Grilling season is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and enjoy vibrant, smoky, and delicious meals — all while keeping it 100% plant-based. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-powered options to your barbecue lineup, these 25 vegan recipes for the grill will ignite your culinary creativity.
From smoky grilled vegetables and hearty skewers to inventive plant-based burgers and grilled fruit desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, grilling brings out bold flavors and enticing char that make these dishes truly irresistible.
Get ready to impress family and friends at your next cookout with these easy-to-make, nutrient-packed, and absolutely mouthwatering vegan dishes. Let’s dive into the world of grilling without compromise — where health, flavor, and sustainability meet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These 25 vegan grilling recipes showcase the versatility and richness of plant-based ingredients when cooked over an open flame. They bring out deep, smoky flavors and crisp textures that are often missed in vegan cooking.
You’ll love how easy these recipes are to prepare, many requiring minimal marinating and simple seasoning. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion — from casual family dinners to festive outdoor gatherings.
Whether you’re craving zesty grilled tofu kebabs, smoky corn with chili-lime butter, or caramelized grilled peaches for dessert, these recipes make vegan grilling exciting and accessible. They’re healthy, colorful, and sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients
- Firm tofu – 2 blocks, pressed and cubed
- Portobello mushroom caps – 6 large caps
- Bell peppers – 4 assorted colors, cut into strips or chunks
- Zucchini and yellow squash – 3 each, sliced lengthwise
- Red onion – 2 large, cut into thick rings
- Cherry tomatoes – 2 cups
- Fresh corn on the cob – 6 ears, husked
- Asparagus – 2 bunches, trimmed
- Eggplant – 2 medium, sliced into rounds
- Sweet potatoes – 2 large, peeled and sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil – 1 cup
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) – 1/4 cup chopped
- Garlic cloves – 6 minced
- Lemon juice – 1/4 cup
- Smoked paprika – 2 tsp
- Cumin powder – 1 tsp
- Chili powder – 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Maple syrup – 2 tbsp
- BBQ sauce (vegan) – 1 cup
- Tempeh – 1 block, sliced
- Seitan strips – 200g
- Pineapple slices – 1 fresh pineapple, cut into rings
- Peaches – 4 ripe, halved and pitted
- Fresh cilantro – 1/4 cup chopped
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – 1/2 cup
Equipment
- Outdoor grill (charcoal or gas)
- Grill grate or grill basket
- Metal or bamboo skewers (soaked if bamboo)
- Mixing bowls
- Brush for oiling the grill and applying sauces
- Tongs and spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (optional, for grilling delicate items)
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Clean and preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Marinate your ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add tofu cubes, tempeh slices, seitan strips, and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Toss well to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
- Assemble skewers: Thread marinated tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers onto skewers, alternating colors and textures for visual appeal and balanced grilling.
- Grill the skewers and vegetables: Place skewers and larger vegetables like eggplant slices and sweet potato rounds directly on the grill. Turn every 3-4 minutes until charred and cooked through (typically 10-15 minutes). For delicate veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, use a grill basket or foil tray.
- Grill fruits for dessert: Lightly brush pineapple rings and peach halves with oil. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and grill marks appear.
- Apply BBQ sauce: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush skewers and larger vegetables with vegan BBQ sauce for a sticky, smoky glaze.
- Remove and rest: Transfer all grilled items to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to settle.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro and nuts over the grilled fruits or savory dishes for added texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
“Pressing tofu before marinating ensures a firmer texture that grills beautifully without falling apart.”
For a smoky flavor, add wood chips to your charcoal or use a smoker box on a gas grill. Try different marinades like a tangy balsamic glaze or a spicy peanut sauce to mix things up.
You can also swap out vegetables based on seasonality — asparagus, artichokes, and corn all grill wonderfully.
If you want extra protein, add grilled chickpea patties or black bean burgers to your lineup. And don’t forget to check out our other vegan recipes like Blackberry Juicing Recipes and Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for more plant-based inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-250 kcal |
| Protein | 12-18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-25 g |
| Fiber | 5-8 g |
| Fat | 8-12 g (mostly healthy fats) |
| Sodium | 250-400 mg (varies with seasoning) |
| Vitamin C | 40-60% DV |
| Iron | 10-20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these grilled vegan delights alongside fresh salads, grilled corn with vegan butter, or fluffy quinoa for a complete meal. For a fun twist, add vegan dipping sauces like tahini drizzle, chimichurri, or cashew ranch.
Grilled fruits can be served with a scoop of coconut ice cream or drizzled with agave syrup for a guilt-free dessert.
