5 Vegetarian Grilling Recipes for Summer BBQs and Picnics

Updated On: October 4, 2025

5 Vegetarian Grilling Recipes for Summer

Summer is the perfect season to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious meals outdoors. But you don’t have to be a meat-eater to savor the smoky flavors and vibrant tastes that grilling brings.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a light, fresh meal, these 5 vegetarian grilling recipes will elevate your summer dining experience. From smoky grilled vegetables to hearty plant-based patties, each recipe is packed with bold flavors, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Get ready to impress your guests with these colorful, nutritious, and satisfying dishes that celebrate the best of summer produce.

Grilling vegetables and vegetarian dishes not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds a delightful char that makes every bite memorable. If you’re looking for inspiration, keep reading to discover simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips that will make your grilling adventures fun and flavorful.

Plus, don’t forget to check out some other great recipes on our site like Breakfast Wellington Recipe and Blackstone Asparagus Recipe for more culinary creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian grilling recipes are designed to be easy, healthy, and incredibly tasty. Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients that are naturally bursting with flavor, enhanced by the smokiness of the grill.

Perfect for both vegetarians and those looking to reduce meat consumption, they’re packed with nutrients and textures that satisfy all palates.

Whether you have a charcoal or gas grill, these recipes are straightforward and adaptable. Plus, grilling is a great way to keep your kitchen cool during hot summer days.

From grilled corn salad to portobello mushroom burgers, these recipes bring variety and excitement to your summer table!

Ingredients

  • For Grilled Veggie Skewers: bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper
  • For Portobello Mushroom Burgers: large portobello mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, cheese (optional)
  • For Grilled Corn Salad: fresh corn on the cob, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper
  • For Halloumi and Vegetable Kabobs: halloumi cheese, zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, olive oil, oregano, lemon juice
  • For Grilled Eggplant with Herb Sauce: eggplants, garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper

Equipment

  • Grill (charcoal or gas)
  • Grill basket or skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Brush for oiling the grill
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Tongs and spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

Grilled Veggie Skewers

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
  2. Wash and cut bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized chunks. Keep cherry tomatoes whole.
  3. In a bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors for an appealing presentation.
  5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  6. Serve warm as a side dish or main course.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers

  1. Clean mushrooms by wiping with a damp cloth. Remove stems carefully.
  2. Mix balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
  3. Marinate mushrooms in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill to medium heat.
  5. Grill mushrooms for 5-7 minutes per side until tender and juicy.
  6. Toast hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Assemble burgers with mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, and cheese if desired.

Grilled Corn Salad

  1. Husk and clean the corn cobs.
  2. Grill corn over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred in spots.
  3. Let corn cool slightly, then cut kernels off the cob.
  4. In a bowl, combine corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
  5. Dress salad with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well and serve.

Halloumi and Vegetable Kabobs

  1. Cut halloumi cheese, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion into cubes.
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
  3. Thread halloumi and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
  4. Brush kabobs with the olive oil mixture.
  5. Grill on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning often until cheese is golden and vegetables are tender.
  6. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Grilled Eggplant with Herb Sauce

  1. Slice eggplants lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
  2. Brush slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill eggplant slices for 5-6 minutes per side until soft and grill marks appear.
  4. For the herb sauce, blend garlic, parsley, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
  5. Drizzle the herb sauce over grilled eggplant slices and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Always preheat your grill to the right temperature to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.

For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chili flakes to your marinades.

Vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes also grill beautifully and can be swapped in any recipe.

Use a grill basket for smaller items like cherry tomatoes or diced veggies to prevent them from falling through the grates.

Try pairing grilled dishes with fresh homemade sauces like chimichurri or tzatziki for a refreshing twist.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g) Fat (g) Fiber (g)
Grilled Veggie Skewers 120 3 15 6 4
Portobello Mushroom Burgers 250 8 30 8 5
Grilled Corn Salad 180 4 32 5 6
Halloumi and Vegetable Kabobs 300 15 10 20 3
Grilled Eggplant with Herb Sauce 140 3 12 8 5

Serving Suggestions

These recipes pair wonderfully with a variety of summer sides. Consider serving your grilled veggie skewers alongside a fresh quinoa salad or a chilled cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.

The portobello mushroom burgers can be complemented with sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw to round out the meal. Grilled corn salad goes perfectly with a light bean salad or simply some crusty bread to soak up the juices.

If you want to explore more grilled vegetable ideas, check out our Blackstone Asparagus Recipe or try your hand at the flavorful Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe for more inspiration.

Conclusion

Grilling vegetarian dishes doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. These 5 vegetarian grilling recipes bring out the best in fresh summer produce, combining smoky char with vibrant herbs and spices.

They are perfect for warm weather gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner that feels special. With easy preparation, wholesome ingredients, and delicious results, these dishes will quickly become staples in your summer cooking repertoire.

Don’t hesitate to get creative by experimenting with different vegetables, cheeses, and marinades. And if you’re looking to expand your recipe toolbox, be sure to visit our site for more delicious ideas like the Bread And Gravy Recipe or the indulgent Best Spg Seasoning Recipe.

Happy grilling and enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer!

Photo of author

Marta K

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