Traditionally, BBQs are very meat-focused, but this collection of Top Vegetarian and Vegan BBQ Recipes has plenty of meat-free alternatives. Whether you’re catering for plant-based guests or just fancy mixing things up beyond the usual bangers and burgers, there’s plenty to pop on the grill that’s fresh, tasty, and crowd-pleasing. From meat-free mains to vegetarian and vegan skewers alongside delicious grilled vegetables and vegan side salads. For more al-fresco meat-free ideas, check out these Vegan and Vegetarian Picnic Food Ideas or this great collection of Summer Vegan and Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
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Why Meat-Free?
Meat, especially red meat, has a much higher carbon footprint than vegetables or grains. Building in some meat-free options can significantly help reduce this. Plus, meat-free options are often healthier and cheaper, as well as adding some great colour and flavour to your BBQ. For more info & tips on reducing your meat intake, check out my guide How to Eat Less Meat and More Plant-Based Foods.
Vegan & Vegetarian BBQ Mains
These vegan and vegetarian BBQ main courses are great meat-free alternatives and prove that meat-free is far from boring. Making your own veggie burgers and sausages also allows you to avoid UPF’s and are a budget-friendly option. Some of these recipes can be frozen so you can make a batch ready for your next BBQ.
These Red Kidney Bean Burgers or patties are quick, easy, and economical. They can be made ahead, freeze well, and the prep time is just 10 minutes, perfect for any BBQ!
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A lovely vegan burger made with cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, brown rice, and smoky spices combined and transformed into these hearty Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers
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Photo credit: https://thealmondeater.com
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or new to the plant-based scene, this vegan hot dog recipe is designed to help you nail it on the first attempt. You get to shape and steam these beauties yourself, perfect for your next BBQ.
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Photo credit: https://cinnamonsnail.com
These Red Bell Peppers stuffed with couscous are lovely cooked on the BBQ and make a filling alternative to a burger or sausage.
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This vegan seitan rib recipe is a delicious meat alternative. Make it in advance and grill it on your BBQ the next day.
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Photo credit: https://myquietkitchen.com
These Vegan Sausages are tender, flavourful, and packed with protein. Easy to make, they are a great vegan main event item for your BBQ.
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Photo credit: https://zardyplants.com/
Vegan BBQ Skewers
Skewers are perfect for the BBQ, and these vegan ideas are full of flavour.
Veggie Skewers made with courgette (zucchini), red onion, and bell peppers are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce.
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Photo credit: https://theforkedspoon.com
These marinated paneer cubes have a lovely smoky, tangy, spicy flavour and are perfect cooked on skewers on the grill or BBQ.
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Photo credit: https://vegbuffet.com
This easy souvlaki recipe uses tofu in place of meat. Just marinate, thread onto skewers, and grill.
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Photo credit: https://zardyplants.com
Grilled Vegetables on the BBQ
These BBQ grilled vegetable ideas are simple and will bring some lovely colour to your BBQ.
A simple but delicious recipe, asparagus spears are coated in olive oil and garlic and threaded onto skewers.
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Photo credit: https://www.fabfood4all.co.uk
I love this avocado recipe as a BBQ idea; just grill the avocados, then stuff with onions, tomatoes, and fresh pepper.
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Photo credit: https://inthekitch.net
This grilled beetroot recipe with cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese) will bring lots of colour to your BBQ.
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Photo credit: https://campgrilleat.com
This simple grilled corn on the cob recipe is perfect for any BBQ
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Photo credit: https://happykitchen.rocks
Enjoy these sweet potato slices grilled on the BBQ as a side or in a bread roll with some salad.
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Photo credit: https://www.therusticfoodie.com
Delicious Vegan Salads
Salads are an essential part of any BBQ, and these vegan salad options are bursting with colour and flavour and guaranteed to impress. They’re perfect for taking along to a party or potluck.
This is a great salad for taking to BBQs as it’s so colourful and sure to impress. The nutty texture of couscous combines with the sweetness and tanginess of dried fruits, spices, and fresh herbs to give a colourful and tasty salad in less than 15 minutes.
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A lovely salad with black-eyed peas tossed with garlic-ginger vinaigrette and fresh veggies. A great option for outdoor dining since it contains no dairy.
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Photo credit: https://senseandedibility.com
A chopped mango and avocado salad recipe is healthy, incredibly satisfying, and ready in just 15 minutes.
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Photo credit: https://www.mychefsapron.com
This vegan potato salad uses freshly boiled potatoes combined with olive oil, salt, pepper, spring onions, and chives for a light alternative to a traditional potato salad.
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Photo credit: https://thinlyspread.co.uk
Vegan BBQ Sauce Recipe
I couldn’t leave out a delicious homemade BBQ sauce recipe, a perfect accompaniment to a vegan or vegetarian BBQ.
Using simple vegan ingredients, this easy Korean BBQ sauce comes together in minutes and is loaded with big, bold flavours! It’s salty, tangy, lightly sweet, and sticky, and full of fresh ginger and garlic. Use it as a marinade or dipping sauce, the perfect accompaniment to your BBQ.
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Photo credit: https://myquietkitchen.com
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