12 Vegan BBQ Ideas to Try This Summer

Fire up the grill for these sizzling vegan BBQ ideas

Vegan BBQ skewers of various vegetables on the grill plate. Perfect for a vegan BBQ.
Image Credit: AdobeStock

We know that navigating barbecue season as a vegan can be a little awkward, but there is no reason for vegans to miss out on delicious dishes this summer.

There’s never been a better time to throw a plant-based barbecue, thanks to the amazing vegan products available in supermarkets. However, if you want to cook up a meat-free feast from scratch, there are also plenty of options.

We’ve put together 12 banging vegan BBQ recipes that are sure to impress your guests this summer. Happy grilling!

Jump to each section:

Mains

Sides

Sauces & Trimmings

BBQ Mains

1. Kebab Skewers with Grilled Peaches and Vegan Tzatziki

In the mood for something spicy? These kebab skewers by Oumph! and Romy London have a plant-powered kick your guests will go crazy for.

Thanks to the peaches, these skewers have a sweet twist for those who love barbecue food to pack a fruity punch.

Oumph! Kebab Spiced Skewers 1
Image Credit: Romy London

2. Double Decker Burger

Why have one burger when you can have two? If you’re a junk food vegan at heart, you’ll love this double checker cheeseburger by Beyond Meat and Violife.

This barbecue recipe requires minimal effort and no fuss, making it ideal for those who aren’t confident with their cooking skills.

Vegan Double Decker Cheeseburger
Image Credit: Beyond Meat & Violife

3. Tikka Smoked Tofu Skewers

No barbecue would be complete without skewers! Do you have a craving for smoky dishes slathered in a tasty marinade? These tikka smoked skewers by Mindful Chef will be right up your street.

As well as the flavour-packed tofu, this meatless main comes with a creamy cabbage and apple slaw recipe. It’s a great vegan BBQ idea for those who aren’t huge fans of meat alternative products too.

Tikka smoked tofu skewers
Image Credit: Mindful Chef

4. Jerk Cauliflower

We get it: meat-like dishes aren’t for everyone. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the barbecue fun this summer. Cauliflower is a versatile ingredient in many vegan dishes, including these jerk cauliflower wings by Yorkshire Vegan.

The crispy coating pairs perfectly with a smoky rub and the wings taste even better when dipped in vegan mayo.

Jerk Cauliflower
Image Credit: Yorkshire Vegan

BBQ Side Dishes

5. Barbecued Sweetcorn with a Smoky Rub

Get the party started and the grill warmed up for this smoky corn on the cob. This delicious creation by Waitrose is fuss-free and it’s sure to set the tone for the delicious feast ahead.

Barbecued Sweetcorn with a Smoky Rub
Image Credit: Waitrose

6. Classic Coleslaw

Being vegan doesn’t mean you have to skip your traditional favourites. The Happy Pear have recreated the classic coleslaw with a plant-based twist and once you try it, you’ll never look back.

It’s quick, tasty and delicious and makes a yummy sandwich filler or base for a salad, as well as serving as a side dish at your barbecue.

The Happy Pear's Vegan Coleslaw
Image Credit: The Happy Pear

7. Perfect Potato Salad

If you’re looking for a side dish you can throw together and keep in the fridge for a few days, this easy potato salad is a lifesaver.

A potato salad will go down a treat with guests whether they’re vegan or not and you can customise it with whatever ingredients you have to hand.

Vegan Potato Salad
Image Credit: Meat Free Monday

8. Carrot and Red Cabbage Slaw

You can never have too many side dishes in our humble opinion! This easy vegan slaw by Clive’s Pies is packed with colour and goodness and will perfectly complement your main dishes.

You can even upgrade the slaw by adding peppers, radishes, sugar snap peas, chopped apples or raisins, or whatever you find in the fridge.

Clive's Red Cabbage Slaw
Image Credit: Clive’s Pies

BBQ Sauces & Trimmings

9. Cheesy Spinach and Kale Dip

In this plant-based dip by The Nourished Chef, cashews and nutritional yeast create an irresistible ‘cheesy’ flavour. It’s ideal for nibbles like bread to get you warmed up for the main event.

Cheesy Spinach & Kale Dip
Image Credit: The Nourished Chef & Califia Farms

10. Vegan BBQ Sauce

Some things are just better homemade and this BBQ sauce by Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen is one of those things. This sweet, smoky sauce can be put together in just 10 minutes.

Vegan BBQ Sauce by Karissa's Vegan Kitchen
Image Credit: Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen

11. Caramelised Onion Dip with Cashew Sour Cream

This rich and tangy vegan sour cream with caramelised onions is the perfect complement to your favourite BBQ dishes. You can even use it to top your burgers or hotdogs.

Clive's Caramelised Onion Dip
Image Credit: Clive’s Pies

12. Roasted Sweetcorn Hummus

Hummus is an absolute must at any gathering where vegans are in attendance! This roasted sweetcorn hummus is made using canned produce, which is ideal for a budget BBQ. It’s a little out of the ordinary, but comes in handy when you need to be resourceful.

Vegan sweetcorn hummus
Image Credit: Unsplash

Check out even more vegan BBQ recipes for your summer feasts.

Thinking of trying vegan?

Veganuary inspires and supports people all over the world to try vegan for January and beyond. Millions of people have already taken part. Will you join them?