Grilling isn’t just for meat lovers—vegetarians can enjoy a sizzling, flavorful feast too! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, craving smoky veggies, or just want to try something new, these 38 awesome vegetarian grilling recipes will inspire your next cookout.
From charred corn and stuffed peppers to marinated tofu and grilled fruit desserts, this comprehensive list covers a variety of tastes and textures that will impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Grilling enhances the natural flavors of vegetables and plant-based proteins, adding a delightful smoky depth. Plus, many of these recipes are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ready to elevate your grilling game with vibrant, healthy, and delicious vegetarian dishes? Let’s dive into these mouthwatering recipes that bring the grill to life, bursting with fresh ingredients and bold seasonings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These recipes are designed to maximize flavor and texture using simple, wholesome ingredients. Grilling adds a unique smoky char and caramelization that transforms everyday vegetables into crave-worthy meals.
You’ll appreciate the ease of prep, the versatility of each dish, and the ability to customize seasonings to your liking.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring plant-based options, these recipes offer something for everyone. Many are packed with protein, perfect for a balanced diet, and all celebrate the vibrant colors and tastes of fresh, seasonal produce.
Plus, grilling outdoors makes cooking fun and social—great for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Fresh vegetables: bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, corn, mushrooms, asparagus
- Plant-based proteins: firm tofu, tempeh, halloumi cheese, seitan
- Marinades and sauces: olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika
- Herbs and spices: rosemary, thyme, basil, cumin, chili flakes
- Grains and legumes: quinoa, chickpeas, black beans (for some stuffed or side recipes)
- Fruits: pineapple, peaches, watermelon (for grilling and desserts)
- Additional toppings: nuts, seeds, feta cheese, fresh salsa
Equipment
- Grill: gas or charcoal grill works perfectly
- Grill basket or skewers: for smaller or delicate items like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms
- Tongs and spatula: for easy flipping and handling
- Brush: for applying marinades and oil
- Mixing bowls: for marinating and prepping ingredients
- Aluminum foil: for grilling delicate veggies or wrapping stuffed peppers
- Thermometer (optional): to check protein temperatures if using tofu or halloumi
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F. Clean the grates well and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
- Marinate your ingredients: Toss vegetables, tofu, or halloumi in your favorite marinade or simply brush with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Let them sit for 15-30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Arrange on the grill: Place larger vegetables like peppers and corn directly on the grates. Use a grill basket or skewers for smaller or delicate veggies to avoid losing them through the grates.
- Grill with care: Cook each item based on its texture and thickness. For instance, corn takes about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, while mushrooms or tofu will grill for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Flip and baste: Turn vegetables to get even char marks. Feel free to baste with marinade or oil during grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Check doneness: Vegetables should be tender and slightly charred. For tofu or halloumi, look for golden grill marks and a firm texture.
- Remove and rest: Once cooked, transfer items to a serving platter and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in juices.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs, nuts, or cheese as desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides or sauces.
Tips & Variations
“To prevent sticking, always oil your grill grates and your ingredients well before cooking.”
Experiment with different marinades such as a spicy harissa, tangy chimichurri, or a sweet teriyaki glaze. Don’t be afraid to mix and match vegetables for variety and color.
For a protein boost, try incorporating grilled tempeh or seitan skewers. If you prefer smoky flavor without charcoal, adding a smoked salt or smoked paprika to your marinades can help.
Looking for dessert ideas? Grilled fruit like pineapple or peaches paired with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze makes a perfect sweet ending.
For an international flair, try Mediterranean-style grilled halloumi with olives and tomatoes or an Indian-inspired grilled paneer with garam masala.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Type | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grilled Vegetables | 120-180 | 3-5 | 15-25 | 5-10 | 4-7 |
Grilled Tofu/Tempeh | 180-220 | 15-20 | 8-12 | 8-12 | 2-4 |
Grilled Halloumi Cheese | 200-250 | 15-18 | 2-4 | 15-20 | 0 |
Grilled Fruit Desserts | 100-150 | 1-2 | 25-35 | 0-3 | 3-6 |
Serving Suggestions
These grilled vegetarian dishes pair wonderfully with simple sides such as quinoa salad, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Add a drizzle of tangy sauces like tzatziki, chimichurri, or a smoky barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
For a full meal experience, complement your grilled veggies with homemade bread or flatbreads. If you enjoy exploring recipes beyond vegetarian grilling, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a savory brunch option or try the Blackstone Asparagus Recipe for another delicious grilled vegetable idea.
38 Awesome Vegetarian Grilling Recipes
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter – Sweet corn grilled and coated with zesty chili lime butter.
