Want veggies to be the star of your next outdoor feast? Our ultimate guide shows you how to have a more plant based BBQ!

By Lora O’Brien

A vegetarian BBQ is about much more than veggie burgers and sausages. From smoky aubergine steaks and charred sweetcorn to colourful vegetable skewers and hearty bean salads, it’s easier than ever to create a plant based BBQ that’s every bit as satisfying as a traditional cookout.

I know for a fact that the demand for more than beige buns with hot dogs and burgers is loud. People want fresher, healthier dishes loaded with flavour. Think: smoky aubergine steaks, garlic marinated corn and skewers loaded with grilled veggies.

I get it, though. Some people hear ‘veggies at a BBQ’ and think really?

But by taking a few easy steps, it’s easy to have a more plant based BBQ that everyone – from carnivores to vegans – will love.

Top Tips For A Vegetarian BBQ

Remember: vegetables are the real star of the show. You just need to find ways to prepare them!

For example, when grilled, vegetables are transformed into meat alternatives. Whether it’s turning oyster mushrooms into burger patties, or marinating some cauliflower steaks to replace a meaty main, the flavours you use will give them a bold taste to elevate any BBQ! Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, add a fresh flavour, while sweeter fruits, like peaches and pineapple, pair perfectly with more savoury dishes.

1. Be bold with flavours

It’s easy to keep it simple, but don’t be afraid to try new contrasts. A fresh tzatziki is a refreshing dip to pair with sides or to add to a burger. Fermented pickles add a tangy crunch to your veggie dishes, whilst Middle Eastern sauces can be the perfect way to boost flavour of veggies!

2. Pair your veggie mains with fresh BBQ sides

Fresh salads to pair on the side add a real vibrant freshness to your BBQ. Try crisp salads with zesty dressings. Or a pickled coleslaw using a variety of different carrots and celery seeds for a bold flavour. Or if you’re looking for a protein hit, a hearty bean salad tossed with fresh herbs, olive oil and a splash of lemon juice pairs perfectly with any main.

3. Make potatoes the star of the BBQ

Who doesn’t love a potato dish at a BBQ? Indeed, the spud can be the star of a plant based BBQ. Serve jacket potatoes as your main with a side dish like hummus, or a plant-based kabab. Or slice and dice into wedges, toss with a spicy mix and then cook to perfection on your grill.

4. Know the best vegetables for grilling

One of the best things about a plant-based BBQ is the sheer variety of vegetables that become sweeter, smokier and more flavourful over an open flame. While almost any vegetable can be grilled, some hold their texture particularly well and develop delicious caramelised edges.

For best results, lightly coat vegetables with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking and encourage those beautiful char marks.

5. Try the best vegetarian BBQ marinade recipes

A good marinade can completely transform a plant based BBQ. Allow vegetables to marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight for mushrooms and aubergine—for maximum flavour. Make some extra and store in the fridge for later – these will last for ages!

a) Smoky BBQ Marinade

Perfect for mushrooms, cauliflower and aubergine.

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Freshly ground black pepper

b) Mediterranean Herb Marinade

Ideal for courgettes, peppers and onions.

• 4T olive oil
• 1T lemon juice
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• Pinch of oregano
• Pinch of thyme
• Pinch of rosemary
• Dash of sea salt

c) Asian Ginger Marinade

Delicious with tofu and mushrooms. Mix:

• 1T soy sauce
• 3T sesame oil
• Pinch of powdered ginger
• 1 crushed clove of garlic
• 2T rice vinegar
• 1T maple syrup

d) Chimichurri Marinade

Excellent on cauliflower steaks or grilled potatoes. Mix:

• 2T fresh parsley
• 1T coriander
• I clove garlic
• Dash olive oil
• Dash red wine vinegar
• Chilli flakes

The Best Vegetarian Proteins for a BBQ

Many people worry that a vegetarian BBQ won’t be filling enough. In reality, there are plenty of protein-rich options that grill beautifully.

Some favourites for a plant based BBQ include:

• Marinated tofu steaks
• Tempeh skewers
• Homemade bean burgers
• Chickpea burgers
• Black bean burgers
• Halloumi (for vegetarians)
• Grilled seitan steaks
• Vegan sausages
• Lentil koftas
• Falafel served in warm flatbreads

Combining fresh summer side dishes (see below) with protein-rich mains creates a satisfying meal that even meat eaters will enjoy.

