I Felt Guilty Skipping The Grill, But These 29 Vegan Labor Day Dishes Worked

Labor Day without the grill might sound like forgetting the fireworks on the Fourth, yet it somehow worked out. 29 plant-based dishes filled the gap so well, even the most devoted burger fans were distracted. Conversations got louder, plates got heavier, and nobody looked disappointed. It’s proof that tradition can bend a little without breaking the mood.

Close-up of several roasted sweet potato wedges on parchment paper, garnished with chopped herbs. — Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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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.

Skipping a grill doesn’t mean losing out on bold, hearty flavors. Ultimate Vegan Burger is stacked with all the components needed for a satisfying bite, making it perfect for gatherings. It holds well, feels filling, and pairs easily with any sides you like. Everyone loves how it delivers that satisfying burger experience without needing meat at all.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Smooth blended dips with rich flavors always work for group meals. Caramelized Onion Hummus takes a classic spread and adds just enough depth to make it stand out. It’s great with veggies, crackers, or even served as a sandwich spread for variety. Everyone loves how its simple upgrade keeps it different without being over the top.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

A white bowl filled with golden-brown fritters sits on a wooden board next to a small dish of red dipping sauce and a white cloth in the background. — Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Little bites with crispy outsides are always perfect for sharing. Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets make a fantastic party snack or side dish that everyone can enjoy. They’re easy to pair with dipping sauces, making them as versatile as they are fun to eat. Everyone loves how they pack texture and flavor into something so affordable and easy.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Smaller desserts are great when you need something quick and shareable. Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups nail that perfect balance between sweet and rich without feeling too heavy. They’re simple to serve and ideal when everyone wants just a little something extra after the main meal. Everyone loves how they combine two classic flavors into one easy-to-eat treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli

A white bowl filled with breaded and fried mushroom pieces, with a fork holding one piece above the bowl. — Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp bites paired with creamy dips always disappear fast at any table. Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli bring a pleasing crunch without feeling too greasy or filling. They’re a nice switch-up from typical sides and work great as appetizers too. Everyone loves how they upgrade snacking while staying simple and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Stack of red popsicles surrounded by sliced lemons and strawberries on a wooden surface with a basket in the background. — Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cool and refreshing desserts are perfect for group gatherings on warmer days. Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles combine a light sweetness with a burst of tartness that balances everything nicely. They’re easy to serve as a no-fuss dessert option when bigger desserts feel too much. Everyone loves how they keep things fun while being light and simple to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Egg Rolls

Crispy handheld bites are always a hit during casual meals. Egg Rolls provide the perfect balance of crunch on the outside and soft filling inside, making them great for parties. They pair easily with dipping sauces or can hold their own as a snack. Everyone loves how they’re portable, easy to share, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Guacamole

Creamy dips with bold flavor are must-haves for any gathering. Guacamole brings simple, fresh textures that pair perfectly with chips, bread, or even as a topping for your main dishes. It’s quick to pull together and serves as a reliable crowd favorite without much effort. Everyone loves how it blends rich and fresh flavors into an easy-to-share dish.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Bite-sized options that are crispy and plant-based work for all age groups. Vegan Chicken Nuggets are a great choice for a snack or even as part of a main meal with sides. They’re easy to serve, pair with sauces, and satisfy without relying on meat. Everyone loves how reliable they are when pleasing a mixed group of guests.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them. — Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cold noodles with light flavors make excellent quick meals for gatherings. Sesame Soba Noodles bring just enough balance between richness and freshness to serve as a main or side. They’re simple to portion out and work perfectly for larger group settings. Everyone loves how they feel light yet filling at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

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.

Refreshing dishes with a little kick always complement heavier plates. Spicy Cucumber Salad is cool and crisp, with just enough heat to make it stand out on the table. It’s a great side dish or even a light appetizer on its own. Everyone loves how it balances flavor without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Dairy Free Ice Cream

A gold spoon scoops a portion of creamy, pale vanilla ice cream from a glass bowl. — Dairy Free Ice Cream. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smooth frozen desserts are a simple way to end a meal or cool off. Dairy Free Ice Cream doesn’t skimp on flavor or creaminess, making it hard to guess it’s plant-based. It’s a great option for creating customizable bowls with toppings for fun at a gathering. Everyone loves how it brings the joy of dessert without needing dairy.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Ice Cream

Pico de Gallo

Fresh, light toppings that double as dips are always a win for parties. Pico de Gallo works just as well with chips as it does spooned over larger plates or wraps. It’s quick to make and sits well without requiring heating or complicated serving steps. Everyone loves how it adds simple, bright bursts of flavor to everything it touches.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds

