Vegan Memorial Day Recipes for a Festive Summer BBQ

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a vibrant outdoor feast.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a cozy family picnic, or a potluck with friends, serving delicious plant-based dishes ensures everyone at the table is satisfied and energized.

Vegan Memorial Day recipes are not only inclusive and nourishing, but they also bring out the best flavors of the season—think smoky grilled veggies, refreshing salads, and decadent desserts made from fresh produce.

If you’re searching for crowd-pleasing vegan recipes that even the most devoted carnivores will love, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll walk you through a full Memorial Day menu, featuring Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers, Creamy Vegan Potato Salad, and a sweet finale of Fresh Berry Almond Cashew Clusters.

All are easy to prepare, packed with summery flavor, and perfect for sharing. Let’s make this holiday one to remember—for its food and its meaning!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan Memorial Day recipes were crafted with both tradition and innovation in mind. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for these dishes year after year:

• Big, Bold Flavors: Marinated mushrooms, creamy dressings, and naturally sweet berries ensure every bite bursts with summer goodness.
• Simple Prep: Each recipe is easy enough for beginner cooks but impressive enough for seasoned hosts.
• Perfect for Sharing: These recipes are designed to scale up for gatherings, and they’re always a hit—vegan or not!
• Healthy and Satisfying: Whole-food ingredients mean you can indulge without compromise.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Most components can be prepped in advance, so you can enjoy the party, too.

Trust me—if you want to bring everyone together around the table, these are the recipes you’ll want in your arsenal.

Ingredients

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

Fresh Berry Almond Cashew Clusters

Equipment

• Outdoor grill or grill pan (for Portobello burgers)
• Large mixing bowls
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Medium saucepan (for boiling potatoes)
• Colander
• Baking sheet (for clusters)
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs (for grilling)
• Spatula

Instructions

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Marinate the mushrooms: Add the mushroom caps to the marinade, turning to coat each side. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan: Medium-high heat works best.
4. Grill the mushrooms: Place the marinated mushrooms, gill-side down, on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until juicy and tender, with nice grill marks. Baste with extra marinade as they cook.
5. Toast the buns: Place buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
6. Assemble the burgers: Layer each bun with lettuce, tomato, grilled mushroom, onion, and avocado. Add more fresh herbs or condiments if you like!

Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

1. Boil the potatoes: Place cut potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Prep the veggies: While potatoes cool, dice celery, onion, pickles, and fresh dill.
3. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine: Add cooled potatoes, celery, onion, pickles, and dill to the bowl with dressing. Gently toss to coat, being careful not to mash the potatoes.
5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Fresh Berry Almond Cashew Clusters

1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the clusters: In a bowl, combine almonds, cashews, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until nuts are well coated.
3. Add berries: Gently fold in the chopped berries, being careful not to crush them.
4. Portion onto baking sheet: Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until clusters are golden and set. Let cool completely—they’ll firm up as they cool.
6. Enjoy: Serve as a sweet snack or dessert!

Tips & Variations

• Get ahead: Prep the potato salad and marinate the mushrooms the day before. The flavors only improve!
• Customize your burger: Add vegan cheese, spicy sriracha mayo, or grilled onions for extra flavor.
• Switch up the nuts: Try pecans or walnuts instead of almonds and cashews for the clusters.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns or serve the burgers “lettuce wrap” style.
• For extra protein: Top burgers with grilled tempeh bacon or serve potato salad with a side of vegan chili.
• Leftover clusters are perfect for lunchboxes!

“Letting your potato salad chill overnight brings out the best flavors—don’t rush it if you can help it!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general overview of the nutrition for each recipe, based on standard serving sizes:

Note: Nutrition info will vary based on brands and serving sizes. For more protein and fiber, serve with a side of Allens Green Beans or a hearty vegan chili.

Serving Suggestions

• Build a festive platter: Arrange burgers, potato salad, and berry clusters on large platters garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
• Mix and match sides: Complement the menu with dishes like 2-Ingredient Guacamole and crunchy veggie sticks.
• Keep it cool: Serve salads and desserts chilled—perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
• Make it a picnic: Pack everything in reusable containers for a zero-waste outdoor celebration.
• Grill extras: Add corn on the cob, asparagus, or pineapple slices to the grill for a colorful spread.
• Don’t forget the drinks: iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with fruit slices are all vegan-friendly!

Conclusion

Memorial Day is all about gathering with loved ones, honoring tradition, and enjoying the best flavors of the season. With this trio of vegan recipes, you can create a feast that’s as nourishing as it is celebratory.

The smoky-satisfying Portobello burgers, creamy potato salad, and vibrant berry almond cashew clusters prove that plant-based eating is anything but boring.

These dishes are more than just recipes—they’re an invitation to share joy, gratitude, and delicious food. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just looking to add more veggies to your table, these crowd-pleasers bring everyone together.

If you’re looking for even more plant-powered inspiration, check out my Almond Cashew Clusters Recipe for snacking, or cool off with a bowl of Bak Chor Mee (yes, you can make it vegan!).

Wishing you a safe, delicious, and memorable Memorial Day—may your table be full and your heart even fuller!