Fresh Summer Side Dishes for a Vegetarian BBQ

A great vegetarian BBQ is as much about the sides as the mains.

Try serving:

• Watermelon and mint salad
• Greek salad
• Potato salad with herbs
• Pickled coleslaw
• Three-bean salad
• Couscous with roasted vegetables
• Quinoa tabbouleh
• Pasta salad with pesto
• Charred corn salad
• Fresh sourdough with olive oil and dukkah

These colourful dishes add freshness and make your table look abundant.

Add Delicious Plant Based BBQ Desserts

Dessert doesn’t need to mean turning the oven back on! Instead, simply try grilling:

• Pineapple with cinnamon
• Peaches with maple syrup
• Nectarines with vegan vanilla ice cream
• Bananas in their skins with dark chocolate
• BBQ fruit skewers
• Strawberries with balsamic glaze

Or simply serve fresh berries with coconut yoghurt.

Refreshing Drinks for a Vegetarian BBQ

Keep guests cool with homemade drinks instead of sugary fizzy beverages. Some favourites include:

• Homemade lemonade
• Sparkling elderflower
• Iced hibiscus tea
• Mint iced tea
• Cucumber and lime water
• Watermelon agua fresca
• Kombucha
• Alcohol-free botanical spritzes
• Fresh fruit smoothies

Adding herbs like basil, mint and rosemary makes drinks feel extra special.

Common Vegetarian BBQ Mistakes

Even experienced cooks can make a few plant based BBQ blunders! Try to avoid these common mistakes:

Not marinating vegetables. Vegetables absorb flavour beautifully and benefit enormously from marinades.

Cutting vegetables too small. Tiny pieces tend to fall through the grill and cook unevenly.

Using too little oil. A light coating prevents sticking and helps vegetables caramelise.

Turning vegetables constantly. Leave them alone long enough to develop delicious char marks.

Only serving veggie burgers. Variety is what makes a vegetarian BBQ memorable.

Forgetting sauces. Sauces often provide the bold flavours that tie everything together.

15 Great Recipes For A Veggie Based BBQ

1. Charred Cabbage 

Charred cabbage is very trendy right now, and the perfect dish to whip up for a plant based BBQ. Drizzled in a lemon tahini dressing, it’s crisp, it’s tangy, it’s super tasty – and it’s way cheaper than meat!

🌿 Expert Tip: Don’t salt vegetables until after they’ve come off the grill. Salt draws out moisture, which can prevent vegetables from developing those delicious caramelised edges.

2. Garlic & Herb BBQ Eggplant

Eggplant is the ‘tofu’ of veggies. It pretty much goes with everything, and will just absorb any flavours you add to it. This recipe involves loads of savoury garlic and herbs. Add the smokiness of the grill to that, and you’ve got a dish that’s a real winner at any plant based BBQ.

🔥 Expert Tip: If you’re grilling mushrooms or aubergines, let them cook undisturbed for several minutes before flipping. Moving them too often prevents the smoky char that gives BBQ vegetables their rich flavour.

3. Grilled BBQ Watermelon Kebabs

These watermelon kebabs are a great dish for your next vegetarian BBQ. The umami marinade is packed with flavours which pair well with the watermelon when it’s grilled and then lightly charred. It works well paired with veggies such as crisp corn or chunks of red bell peppers.

4. Indian Inspired BBQ Skewer

Kebabs are such a great plant based BBQ option, and you can pretty much throw whatever veggies or fruits on them that you fancy. I personally love grilled pineapple which adds sweetness against the Indian spices.

5. Lion Mane’s Steak

Lion’s mane is the perfect steak for vegetarians and carnivores alike! This gorgeous, super healthy mushroom is transformed into a steak with a very meat-like texture, and the most mouth-watering flavour. Serve these as a side or a burger topping and your guests won’t even miss the meat!

6. Mexican Street Corn

Corn is such a delicious and fresh veggie. Who doesn’t love a bit of it? And it’s never better than when it’s done up in Mexican style! This recipe features lime, cilantro and spices. Throwing it in some aluminium foil on the BBQ is going to make it super delish!