A glass jar of granola spills onto a surface next to a white bowl filled with blueberries. — Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Balanced combinations of crunch and sweet flavors are great for morning or midday meals. Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds mixes light, fresh elements that work well on their own or added to other dishes. It’s easy to store and serve in small portions, making it ideal for snacking. Everyone loves how it feels light yet still filling enough to carry through a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds

Harvest Salad

Big fresh bowls with a mix of textures and flavors always have their place at group meals. Harvest Salad brings together hearty bites with lighter ingredients to create balance on the table. It’s a great dish to serve on its own or alongside heavier options for variety. Everyone loves how easy it is to customize and still keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Vegan Apple Pie

Close-up of a baked pie with a golden brown lattice crust, revealing a caramelized filling underneath. — Vegan Apple Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Turning a classic dessert vegan doesn’t mean leaving flavor behind. Vegan Apple Pie keeps the soft textures and sweet richness that everyone loves about the original while being plant-based. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for larger gatherings or special occasions. Everyone loves how it feels traditional yet fits a wider range of guests.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Pie

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme. — Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Roasted dishes with warm flavors are always crowd-pleasing options. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables combine soft textures with a little crispness for a delicious side dish. They’re simple to make in bulk and sit beautifully alongside mains on any table. Everyone loves how approachable and balanced they feel every time they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of a vegan chocolate chip cookie on a piece of parchment paper, showcasing its delightful texture and rich chocolate chips. — The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Soft-baked treats with hints of sweetness will always be a hit. The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies feel just as comforting and rich as the ones you grew up with, but they’re completely plant-based. They’re great for portable snacks or adding to dessert spreads at parties. Everyone loves how they prove classic cookies can work for any dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

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 sweet flavors with hearty textures makes for a perfectly balanced dish. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is filling, versatile, and works as a side or lighter main option. It’s easy to portion out for gatherings and pairs nicely with a variety of other dishes. Everyone loves how it blends different elements into something simple and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Colorful vegetable spring rolls with carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers, served with peanut sauce. — Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright, colorful rolls are an easy way to add freshness to a table. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls are packed with crunchy textures and pair perfectly with dipping sauces for variety. They’re easy to serve and feel as fun to eat as they are to look at. Everyone loves how they’re a lighter dish that still feels like you’re eating something fun.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

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.

Fresh bowls with simple but bright flavors make great additions to larger meals. Cucumber Tomato Salad is quick to make and pairs well with heavier dishes or works on its own as a refreshing bite. It’s also easy to adapt if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Everyone loves how it keeps things simple while adding a fresh option to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls

Bite-sized desserts are practical and always appreciated at gatherings. Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls offer a soft, tangy bite that’s easy to pop into your mouth without needing plates or utensils. They’re portable and fit nicely into dessert trays with other items for variety. Everyone loves how they’re both unique and easy to enjoy, no matter the setting.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Spicy plant-based snacking never goes out of style. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings provide that kick you expect from wings without needing meat, making them a great party staple. They’re easy to pair with dips for added variety and hold up great on a platter. Everyone loves how they bring bold flavor while being inclusive for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Refreshing bowls create a nice balance for heavier dishes at any meal. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad brings a mix of tangy and crisp flavors that work perfectly as a side dish. It’s a great way to add a unique twist to your table with minimal effort. Everyone loves how it combines a few simple ingredients into something that feels a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Strawberry Mochi

Strawberry ice cream with a slice cut out. — Strawberry Mochi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Small chewy desserts are an easy addition to bigger table spreads. Strawberry Mochi delivers soft, subtly sweet bites perfect for snacking or as a light, quick dessert. They’re fun to serve and add variety to your options without taking up too much space or effort. Everyone loves how they bring texture and an unexpected treat to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mochi

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Filling handheld meals that feel fresh and light are always a smart choice. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps combine hearty and flavorful layers into an easy-to-eat wrap that’s perfect for parties. They’re a great customizable option that pairs well with sides or stands alone. Everyone loves how simple they are while still feeling like something unique to share.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

A plate of tacos with red cabbage and cauliflower slaw. — Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Plant-based tacos with hearty textures can easily become the center of a meal. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos combine layers of flavor while keeping things simple and affordable. They’re perfect for group settings since everyone can grab and customize their own portion. Everyone loves how these tacos feel fresh but still satisfy cravings for something filling.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

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 salads with a mix of sweet and savory always feel refreshing. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad is an easy-to-make option that feels light while still offering bold contrasting flavors. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a lighter main for smaller meals. Everyone loves how it stands out on the table with its color and surprising flavor combo.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Hearty sides with crisp outsides and soft insides work with just about any main. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are easy to share, dip, or pile onto your plate for added comfort. They’re a simple way to make sure everyone has something filling and flavorful. Everyone loves how they’re always reliable without needing anything extra to shine.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges