30+ Flavor-Packed Vegan BBQ Recipes

The sun’s finally out and your grill is ready for its moment after its long winter nap. Whether you’re planning a backyard hang or just leaning into summer mode on a lazy weeknight, it’s time for vegan BBQ recipes! Once the warm weather hits, it just makes fresh produce and easy meals feel that much more satisfying. This is the season of juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, sticky BBQ sauce, and cold, icy drinks—and we’re here for all of it.

This roundup of vegan BBQ recipes is packed with ideas that hit that sweet spot between casual cookout and show-stopping fare. We’re talking smoky mains, crisp salads, frozen treats, and drinks that taste like sunshine. No complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients—just good food made for sharing, or savoring solo with your feet up. So go ahead: kick off your shoes, grab something cold, and let’s make your summer plate something worth celebrating.

Key Tips for Nailing Vegan BBQ Recipes Every Time

This isn’t about throwing the fanciest barbecue or making ten things from scratch. It’s about knowing what actually works, what can be made ahead, and what’s going to taste amazing even after it’s sat on a picnic table for an hour. A good vegan BBQ is a mix of smoky, crisp, cold, saucy, and satisfying—and a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few key tips to make sure your vegan BBQ recipes come together without the stress:

• Go all in on marinating. Tofu and tempeh don’t need to be complicated, but they do need time. Even a short marinade makes a huge difference—something salty, a little sweet, with acid and garlic, and you’re set. Save a little on the side to brush on at the end.
• Grill smarter, not harder. Cut your vegetables evenly, oil everything, and give delicate things (like mushrooms or fruit) a skewer or grill basket. Potatoes and corn? Give them a head start in the oven or microwave and finish them over the flame.
• Don’t treat sides like filler. A good slaw, pasta salad, or fresh salsa can be just as satisfying as the main event. And most of them can be made ahead and forgotten about until you’re ready to eat, which is kind of the dream.
• Make one great sauce. A quick homemade BBQ sauce or herby dressing can carry you through mains, sides, and even leftovers. It doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to taste good and go with everything.
• Aim for contrast. Hot and cold. Crunchy and creamy. Bright and smoky. A plate that has a little of everything feels more complete—even if it’s just three simple things piled together.

Vegan BBQ Appetizers & Sides That Steal the Show

These are the dishes that get people crowding around the table before the grill even heats up. Great vegan BBQ recipes aren’t just about what’s on the grill—it’s also the crunchy slaw, the chilled pasta salad, the fresh salsa you keep going back for. These recipes are easy to make ahead, built for sharing, and guaranteed to hold their own next to any main. Let’s start with the crowd-pleasers.

Classic Vegan Potato Salad

A creamy, crowd-pleasing vegan potato salad that hits all the right nostalgic notes—no eggs or dairy needed. With tender potatoes, crunchy celery, tangy pickles, and a generous handful of dill, it’s the kind of BBQ side dish that disappears fast (and somehow tastes even better the next day). Make it ahead, serve it cold, and watch it quietly outshine everything else on the table.

Picnic-Perfect Vegan Pasta Salad

Bright, crisp, and dressed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this vegan pasta salad brings all the right energy when planning your vegan BBQ recipes lineup. Tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and fresh herbs, it’s refreshing but still super satisfying. It holds up beautifully in the heat, travels well, and somehow tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge—aka the ideal make-ahead side for your next potluck, picnic spread, or backyard hang.

Mango Salsa with Fried Rice Paper Chips

This mango salsa from Olives for Dinner is doing the most in the best way—sweet, spicy, citrusy, and a little fancy with those crispy puffed rice paper chips. It’s the kind of snack that feels breezy and bold at the same time. Whether you’re scooping it up on the patio with something cold to drink or spooning it over tacos for a hit of juicy brightness, this salsa is one of those vegan bbq recipes that’s here to make your summer snack situation a little extra—and we love that for us!