Pair with your favorite cold beverages or try a refreshing non-alcoholic option like a homemade lemonade or iced herbal tea. For more hearty meal ideas, check out our Bread And Gravy Recipe or Best Spg Seasoning Recipe to elevate your side dishes.
25 Vegan Recipes for the Grill
Grilled Tofu Skewers with Smoky BBQ Sauce
Marinate pressed tofu cubes in a smoky BBQ marinade and grill until charred. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Brush large mushroom caps with garlic-herb oil and grill until tender. Serve on toasted buns with vegan mayo and lettuce.
Grilled Vegetable Kebabs
Thread bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions onto skewers. Marinate and grill until vegetables are tender-crisp.
BBQ Tempeh Bites
Slice tempeh into bite-sized pieces, marinate in BBQ sauce, and grill until caramelized. Perfect for snacking or salads.
Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter
Grill corn on the cob until lightly charred, then slather with vegan chili-lime butter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
Eggplant Steaks with Herb Oil
Slice eggplant thickly, brush with herb oil, and grill until tender with grill marks. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Maple Glaze
Grill sweet potato slices brushed with maple syrup and spices for a sweet and smoky side dish.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Toss asparagus in olive oil and lemon zest, grill until tender-crisp, and sprinkle with sea salt.
Seitan Steak Strips
Marinate seitan strips in a savory sauce and grill quickly for a chewy, meaty texture perfect for sandwiches or salads.
Pineapple Rings with Toasted Nuts
Grill pineapple until caramelized, then sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts and a hint of cinnamon.
Peach Halves with Agave Drizzle
Grill halved peaches until soft and lightly charred, then drizzle with agave syrup for a natural dessert.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash Carpaccio
Grill thin slices of zucchini and squash, then serve chilled with a sprinkle of pine nuts and fresh herbs.
Vegan Grilled “Cheese” Sandwich
Use vegan cheese slices and grilled vegetables sandwiched between toasted bread for a gooey, smoky treat.
BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Simmer jackfruit in BBQ sauce, then grill on small buns with pickles and slaw for satisfying sliders.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Cut cauliflower into thick slices, marinate in olive oil and turmeric, and grill until golden and tender.
Grilled Artichoke Hearts
Parboil artichoke halves, then grill and serve with a lemon-garlic dipping sauce.
Spicy Grilled Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Grilled tofu cubes tossed in spicy sauce served in crisp lettuce cups with avocado and salsa.
Grilled Portobello and Pine Nut Salad
Slice grilled mushrooms over mixed greens with toasted pine nuts and a tangy vinaigrette.
Grilled Sweet Pepper and Hummus Wrap
Roast sweet peppers on the grill, then wrap with hummus and fresh veggies in a tortilla.
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad
Char grilled corn kernels mixed with black beans, red onion, and a cilantro lime dressing.
Vegan Grilled Pizza
Top pizza dough with tomato sauce, vegetables, and vegan cheese, then grill until crust is crisp and cheese melts.
Grilled Portobello Fajitas
Season sliced mushrooms and onions with fajita spices, grill, and serve with tortillas and guacamole.
Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Stack
Alternate grilled eggplant slices with fresh tomato and basil layers, finished with a balsamic reduction.
Grilled Vegan Sausages
Grill store-bought vegan sausages and serve with grilled onions and mustard on a bun.
Grilled Fruit Salad with Mint
Mix grilled peaches, pineapple, and watermelon cubes tossed with fresh mint and a splash of lime juice.
Conclusion
Grilling vegan food has never been more flavorful or fun! These 25 vegan recipes for the grill prove that plant-based cooking can be just as exciting and satisfying as traditional barbecues.
With a mix of hearty proteins like tofu, tempeh, and seitan, along with a colorful array of vegetables and fruits, these recipes bring bold flavors, appealing textures, and vibrant colors to your table.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal outdoors, these dishes are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with different marinades, herbs, and spices to find your perfect grilled vegan combinations.
For more inspiration on plant-based eating, explore our Breakfast Wellington Recipe — a perfect complement to any day — and be sure to check out our other savory delights like the Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe and Bluebill Duck Recipes for a taste of variety.
Happy grilling — and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: 25 Vegan Recipes for the Grill
Description: A diverse collection of flavorful and easy-to-make vegan dishes perfect for grilling. Enjoy plant-based meals that are healthy, delicious, and perfect for any BBQ.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups firm tofu, pressed and sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate tofu and vegetables in the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Thread tofu and vegetables onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until veggies are tender and tofu is golden.
- Remove from grill and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 12g
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