7. Tempeh Burgers with Portobello Mushroom Buns

Plant based BBQ are great, but they can be super bloating with the bread buns and starchy dishes. This burger recipe serves portobello mushrooms as the buns with marinated tempeh and fresh veggies. Super easy to make on the grill, and great for those sensitive to gluten.

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8. Smoky Carrot Hot Dogs

Carrot dogs are the perfect meaty main for a plant based BBQ. Once marinated and then grilled, you won’t even believe they’re a humble carrot! Serve on a soft bun with your favourite toppings and you won’t miss the meat versions at all!

9. Grillable Veggie Burgers

Forget mock meat, these burgers are made with veggies and rice! Black beans, mushrooms, and rice are mixed with onion, walnuts and liquid smoke for that perfect smoky BBQ flavour. Serve alongside one of the many tasty salad recipes in this list, or serve in a bun for a traditional BBQ vibe.

10. BBQ Watermelon Fillet

Turn juicy watermelon into this mouthwatering fillet to really wow your guests. Once marinated and then grilled, the watermelon takes on a new flavour. It then becomes the perfect main dish to serve at a plant based BBQ!

11. Grilled Baby Potato Skewers

Potatoes are super cheap and filling, and of course, are perfect for a plant based BBQ! Pop them onto a skewer and marinate in this herby sauce. Simple yet loaded with flavour.

12. Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower

Looking for a veggie main to steal the show at your plant based BBQ? These teriyaki cauliflower steaks are the one. They’re slathered in a delicious brown sugar and soy glaze, and then scattered with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

13. Tofu Skewers With 5 Easy Sauces

As I mentioned, firm (not silken) tofu is a great staple at veggie based barbeques, as it makes great kababs, and grills up perfectly. And when you’ve got five tasty sauces to add to your grilled tofu, it’s even better!

14. Boozy Baked Bananas

I couldn’t do a plant based BBQ recipes roundup without dessert! These sweet, mushy bananas have a shot of rum, yes. But the alcohol will burn off once they’re grilled. And if you can serve these up hot with some contrasting ice cream – all the better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What vegetables are best for a plant based BBQ?

Aubergines, courgettes, mushrooms, peppers, onions, sweetcorn, asparagus and cauliflower are among the easiest vegetables to grill because they develop a delicious smoky flavour while holding their shape.

Do vegetables need to be marinated before grilling?

Not always, but marinating vegetables adds flavour and helps prevent them from drying out. Even a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic and herbs makes a noticeable difference.

What protein can vegetarians eat at a BBQ?

Popular options include tofu, tempeh, bean burgers, lentil koftas, halloumi, seitan and high-quality vegan sausages.

How do you stop vegetables sticking to the BBQ?

Brush vegetables lightly with olive oil, make sure the grill is clean and properly preheated, and avoid moving them too soon after placing them on the grill.

Can you cook vegetables on the same BBQ as meat?

Yes, although vegetarians and vegans may prefer separate cooking areas or dedicated grill trays to avoid cross-contamination. If you’re catering for vegan guests, it’s always best to ask about their preferences beforehand.

What are the best vegetables to marinate?

Aubergine, mushrooms, cauliflower, courgettes and peppers absorb marinades particularly well and become even more flavourful after grilling.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply looking to eat a little less meat this summer, creating a memorable plant-based BBQ is easier than you might think. By putting seasonal vegetables front and centre, experimenting with bold marinades and flavour-packed sauces, and serving a colourful spread of fresh salads, protein-rich mains and refreshing drinks, you can create an outdoor feast that’s every bit as satisfying as a traditional barbecue.

The beauty of a vegetarian BBQ is its versatility. From smoky aubergine steaks and juicy portobello mushroom burgers to grilled peaches and homemade chimichurri, there’s no shortage of delicious combinations to explore. Better still, many of these dishes are healthier, lighter and have a lower environmental footprint than conventional BBQ fare.

So don’t be afraid to think beyond veggie burgers and sausages. Mix and match seasonal produce, get creative with herbs and spices, and let fresh ingredients shine. Your guests—whether they’re vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian or devoted meat eaters—may just discover that vegetables can be the true stars of the grill.

Happy barbecuing!

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Lora O'Brien

After graduating in Journalism from the University of Greenwich, Lora worked for Sugar and Healing Lifestyles magazines in London before being hired to write about food for Eluxe. She’s recently become a new mom to baby Lulla, and is writing a blog about the experience. See more about Lora here.

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