Awesome Vegetarian BBQ Recipes for Delicious Summer Grilling

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Awesome Vegetarian BBQ Recipes

Summer is here, and the BBQ season is in full swing! But what if you’re looking to delight your taste buds without meat?

Fear not, because vegetarian BBQ recipes are just as exciting, flavorful, and satisfying as traditional grills. From smoky grilled veggies to hearty plant-based burgers and tangy marinades, these recipes will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just want to add a fresh twist to your cookout menu, these awesome vegetarian BBQ recipes are packed with vibrant colors, textures, and mouthwatering aromas. Get ready to impress your friends and family with dishes that celebrate the best of the grill, minus the meat.

Let’s fire up the grill and dive into some delicious vegetarian BBQ goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian BBQ recipes are perfect for anyone craving the essence of outdoor grilling without meat. These dishes combine fresh, wholesome ingredients with bold spices and smoky char that only a BBQ can deliver.

They’re great for health-conscious eaters, environmental enthusiasts, or those simply looking to try something new and exciting. Plus, vegetarian BBQ options are incredibly versatile — from grilled portobello mushrooms that mimic steak’s texture to zesty grilled corn and colorful veggie skewers.

These recipes are easy to prepare, fun to customize, and guaranteed to please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. If you love food that’s vibrant, nutritious, and full of flavor, these vegetarian BBQ ideas will quickly become staples in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

  • Portobello mushrooms – 4 large caps
  • Bell peppers – 2 (red and yellow), cut into chunks
  • Zucchini – 2 medium, sliced
  • Red onion – 1 large, sliced into rings
  • Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup
  • Corn on the cob – 4 ears, husked
  • Firm tofu – 1 block (14 oz), pressed and sliced
  • Olive oil – ⅓ cup
  • BBQ sauce – ½ cup (choose your favorite vegetarian brand)
  • Garlic powder – 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin – ½ tsp
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill (charcoal or gas)
  • Grill basket or skewers for veggies
  • Basting brush
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil (optional, for tofu or corn)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Marinate the vegetables and tofu: Place the portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, tofu slices, and cherry tomatoes into separate bowls. Pour half of the marinade over the mushrooms and tofu, toss to coat, and let sit for 20 minutes. Use the remaining marinade for the other veggies right before grilling.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375–400°F (190–205°C). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the corn: Lightly brush the corn with olive oil, wrap each ear in foil if you prefer, and place on the grill. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
  5. Grill the tofu and mushrooms: Place the marinated tofu and portobello mushrooms directly on the grill. Grill mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side and tofu for 3-4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and they’re heated through.
  6. Grill the remaining veggies: Toss bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes (if on skewers or in a grill basket) with the reserved marinade. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
  7. Assemble and serve: Arrange all grilled items on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

“For extra smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips to your charcoal or use a smoker box on a gas grill.”

  • Swap tofu for tempeh if you want a nuttier texture and flavor. Marinate and grill it the same way.
  • Add fruit: Grilled pineapple rings or peaches add a wonderful sweet contrast to the smoky veggies.
  • Try veggie burgers: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought vegetarian patties and grill alongside the veggies for a heartier meal.
  • Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a kick.
  • Use skewers: Thread veggies and tofu on skewers for easy flipping and a fun presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 5 g
Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 1.5 g
Sodium 420 mg

Serving Suggestions

Pair these grilled vegetarian delights with fresh sides like a crisp green salad, grilled corn salad, or a tangy coleslaw. You can also serve them alongside vegan buns or flatbreads to create delicious BBQ sandwiches.

For a sweet finish, consider trying the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the light and airy Glazed Twist Donut Recipe. To add a savory bread option to your BBQ table, the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Vegetarian BBQ recipes prove that grilling is not just for meat lovers. With a little creativity and the right marinades, plant-based ingredients can shine on the grill, delivering complex flavors and satisfying textures.

These recipes are simple to prepare, healthy, and perfect for sharing with friends and family at any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re grilling portobello mushrooms, tofu, or colorful veggies, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and memorable meal.

So fire up your grill, try these awesome vegetarian BBQ recipes, and embrace the smoky, savory world of plant-based grilling. Happy BBQ season!

📖 Recipe Card: Awesome Vegetarian BBQ Recipes

Description: A collection of flavorful vegetarian BBQ dishes perfect for any outdoor gathering. These recipes are easy to prepare and packed with smoky, savory goodness.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with marinade.
  4. Thread vegetables onto skewers alternating types.
  5. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 15 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Awesome Vegetarian BBQ Recipes”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A collection of flavorful vegetarian BBQ dishes perfect for any outdoor gathering. These recipes are easy to prepare and packed with smoky, savory goodness.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 zucchini, sliced”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes”, “1/4 cup olive oil”, “2 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tbsp smoked paprika”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tbsp balsamic vinegar”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat grill to medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with marinade.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Thread vegetables onto skewers alternating types.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with your favorite BBQ sauce.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X