I Just Wanted Compliments So I Made 23 Vegan Cookout Recipes

The trick to a cookout isn’t just having enough food, it’s having food people won’t stop talking about. With 23 vegan recipes lined up, the conversation shifts from “who brought what” to “how did they pull this off.” That’s when guests start hovering suspiciously close to the serving table. No one leaves without dropping at least one compliment.

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

Easy Vegan Coleslaw. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or loading it onto sandwiches, Easy Vegan Coleslaw is always a crowd-pleaser. It has a great balance of crunch and creaminess, making it versatile for any meal. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to throw this together, yet it leaves an impression. This dish holds its own at any gathering and keeps people coming back for seconds.
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.

Nothing beats the simplicity and freshness of Guacamole. It’s easy to mix up, and it rarely sticks around when set out as a dip or spread. People love it because it’s such a classic that works just as well for snacking as it does for topping your favorite dishes. Once you start making it yourself, you’ll never feel the need to grab store-bought again.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Cabbage Salad

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

With a crunchy texture and a balanced, fresh-tasting mix, Cabbage Salad is super flexible for any mealtime. It pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes or stands alone as a main. Even people who don’t usually gravitate toward cabbage often enjoy this option. It’s light, quick to prepare, and excellent for sharing.
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.

When you need something fresh and easy to pair with different dishes, Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is the way to go. It has just the right balance of brightness and simplicity. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, veggies, or beans, it adds a refreshing touch to the meal. You’ll love how fast this comes together with minimal effort.
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.

For something with a refreshing crunch and a touch of nutty goodness, try Cucumber Peanut Salad. It’s unique enough to stand out at a potluck but still quick to whip up. This option is perfect for those who want something light that’s big on texture. It’s a go-to when you want something quick and interesting.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Caramelized Onion Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Serving Caramelized Onion Hummus is a guaranteed way to get people talking at the table. This twist on a classic dip adds richness that’s hard to resist. It pairs perfectly with veggies, pita, or as a spread in wraps. Once you make it yourself, you’ll realize how much better it is than anything store-bought.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

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.

Whether you’re having it as a side or a fresh snack, Cucumber Tomato Salad is always a hit. Its simplicity lets the main ingredients shine without overwhelming anything else on the table. It’s light and fresh enough for any meal but flavorful enough to stand out. This is one of those dishes that never fails to please a crowd.
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.

Making your own Copycat Impossible Burger at home is easier than you might think. It’s hearty, satisfying, and holds up well on the grill or stovetop. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to recreate that restaurant-quality experience. You’ll feel good knowing exactly what went into this burger with all the taste you expect.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

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.

With its bright and fresh mix, Pico de Gallo adds something extra to your chips or mains. It’s one of those simple options that packs a surprising punch. No fancy tricks are required, just fresh ingredients used the right way. Whether it’s for topping tacos or scooping with chips, it’s a must-have for any spread.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

If you’re looking for a great starter or snack, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the way to go. They’re spicy, crispy, and perfect with your favorite dipping sauce. People who’ve tried these know they’re not just for vegans; everyone seems to love them. You can enjoy these as an appetizer or make them the star of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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.

When you want a salad that’s fresh and creamy, try Green Goddess Salad. Its balance of texture and herby goodness makes it stand out on any table. This option works well as both a main or a side depending on how you serve it. It’s the kind of dish that keeps people asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Grilled Zucchini

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

You can’t go wrong with Grilled Zucchini when you need a simple yet tasty vegetable dish. It pairs well with almost anything and comes together with very little effort. Throw it on the grill and enjoy how versatile and easy it is to prepare. It’s a great way to use up zucchini while making it shine.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

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 and sweet meets savory in Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad, making it a fun option for any occasion. It’s super refreshing and works well as a side or dessert. The way the ingredients come together creates something you don’t usually expect. It’s a great dish for keeping things light and interesting.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Marinara Pizza

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

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic like this. Marinara Pizza keeps things simple but delivers big on taste. The rich sauce paired with a crisp, golden crust creates a familiar comfort that never gets old. It’s a solid option for anyone craving pizza, whether sticking to plant-based choices or just wanting a timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Pizza

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.

Packed with all the things that make a salad worth eating, Quinoa Salad is far from boring. It’s got everything you’d want in a side dish and works as a light meal on its own. The balance of textures plays a big part in making it a standout. Whether at a cookout or meal-prepping for the week, this one fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa 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.

Few things beat a solid batch of Grilled Vegetables cooked just right. They’re smoky, tender, and always a crowd-pleaser. You don’t have to overthink it to get great results, which is why they’re such a hit. Toss these on as a side, and you’ll never regret it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

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.

This one’s perfect for those who like heartier salads. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad packs a lot into one bowl with its mix of flavors and textures. It’s a nice mix of cozy and fresh, so it really stands out. Whether on the table or meal-prepped for later, it holds up well and tastes great.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea 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.

Burgers at a plant-based cookout don’t have to be second-rate, and Ultimate Vegan Burger proves just that. It’s hearty, stacks well, and doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re missing something. Put your favorite toppings on, and it’s game on. This recipe sets the bar for any other burger on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan 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.

Pasta salads are a classic, and Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad takes it up a notch. The grilled vegetables add a smoky layer that balances perfectly with the pasta. It’s good at room temperature and makes a solid addition to any get-together. Bonus: leftovers hold up for next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)

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

Being gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to compromise on a proper burger. Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe handles all the big burger vibes, but made to suit almost anyone at the table. It’s got the texture, the bite, and pairs well with any sides you’ve got. This is a solid fallback when you need something everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)

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.

If you need a quick dish that isn’t heavy, Spicy Cucumber Salad brings something refreshing to the lineup. It’s got just the right amount of heat to keep it interesting. The crisp texture keeps it light and perfect for mixing with any meal. Anyone who’s a cucumber lover will want more than one helping.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Onion Dip

Vegan Onion Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dips are a staple for any gathering, and Vegan Onion Dip doesn’t disappoint. It’s a great choice for chips, veggies, or even slathering on a sandwich. People won’t believe how good this plant-based version tastes at first try. Quick to whip up, it’s a go-to that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

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.

There’s always a spot for a simple and crowd-friendly dish like Vegan Pasta Salad. It’s versatile enough to fit with any type of meal, and you can prep it ahead of time. The texture and mix-ins come together really well for something so easy to make. Even picky eaters will probably grab a scoop or two.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

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