I Played It Smart With 23 Vegan Cookout Recipes This Year
The backyard was full, the grill was on, and nobody even noticed the menu was all plant-based. These 23 reliable cookout options kept the vibe fun without any awkward swaps or last-minute fixes. They were easy to plate, simple to serve, and actually made things smoother instead of harder. Honestly, not doing too much might’ve been the best move.
Easy Vegan Coleslaw
Coleslaw is always a go-to with its crunchy texture and creamy feel, but Easy Vegan Coleslaw steps it up without dairy. This version works well at any cookout, pairing perfectly with burgers and sides. Even people who don’t usually like coleslaw enjoy this vegan twist. It’s a crowd-friendly dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw
Pico de Gallo
There’s something refreshing about a fresh salsa, and Pico de Gallo never fails to deliver. It’s simple but adds bold flavor to almost anything on your plate, from chips to burgers. The finely-chopped mix makes every bite fresh-tasting and enjoyable for outdoor gatherings. You can always count on it being emptied quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Cabbage Salad
Crunchy cabbage brings both texture and a pleasing bite, and Cabbage Salad proves how versatile cabbage can be. It is light but filling, making it a great option when paired with heavier dishes. Whether served in bowls or shared down the table, it offers something different to the cookout lineup. This remains a guaranteed favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad
Vegan Onion Dip
Dips are a staple, but Vegan Onion Dip offers a creamy and savory twist suited for plant-based eaters. It’s smooth and has a depth that’s hard to resist when served alongside chips or veggies. People quickly notice it’s vegan but recognize how much flavor stands out. Watching it disappear from the table is almost expected.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip
Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad
Combining grilled vegetables with pasta is always a crowd-friendly choice, and Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad takes that idea full circle. The smokiness of the grilled veggies pairs well with the pasta. It’s hearty enough for a main dish but works as a dependable side too. You’ll see it blend into every plate at the party.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad
Marinara Pizza
Pizza at a cookout never feels out of place, especially Marinara Pizza with its simple yet bold flavor. It’s vegan-friendly but holds up against any pizza that includes extra toppings. The perfection of its texture makes it appealing whether people are vegan or not. It’s often the first tray emptied on the serving table.
Get the Recipe: Marinara Pizza
Cucumber Peanut Salad
Cool cucumbers with a mix of crunch make Cucumber Peanut Salad an interesting side. It’s unique enough that guests start noticing it’s not the average cucumber dish. The peanut pairing adds a layer of contrast that’s enjoyable without being overpowering. It’s a refreshing dish that earns its place on summer tables.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad
Ultimate Vegan Burger
Burgers are essential at any cookout, so Ultimate Vegan Burger stands out as a reliable choice. It holds together well on the grill, making flipping easy and keeping everything intact. The balance in texture feels just right, whether it’s served plain or stacked with toppings. Guests are often impressed by how satisfying it is.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger
Green Goddess Salad
Fresh greens get a new life with Green Goddess Salad that brings everything together in a creamy mix. It’s always light but has a certain richness that feels perfect next to grilled dishes. This salad has an appeal that works on both slightly empty plates and overstuffed ones. It’s the type of bowl everyone can appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad
Caramelized Onion Hummus
Everyone loves dipping snacks at parties, and Caramelized Onion Hummus gives them a reason to stick nearby. The sweetness of the onion works incredibly well, adding depth to the hummus. It always pairs well with chips or veggie sticks while being flavorful enough to eat on its own. Expect it to become a centerpiece for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Cool cucumbers with a kick make Spicy Cucumber Salad more memorable than your average cucumber dish. The spice boosts its profile without overwhelming the freshness. It’s simple yet stands out among heavier dishes at the table. Guests usually start piling more onto their plates once they notice its balanced flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad
Grilled Vegetables
No cookout feels complete without veggies on the grill, and Grilled Vegetables meet that expectation perfectly. Their smokiness fits into almost any plate at the table. You can serve them as a main element or share them as a colorful side. Either way, the combination of flavors makes them hard for anyone to pass up.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa adds a unique element to a cookout spread, and Quinoa Salad proves how versatile it can be. The texture feels unlike typical sides while benefiting from a light feel. It works well solo or as a pairing to burgers and other mains. Cookouts feel refreshed by this addition, giving something for adventurous guests.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad
Grilled Zucchini
Zucchini on the grill is always a hit, and Grilled Zucchini proves exactly why this veggie works so well. The smoky char brings out its natural flavor, making it the perfect veggie for non-meat eaters. Alongside whatever sauces or dips are offered, it fits smoothly into everyone’s plate. It’s often the quickest to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Combining these two makes any cookout feel more interesting, so Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad nails the idea. It’s hearty yet keeps things fresh, mixing flavors that complement each other. Even meat-eaters find themselves curious and reaching for seconds. This dish easily fills the gap between main meals and lighter snacks.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Guacamole
There’s no shortage of dips you need on the table, but Guacamole remains essential every time. Creamy and smooth, it works perfectly with chips or spread on buns for burgers. It’s simple yet pleases crowds no matter how it’s paired. No cookout feels right without it sitting proudly in its serving bowl.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad
Bringing watermelon into cookout dishes feels refreshing, and Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad takes it to solid heights. The melon contrasts well with the vegan cheese, making every bite memorable. It’s light but versatile enough to pair with barbecue and other sides. Most guests appreciate how it fits into summer-themed meals.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad
Copycat Impossible Burger
Burgers always end up center stage, so Copycat Impossible Burger needs no introduction. It grills well, keeps texture intact, and holds flavor without compromise. Many aren’t even aware they’re eating plant-based until they ask. You’ll likely end up sharing this recipe after everyone asks where you bought the patties.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger
Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu
Combining tofu with couscous makes for an unexpected addition, and Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu proves how well they work together. The combination is light but filling, offering something tasty for vegans and meat-eaters alike. It’s different enough to spark conversation and pairs easily with barbecue mains. Guests love it.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Wings aren’t just for meat-focused meals anymore, and Buffalo Cauliflower Wings bring a spicy plant-based option to the table. They’re crispy and bold, giving guests that wing-feel without needing chicken. It’s easy to recognize this dish at the table because it gets immediate attention. It’s one of those plates that empties fast.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Vegan Pasta Salad
Outdoor gatherings always seem better with pasta dishes, so Vegan Pasta Salad fits perfectly into any cookout spread. The variety of textures makes it exciting and hard to ignore. It works well next to other salads but also holds up solo. Most end up adding it to their plate without hesitation during refills.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad
Vegan Chickpea Burger (Gluten-Free)
Burgers that feel light but hold their shape are rare, so Vegan Chickpea Burger (Gluten-Free) stands out. It’s a great option for guests who prefer avoiding traditional patties. The plant-based aspect doesn’t take away from how good its consistency comes across when grilled. It often leaves people considering adding it to their go-tos.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger (Gluten-Free)
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crisp ingredients with smooth texture make Cucumber Tomato Salad refreshing without overpowering other flavors. It’s a light option that works well for people looking for simpler plates. This pairing is a crowd-friendly choice, sliding perfectly next to mains. Cookouts feel just a little more balanced with this addition.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad
