Heading to a backyard BBQ? Pack up your cooler with ice cold drinks, and spice up your seasonal menu with some grilled veg dishes! Let’s take a look at some of our favorite plant based barbecue food:

Portobello Mushroom

Wondering what the best vegan burger substitute is? Large portobello mushrooms are an easy way to add more vegetables to your barbecue dinner. Add basic seasonings like garlic, pepper, salt, and olive oil to make a simple, but delicious burger replacement. Don’t forget all of your favorite toppings!

Zucchini Squash

Zucchini bread. Zoodles. Zucchini fritters. Zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables out there, so it’s no surprise that zucchini also makes a great grilled dish. To prepare for cooking, slice this veggie long ways, either in half or in quarters so you end up with long sticks or slices of zucchini. Season with olive oil, rice vinegar, salt and pepper to bring out the subtle sweetness of the squash.

Onion

If you’re looking for another veg grill recipe, onions are here to steal the show. Slice off the very tip of the onion, and then cut the onion (not quite all the way through!) like you would a pizza. Spread the layers out. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder and place straight on the grill grate. Cook until charred to your liking, and add the onions to the top of your bbq sandwiches. Or just eat this delicious veggie recipe all by itself!

Cauliflower

Cauliflower has quickly become a great meatless veggie option for all types of recipes. Next cookout, try making cauliflower steaks for your vegetarian and vegan barbeque guests. Create your own marinade with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic and paprika to add a little extra flavor to this veggie entrée. Garnish with a bit of cilantro and enjoy!

Asparagus

This summer vegan side dish reigns supreme! All you need are some asparagus stalks, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Wrap the vegetables and seasonings in some tin foil and place inside the grill until thoroughly cooked. Squeeze on some fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Potatoes

Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew. Frodo and Sam were onto something. Potatoes have always been a go-to root vegetable for vegans and vegetarians, so why not bring them to the next cookout! Brush with olive oil and salt, wrap in tin foil, and pop on the grill to make a BBQ rendition of the classic baked potato.

Sweet Potatoes

Another root vegetable makes our list of best vegetables to grill! Prepare just like the baked potato or try slicing the sweet potatoes long ways to create a grilled version of sweet potato fries. Mix your favorite mayo with chipotle and adobo sauce to make a spicy aioli that pairs well with the sweet and salty fries.

Pineapple

Speaking of sweet grill recipes…  This plant-based idea for the BBQ might be controversial, but don’t knock it until you try it. Cut the pineapple into rings, and glaze with honey and coconut oil to let the pineapple flavors shine. Wanting something with a little more spice? Drizzle hot sauce on the fruit before you grill it, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the spicy/sweet combination. Add on the top of burgers or enjoy as a side dish.

Peaches

Looking for a smoky BBQ twist on a classic summer fruit? Skin peaches and cut in half. Sprinkle with olive oil and salt and place face down on the griddle. You can lean into the sweets by dipping them in honey or agave. If you’re looking for something a little more savory, sprinkle with a balsamic vinegar reduction and some basil and pair with your favorite toasted bread.

Watermelon

Might as well finish out our list of vegetarian BBQ ideas with another sweet contender. Watermelon is known for being a refreshingly juicy and sweet treat during the warm months, but you can take it one step further by throwing some slices on the grill. Let the fruit char a little bit before spritzing with lime and sprinkling your favorite spicy seasoning on top!

Whether you’re a vegan, a vegetarian or an omnivore, adding veggies and fruits to your grill line-up is a great way to test out some new flavors. Get creative with your favorites, and cheers to a season of fresh plant based recipes!