19 vegan BBQ recipes for a sizzling summer, from meat-free burgers to vibrant salads

Author: Rachel Smith

From hotdogs to fresh and flavoursome salads and sides, have a sizzling summer with these vegan BBQ recipes you can cook on the grill.


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From hotdogs to vibrant salads, have a sizzling summer with these vegan BBQ recipes.

When we think of barbecues, we often envision the classic scene of sizzling grills filled with meat. But who says vegans can’t enjoy this summertime tradition?

With a range of vegan-friendly ingredients like seitan and jackfruit, along with vegan salads, hosting a meat-free barbecue becomes a true celebration of summer flavours.

While it’s easy to pick up a packet of pre-made vegan burgers at the supermarket, if you want to impress your guests and put on a spectacular spread then we have the perfect vegan BBQ recipes for you here to try.

From succulent jackfruit ribs to hearty seitan sausages and charred potatoes, prepare to elevate your grilling game and indulge in an epic vegan BBQ feast.

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Vegan BBQ recipes for the grill

These marvellous meat-free recipes are perfect for cooking up on the grill! From classic burgers and sausages to vegan kebabs and plant-based steaks, these meat-free barbecue recipes will go down a treat.

1. Vegan Tofu Skewers with Mexican Rice & Roasted Sweet Potato

Deliciously vibrant and perfect for grilling, these Vegan Tofu Skewers with Mexican Rice and Roasted Sweet Potato are a must-have for your next barbecue. Marinated tofu cubes, colorful bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky and savoury experience.

Paired with fragrant Mexican rice and caramelised roasted sweet potatoes, this recipe is a tantalising fusion of flavours that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey.

Vegan Tofu Skewers with Mexican Rice & Roasted Sweet Potato

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2. Smoky Tempeh Burger with Black Beans and Mushrooms

Indulge in the ultimate plant-based burger experience with these Smoky Tempeh Burgers with Black Beans and Mushrooms. These mouthwatering patties, infused with rich smoky flavours, are perfect for grilling, resulting in a satisfying charred exterior and a juicy, protein-packed interior.

The combination of hearty tempeh, earthy black beans, and savoury mushrooms creates a burger that’s bursting with umami goodness. Whether you serve it on a bun with all your favorite toppings or enjoy it lettuce-wrapped, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any barbecue party.

Smoky Tempeh Burger with Black Beans and Mushrooms

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3. Vegan Cajun Seitan Steaks with Rice

Elevate your barbecue game with these realistically meaty Vegan Cajun Seitan Steaks. These succulent seitan steaks are generously seasoned with aromatic Cajun spices, creating a smoldering flavour profile that’s perfect for grilling.

With their hearty texture and robust taste, these seitan steaks hold up beautifully on the grill, developing a delightful char while remaining tender and juicy within.

Vegan Cajun Seitan Steaks with Rice

4. Lincolnshire Vegan Seitan Sausages

Get ready to savour the classic flavours of a traditional barbecue with these delectable Lincolnshire Vegan Seitan Sausages. These plant-based sausages are made from seitan for a meaty texture and infused with a savoury blend of herbs and spices, reminiscent of the beloved British favorite.

Perfect for grilling, these sausages develop a deliciously smoky exterior while maintaining a juicy center. Whether you enjoy them in a bun with all your favorite toppings or as a protein-packed addition to a hearty barbecue platter, these vegan sausages bring all the taste and satisfaction of their meat-based counterparts without compromising on flavour or texture.

Lincolnshire Vegan Seitan Sausages

5. Vegan Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Ribs

Experience the ultimate vegan barbecue delight with these Vegan Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Ribs. Tender jackfruit, marinated in a smoky barbecue sauce, perfectly replicates the texture and flavour of traditional ribs.

Grilled to perfection, these plant-based ribs offer a delightful combination of smokiness, tanginess, and sweetness. The jackfruit pulls apart beautifully, creating a satisfyingly meaty texture that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply looking to diversify your barbecue spread, these jackfruit ribs are a mouthwatering main that will impress even the most devoted meat lovers.

