Summer barbecues are a staple tradition when the temperature starts to rise and gathering with friends and family does not have to be any more complicated now that you are eating vegan!
Thanks to the abundance of plant-based meat alternatives available in stores today, swapping animal meat for its vegan counterpart is easier than ever. We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 tips that will make your next vegan barbecue a breeze!
1. let veggies take center stage
Add some color to your BBQ spread by dicing up carrots, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, olives, or whatever else you might already have on hand. Mix the veggies with cooked pasta and a vegan Italian dressing, and voilà, pasta salad! It doesn’t get much easier than that.
Or create a delicious and beautiful display by arranging the veggies around a vegan-friendly dip like hummus. There’s nothing wrong with keeping it classic with the veggie tray that everyone already knows and loves!
There are so many delicious plant-based meats on the market now, but veggies can go a long way as the main dish too! Did you know that carrots can make for yummy hot dog substitutes?
Simply simmer them in the marinade of your choice until they are slightly tender before grilling them. You can even use seasoned Portabello mushroom caps as burger patties… or buns. The options are truly endless!
2. don’t underestimate tofu
This might be an obvious one, but for good reason! Tofu is widely available, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile. Plus, the replacement ratio for eggs couldn’t get any easier at one-to-one! (One egg is typically four tablespoons, so you can replace it with four tablespoons of tofu).
If you need to quickly veganize a baked good recipe for dessert, try replacing the egg with silken tofu. Use extra-firm tofu to replace hard-boiled eggs in egg salad. Or if you’re feeling even more adventurous, try this recipe for vegan deviled eggs made primarily of (you guessed it) tofu!
Need a quick meat substitute instead? Throw some batter on extra-firm tofu and bake with barbecue sauce for tasty vegan “wings”! Or press and marinate the tofu, then pop it on a skewer with whichever veggies you have on hand for a simple and delicious kabob.
3. use vegan mayo for menu magic
Some grocery stores like Aldi and Whole Foods sell pre-made vegan deli salads. But plenty of recipes like coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salad can easily be made vegan simply by swapping the egg-based mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayo instead!
There are various vegan mayos on the market today like Follow Your Heart’s Veganaise. Even condiment giant Hellmann’s now offers a Vegan Mayo. Try mixing it with Sriracha for a simple yet delicious sauce to dip French fries in or spice up any veggie burger!
4. behold the versatile bean
Beans can take center stage at your next barbecue in more ways than one. You can use kidney beans to create your own veggie burger. Or try mixing equal parts black beans, black-eyed peas, diced sweet onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and corn.
Stir in the same vegan Italian dressing we mentioned earlier, and you’ve got yourself a fun and tasty “Texas Caviar” to be eaten with tortilla chips! Plus, did you know that Bush’s Best Vegetarian Baked Beans are vegan-friendly? Grab a couple of cans for a quick, affordable, and effortless side dish.
If you want to make your baked beans instead, simply hold the meat (if the recipe calls for it) or replace it with a vegan alternative. You could even try adding pinto or garbanzo beans to your veggie pasta or green salad for a bit of added texture and protein!
5. try a vegan whip
Looking for a little extra something to top off dessert? Fortunately, vegan whipped cream has become increasingly easy to come by.
SoDelicious offers a tried-and-true Cocowhip. Even Reddi-wip has hopped on the vegan train with two different non-dairy options to choose from! It’s also super easy to make at home.
Just throw a can of full-fat coconut cream in the fridge the night before you plan to start cooking. Flip the can over before you open it and drain the liquid. Beat the cream portion in a mixer at high speed and sweeten to your heart’s desire!
No time to bake? You also can’t go wrong with a big, colorful bowl of fresh fruit. Just grab some in-season berries or melon (or both) and serve them with vegan whipped cream for the perfect sweet summer treat.
For more tips on throwing a vegan-friendly BBQ, check out our Veganuary BBQ Month campaign.
