Life

How to Have a Vegan Barbecue That Isn't Sad

Now that Memorial Day is here, grilling is (or should be) on all of our minds. It's easy enough to find your way around a cocktail list as a vegan, but the grilling line-up is where things get a little tougher. Just because you choose leafy greens over an overloaded hotdog doesn't mean you can't enjoy barbecue season as much as the next meat-eater. The recipes that follow are sure to grab the attention of the herbivores at this summer's get togethers, from BBQ tofu to grilled beet burgers. Bring on summer!

Image: Naturally Ella

by Erika Owen

Grilled Beet Burgers

Nestle this beet burger in a dark sourdough walnut bun, as Green Kitchen Stories suggests, or wrap the patty up in a cabbage leaf.

Image: Green Kitchen Stories

Portobello and Peach Burger

Green Kitchen Stories completely nails it with this savory/sweet combo. Mashed avocado and salsa take the place of ketchup and cheese — an easy switch-out, I’d say.

Image: Green Kitchen Stories

Simple Tortilla Pizzas

It may not be the most usual grill-out suspect, but this BBQ sauce-based pizza is easy to make and customize. Cookie and Kate give you a great starting point with their recipe — add different toppings to make it your own.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Homemade BBQ Sauce

Every BBQ starts with a zesty sauce. Make extra and hand it out as parting gifts for grilling buddies. Thanks, Oh She Glows!

Image: Oh She Glows

Over The Rainbow Cabbage Salad with Tahini-Lemon Dressing

This recipe from Oh She Glows packs in all of the nutrients you’ll need if you’re skipping out on the protein. Prepare this one beforehand and re-heat it on the grill for a smoky taste.

Image: Oh She Glows

Easy BBQ Tofu

A vegan barbecue wouldn’t be as such without a bit of tofu, and BBQ sauce gives everything a flavorful kick in this recipe from Oh She Glows.

Image: Oh She Glows

Honey Mustard Veggie Kabobs with Garlic Quinoa

The best part of this kabob recipe from Naturally Ella? You can take party-goers orders and add a customized spin to your menu. They’ll appreciate your attention to diet detail.

Image: Naturally Ella

Spicy BBQ Chickpea Burgers & Lightened-Up Crispy Baked Fries

This burger recipe from Oh She Glows holds a bit more moisture than the usual suspects, meaning it’ll hold up well on the grill. Get fancy with fixings like kale, pickled onion, and spicy pickles.

Image: Oh She Glows

Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw

If there were ever a recipe to keep far from your vegan friends, it would have to be mayo-loaded cole slaw. Cookie and Kate have you covered with a dairy-free version.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Black Bean Salsa

It’s not a barbecue until you bust out the chips and salsa. This black bean dip from Cookie and Kate will go quicker than it takes to whip up. Save any leftovers for vegan quesadillas all week long.

Image: Cookie and Kate

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Skip the chips with this spicy side dish from Pop Sugar. There’s just enough salt to counteract the spice and they’re easy enough to make for a crowd.

Image: GetSelfSufficient/Flickr

3-Layer Almond Coconut Chocolate Bars

There won’t be one person in attendance who won’t be all for these almond coconut chocolate bars from Oh She Glows (we promise it isn’t real chocolate).

Image: Oh She Glows

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