I Made 23 Vegan Cookout Recipes And Even My Uncle Was Impressed

ByMandy Applegate

The family cookout got weird when nobody complained, especially the uncle who normally brings backup hot dogs “just in case.” With 23 options that didn’t lean on meat or cheese, people kept circling back like it was a buffet with a secret. No one missed anything, and that includes the nap afterward. Even the grill looked surprised by how little it missed the usual mess.

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.
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Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Easy Vegan Coleslaw. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy sides that are quick to make always come in handy at cookouts. Easy Vegan Coleslaw offers a mix of crunch and freshness that complements heavier main dishes. It’s a go-to for pairing with everything on the table and requires no complicated prep. Guests always find room for a scoop or two when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Guacamole

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

Dips that work with chips or as a topping are always a crowd favorite. Guacamole brings creamy texture with a simple mix of bright flavors that keeps it versatile. Whether used for snacking or adding to plates, it’s always gone before the meal finishes. Perfect for balancing heavier dishes at cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Cabbage Salad

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

Light, crunchy dishes make a great addition to any spread. Cabbage Salad provides a refreshing yet hearty option that pairs well with grilled items. It’s easy to prepare in large quantities and offers variety when the table gets crowded with other sides. A reliable choice that guests love piling onto their plates.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Close-up of a plate of rice garnished with chopped herbs and slices of lime.
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Simple side dishes with bold flavors make meals feel complete. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice adds a fresh kick to any plate without overwhelming the main dishes. It works well with grilled options or as a base for other toppings. Always a dependable complement to big cookout menus.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Unique combinations in cold salads keep things fresh for guests. Cucumber Peanut Salad mixes crunch and rich textures into a dish that feels light yet filling. It stands out next to standard cookout dishes and brings something different for people to enjoy. Perfect for changing up the usual menu without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

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

Hearty salads that can double as a meal make hosting easier. Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu blends tender textures with fresh elements for a dish that works for all diets. Its balance of flavors makes it perfect as a main or side option. Guests always love how filling this one feels without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Grilled Vegetables

A platter of grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, and red onions, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Adding smoky, charred sides to the table is always a smart move. Grilled Vegetables keep things simple, fresh, and easy to serve alongside just about anything. They’re quick to make and add a healthier option that complements the rest of the menu. A reliable choice for creating variety without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Vegan Pasta Salad

A wooden bowl filled with bowtie pasta mixed with roasted zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, and herbs.
Vegan Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cold pasta dishes are a must at any cookout. Vegan Pasta Salad blends textures, flavors, and just the right amount of crunch to feel substantial without being too heavy. It’s perfect to prepare ahead of time and brings balance to richer items on the table. Easy to transport and loved by everyone.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

Vegan Onion Dip

Vegan Onion Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dips always keep guests hanging out near the food table. Vegan Onion Dip brings a creamy, savory element to chips and veggies that feels indulgent but light. It’s easy to pair with almost any side and works for pre-meal snacking or alongside dinner. Guests will grab this in every round.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

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.

Simple salads can be just as popular as the mains when done right. Cucumber Tomato Salad brings a fresh, juicy mix that breaks up heavier items on the table. It’s easy to prepare and keeps its crisp texture even after sitting out for a while. A refreshing option, guests are always happy to see.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Marinara Pizza

A cooked and sliced marinara pizza.
Marinara Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Personal pizzas with bright toppings are an easy way to keep things fun. Marinara Pizza offers a crispy base and bold flavors without feeling too heavy. It’s perfect for quick servings and flexible enough to match any menu lineup. A crowd-pleaser that feels both simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Pizza

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.

Fresh fruit in a savory salad always gets people talking. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad combines unexpected flavors that balance each other in every bite. It’s light, colorful, and stands out next to more traditional options. Great for guests looking for something refreshing at the table.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta 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.

Bite-sized, spicy snacks are a hit wherever they go. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings bring heat and texture to the table without feeling too rich or greasy. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a simple dipping sauce. A solid starter that disappears quickly every time.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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.

Packed patties with rich textures never fail to impress at cookouts. Copycat Impossible Burger mimics the flavors everyone loves while keeping it plant-based. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the most skeptical guests. A main dish that feels indulgent but fits right into a vegan menu.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible 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.

Cool salads with a spicy twist bring a nice contrast to cookout classics. Spicy Cucumber Salad mixes crunch and heat in a dish that feels light and bold at the same time. It’s easy to prepare and matches well with grilled mains. Guests always grab this option when they want something refreshing but different.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)

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

Hearty burgers without the grill pack all the flavor into every bite. Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free) balances nutty textures with fresh toppings in a way that satisfies without being heavy. Perfect as a main or slider-sized option for picky eaters. Guests appreciate having a lighter choice they can still dig into.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)

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.

Fresh, chunky dips make a great addition to any spread. Pico de Gallo adds a burst of flavor that pairs well with chips, tacos, or as a topping for other dishes. It’s simple, quick, and easy for guests to scoop up while mingling. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both starters and sides.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

Dishes that combine grains and fresh flavors make healthy options fun. Quinoa Salad gives a mix of texture and light seasoning that holds up as a side or smaller main. It’s great for cookouts where variety matters and everyone’s plate looks different. Guests keep coming back to top it up.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

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.

Building a burger that feels fulfilling without meat is a win at any cookout. Ultimate Vegan Burger packs bold textures and flavors into a handheld option even non-vegans enjoy. It’s filling enough as the star of the meal but easy to pair with any side. A solid choice for grilling and impressing guests.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Combining hearty vegetables with tender toppings creates the perfect balance. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad brings depth to the table while staying approachable and light. It’s perfect for filling plates without overwhelming other options. A reliable recipe when variety is key at larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Grilled Zucchini

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

Charred, smoky veggies always pair well with the main spread. Grilled Zucchini keeps things simple while adding a fresh option to the lineup. It’s mild enough to blend with bold flavors but flavorful enough to stand solo. An easy win for those who want a lighter choice at the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Caramelized Onion Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy dips with bold flavors are a must for snacking. Caramelized Onion Hummus adds a rich, warm twist to the classic without overpowering other sides. It’s perfect for veggies, breads, or crackers displayed on the table. Easy to prepare and great for keeping guests munching.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

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.

Mixing grilled options into cold pasta creates a balance of flavors people love. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad feels both refreshing and hearty without being heavy. Its texture keeps it interesting alongside the rest of the meal. A perfect addition to any cookout you’re hosting.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

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