Grilled Vegan Recipes for Delicious Summer BBQs

Summer is the perfect season to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious, smoky flavors. For those following a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking to eat more vegetables, grilled vegan recipes offer a mouthwatering way to savor the season’s freshest produce.

Grilling not only enhances natural flavors but also adds a delightful char and texture that can transform simple ingredients into a feast. Whether you’re preparing vibrant vegetable skewers, hearty grilled tofu, or smoky portobello mushrooms, these recipes are sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of grilled vegan recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion—from casual backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties. Plus, we’ll share tips for grilling success and ideas to customize these dishes to your taste.

Ready to become a grill master with some delicious vegan meals? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled vegan recipes are a fantastic way to embrace healthy eating without sacrificing flavor or fun. By grilling, vegetables and plant-based proteins develop a rich, smoky taste that makes every bite satisfying.

These recipes are naturally packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a nourishing choice for your body and soul.

Another reason to love these dishes is their versatility. Whether you prefer quick weeknight meals or want to impress guests at a summer cookout, grilled vegan recipes can be adapted to fit your needs.

Plus, they’re ideal for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy wholesome, flavorful dishes throughout the week. If you’re looking to explore more vibrant vegan meals, don’t miss our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for authentic and exciting flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large chunks
• 1 red onion, sliced into rings
• 200g firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Grill brush (for cleaning grates)
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Plate or tray for marinating
• Aluminum foil (optional, for delicate veggies)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Slice it into 1-inch cubes and place them in a bowl.
2. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until fully blended.
3. Marinate the tofu and veggies: Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat. In a separate bowl, toss the eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onion slices with the remaining marinade. Let both marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Prepare the grill: Light your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. Use a grill brush to clean the grates, then oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the vegetables: Place the marinated vegetables directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until tender and charred.
6. Grill the tofu: Place the tofu cubes on a grill pan or skewer them for easy handling. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely marked and heated through.
7. Serve: Arrange the grilled veggies and tofu on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly grilled veggies, make sure your grill is hot and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Don’t overcrowd the grill to allow even cooking and beautiful grill marks.”

• Try different marinades: Swap out the smoked paprika and cumin for a spicy harissa paste or a tangy balsamic glaze for a new flavor twist.
• Add more veggies: Asparagus, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and corn on the cob all work wonderfully on the grill.
• Use tempeh instead of tofu: For a nuttier flavor and firmer texture, marinate and grill tempeh cubes following the same method.
• Make skewers: Thread tofu and veggies onto skewers for easy flipping and a fun presentation.
• For a smoky touch: Add a few wood chips to your charcoal grill or use a smoker box on a gas grill.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This grilled vegan platter pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and condiments. Consider serving it alongside fluffy quinoa or brown rice to make a hearty meal.

A fresh, tangy cucumber and tomato salad or a smoky vegan dip like our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite will complement the smoky flavors wonderfully.

For a Mediterranean twist, drizzle the grilled veggies with some vegan tzatziki or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. You can also use the grilled components as a base for wraps or sandwiches, adding hummus and fresh greens for a satisfying lunch.

Conclusion

Grilled vegan recipes offer a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the bounty of fresh vegetables and plant-based proteins with the irresistible flavor of the grill. These dishes are perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their rotation without compromising on taste or texture.

The smoky char, vibrant seasoning, and simplicity of these recipes make them a must-try this grilling season.

Plus, grilling is a fantastic way to bring friends and family together for a fun, interactive meal. Explore different marinades and vegetables to keep things exciting and discover your own favorite combinations.

Don’t forget to check out other amazing vegan recipes like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to keep your plant-based cooking diverse and delicious.

More Grilled Vegan Recipes to Try

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks

These meaty mushrooms soak up a savory marinade and grill up tender and juicy. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob

Brush corn with a smoky chili-lime sauce before grilling for a flavorful side that’s perfect for any barbecue.

Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Whipped Cream

End your meal on a sweet note with caramelized pineapple slices grilled to perfection and topped with a light coconut whipped cream.

BBQ Jackfruit Sliders

Simmer young jackfruit in smoky barbecue sauce, then grill lightly for a perfect vegan slider filling. Serve on soft buns with crunchy slaw.

Grilled Veggie Skewers with Chimichurri

Colorful skewers of zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion served with a fresh herb chimichurri sauce make for a vibrant and tasty dish.

For detailed recipes and step-by-step guides to these dishes, explore our collection of Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Vegan Smoker Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals. Happy grilling!

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