When you're a vegan who loves to host parties, planning Memorial Day barbecues and picnics can be tricky. It helps to have a mental backlog of vegan Memorial Day recipes that are delicious, healthy, and animal-friendly. Instead of using all that brainpower, make a list or save recipes on Pinterest. It can do wonders for mapping out the menu with ease and efficiency.
It doesn't even matter if your friends and family are vegan. These days, meatless dishes have evolved in a way that encompasses so much flavor, texture, and pizzazz. The brilliant minds of the internet can help you please your guests regardless of their dietary lifestyle.
If you don't want to host an all-vegan barbecue party, you can request that attendees bring animal products, if they'd like. There's a good chance these foods will involve hot dogs, burgers, and steaks. Be mindful of utensils, as some vegans may prefer that separate dishware is used. If this is the case, offer to cook the vegan food first, followed by the meat products.
Regardless, the simple act of offering vegan Memorial Day recipes can introduce non-vegans to the delicious world of chickpea burgers and cauliflower pizza. Yum.
Happy Memorial Day cooking!
1. Vegan Basil Pesto
Pesto is one of those game changer condiments that can add major flavor to your menu. This vegan pesto by Good Life Eats is an ideal companion for pasta, bread, or crackers. Take your pick!
2. Apple & Oat Biscuits
Make your sides vegan-approved with a batch of sweet apple and oat biscuits by Green Kitchen Stories. Extra points for being gluten-free, too.
3. Herby Picnic Potato Salad
Get the party started with this hearty herb potato salad by Green Kitchen Stories. There's even a generous dose of protein, thanks to the addition of chickpeas. Score.
4. Roasted Corn Black Bean Salad
For an easy side salad solution, try this roasted corn black bean salad from Ari's Menu. Between the roasted corn and lime juice, I have a feeling this one is bursting with tons of tastiness.
5. Marinated Carrot Dogs
Hot dogs are a must at any barbecue or picnic. But instead of serving those questionable preservative-filled lumps of meat, swap them out for flavorful, vegan-friendly carrot dogs. Quinoa, Kale, and Exhale has the low down.
6. Avocado Pasta
Instead of serving pasta made with Alfredo or store-bought jar sauce — both of which are full of sodium — go for a homemade avocado cream sauce. This recipe by Damn Delicious only takes 20 minutes to make. Win.
7. Creamy Vegan Herb Salad Dressing
Store-bought salad dressing is one of those sneaky condiments that vegans should keep an eye out for. However, thanks to this creamy herb dressing by Joy the Baker, your vegan guests won't have to think twice.
8. Celeriac, Mushroom, & Tomato Lasagna
Did you know you can swap out traditional lasagna noodles with celeriac, a root vegetable? This recipe by Green Kitchen Stories is an awesome way to try something new, especially if you're just starting a vegan diet.
9. Vegan Chili
An outdoor party isn't complete without a big ol' pot of chili. Make a hearty vegan recipe with some help from A Spicy Perspective.
10. Spicy Vegan Chili
Want to take things up a notch? Visit A Cozy Kitchen for a spicier version made with jalapeno peppers and tons of spices.
11. Vegan White Bean Chili
But wait, there's more! A Cozy Kitchen is at it again with a white bean chili, proving that this dish can be made in several different ways.
12. Southwestern Sweet Potato Burgers
Sweet potato is guaranteed to be a hit with your guests, regardless of the season or time of year. Make it the highlight of the menu with this Southwestern burger recipe by Good Life Eats.
13. Spicy Vegan Meatless Sauce
Looking for a way to spice up your pasta dishes? Visit Ari's Menu for a meatless sauce that your vegan friends will adore.
14. Green Pizza With Cauliflower Base
Thanks to the nature of pizza, it's one of the best party-friendly dishes you can ask for. This vegan version by Green Kitchen Stories features a cauliflower crust and zero cheese.
15. Green Chile Enchilada Sauce
Impress your guests with a homemade batch of green chile enchilada sauce, created by Ari's Menu. Use it for veggie burritos, tortilla chips, or a baked vegetable enchilada.
16. Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Black bean burgers are filling, easy to make, and a popular crowd pleaser. This version by Ari's Menu happens to be gluten-free, too.
17. Summer Pasta With Smashed Tomatoes, Peaches, and Mozzarella
Freshen things up with a pasta featuring tomatoes and peaches. Skip the mozzarella to make a vegan version. The sweet and savory flavors of this recipe by Green Kitchen Stories is a rad way to get those warm weather vibes going.
18. Mango and Jalapeno Guacamole
There's just something so good about mango in guac. Maybe it's the dash of sweetness, or maybe it's the combination with spices. Whatever it is, I'm into it. Make this vegan guacamole recipe with help from Joy the Baker.
19. Marbled Watermelon Popsicles
Cool down with a batch of homemade marbled watermelon popsicles by Green Kitchen Stories. It doesn't hurt that they're pretty to look at, too.
20. Watermelon Margaritas
Because... margaritas. Need I say more? Start summer off on the right foot with these delicious concoctions by Ari's Menu.
21. Vegan Chili Dark Chocolate Pudding
Aside from amazing alcoholic drinks, every barbecue needs some kind of dessert. Please your vegan guests with this unique chili dark chocolate pudding by Back To Her Roots.
Images: Good Life Eats; Green Kitchen Stories; Green Kitchen Stories; Ari's Menu; Quinoa, Kale, and Exhale; Damn Delicious; Joy the Baker; Green Kitchen Stories; A Spicy Perspective; A Cozy Kitchen; A Cozy Kitchen; Good Life Eats; Ari's Menu; Green Kitchen Stories; Ari's Menu; Ari's Menu; Green Kitchen Stories; Joy the Baker; Green Kitchen Stories; Ari's Menu; Back To Her Roots