- Marinated Portobello Mushroom Steaks – Meaty mushrooms marinated in balsamic and herbs, grilled to perfection.
- Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers – Halloumi cubes paired with zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- BBQ Tofu Steaks – Firm tofu slabs brushed with smoky barbecue sauce and grilled.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans – Peppers filled with a hearty grain and bean mixture, wrapped in foil and grilled.
- Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Herb Sauce – Eggplant slices charred and topped with a vibrant garlic herb dressing.
- Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest – Simple asparagus spears grilled and finished with fresh lemon.
- Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges – Thick wedges tossed in olive oil and spices, grilled until tender.
- Grilled Zucchini and Squash Ribbons – Thin ribbons marinated and grilled, perfect as a side or salad topping.
- Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad – Juicy peaches charred and served with creamy burrata and fresh basil.
- Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Honey – Sweet pineapple rings caramelized on the grill with warm spices.
- Grilled Tempeh Satay with Peanut Sauce – Indonesian-inspired skewers served with creamy peanut dip.
- Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce – Thick cauliflower slices grilled and topped with a smoky red pepper sauce.
- Grilled Avocado Halves with Salsa – Creamy avocado lightly charred and filled with fresh salsa.
- Grilled Vegetable Ratatouille Packets – Mixed veggies sealed in foil packets and grilled to tender perfection.
- Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad – Charred corn kernels combined with black beans, red onion, and cilantro.
- Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Skewers – Sweet and salty combo perfect for summer gatherings.
- Grilled Mushroom and Herb Burgers – Portobello-based patties flavored with fresh herbs and spices.
- Grilled Vegetable Fajitas – Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms grilled and served with warm tortillas.
- Grilled Sweet Corn and Tomato Salsa – Fresh salsa with a smoky twist from grilled corn.
- Grilled Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry – Cubed tofu grilled alongside veggies, tossed in a soy-ginger glaze.
- Grilled Eggplant Roll-Ups with Ricotta – Thin eggplant slices rolled with herbed ricotta and grilled.
- Grilled Vegetable Pizza – Pizza crust topped with grilled zucchini, peppers, and mozzarella.
- Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms – Large mushroom caps filled with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese.
- Grilled Corn and Avocado Tacos – Tacos filled with smoky corn, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
- Grilled Vegetable and Pesto Panini – Sandwich with grilled veggies and fresh basil pesto.
- Grilled Carrot and Ginger Salad – Sweet grilled carrots tossed with a light ginger dressing.
- Grilled Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers – Flavor-packed vegetarian patties perfect for any BBQ.
- Grilled Asparagus and Lemon Risotto – Creamy risotto paired with smoky grilled asparagus.
- Grilled Cornbread with Jalapeño Butter – Cornbread grilled and topped with spicy butter.
- Grilled Tempeh Wraps with Tahini Sauce – Warm wraps stuffed with grilled tempeh and fresh veggies.
- Grilled Vegetable Kabobs with Herb Marinade – Colorful skewers bursting with flavor.
- Grilled Banana and Nutella Dessert – Sweet bananas grilled and topped with Nutella and nuts.
- Grilled Tomato and Mozzarella Salad – Juicy grilled tomatoes paired with fresh mozzarella and basil.
- Grilled Corn and Cheese Quesadillas – Crispy quesadillas filled with smoky corn and melty cheese.
- Grilled Zucchini and Feta Salad – Light and refreshing grilled zucchini with salty feta.
- Grilled Eggplant and Chickpea Stew – Hearty stew with smoky grilled eggplant and chickpeas.
For even more inspiration, check out our Blackstone Asparagus Recipe, or if you’re looking for something to start your day with, try the Breakfast Wellington Recipe. For a unique seafood twist, explore the Black Cod Grilled Recipe.
Conclusion
Grilling vegetarian dishes opens up a world of vibrant flavors and exciting textures that go beyond the usual barbecue fare. These 38 recipes showcase how versatile and delicious plant-based grilling can be, whether you’re craving smoky vegetables, hearty tofu, or sweet grilled fruits.
Not only are these dishes full of nutrition and color, but they also bring people together around the grill for memorable meals.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, these recipes will inspire you to fire up the grill and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal outdoors. Happy grilling!
📖 Recipe Card: 38 Awesome Vegetarian Grilling Recipes
Description: A collection of delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian recipes perfect for grilling. Each recipe highlights fresh, flavorful ingredients ideal for outdoor cooking.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 8 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss tofu cubes and vegetables in the marinade until evenly coated.
- Thread tofu and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove from grill and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 14 g
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