BBC Vegetarian BBQ Recipes: Tasty Ideas for Summer Grilling

Updated On: October 5, 2025

There’s nothing quite like a sizzling BBQ to bring people together. But who says barbecues have to be all about burgers and sausages?

If you’re looking to impress your guests or just want to enjoy some healthy, vibrant flavors, vegetarian BBQ recipes are the way to go. Inspired by the creative and colorful dishes popularized by BBC’s food experts, these vegetarian BBQ recipes will transform your cookout into a feast of smoky, charred, and utterly delicious plant-based delights.

From juicy grilled halloumi skewers to aromatic veggie burgers and sticky BBQ-glazed mushrooms, every recipe here is designed to showcase how exciting vegetarian barbecue can be. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just looking to add a few more meatless meals to your summer rotation, you’ll love these crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian BBQ recipes aren’t just for vegetarians—they’re for anyone who loves bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a little creativity. Here’s why these recipes are sure to become your new BBQ favorites:

  • Full of Variety: There’s something for everyone, from hearty burgers to skewers and grilled veggies.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein-rich ingredients like beans and cheese.
  • Quick and Easy: Most recipes require minimal prep and cook time, so you can spend more time enjoying the party.
  • Bold Flavors: With smoky marinades, spicy rubs, and tangy sauces, these dishes are anything but bland.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Vegetarian BBQ recipes are ideal for feeding a crowd and encouraging everyone to try something new.

Ingredients

Below is a handy table summarizing the key ingredients for three of the most popular BBC-inspired vegetarian BBQ recipes. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect BBQ spread!

Recipe Key Ingredients
Grilled Halloumi Skewers
  • 250g halloumi cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper
BBQ Mushroom Burgers
  • 4 large portobello mushrooms
  • 4 brioche or sourdough buns
  • 3 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • Handful of lettuce leaves
  • Salt and pepper
Sticky BBQ Cauliflower Wings
  • 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 100g plain flour
  • 150ml milk (plant-based if desired)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 4 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
  • Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • BBQ grill (charcoal, gas, or electric)
  • Grill tongs
  • Metal or wooden skewers (if making skewers)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Brush (for oiling and glazing)
  • Baking tray (for cauliflower wings)
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

Grilled Halloumi Skewers

  1. Prepare the vegetables and cheese: Cut the halloumi, red pepper, zucchini, and onion into even-sized pieces.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss ingredients: Add the chopped veggies and halloumi to the bowl and toss to coat.
  4. Thread onto skewers: Alternately thread the vegetables and halloumi onto skewers.
  5. Preheat the grill: Get your BBQ hot and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and slightly charred.
  7. Serve: Remove from grill, squeeze over extra lemon, and serve hot.

BBQ Mushroom Burgers

  1. Prepare mushrooms: Wipe the portobello mushrooms clean and remove stems.
  2. Marinate: Brush mushrooms with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and coat with BBQ sauce.
  3. Grill: Place mushrooms gill-side down on the BBQ and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with extra BBQ sauce as needed.
  4. Toast buns: Lightly toast buns on the grill for 1 minute until golden.
  5. Assemble burgers: Layer grilled mushroom, avocado, tomato, and lettuce in the buns.
  6. Serve: Enjoy immediately with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Sticky BBQ Cauliflower Wings

  1. Preheat oven: If not using a grill, preheat oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7.
  2. Mix batter: In a bowl, whisk flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and salt to a smooth batter.
  3. Coat cauliflower: Dip cauliflower florets into the batter to coat evenly, then arrange on a lined baking tray.
  4. Roast or grill: Bake for 20 minutes (or grill in a BBQ-safe tray), turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
  5. Glaze: Mix BBQ sauce and honey/agave, brush over the hot cauliflower, and return to the oven or grill for 10 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

  • Skewer Swap: Try adding cherry tomatoes or chunks of pineapple to your skewers for a sweet, juicy twist.
  • Vegan Options: Use vegan halloumi or tofu for the skewers, and plant-based milk for the cauliflower wings.
  • Make-Ahead: Prep veggies and marinate ahead of time for easy assembly on the day.
  • Sauce It Up: Serve with extra BBQ sauce, garlic yogurt, or chimichurri for dipping.
  • Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika to taste if you like it hot.

For wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

“Don’t be afraid to get creative—vegetarian BBQ is all about vibrant colors and bold flavors!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition facts will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used. Here’s an approximate breakdown for each recipe per serving:

Recipe Calories Protein Carbs Fat Fiber
Grilled Halloumi Skewers 275 15g 10g 18g 3g
BBQ Mushroom Burgers 320 8g 38g 12g 5g
Sticky BBQ Cauliflower Wings 190 6g 28g 6g 6g

For a lighter BBQ, serve with plenty of fresh salads and grilled vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

For ultimate variety, create a BBQ platter with all three recipes, plenty of fresh salads, and some grilled corn on the cob!

Conclusion

BBC-inspired vegetarian BBQ recipes prove that plant-based grilling is anything but boring. Not only do these dishes pack a punch in terms of flavor, but they’re also nourishing, colorful, and perfect for any crowd.

Whether you’re hosting a summer garden party, a family cookout, or just a weeknight dinner with a difference, these recipes will help you turn simple vegetables and cheeses into smoky, irresistible barbecue masterpieces.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite veggies, spices, and sauces—the BBQ is your playground!

And if you’re looking for even more ways to make your cookouts memorable, check out some of my other recipes, like this Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe for homemade burger buns, or sweeten up your dessert table with a Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs.

So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the best of vegetarian BBQ!

More BBC Vegetarian BBQ Recipes to Try

If you’re hungry for more, here are a few additional BBC-inspired vegetarian BBQ ideas that are sure to wow your guests and satisfy every appetite:

  • Grilled Vegetable Platter: Char slices of eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and scatter fresh basil.
  • Stuffed Peppers on the BBQ: Fill halved peppers with a mixture of cooked quinoa, feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Grill until the peppers are soft and smoky.
  • Charred Corn with Lime Butter: Grill whole corn cobs until slightly blackened. Brush with a mixture of melted butter, lime zest, and a pinch of chili powder.
  • Smoky Beetroot Burgers: Combine grated beetroot, oats, chickpeas, and spices to form patties, then grill and serve with slaw and pickles.
  • BBQ Tofu Steaks: Marinate thick tofu slices in soy sauce, maple syrup, and ginger, then grill until crisp on the outside.
  • Veggie Kebabs with Satay Sauce: Thread mushrooms, peppers, and courgette onto skewers and serve with a rich, spicy peanut dipping sauce.
  • BBQ Pineapple Slices: Grill thick slices of pineapple and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet finish to your BBQ meal.

With these recipes, you can keep your BBQs exciting all summer long. Don’t forget to try out new combinations and share your creations with friends and family!

📖 Recipe Card: Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Halloumi

Description: These colourful vegetarian skewers are packed with smoky BBQ flavour and hearty halloumi cheese. Perfect for a summer cookout or a simple weeknight meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 225g halloumi cheese, cut into 2cm cubes
  • 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 small courgette, sliced into thick rounds
  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, salt and pepper.
  3. Add halloumi, peppers, onion, courgette, and tomatoes; toss to coat.
  4. Thread vegetables and halloumi onto skewers alternately.
  5. Preheat BBQ or grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
  7. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Nutrition: Calories: 290 kcal | Protein: 13g | Fat: 21g | Carbs: 13g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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