQ enthusiast, I have a particular fondness for hearty vegetables that can hold up on the grill and absorb the delicious flavors of homemade BBQ sauce.
I often make a double batch of this sauce and freeze the extra so that I always have some on hand.
The sauce isn’t just for slathering on after grilling; it also serves as a fantastic marinade for these vegan tofu kebabs, infusing them with deep, smoky flavors.
These kebabs are a breeze to assemble and are the perfect dish for vegans and vegetarians at BBQs where meat typically takes center stage.
Prepare to impress your friends and family at your next gathering; these tofu kebabs are sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
17. Traeger Grilled Vegetables for Vegan Ranch
A barbecue isn’t complete without the smoky, savory addition of grilled vegetables. This recipe for grilled summer vegetables is designed to enhance any cookout, especially when prepared on a Traeger grill for that distinct smoky flavor.
After grilling, the vegetables are topped with a tangy lemon vinaigrette that perfectly complements their natural sweetness and smokiness.
For this particular recipe, we use a vibrant mix of zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and onions. These vegetables are ideal for grilling in a pellet grill, which helps to caramelize their natural sugars and intensify their flavors.
Of course, you can tailor this recipe with any vegetables you prefer; below, I’ll suggest some other great options.
Before grilling, simply coat your chosen veggies in a neutral oil like olive or avocado oil, season with salt and pepper, and place them in a grill basket on high heat.
The result is a batch of irresistibly sweet, juicy, and smoky vegetables that even the most reluctant vegetable eaters will enjoy.
16. Quick, Tender and Delicious Grilled Broccoli
You’re going to love this simple Grilled Broccoli recipe—it’s healthy, quick to prepare, and results in tender, deliciously charred broccoli. This dish makes a fantastic side for grilling sessions as well as a quick addition to any weeknight supper.
It’s also suitable for a variety of dietary needs, including Gluten-Free, Keto, Paleo, and Vegan diets. For those tracking, this post includes Weight Watchers points.
Today, let’s focus on Grilled Broccoli, but not just any grilled broccoli. This version is elevated with the addition of crunchy garlic, fiery chillies, and a zesty squeeze of lemon.
These three simple yet transformative flavors enhance the broccoli, making it a standout dish.
The combination of garlic and chili with broccoli creates a dish that’s healthy, quick to whip up, tender, and just slightly spicy—if you’re not a fan of heat, simply skip the chili. It’s lightly charred, bringing a smoky explosion of flavor with every bite.
Grilled Broccoli is not only a pleasure to enjoy while you’re standing around the barbecue during the summer, savoring the smoky aromas and waiting to fill your plate.
It’s also a versatile dish that brightens up fall gatherings, warms a cold winter night, and refreshes spring meals. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time and is equally delicious served hot or cold, making it perfect for any season or occasion.
15.
Imagine bringing the vibrant atmosphere of a Mexican market to your table with this Mexican Street Corn Salad. This dish captures the essence of the traditional smoky grilled elote but in a vegan-friendly salad form.
The corn is grilled to perfection, imparting a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with a tangy, creamy dressing, making it a standout dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering.
14. Healthy Grilled Vegetable Marinade With Lemon And Thyme
Elevate your summer grilling with this Healthy Grilled Vegetable Marinade featuring lemon and thyme. This marinade is not only bursting with fresh, zesty flavors but is also friendly for Paleo, Keto, low-carb, and Whole30 diets.
Use it to marinate a variety of vegetables before grilling to enhance their natural flavors and achieve delicious results that are as nutritious as they are tasty.
See more healthy paleo grill recipes!
13. Easy Vegan Flatbreads
These Easy Vegan Flatbreads are a delightful addition to any meal, combining simplicity with flavor.
Infused with garlic and herb ‘butter,’ these flatbreads are soft and versatile, perfect for pairing with curries, stews, or as a complement to your vegan barbecue. Cook them easily in a frying pan or over the grill for that extra touch of summer.
