7 Vegan Bbq Side Dishes That Are Easy And Delicious

Summer is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than with a sizzling barbecue party? While the sizzling sounds of burgers and hot dogs may dominate the grill, side dishes play a crucial role in elevating the whole BBQ experience. For those following a vegan lifestyle or looking to add more plant-based options to their meals, we have compiled a list of 7 Vegan BBQ Side Dishes That Are Easy and Delicious. These dishes not only cater to a wide range of palates but also add vibrant colors, diverse textures, and incredible flavors to your feast. Get ready to impress your guests with these delightful vegan alternatives!

🥕 Grilled Veggie Skewers 🌶️

The charm of skewers lies in their simplicity and the fact that they require very little prep time, yet they can steal the show at any BBQ. Here are some veggies that work wonderfully when grilled:

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• Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Cut them into thick rounds or half-moons.
• Bell Peppers: Use a variety of colors for a vibrant presentation.
• Cherry Tomatoes: They are perfect for skewers as they don't require cutting.
• Mushrooms: Big, meaty mushrooms like Portobello work best.

Tips for Perfect Skewers:

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Lightly oil your veggies to prevent sticking to the grill.
• Season with herbs, garlic, and a dash of balsamic vinegar for flavor enhancement.

<p class="pro-note">🌱 Note: Ensure even cooking by cutting vegetables into uniform sizes.</p>

🍲 Potato Salad - The Vegan Way 🥔

Potato salad is a classic BBQ side dish, and it's easy to adapt for a vegan diet:

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• Ingredients:
  • Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red)
  • Vegan Mayonnaise or Avocado for creaminess
  • Mustard, dill, chives, and celery for flavor
  • Lemon juice or vinegar for tanginess
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Boil Potatoes: Peel or scrub the potatoes, cube them, and boil until just tender.
2. Cool: Drain and let them cool to room temperature.
3. Mix: Combine with the rest of the ingredients and gently toss to coat.

<p class="pro-note">🍟 Note: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold as they hold up better when mixed.</p>

🌽 Grilled Corn with Vegan Butter 🌶️

Corn on the cob is a quintessential BBQ staple, and making it vegan is as simple as swapping out the butter:

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• How to Grill:
  • Peel back the husks but leave them attached, remove silk, and then pull the husks back up to cover the corn.
  • Soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, then grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Vegen Butter: Spread a vegan butter or use avocado oil mixed with spices after grilling.

Spice it Up:

Consider adding spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to your vegan butter mixture for an extra kick.

🌿 Quinoa Tabbouleh 🌾

This light, refreshing salad is perfect for summer barbecues:

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• Ingredients:
  • Quinoa
  • Fresh parsley, mint, and scallions
  • Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, and olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Cook Quinoa: Rinse, cook until tender, then cool completely.
2. Chop: Finely chop all herbs and vegetables.
3. Dress: Mix lemon juice with olive oil, add to quinoa and vegetables, season to taste.

🥬 Kale Caesar Salad 🌱

Give the classic Caesar a vegan twist:

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• Ingredients:
  • Kale, massaged with lemon juice and olive oil
  • Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
  • Croutons, avocado (instead of anchovies), and vegan Caesar dressing

Dressing:

• Use a base of soaked cashews, lemon, garlic, capers, Dijon mustard, and nutritional yeast for the dressing.

<p class="pro-note">🥦 Note: Massaging the kale helps to soften its texture, making it more palatable.</p>

🍓 Balsamic Grilled Fruits 🍑

Fruits aren't just for desserts; they can be a surprising and delicious addition to a BBQ:

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• Fruits to Grill: Pineapple, peaches, pears, or even strawberries.
• Drizzle: Balsamic vinegar, light maple syrup, and perhaps some fresh rosemary or thyme.

Serving:

Grilled fruits can be served over ice cream, as a side, or even skewered as part of a dessert board.

🌮 Stuffed Avocados 🥑

For a more substantial side or a light main dish:

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• Filling Options: Salsa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime.
• Preparation: Halve and pit avocados, scoop out some flesh to create a small bowl, fill with the mixture, and drizzle with lime juice before grilling briefly to warm.

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to try new plant-based dishes, these vegan BBQ side dishes will ensure your barbecue remains memorable for all the right reasons. They showcase the versatility of plant-based ingredients and prove that grilling isn't just for meat. By incorporating these vibrant, flavorful dishes, you're not only broadening your culinary horizons but also opening up your BBQ to everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make these dishes ahead of time?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Many of these dishes like the potato salad and quinoa tabbouleh can be prepared in advance. Store them in the fridge, but bring to room temperature or reheat gently before serving for the best taste.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What vegan cheese substitutes work best for these dishes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>For a creamy texture, cashew-based or almond-based vegan cheeses often work well. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor. Look for brands like Violife or Follow Your Heart for a variety of options.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these side dishes gluten-free?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Many of the listed dishes are naturally gluten-free, like grilled veggies and corn. However, check ingredients like soy sauce in dressings or marinades for gluten content, and choose certified gluten-free products when necessary.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>