Vegan Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Ribs - vegan barbecue recipes

6. Vegan Jerk Seitan Skewers

Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with these irresistible Vegan Jerk Seitan Skewers. These vegan skewers feature tender seitan chunks marinated in a bold and spicy jerk seasoning, perfect for grilling to achieve a charred and smoky finish.

With a fiery blend of aromatic herbs and spices, these skewers deliver a mouthwatering heat that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a vegan barbecue or simply seeking a taste of the exotic, these jerk seitan skewers bring a burst of Caribbean flavours to your grill, making them a standout dish at any summer gathering.

Vegan Jerk Seitan Skewers - vegan barbecue recipes

7. Easy Vegan Tofu Kebabs

Add a burst of colourful goodness to your barbecue spread with these Easy Vegan Tofu Kebabs. These vibrant kebabs feature marinated tofu cubes, accompanied by a medley of fresh vegetables, all threaded onto skewers for a delightful grilling experience.

The tofu absorbs the flavours of the marinade, resulting in a savoury and tender bite with a subtle smoky char. With the combination of juicy bell peppers, courgette, and red onions, these kebabs offer a delightful balance of textures and flavours. Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear from the plate, these tofu kebabs are a guaranteed hit.

Easy Vegan Tofu Kebabs - vegan barbecue recipes

8. Chargrilled Celeriac Steaks with Salsa Verde

Introduce a unique and delightful addition to your vegan barbecue with these Chargrilled Celeriac Steaks with Salsa Verde. Thick slices of celeriac are transformed into meat-free steaks on the grill, boasting a tender interior and a beautifully charred exterior.

Topped with a vibrant and tangy salsa verde, made with fresh herbs, capers, and lemon, these steaks offer a refreshing and zesty contrast. The combination of the smoky celeriac and the herbaceous salsa verde creates a sensational flavour pairing that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Chargrilled Celeriac Steaks with Salsa Verde - vegan barbecue recipes

9. Vegan BBQ Sweet Potato with Spicy Chutney

Indulge in a delightful balance of sweet and spicy with these BBQ Sweet Potato Skewers with Spicy Chutney. Tender chunks of sweet potato are infused with smoky barbecue flavours as they grill to perfection, resulting in a temptingly caramelised exterior.

The accompanying spicy chutney adds a subtle kick with its blend of heat and tanginess. Together, these skewers offer a harmonious combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone treat, these BBQ sweet potato skewers with spicy chutney are a must-have in your vegan barbecue repertoire.

Vegan BBQ Sweet Potato with Spicy Chutney

10. Tempeh Shish Kebab

Featuring marinated tempeh, colourful bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, these skewers are perfect for the barbecue. The tempeh absorbs the tangy and savoury marinade, resulting in a tender and robust bite.

Grilled to perfection, these kebabs offer a satisfying blend of textures and cook beautifully in the grill. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a delicious addition to your vegan feast, these tempeh shish kebabs bring a burst of flavour and protein to your barbecue spread.

Tempeh Shish Kebab

Vegan BBQ sides and salads

One of the best things about any barbecue is all the delicious sides we get to enjoy along with our grilled mains. From refreshing salads filled with crunchy vegetables to bite-sized delights, these vegan-friendly sides are a must-have at any summer party.

11. Vegan Curried Cauliflower with Sultanas and Cashews

This side dish features tender roasted cauliflower florets coated in a fragrant blend of curry spices, creating a harmonious balance of heat and aromatic flavours. With each bite, the cauliflower releases a delightful burst of textures and flavours, making it a delicious and nutritious side salad option.

Vegan Curried Cauliflower with Sultanas and Cashews - vegan barbecue recipes

12. Vegan BBQ Broccoli Wings

Add a touch of creativity and wholesome goodness to your veggie barbecue with these Vegan BBQ Broccoli Wings that make a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional wings.