12. My Favouirite Roast Beetroot Falafels
Beetroot takes center stage in these vibrant and flavorful falafels, making them a must-try recipe this week. Roasted beetroot adds a sweet depth to the falafels, turning a classic into something uniquely delicious.
These falafels are perfect for a vegan roast dinner or as a nutritious snack throughout the day.
See more vegan roast dinner recipes.
11. Ultimate Beet Bean Veggie Burgers
For those seeking the ultimate in comfort food that’s both satisfying and health-conscious, these Vegan Beet and Kidney Bean Burgers are the perfect choice.
They combine hearty textures and rich flavors, offering a nourishing alternative to traditional burgers that doesn’t skimp on taste. Ideal for anyone looking for a delicious yet healthy burger experience.
10.
These Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes offer a fuss-free, delicious side dish that’s perfect for any outdoor cooking occasion, from backyard barbecues to camping trips.
With just four ingredients, these potatoes are easy to prepare ahead of time and can be cooked to perfection either on the grill or in the oven, ensuring a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any meal.
9.
This salad is a colorful medley of grilled eggplants, zucchini, and peppers, making it a perfect side dish for a Mediterranean-style barbecue.
Seasoned with basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil, it’s best when prepared a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the vegetables.
8.
BBQ Sweet Potatoes are a simple yet delicious vegetarian option for grilling season. Sweet potato rounds are brushed with BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, sweet side dish that’s both easy and healthy.
7. Veggie Fajitas with Grilled Mushrooms & Asparagus
Enjoy a fresh take on fajitas with this veggie version featuring grilled mushrooms, asparagus, red bell peppers, and onions.
These fajitas are not only vegan and gluten-free but can also be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them a quick and delightful addition to any cookout.
6. Best Vegan Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
These Grilled Portobello Mushrooms are marinated in a savory mixture of red wine vinegar and herbs before being grilled to achieve perfect char marks.
They serve as a fantastic vegan and gluten-free main course option, offering a meaty texture and rich flavor.
5. Veggie Kabobs With Halloumi – Delicious Vegan Recipe
Grilled Veggie Kabobs with Halloumi bring a burst of sunshine to your grill. Packed with delicious flavors and fun to make, these kabobs are a versatile dish that can serve as a side or a main course, delighting vegetarians and cheese lovers alike.
See also Shish Kabob Recipes.
4.
This Veg Kabab recipe transforms mixed vegetables into a delicious grilled delight. Vegetables are shaped around skewers and grilled to perfection, making them an irresistible starter or a special addition to any celebratory menu.
3.
Paneer Tikka is a beloved starter, where cubes of paneer, onions, and peppers are marinated in a spicy, creamy yogurt-based marinade, then skewered and grilled to impart a delicious smokey flavor.
Note: Paneer is not vegan, so for a vegan version, substitute with a vegan cheese or tofu.
2. Summer Vegan Grilled Corn On The Cob
Grilled Corn on the Cob is a summer essential. With years of grilling experience, this recipe offers perfectly grilled corn, providing a smoky, tender side that complements any barbecue spread.
1.
This Grilled Zucchini Flatbread, topped with goat cheese and rosemary, brings together simple ingredients for extraordinary flavor.
Ideal as a sophisticated appetizer or paired with a salad for a filling meal, this recipe is also a great way to use late-summer zucchini. Note: For a truly vegan version, substitute the goat cheese with a vegan alternative.
20+ Delicious Vegetarian and Vegan Grilling Recipes
21 Tasty Vegetarian and Vegan Grilling Recipes: Enjoy flavorful veggie options for your BBQ!
Ingredients
- Mexican Street Corn
- Grilled Vegetable Marinade
- Vegan flatbreads
- Roasted beetroot
- vegan beet and kidney bean burgers
Instructions
- Choose any vegan grilling recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best vegan grilling recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.