When it comes to vegan eats, planning a party can be tricky. For example, the concept of vegan Labor Day barbecue recipes seems like an oxymoron. It is easy to think that the word “barbecue” is synonymous for cheeseburgers, steak, and hot dogs. To be honest, this does not surprise me. It is no secret that the barbecue culture of America revolves around meat. Does this mean vegans should skip out on the Labor Day festivities? Of course not.
Instead, it presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with new ingredients and innovative methods. Eating a vegan diet does not have to be boring, bland, and tasteless. It comes down to knowing how to work with food in non-traditional ways. From cauliflower rice to tofu dressing, eating vegan is all about rolling up those sleeves and getting creative. It is time to get in touch with that inner chef, people.
This Labor Day is an excellent chance to exercise your vegan expertise. You might even impress non-vegan friends and family with your dishes. Fortunately, people are becoming increasingly adventurous when it comes to unique flavors and foods. To get you started, I have compiled a list of 20 vegan recipes that are ideal for celebrating the end of summer. Happy Labor Day!
1. Herby Picnic Potato Salad
It goes without saying that a barbecue isn't complete without a hearty potato salad. For a version that your vegan pals will adore, head to Green Kitchen Stories. I'm loving the idea of using herbs in this traditional party dish.
2. Creamy Vegan Herb Salad Dressing
While you're at it, whip up this brilliant tofu-based herb dressing by Joy the Baker. It's the perfect complement for salads, pasta dishes, and more. You can even use it as a dip for celery sticks or veggie chips.
3. Sweet Potato Pomegranate Crostini
Get fancy with a flavorful crostini recipe by Love and Lemons. The combination of pomegranate and sweet potato will double as a delicious preview of autumn's tasty flavors.
4. Kiwi Avocado Salsa Verde
Switch up your salsa game by adding kiwis to the mix. This summery vegan concoction by Love and Lemons will have your guests swooning all day long.
5. Avocado Peach Salsa
For another unique dip idea, try avocado peach salsa by Good Life Eats. It gives you a wonderful opportunity to savor those quintessential summer flavors. You might have to restrain yourself from eating this by the spoonful.
6. Baked Beet Chips
When it comes to parties, chips are prime snacking material. Take a tip from Naturally Ella and make baked beet chips. They're healthy, vegan, and free of mysterious preservatives.
7. Vegan Kale and Artichoke Dip
Pair those beet chips up with a savory kale artichoke dip from Love and Lemons. This recipe also works well as a spread for crackers or sandwiches. You can even serve it with pieces of bread for a simple yet delicious appetizer.
8. Oil-Free Avocado Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is another must-have for parties. This Labor Day, whip up this oil-free pasta salad by Fo Reals Life. It calls for avocado, lemon, and fresh herbs for a vegan-friendly dressing.
9. Marinated Carrot Dogs
Skip the hot dogs and make marinated carrot versions thanks to Quinoa, Kale, and Exhale. The marinade can even be re-used as a sauce for another recipe on your party menu. Win.
10. Avocado Pasta
To make a creamy pasta sauce without the extra salt and cholesterol, turn to Damn Delicious. She used avocados to make a simple and healthy sauce full of good-for-you fats. It only takes 20 minutes to make, too.
11. Vegan Smokey Mac and Greens
Who knew you could make a vegan "cheese" sauce with potatoes, sunflower seeds, and soy milk? It also calls for lemon juice and liquid smoke, offering a glorious marriage of flavors. Head to Fo Reals Life for the tutorial.
12. Spicy Lentil Vegan Sloppy Joes
Take sloppy joes for a vegan spin with Naturally Ella's spicy lentil version. With ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and chili powder, your taste buds will be in for a serious wake-up call.
13. Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl
In recent years, cauliflower has stolen the spotlight in the world of healthy foodies. It is amazing for creating a nutritious rice bowl, just like this version by Love and Lemons. Looking for a fun barbecue activity? Set up a cauliflower burrito bowl table and let guests DIY their meals.
14. Jackfruit Taquitos with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Jackfruit is another ingredient that has been causing quite the buzz. When cooked, it develops a similar consistency to meat. So cool. Try using it in taquitos with some help from Fo Reals Life.
15. Sweet Potato and Spinach Burrito
The almighty sweet potato is something special. It is extremely versatile, ridiculously nutritious, and pretty darn delicious. To use it in burritos, check out Naturally Ella's recipe. There is chipotle powder and lime juice involved, people.
16. Green Pizza with Cauliflower Base
Cauliflower makes another appearance as the "it" vegetable of healthy eats. Don't believe me? Head to Green Kitchen Stories to learn how to make a cauliflower crust pizza. You can easily make a vegan version by swapping out the eggs for the chia alternative listed. Oh, you fancy.
17. Curried Chickpea Avocado Salad Sliders
Sliders are easy to divvy up between people, making them an ideal party dish. In this recipe by Love and Lemons, you'll learn how to use chickpeas and avocado to make a flavorful batch of mini sandwiches. The best part is that you don't even need to turn on the oven. Just mix, chill, and serve.
18. Southwestern Sweet Potato Burgers
Sweet potato is at it again in a quick and easy recipe by Good Life Eats. The addition of white beans makes this meal full of protein and awesomeness.
19. Matcha Kale & Peach Smoothies
Wash everything down with a rich matcha kale peach smoothie by Love and Lemons. You can even freeze the smoothie mixture in an ice pop mold for a batch of homemade summer treats.
20. Orange Creamsicles
Orange creamsicles will always remind me of summer and sunshine. Luckily, Fo Reals Life figured out how to make these treats vegan. The secret is silken tofu, fresh oranges, vanilla bean, and agave. Yum.
Images: Green Kitchen Stories; Joy the Baker; Love and Lemons; Love and Lemons; Good Life Eats; Naturally Ella; Love and Lemons; Fo Reals Life; Quinoa, Kale, and Exhale; Damn Delicious; Fo Reals Life; Naturally Ella; Love and Lemons; Fo Reals Life; Naturally Ella; Green Kitchen Stories; Love and Lemons; Good Life Eats; Love and Lemons; Fo Reals Life
