Best Vegetarian Grill Recipes for Flavorful Summer Meals

There’s something magical about grilling that brings out the best in fresh vegetables. The smoky aroma, the satisfying sizzle, and the gorgeous grill marks all meld together to create a meal that feels like a celebration of summer’s bounty.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply aiming to incorporate more plant-forward dishes into your routine, vegetarian grill recipes are a game-changer. From hearty skewers and juicy portobello burgers to crisp corn and vibrant salads, the grill transforms simple produce into unforgettable dishes.

In this post, I’ll share my best vegetarian grill recipes—a vibrant collection perfect for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or easy weeknight dinners. These recipes are designed to be simple yet impressive, bursting with flavors and textures that everyone will love.

So fire up your grill and get ready to discover a whole new world of vegetarian grilling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of Flavor: Grilling caramelizes natural sugars in vegetables, enhancing their sweetness and depth.
• Easy and Versatile: These recipes are simple to customize and perfect for a variety of diets, including vegan and gluten-free.
• Quick to Prepare: Most dishes go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes, making them great for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, grilled veggies support a balanced diet.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Colorful skewers, hearty burgers, and fresh salads make for a stunning spread.

Whether you’re hosting a summer party or looking for new meal ideas, these vegetarian grill recipes are guaranteed to please even the most dedicated meat-eaters.

Ingredients

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

• 1 large zucchini, sliced into 1/2” rounds
• 1 large yellow squash, sliced into 1/2” rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5” pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1.5” pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Portobello Mushroom Burgers

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps, stems removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 4 whole grain burger buns (or gluten-free buns)
• 4 slices cheese (dairy or plant-based, optional)
• Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and condiments, for serving

Grilled Street Corn (Elote-Style)

• 4 ears fresh corn, husked
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (vegan mayo works great)
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or vegan cheese, crumbled)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Grilled Peach & Halloumi Salad

• 2 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 7 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2” slabs
• 5 oz arugula or mixed greens
• 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Overview Table

Equipment

• Outdoor grill (gas or charcoal) or a stovetop grill pan
• Metal or soaked bamboo skewers (for vegetable skewers)
• Grill brush for cleaning grates
• Long-handled tongs for turning veggies and skewers
• Basting brush for marinades
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls for marinades and tossing salads
• Serving platter for presenting your grilled creations

Instructions

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
2. Prep the vegetables: Cut zucchini, squash, peppers, and onion as directed. Leave mushrooms whole or halved if large.
3. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss the veggies: Add all vegetables to the bowl and toss until well coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes for deeper flavor.
5. Thread the veggies: Alternate the vegetables on skewers for a colorful mix. Avoid packing them too tightly.
6. Grill the skewers: Place skewers on the grill, turning every 2-3 minutes, until tender and charred (about 10-12 minutes).
7. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate mushrooms: Brush mushroom caps generously with the marinade. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
3. Grill mushrooms: Place mushrooms gill-side down on a preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes, then flip and grill another 4-5 minutes, brushing with extra marinade.
4. Add cheese (optional): In the last 2 minutes, add a slice of cheese to each cap and close the lid to melt.
5. Toast buns: Briefly toast burger buns on the grill until golden.
6. Assemble burgers: Layer each bun with a grilled mushroom, lettuce, tomato, onion, and desired condiments. Serve hot.

Grilled Street Corn (Elote-Style)

1. Brush corn: Lightly coat each ear of corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Grill corn: Place corn directly on the grill. Rotate every 2-3 minutes until kernels are charred and tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Add toppings: Slather grilled corn with mayonnaise, sprinkle with cotija, dust with chili powder, and finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
4. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Grilled Peach & Halloumi Salad

1. Prep peaches and cheese: Halve and pit peaches; slice halloumi into slabs.
2. Brush with oil: Lightly brush peaches and halloumi with olive oil.
3. Grill: Place peaches and halloumi on a medium grill. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and cheese softens.
4. Assemble salad: Arrange arugula on a platter, top with grilled peaches and halloumi, sprinkle with toasted pecans, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tip: Always preheat your grill and clean the grates for perfect grill marks and to prevent sticking!

Tips & Variations

• Change Up the Veggies: Try adding eggplant, asparagus, or cauliflower to your skewers for new flavors and textures.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan cheese or skip cheese altogether for plant-based versions. Vegan mayo works beautifully for street corn.
• Boost Protein: Add firm tofu cubes to skewers or use grilled tofu instead of halloumi in the salad.
• Add Extra Flavor: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or thyme, or toss veggies in a homemade chimichurri.
• Marinate in Advance: For even deeper flavor, marinate your veggies and mushrooms for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
• Try a Smoky Twist: Sprinkle smoked sea salt or add a dash of liquid smoke to marinades for extra depth.
• For a Crowd: Double or triple the recipes—grilled veggies are always a hit at parties!

“Don’t be afraid to play with your favorite produce—grilling brings out the natural sweetness and makes even humble veggies shine.”

Nutrition Facts

Values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Dips: Serve skewers and burgers alongside homemade dips like Lipton Vegetable Dip for extra flavor.
• Make it a Feast: Add a side of creamy vegetable Alfredo or a fresh Swiss chard salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Grilled Bread: Toast slices of sourdough or pita on the grill, and top with olive oil and sea salt for easy bruschetta.
• Picnic-Ready: Pack grilled veggies in wraps or salads for a portable picnic or lunchbox treat.
• Fresh Drinks: Pair your grilled dishes with sparkling water, lemonade, or a light white wine for a refreshing finish.
• Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: End your meal with a slice of Vegetarian Date Cake for a delicious dessert.

Conclusion

Grilling isn’t just for meat lovers—vegetarian grill recipes prove that plant-based meals can be every bit as satisfying and delicious. With a few simple techniques and the right ingredients, you can transform ordinary vegetables into smoky, charred, and flavor-packed sensations.

These recipes are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive backyard gatherings with friends and family.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned pro, I hope these recipes inspire you to fire up the grill and get creative. Don’t forget to check out our other plant-based favorites, like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker or the globally inspired Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Happy grilling, and may your summer be filled with color, flavor, and plenty of good company!

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