Coated in a delectable barbecue sauce, these crispy baked broccoli florets offer a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours. The tender inside and crispy outside create a satisfying texture that will have everyone reaching for more.

Vegan BBQ Broccoli Wings - vegan barbecue recipes

13. Vegan Kale, Cannellini Bean and Sundried Tomato Salad

Robust kale leaves are tossed with creamy cannellini beans, tangy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lemon dressing, creating a medley of flavours and crunchy textures in this high-protein side salad.

This nutrient-packed salad offers a delightful combination of earthy, citrusy, and creamy elements, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled dishes. Its vibrant colours and refreshing taste make it a standout addition to any barbecue, adding a burst of freshness and wholesome goodness to your plate.

Vegan Kale, Cannellini Bean and Sundried Tomato Salad

14. Vegan Greens and Beans Salad

This vibrant salad combines tender green beans, crisp sugar snap peas, and nutrient-rich spinach, all tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad not only adds a burst of freshness to your barbecue spread but also provides a nutritious and satisfying complement to the main dishes.

15. Vegan Pink Pickled Turnip and Lentil Salad

Crisp and vibrant pickled turnip slices are combined with hearty lentils, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing, to bring a unique blend of flavours and textures to your barbecue spread.

The tanginess of the pickled turnip complements the earthy lentils, while the herbs add a burst of freshness. This salad not only adds a pop of colour to your plate but also offers a refreshing and palate-cleansing element to balance out the richness of grilled dishes. It’s a flavourful and nutritious addition to any barbecue spread.

Vegan Pink Pickled Turnip and Lentil Salad

16. Vegan Freekeh Salad

Nutty and chewy freekeh, a roasted green wheat, is paired with a colourful assortment of roasted vegetables, such as peppers, courgette, and cherry tomatoes.

Tossed in a zesty dressing, each bite delivers a hearty and nourishing experience. The robustness of the freekeh and the roasted vegetables make this salad a substantial and nutritious addition to your barbecue, bringing a much-needed burst of colour and freshness in the warm weather.

Vegan Freekeh Salad

17. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and Ranch Mayonnaise

Get ready to spice up your summer gathering with this deliciously bold and vegan-friendly twist on a classic favourite. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, delivering a fiery kick with every bite.

Paired with a creamy and tangy ranch mayonnaise, this dish offers a perfect balance of hot and cooling flavours. The crispy and flavourful cauliflower bites provide a satisfying alternative to traditional buffalo wings, making them a crowd-pleasing option at barbecues.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and Ranch Mayonnaise

18. Italian Rice Salad

Bring a taste of Italy to your barbecue with this vibrant and satisfying vegan rice salad that will leave everyone craving another bite. Bursting with flavours, this salad combines cooked rice with an array of colourful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, peppers, and olives.

Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, this salad offers a refreshing and tangy taste that perfectly complements grilled dishes. The combination of the tender rice, crisp vegetables, and savoury dressing creates a harmonious medley of textures and flavours.

Italian Rice Salad

19. Potato Salad With Lemon & Herbs

No barbecue is complete without a big bowl of potato salad to dig into! This zingy take on this classic barbecue side features creamy and tender potato chunks are dressed in a zesty lemon and herb dressing.

This vegan potato salad is one of the most delicious vegan barbecue recipes, and will surely become a summer favorite.

Potato Salad With Lemon & Herbs - vegan barbecue recipes

Now you’ve got your vegan barbecue recipes sorted, here are some refreshing vegan ice cream recipes

Photo © Jenifoto via Adobe Stock

Written by

Rachel Smith

Having launched the brand's digital presence in 2015, Rachel shares her love for animals and the planet through her work as Vegan Food & Living’s Digital Editor. As a passionate vegan for over ten years, Rachel loves creating delicious vegan dessert recipes for her award-winning blog, Rawberry Fields. Rachel's recipes and photography have been featured in numerous international print and digital publications including the Daily Mail, Huffington Post, Thrive, and Buzzfeed. You can follow Rachel at @rawberryfields

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