Corn and Tomato Salad With Avocado & Lime

This fresh corn and tomato salad is basically summer in a bowl. Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a hit of lime come together in a combo that’s bright, bold, and built for hot days. It’s one of those “throw-it-together-in-15-minutes” sides that tastes way fancier than it is—and disappears fast at any BBQ or picnic. Best part? No stove required (if you use canned corn).

Chipotle Corn Ribs

Meet your new favorite BBQ side: smoky, spicy, air-fried corn ribs. These chipotle corn ribs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seriously fun to eat. No grill needed—just a little seasoning, a quick blast in the air fryer, and boom: instant summer magic. Serve with vegan ranch or chipotle mayo for maximum snack happiness.

Cucumber Watermelon Salad

This cucumber watermelon salad is what summer tastes like: juicy, crisp, minty, and a little sweet. It’s one of the easiest vegan BBQ recipes you’ll throw together all season—just five ingredients and five minutes between you and a bowl of hydrating happiness. Perfect for casual get-togethers, lazy picnics, or any meal that needs a cool, refreshing side dish.

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

These vegan jalapeño poppers are everything: crispy, cheesy, spicy, and wildly snackable. The kind of thing you throw together in 15 minutes and somehow become the hero of the barbecue. They’ve got just the right kick, a dreamy melty filling, and a golden breadcrumb crunch that makes them feel a little extra. Pro tip: make a double batch—these disappear fast.

Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

This roasted chili corn salsa from Health My Lifestyle brings bright, fresh flavor to your summer spread with minimal effort. Made with just six ingredients, it’s crisp, tangy, and ready in under five minutes. Perfect for scooping with chips or piling onto tacos, burrito bowls, and everything in between.

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this smashed cucumber salad is the ultimate way to spice up your vegan BBQ recipes side dish lineup. With just a handful of ingredients like tangy rice vinegar, nutty sesame oil, and a kick from red pepper flakes, it’s a quick and easy recipe that pairs perfectly with stir-fries, noodle bowls, or grilled veggies. The smashing technique helps the cucumbers absorb the bold, zesty dressing, making every bite even more satisfying.

Vegan Deviled Eggs

These vegan deviled eggs swap out the traditional egg for roasted baby potatoes, creating a bite-sized base that’s creamy and tangy. Filled with a smooth, eggy-flavored mixture made from white beans, Dijon mustard, and turmeric, they bring all the nostalgia of deviled eggs in a completely plant-based version. Perfect for parties, holidays, or meal prep, these deviled potatoes are easy, delicious, and always a hit.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Golden, crispy, and unapologetically saucy, these buffalo cauliflower bites bring serious snack energy. They’re baked (not fried!), perfectly spicy, and built for reckless ranch dipping. The kind of party food that disappears before the plate even hits the table—fair warning.

Grilled & Savory Vegan BBQ Mains to Anchor Your Spread

Grill season is officially on, and these vegan BBQ recipes for the main dish portion are bringing the savory vibes. We’re talking char marks, smoky edges, and flavor that goes all-in. From skewers and burgers to saucy, sizzling things that somehow taste even better eaten off a paper plate, these mains are here to anchor your summer spread with zero fuss and max flavor.

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

Smoky, hearty, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting—these chipotle black bean burgers are a BBQ must. Packed with pantry staples like black beans, brown rice, and a hit of chipotle powder, they’re sturdy enough to grill and flavorful enough to skip the ketchup (but you totally don’t have to). Bonus: they freeze beautifully, so go ahead and make a double batch.

Vegan Chili Cheese Dogs

No barbecue roundup is complete without chili dogs—and these vegan ones are bringing serious main character energy. They’re messy in the best way, bold with flavor, and wildly easy to throw together with just a few store-bought staples. Whether you’re grilling under the sun or heating things up in the toaster oven, these are pure plant-based comfort with zero fuss.

Barbecue Seitan Wings

Savory, sticky, and unapologetically saucy—these barbecue seitan wings are a bold main dish that brings the heat and hearty chew. Made from scratch with vital wheat gluten and simmered, baked, and tossed in a tangy Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauce, they’re the kind of plant-based wings that could win over even the skeptics. The texture is chewy-meaty in the best way, and the sauce is pure flavor magic: smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of tang.

