20+ Best Vegetarian Side Dishes for a Cookout

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Finding the perfect Vegetarian Side Dishes for a Cookout can be a challenge. You want something that travels well, stays fresh in the summer heat, and actually satisfies a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or heading to a neighborhood potluck, these Southern-inspired recipes are my go-to’s. From creamy potato salads to charred corn, these summer cookout vegetarian sides are fresh, flavorful, and delicious!

Let’s build the ultimate vegetarian summer cookout spread!

What Makes a Great Cookout Side?

The best cookout sides are:

Easy to make ahead
Travel well
Full of fresh summer flavor
Serve a crowd
Taste great at room temperature

Bonus points if they can be made in advance and get better after sitting for a few hours.

Southern BBQ Pro-Tips for Vegetarians

Master the art of the meatless cookout with these Southern-inspired secrets.

Master the “Smoky” Factor: Since we aren’t using slow-cooked meats to provide that signature BBQ aroma, lean on ingredients like liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or chipotle peppers in adobo. Adding these to your Meatless Southern Green Beans or baked beans gives them that “cooked all day in a smoker” depth.
The “Cold Tray” Trick: In the Southern heat, mayo-based salads can be a hazard. Fill a large, shallow aluminum tray with crushed ice and nestle your serving bowls inside. It keeps the Southern Potato Salad safe and the Tomato Salad crisp.
Texture is King: For items like Grilled Vegan Beet Steaks, don’t be afraid of high heat. You want that “char” to contrast with the tender interior. If you’re making Vegan BBQ Pulled Tofu, bake it before saucing to ensure it has a chewy, meaty bite.
Don’t Forget the Acid: Southern food is rich. Balance out heavy dishes like Baked Mac & Cheese or Southern Squash Casserole with a side of Pickled Red Onions or extra vinegar in your slaw. It resets the palate for the next bite!

The “Southern Staples”

These are the essential Southern vegetarian side dishes for a backyard BBQ!

These classics are the heart of any BBQ, but if you’re looking for an even deeper dive into our region’s flavors, don’t miss my full collection of 25+ Vegetarian Southern Side Dishes for every season.

Fresh & Bright Summer Salads

These salads bring color and freshness to balance out richer dishes on the table.

No-Mayo Broccoli Salad
Southern Cucumber Salad
Tomato Salad
Texas Caviar aka Cowboy Caviar
Summer Stone Fruit Salad
Fresh Watermelon
Lemon Arugula Salad

corn on the cob on a charcoal grill in the backyard for a summer cookout

Vegetarian Sides From The Grill

Firing up the grill is an essential part of any summer cookout. Why should the meat eaters have all the fun grilling? Grilling veggies is just as fun and tasty. The real question here is gas or charcoal? I’m on team charcoal. I prefer a charcoal grill over a gas grill because I think you can get a smokier flavor using charcoal and wood chips. We used to have a gas grill and I will admit it was easier and more convenient to use.

Currently we have a Blackstone griddle and small Weber Kettle charcoal grill. We use both quite often but in different ways. If you need to buy a new grill I would recommend a Weber Kettle like ours. This is an affordable option if you are just starting out on your grilling journey. The classic dome shaped lid on the Weber is perfect for that cooked low and slow southern smoked BBQ flavor or getting that high-heat sear on corn. The Blackstone grill is great for grilling larger batches (I love pancakes on the Blackstone!) at the same time. It’s basically a giant cast-iron skillet for the backyard. Plus with with a Blackstone griddle you don’t have to worry about anything falling through grill grates.

A few of my favorite vegetarian sides to grill are:

Grilled Corn On The Cob
Grilled Vegan Beet Steaks
Grilled Sweet Potato Slices
Grilled Okra
Grilled Potato Wedges
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Grilled Pineapple
Grilled Peaches

Hearty Vegetarian Side Dishes for a Cookout

While salads are great, sometimes you need more substantial vegetarian side dishes for a cookout to ensure no one leaves the table hungry. These sides are perfect when you need something filling that feeds a lot of people.

A Note on Baked Beans: “Roll that beautiful bean footage”…Most baked beans are cooked with bacon (which is why I don’t normally eat them at restaurants or potlucks) but Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans are my go to choice at home when hosting a BBQ. Bush’s is a Tennessee-based company with a museum near the Great Smoky Mountains that’s actually open for tours. If you’re in the area, their cafe even offers a great selection of vegetarian-friendly dishes!

Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Hosting

If you’re hosting, here’s how to make it easier:

Make cold salads the day before
Chop veggies early and store in airtight containers
Set up a self-serve drink station
Keep cold dishes in a shallow tray over ice

Backyard cookouts should feel relaxed, not rushed!

Sample Vegetarian Summer Cookout Menu

This sample menu is a perfect starting point if you’re overwhelmed by all the options for vegetarian side dishes for a cookout. It offers a mix of textures and flavors to keep everyone happy.

If you want a balanced spread, here’s an easy combination:

Grilled Corn
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Creamy Potato Salad
Vegetarian Baked Beans
Deviled Eggs
Fresh Watermelon Slices

Add grilled veggie skewers or plant-based burgers, and you’re set.

The Perfect Pairing

Whether you’re serving tofu or portobello steaks, these are the best vegetarian side dishes for a summer cookout that will have even the meat-eaters asking for seconds.

Make it a meal with:

Grilled Veggie or Tofu Skewers
Plant Based Burgers
Vegan Pulled Tofu BBQ
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Seitan Ribs
BBQ Jackfruit “Pulled Pork”
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best vegetarian cookout sides to make ahead of time?

Most Southern sides actually taste better the next day! I recommend making Southern Potato Salad, Coleslaw, and Macaroni Salad 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressings to fully absorb.

How do I make my BBQ sides vegan-friendly?

Many Southern staples are already vegan (grilled corn, fresh watermelon) or can easily be made vegan with a few simple swaps. Use vegan mayo for your potato salad, pasta salad, and slaw. For my favorite crowd-pleaser, check out this Southern Vegan Coleslaw.

What is the best way to transport sides to a potluck?

For “casserole style” sides, an insulated carrier is best. For cold salads, use glass jars with tight lids or airtight containers. Wait to add crunchy toppings (like the crackers on a casserole or the nuts in a salad) until you arrive to prevent sogginess.

Can I grill vegetables without them falling through the grates?

Yes! For smaller items like Grilled Okra, use a grill basket. For larger items like corn or “steaks,” place them perpendicular to the grill grates. If you’re worried about sticking, brush the vegetables (not the grill grates) with a high-heat oil like avocado oil.

What’s a good meat substitute for a backyard BBQ?

Beyond the sides, you need a main! Vegan BBQ Pulled Tofu is a fantastic high-protein option that mimics pulled pork. Other great choices include veggie burgers, smoked portobello caps, seitan ribs, or grilled cauliflower steaks.

Ready to Fire Up the Grill?

Vegetarian sides are the heart of a summer cookout table. They’re colorful, full of flavor, and when done right, they’re the first dishes to disappear!

Whether you’re hosting in your backyard or heading to a potluck, these summer cookout plant based sides will help you build a table everyone can enjoy.