I Made 23 Vegan Cookout Recipes So No One Felt Left Out

A summer cookout rolled around with 23 plant-based options, and suddenly, no one cared about what was missing. People mingled, plates piled up, and even the skeptics joined in. It was the kind of setup where everyone forgot to compare meals and just enjoyed what was in front of them. The grill wasn’t just hot, it was busy keeping up with the crowd.

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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Cucumber Peanut Salad

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

Not everyone expects something cool and fresh at a cookout but that is what sets Cucumber Peanut Salad apart. Crunch meets a quick bite that feels lighter than the rest of the usual grill line-up making it easy to share with anyone who wants to try something easy without much fuss. Conversations go well with this on the side or even as a main if you are keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut 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.

Sometimes friends just want something that fits with every plate, which is where Easy Cilantro Lime Rice ends up as a top choice. It’s good for filling up plates but never steals the spotlight so anyone can go back for seconds without it taking over the meal. The flavor works quietly with everything else out on the table. Rice like this always gets scooped up by anyone wanting an easy extra.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Easy Vegan Coleslaw. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Pick up something crunchy and crisp at any cookout and that instant interest usually comes from Easy Vegan Coleslaw. This one skips any heavy extras so everyone can pile it high or use it as a topping for burgers or even sandwiches. Clean flavors let it mingle with the rest of the menu. It draws a crowd when people want a break without feeling weighed down.
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.

When the chips come out, there is always someone reaching for dip and Guacamole never hangs around long enough to see leftovers. Laughter mixed with quick bites makes it a go-to every cookout no matter what else lands on the table. It works for everyone from the cautious to the bold. When this sits in the middle of the table, plates fill up fast.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Cabbage Salad

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

A change of pace keeps cookout plates interesting, so Cabbage Salad ends up right there every time for something easy to grab on busy buffet lines. People look for variety and this one brings just enough crunch without making things complicated. It tends to be loved by both regular guests and newcomers alike. People notice when there’s nothing left of it by the end.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

Grilled Zucchini

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

What is better than a quick char at a cookout that everyone can dig into together, especially when Grilled Zucchini is part of the mix. It’s something anyone with a plate can pick up and move on with sharper flavors right next to burger buns and salads. Guests often pair it with lots of other sides so nobody misses out. It’s quick to finish because everyone grabs at least one.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

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.

Some bring bold options to the table and Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is one that usually gets people asking for seconds. Hearty enough to please those looking for something more than just a side dish but still light enough to pair with anything from the grill. It has just the right bite that works with anything else that shows up for the meal. Few ever skip it once word gets out.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea 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.

When folks want something fresh with a little pop at every cookout, the answer is Pico de Gallo. Nobody gets left out at the party since this bowl is easy to share and pile on top of lots of main dishes without making a mess. Burritos, tacos, chips or salads all seem to work better once this one makes an appearance. The bowl usually ends up empty before anyone even notices.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

Everyone expects pasta at a cookout, but Vegan Pasta Salad makes it possible for all guests, especially when they need a vegan pick. It fits easily with everything else being served, so people keep coming back for more even as the meal keeps moving. There are no heavy parts, so it never takes focus away from the rest. The bowl is always light enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Caramelized Onion Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Chips and veggies sometimes need something more, and Caramelized Onion Hummus fills that gap without being too much. Anyone who tries a scoop usually comes back for another layer on their plate. Its rich texture blends in without taking over other dishes that come alongside. No one leaves the cookout table without at least dipping into it once.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

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.

Amongst all the grill options, a little kick is always welcome and that’s where Spicy Cucumber Salad grabs attention. It gives just the right punch to balance out bread-heavy plates or grilled bites. Guests who want something slightly different fill up bowls with it more than once. This side never stays in the fridge for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Onion Dip

Vegan Onion Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sharing brings everyone together, especially when bowls of Vegan Onion Dip are set out for group snacking. Each bite is smooth without any need for explanation, so even those new to vegan food take part easily. People keep chatting while dunking chips in without thinking twice. When vegan dip is on the menu it disappears every time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

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.

Someone always looks for a crunchy green salad, and Green Goddess Salad checks all the boxes with clean bites that cut through heavier dishes. Plates sit a little lighter once this bowl gets passed around. Its color stands out next to all the grilled foods. Whoever misses out ends up hearing about it all night.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

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.

Slices from the grill never go out of style and having a big platter of Grilled Vegetables lets everyone pick up something smoky without the wait. Friends who want to keep their meals simple still fill up. Plates pile up fast when these share space with burgers and buns. These always finish before anything else on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

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.

Something sweet at a cookout keeps things lively, and Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad does that while staying light. Guests who grab a scoop usually end up sharing a second with someone at the table. It works to break up the heavy stuff on the menu without any fuss. Fresh bowls like this vanish fast.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)

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

Those looking for a proper bite without gluten reach for Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free) time after time. Burger night fits everyone when there is a patty for every guest at the grill. Each burger lets vegans and non-vegans join in together. Often gone before any other option on the buns.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)

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.

Lighter grains on the table mean something for everyone, so Quinoa Salad becomes a regular choice especially for those not sure what to eat. It’s easy to scoop on the plate beside heartier fixes. Both kids and adults get into it each time. At the end of the night, it is almost always empty.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Marinara Pizza

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

Group cookouts work better with something for the pizza fans, so Marinara Pizza gets passed around for all to share. Each slice fits vegan needs without leaving anyone out. Even with classic toppings missing, people don’t miss a thing. Plates clear out faster when this is at the table.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Pizza

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

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

Looking for a protein kick but wanting something fresh brings everyone to Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu at group gatherings. People who skip burgers find themselves piling this onto their plates for something different. This dish keeps things interesting for anyone wanting a change at a cookout. It’s always mentioned when people talk about their favorites later.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

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.

No need to skip burger night when there is Copycat Impossible Burger on the grill since the look and feel bring everyone together. It lets all the guests feel included without much worry or questions about what’s inside. People go for seconds and forget it is different from what they expect. By the end nobody feels left out at the grill.
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.

Something familiar with a twist turns into Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad when mixed and put out at parties so that everyone joins in. Those grabbing main dishes find it easy to add this pasta right next to grilled options. Even picky eaters have something on their plate that feels like part of the meal. Pasta salad always vanishes early from the line.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta 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.

Sometimes, everyone just wants to try what the vegans are having, so Ultimate Vegan Burger becomes a talking point at every cookout. Guests build their own and get to experience burgers that surprise even the skeptics. The grill master gets asked for more before the meal ends. When this burger tags along there are no leftovers to wrap up.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

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.

Crunchy picks for sharing help people linger at the table, and Buffalo Cauliflower Wings fit the bill when folks want something with a kick. Passed around easily or plated up, these wings bring everyone in for another round. No one seems to care they’re not the original thing after the first try. At the end of dinner plates always seem to have disappeared.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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