Spicy Seitan Skewers

Bold, fiery, and dripping with flavor—these sambal seitan skewers from Olives for Dinner are one of those vegan BBQ recipes that steal the show. Chewy chunks of homemade seitan are simmered, marinated in a sweet-spicy sambal glaze, then charred to perfection. Just the right mix of heat, smoke, and sticky magic for your next summer BBQ.

Rainbow Tofu Kebabs

These rainbow tofu kebabs are as fun to eat as they are to grill—stacked with marinated tofu and a technicolor line-up of veggies. The savory-sweet marinade soaks into every bite, then gets caramelized to perfection on the grill. A simple, satisfying dinner idea that brings bold flavor and great vibes to the table.

Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Experience the wonders of vegan BBQ pulled pork sandwiches crafted from jackfruit thanks to Olives for Dinner! Enveloped in a generous coating of BBQ sauce and simmered to perfection, the jackfruit undergoes a transformation that creates a remarkable texture accompanied by a rich, velvety sauce. Serve this culinary slam-dunk on a toasted bun for an hearty, satisfying sandwich that will leave you craving more.

Cool Vegan Summer Desserts (Perfect Post-BBQ Treats)

When the temps rise, cool vegan summer desserts come to the rescue—no ovens, no sweat, just chilled treats that hit the spot. From creamy frozen pies to fruity no-bake bars, these easy desserts are made for pool days, picnics, and everything in between. They’re light, refreshing, and packed with summer flavor (think: berries, citrus, coconut, and more). Whether you’re cooling down after enjoying your favorite vegan BBQ recipes or planning a sweet make-ahead moment, these vegan treats are here for it.

Dairy-Free Matcha Ice Cream

This creamy green tea ice cream is giving serious scoop-shop energy—only it’s homemade, dairy-free, and packed with chocolate chips. Earthy matcha balances beautifully with the sweetness of coconut milk and agave, making every bite rich, refreshing, and just a little bit fancy. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll crave year-round (and totally justify making it again before the first batch is gone).

No-Bake Chocolate Pie

This no-bake vegan chocolate pie is a straight-up summer win: rich, creamy, and absurdly easy to make. Just four ingredients and zero oven time stand between you and a slice of chilled chocolate bliss. It’s silky, satisfying, and somehow feels both effortless and fancy. Pro tip: stash an extra one in the back of the fridge—you’ll want it later.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Bright, juicy, and bursting with sunshine—this tropical fruit salad is a total summer win. It’s a perfect dessert to keep in mind when planning out vegan BBQ recipes. With strawberries, kiwi, cherries, and citrus all tossed in a zesty lime dressing, it’s hydrating, sweet-tart, and gorgeous on the table. The kind of easy fruit salad that feels a little fancy without trying too hard. Bonus: it comes together in minutes and doubles as a healthy dessert or light side.

Vegan Rocky Road Ice Cream

Creamy chocolate meets gooey marshmallows and crunchy almonds in this nostalgic vegan rocky road. It’s rich, melty, and straight-up fun—like a childhood summer treat all grown up (but still dairy-free and perfectly messy). If you’ve got a soft spot for classic ice cream flavors with texture and flair, this one’s a must-scoop.

Vegan Lemon Custard

Light, silky, and bursting with citrusy brightness—this no-bake vegan lemon custard is the zesty palate refresher every BBQ spread needs. Made with just silken tofu, lemon juice, and powdered sugar, it’s tart-sweet, protein-packed, and effortlessly elegant. Serve it chilled in jars with whipped coconut cream and lemon zest for a cool-down moment that feels both fancy and fun.

Watermelon Gelato

Hot day? This frosty fruit gelato has your back. Made with just watermelon, banana, and an optional drizzle of agave, it’s sweet, refreshing, and ridiculously easy. Just freeze, blend, and serve. The texture is smooth, the prep is minimal, and the vibe is full-on summer—especially if you serve it in a hollowed-out watermelon bowl (highly recommend).

Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cake

These vegan strawberry shortcakes are the kind of sweet, summery treat that makes backyard BBQs feel extra special. Fluffy shortcakes layered with juicy berries and coconut whipped cream come together in a dessert that’s as easy to assemble as it is impressive. Whether you serve them picnic-style or dress them up for guests, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.

Banana-Strawberry Popsicles

These strawberry banana popsicles are the ultimate frozen treat for hot summer days—fruity, creamy, and totally refreshing. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick blend, you’ll have a batch ready to freeze for your next backyard BBQ. Bonus: they’re freezer-friendly and kid-approved, with a fun option to drizzle in chocolate and top with sprinkles.

Chocolate-Dipped Banana Popsicles

These chocolate-dipped banana popsicles are the ultimate frozen treat—creamy, crunchy, and totally customizable. Each frozen banana is dunked in a luscious peanut butter-chocolate shell and finished with toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles. They’re kid-friendly, no-bake, and ideal for serving straight from the freezer on a hot BBQ day.

Refreshing Vegan Summer Drinks for Your Next BBQ Bash

Every good BBQ needs a drink that feels like summer. These vegan-friendly options are fruity, fizzy, and easy to make with simple ingredients—perfect for cooling down between bites or sipping while you keep an eye on the grill. From spritzers and lemonades to smoothies and mocktails, these drinks bring big flavor without a lot of fuss.

Strawberry-Mint Lemonade

This isn’t your average lemonade—it’s a zesty, slightly fancy upgrade that feels like summer in a glass. A quick strawberry syrup brings fruity sweetness, fresh lemon juice adds tang, and a handful of mint leaves keeps it ultra-refreshing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just pretending you’re on vacation.

Strawberry-Peach Spritzer

This strawberry peach spritzer is summer in a glass—lightly sweet, super refreshing, and made with just a handful of real ingredients. Fresh strawberries and juicy peaches get blended into a dreamy base, then topped with sparkling water for a fizzy, fruit-forward sip that’s basically sunshine with bubbles. Perfect for brunches, backyard hangs, or whenever you need a quick cool-down that feels a little bit fancy.

Fresh Peach Juice

This fresh peach juice is pure sunshine in a glass—sweet, juicy, and just the right amount of tangy. Made with ripe peaches, a splash of lemon, and your favorite sweetener, it’s a quick and easy way to sip your way through peach season. Whether you’re serving it straight, pouring it over ice, or topping it with a little fizz for a peachy spritzer, this homemade juice is refreshingly simple and ridiculously good.

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

This dreamy vegan orange creamsicle cocktail is basically sunshine in a glass—zesty orange juice, creamy coconut milk, and frozen mango blended with a splash of vodka and a hint of vanilla. It’s smooth, citrusy, and just sweet enough to make you feel like you’re sipping on a grown-up version of the classic creamsicle pop. Perfect for warm evenings, brunch parties, or just pretending you’re on vacation.

Mango-Pineapple Smoothie

Sweet, creamy, and sunshine-bright—this mango pineapple smoothie is the ultimate tropical pick-me-up. Made with frozen fruit, dairy-free milk, and a splash of pineapple juice, it’s ready in five minutes and tastes like vacation in a glass. No refined sugar, no fuss—just good-for-you ingredients blended into one smooth, tangy, irresistible sip.

Homemade Strawberry Juice

Fresh, simple, and totally summer-ready. This homemade strawberry juice is what you want in your glass when the grill’s going and the sun’s doing its thing. Just strawberries, a splash of lime, and a touch of sweetness—that’s it. It’s bright, naturally sweet, and so easy to sip alongside smoky veggie skewers or spicy tofu kebabs. Bonus: it doubles as a mocktail base or a juicy upgrade for lemonade. Your BBQ just got a little more refreshing.

FAQs

Your Vegan BBQ Game Plan Starts Here

Now that you’ve got a full lineup of smoky mains, crisp sides, and cool treats, it’s time to bring those vegan BBQ dreams to life. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just craving those smoky, summery flavors on a humid weeknight, these vegan BBQ recipes are ready to meet that moment. So grab your tongs and let the good food (and the good vibes) roll.