I Kept It Chill And Still Impressed With 19 Vegan Cookout Recipes

There was no frantic prep, no last-minute scramble, just food that worked and people who actually noticed. With 19 vegan cookout wins in the mix, the table looked full and the grill didn’t own the whole day. Everyone found something they liked, without the usual back-and-forth of “What even is this?” It turns out you can skip the stress and still end up being the one people thank.

Close-up of baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings coated in orange sauce, scattered on a cooling rack, with a glass jar of sauce beside them. Garnished with chopped herbs.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.
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Green Goddess Salad

A close-up of a plate with bright green guacamole, chopped vegetables, and tortilla chips on the side.
Green Goddess Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Packed with fresh ingredients, this salad is built to impress during any gathering. Green Goddess Salad has a balance that makes it work as a side dish or even its own centerpiece. It’s easy to throw together, yet it feels upgraded with its creamy dressing. Whether guests go big or small, they’ll find themselves coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Caramelized Onion Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Caramelized onions add so much depth to this hummus that it stands out among others. Caramelized Onion Hummus brings a rich and smooth texture that pairs with anything from chips to veggie sticks. It’s a simple spin on a classic spread that feels like an upgrade. Sharing this at a cookout is bound to make people ask how you made it this good.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Cucumber Peanut Salad

A bowl of chopped cucumber salad mixed with nuts and fresh herbs.
Cucumber Peanut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Combining crunch with a touch of creaminess makes this a standout choice. Cucumber Peanut Salad fits great into menus where bold flavors meet simpler options. Perfect on its own or alongside other plates, it’s got enough edge to get noticed. The mix of textures ensures it doesn’t get overlooked at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini slices garnished with chopped herbs on a light-colored plate.
Grilled Zucchini. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Charred edges bring texture and a fresh flavor to this cookout addition. Grilled Zucchini is straightforward while capturing that hot-off-the-grill vibe everyone loves. It’s perfect as a side or in a larger spread, letting the ingredients shine without much fuss. A great choice if you need something simple but memorable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This recipe is great for cookouts where variety is key. Quinoa Salad offers a mix of textures that work well alongside grilled meals or on its own. It’s packed in a way that feels both filling and light, perfect for those not eating meat. You’ll be surprised how often people might ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños with a spoon inside, next to a lime and tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp and vibrant, this mix is a must at any summer gathering. Pico de Gallo delivers a freshness that works with chips, burgers, wraps, or just a spoon on its own. It’s easy to make but feels like an essential addition that balances heavier items. Keep it front and center on the table, and it’ll disappear faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Combining texture and protein makes this dish shine at any outdoor meal. Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu is ideal for mixing up flavors while showing off something totally plant-based. It’s filling without being heavy and plays well with grilled foods in a way you’d probably never expect. A solid choice for feeding a mixed crowd.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Guacamole

Close-up of guacamole on a tortilla chip, showing a textured mixture of avocado, herbs, and spices.
Guacamole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Always a party staple, this creamy dish pairs with nearly everything around the table. Guacamole is simple but still brings a punch to chips, veggies, or wraps. It’s a no-effort recipe that never gets old and stands out with any gathering. Big bowls of this are guaranteed to be gone by the end of the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Clean and refreshing, this mix works when you need an easy addition to your plate. Cucumber Tomato Salad offers crunch and juiciness, making it the kind of recipe you can serve again and again. There’s nothing overly complicated about the flavors, but sometimes that’s where it really shines. Set it out, and nobody will skip.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Copycat Impossible Burger

Close-up of a burger with a plant-based patty, lettuce, and sauce in a bun.
Copycat Impossible Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing the plant-based switch, this burger is for guests curious about meatless options. Copycat Impossible Burger closely mimics what people crave without using meat at all. It’s sturdy as a centerpiece in any cookout spread and holds up perfectly to toppings. Everyone from longtime vegans to skeptics will find reasons to enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and seasonings in a white bowl.
Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Combining charred vegetables with pasta makes this one stand out more than a basic salad. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad feels filling without being heavy, and the mix of textures from the grill brings something special to the table. It’s great for both as a side or something bigger on someone’s plate. Easy to share, hard not to finish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Vegan Onion Dip

Vegan Onion Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This dip has the kind of appeal that works for chips or raw veggies. Vegan Onion Dip feels indulgent without skipping plant-based choices, making it a smart addition to any spread. It’s got enough smoothness and texture to keep people snacking endlessly. Serve it once, and it’s likely you’ll be asked for more.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

A plate of watermelon salad with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves, served with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sweet and savory come together with this dish bringing balance to bold flavors. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad is perfect for grilling season when you want something refreshing yet slightly fancy. It doesn’t feel overcomplicated, but it’s memorable enough to make people comment on how different it is. It might surprise me how quickly it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Vegan Chickpea Burger (Gluten-Free)

Vegan Chickpea Burger (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Perfect for meeting needs like plant-based or gluten-free without skipping flavor. Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe uses natural ingredients to create a burger that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s simple, full of texture, and fits well alongside traditional cookout choices. Anyone eating this will walk away feeling content and happy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger (Gluten-Free)

Cabbage Salad

Cabbage salad in a white bowl with chips in the background.
Cabbage Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Crisp and crunchy, this dish holds its own at any outdoor setup. Cabbage Salad brings flexibility whether paired with heavier meals or eaten solo. It’s an easy kind of choice that fits into various spots on a cookout table, offering texture without stealing the show. No matter who’s eating, this one seems to match nearly all preferences.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Easy Vegan Coleslaw. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Taking the classic side dish and giving it a plant-based update makes this stand out. Easy Vegan Coleslaw pairs up easily with grilled meals, burgers, or even added to wraps. It’s quick to whip together while still delivering a comforting texture. This recipe proves you don’t need heavy ingredients for something everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Ultimate Vegan Burger

A close-up of a plant-based burger with layers of creamy sauce, sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a brioche bun.
Ultimate Vegan Burger. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A go-to for grill season, this burger serves up that plant-based charm big time. Ultimate Vegan Burger holds up strong against traditional options with good structure, bite, and everything you need for piling on toppings. No fancy tricks here, just solid grilling and something people consistently want more of. It really makes a great impression.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bringing boldness to fresh ingredients, this salad stands apart from lighter options. Spicy Cucumber Salad gives that bit of kick that takes it beyond standard choices at a cookout. It’s easy to share and sparks plenty of conversation with how well it contrasts basic veggie sides. Whoever tries it will likely become a fan by their first bite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Close-up of baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings coated in orange sauce, scattered on a cooling rack, with a glass jar of sauce beside them. Garnished with chopped herbs.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Offering something new to the classic grilling setup, these pack in flavor without the meat. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are just as bold as you’d expect, giving guests something they might not have thought to try before. Perfect for sharing, these are always quick to disappear. You might not even get seconds before they’re completely gone.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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