From meaty portobellos to smoky grilled eggplant.
Summer grilling is the best — but for people avoiding meat and dairy, the options at cookouts can be pretty limited.
So we rounded up 16 summer grilling recipes that are completely vegan. From hearty cauliflower steaks to savory tofu skewers, these recipes prove that you don't need meat or dairy to host a killer cookout.
This recipe — made with zucchini, mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers — will turn even the biggest tofu haters into new fans. And they're make-ahead friendly! You can assemble the skewers ahead of time, stash them in the fridge, and take them out whenever you're ready to grill 'em.
Get the recipe: Grilled BBQ Tofu Vegetable Kebabs
Blanching the Brussels sprouts in boiling water before they hit the grill ensures they come out perfectly tender without charring too much on the outside.
Get the recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Serve these meaty portobellos on toasted buns, over a fresh salad, or all by themselves for a savory summer main that even meat eaters will love.
Get the recipe: Portobello Steaks With Avocado Chimichurri
4. Grilled Eggplant Salad With Mustard Vinaigrette
Two types of mustard (whole grain and Dijon) give the vinaigrette a bright punchy flavor — but if you want to make things easier, you can go ahead and use a store-bought dressing.
Get the recipe: Grilled Eggplant Salad With Mustard Vinaigrette
If you're looking for a homemade veggie burger that is sturdy enough to stand up to the grill, this is for you. They're compact enough to grill without tearing or falling apart — and they take just nine ingredients to make. A true win-win.
Get the recipe: DIY Veggie Burgers
Pro tip: When cutting the cauliflower into "steaks" a few florets may break off. Instead of throwing them away, just toss them in a bit of oil and throw them into a hot skillet to snack on as the steaks cook.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chipotle Lime Cauliflower Steaks
The natural sugars in the balsamic vinegar help the asparagus get nice and caramelized, a bit charred, and perfectly sweet.
Get the recipe: Balsamic Grilled Asparagus
Brushing the corn with the honey sauce one minute before it's done cooking gives it just enough time to caramelize and take on a wonderful smoky flavor. (Note: If you're avoiding honey, you can use maple syrup or agave as well.)
Get the recipe: Honey Garlic Corn on the Cob
9. Grilled Tofu With Spice Rub
You spice rub steaks and chicken, so why not do the same to tofu? This recipe uses a blend of coriander, paprika, and several other spices to give the tofu a ton of flavor. Serve it over salad, in between toasted slices of bread, or on top of rice or quinoa for a hearty meat-free dinner.
Get the recipe: Grilled Tofu With Spice Rub
Broccoli may not be the first thing you think of to throw on the grill, but it should be. The florets get nice and crispy and take on a subtle smoky flavor — perfect for pairing with bright flavors like lemon.
Get the recipe: Grilled Broccoli With Charred Lemon Parsley Sauce
A plethora of warming spices gives this eggplant a rich, slightly spicy flavor that takes the sleeper vegetable to a whole new level. Serve it with fresh lime wedges and cooked rice for the perfect summer dinner.
Get the recipe: Jerk Grilled Eggplant
This recipe calls for using fish sauce, but feel free to omit it or substitute it with low-sodium soy sauce to keep this recipe completely vegan.
Get the recipe: Grilled Cabbage Wedges With Spicy Lime Dressing
Quickly microwaving the cauliflower florets makes them easier to thread onto skewers without accidentally poking yourself. And if you're short on time, you can use a store-bought sauce in place of the homemade.
Get the recipe: Grilled General Tso's Cauliflower Kebabs
Grilling the potatoes in foil gently steams them to make sure they cook throughout without burning on the outside. This recipe uses red potatoes, but you can use standard russet varieties as well. (Just make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly.)
Get the recipe: Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes
This recipe calls for marinating the zucchini, so make sure to plan accordingly and get a head start in the morning. (You can even do this step the night before.)
Get the recipe: Grilled Zucchini With Garlic and Herbs
If you've never had grilled chickpeas before, you're seriously missing out. After grilling, they get smoky, slightly crispy, and a bit charred. This recipe stuffs them into ripe avocados for a light summery meal, but you could eat them all by themselves or toss them with fresh greens for a simple summer salad.
Get the recipe: Grilled Avocado Stuffed With Chickpeas and Tahini
Looking for more vegetarian recipe inspiration? Check out these posts:
• 42 Ridiculously Easy Vegan Recipes Anyone Can Master
• 14 Vegetarian Recipes That Won't Break The Bank
• 28 Comfort Food Recipes With No Meat Or Dairy
