25 Amazing Vegan Grilling Recipes for Summer Cookouts

Last updated and expanded on May 15, 2026.

It’s officially Vegan Grilling Season! I love grilling. We use our grill all year long but summer is the best time of year to grill. There is something special about summer cookouts. Plus so many yummy veggies are in season this time of year. The vegan grilling options are endless! I put together a list of 25 amazing vegan grilling recipes because plant based grilling is so much more than just boring portabella burgers.

The list includes main dishes and side dishes. Oh and I included some seriously drool worthy grilled salad ideas. Who knew you could grill salad? I hope this inspires you to fire up your grills this summer!

Cookout Tip: Looking for more than just grilled veggies? Check out my full guide to the 20+ Best Vegetarian Side Dishes for a Cookout to find the perfect pasta salads, slaws, and southern classics to round out your plate!

The Main Event: Hearty Vegan Burgers & Steaks

The main event includes hearty veggie burgers, vegan steaks, and grilled seitan.

• Best Vegan Ribs from Veggie Society: A high-protein, smoky classic that will satisfy even the most dedicated BBQ lovers.

• Vegan Beet Steaks from Vegetarian South: Earthy, vibrant, and perfectly charred—these are a sophisticated, plant-based showstopper for any dinner party.

• Cauliflower “Steaks” with Mexican Chimichurri from Zestful Kitchen: A fresh and zesty take on cauliflower that highlights the bright flavors of cilantro and lime.

• BBQ Chickpea Walnut Burgers from Moon and Spoon and Yum: A hearty, gluten-free patty with a wonderful texture that won’t fall apart on the grill.

• Spicy Hawaiian Vegan Burger from Vegetarian South: Take your tastebuds to the islands with this perfect balance of sweet grilled pineapple and spicy Sriracha mayo.

• Vegan Smoked Seitan Brisket Sliders from Vegetarian South: These bite-sized seitan sliders pack a punch with deep, wood-fired flavor.

• Seitan Carne Asada from Vegetarian South: Thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned, and ideal for stuffing into charred tortillas for a backyard taco night.

Skewers & Kebabs: Food on a Stick

Featuring easy veggie-forward grilling because food on a stick is fun!

• Seitan Kebabs with Turmeric Sauce from Vegetarian South: Golden, savory seitan chunks paired with a vibrant turmeric drizzle for a unique, anti-inflammatory twist.
• Grilled Tandoori Tofu Skewers from Tinned Tomatoes: Boldly spiced and incredibly colorful, these skewers are as beautiful as they are delicious.

• Vegetable Kebabs with Cilantro Chimichurri from Tasting Page: A rainbow of seasonal veggies finished with a herbaceous, punchy sauce.
• Vegan Tofu Satay Skewers from Rhian’s Recipes: Perfectly pressed tofu with a rich, nutty dipping sauce that brings authentic Southeast Asian flair to your cookout

Grilled Veggie Sides & Salads

We love smoky sides: Corn, Cabbage, and Beyond!

• Buffalo Corn on the Cob from Cadry’s Kitchen: A spicy, tangy twist on summer corn topped with a cooling vegan blue cheese dressing.

• Grilled Green Vegetable Salad from Tasting Page: Forget boring greens—this warm salad brings out the natural sweetness of charred broccoli and asparagus.
• Lemon Herb Grilled Zucchini from This Healthy Kitchen: Simple, fresh, and essential—this is the ultimate way to use up your summer zucchini harvest.

• Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Korean Glaze from Beyond Mere Sustenance: Smoky, umami-rich wedges that turn the humble cabbage into a decadent side dish.
• BBQ Asian Asparagus from Another Food Blogger: A quick-fire side dish with a savory soy-based glaze that complements any main.

• Grilled Avocado Stuffed with Veggie Quinoa from Recipes from a Pantry: Creamy grilled avocado halves serve as the perfect “bowl” for a protein-packed quinoa filling.
• Potato and Grilled Corn Salad from Dizzy Busy and Hungry: A fresh take on the classic potato salad that skips the heavy mayo for a brighter, charred corn flavor.

• Spicy Grilled Eggplant from Kalyn’s Kitchen: Silky eggplant with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
• Grilled Vegetable Salad with Giant Hot Croutons from The Endless Meal: The “hot croutons” are the real star here, soaking up all the smoky juices from the grilled vegetables.

• Vegan Caesar Salad with Grilled Lettuce from Veggie Desserts: Grilling romaine lettuce adds a sophisticated depth that completely transforms this classic salad.
• Smoked BBQ Tofu Bowls from Vindulge: A complete meal in a bowl featuring protein, grain, and the tropical sweetness of grilled pineapple.

Grilled Desserts

• Grilled Pineapple from Beyond the Chicken Coop: The heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple for a 5-minute dessert everyone loves.

• Grilled Strawberry PB&J Sandwich from Vegetarian South: A nostalgic treat for kids and adults alike—grilling the sandwich makes the peanut butter melty and the strawberries jammy.

• Campfire Apple Crisp from Recipes from a Pantry: Perfect for the grill or a campfire, these foil packets are an easy, mess-free way to enjoy a warm fruit crumble.

Need More Vegan Grilling Recipes?

Check out my Pinterest board “On the grill” for more fun vegan grilling recipes!

What are your favorite plant based grilling recipes that I left off this list? Let me know your favorites in the comments!