Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy bold, smoky flavors—but you don’t need meat to experience all the magic of BBQ! Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian, flexitarian, or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, vegetarian BBQ recipes are bursting with vibrant colors, fresh produce, and mouthwatering marinades.
From hearty grilled mains to irresistible sides, you’ll discover that you can enjoy all the char and smokiness of traditional BBQ while keeping things wholesome and nourishing. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite vegetarian BBQ recipes that will delight both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Get ready for a feast that’s as satisfying as it is colorful, and discover how easy and delicious it can be to host a plant-powered BBQ that everyone will rave about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegetarian BBQ recipes are more than just a substitute for meat—they’re a showcase of how creative, satisfying, and protein-packed plant-based cooking can be. You’ll love:
- Flavorful Marinades: Each recipe is bursting with zesty, spicy, or smoky flavors that rival any traditional BBQ dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with colorful vegetables, legumes, and wholesome grains.
- Easy Preparation: Perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned grill masters.
- Versatility: Grill, roast, or bake these recipes indoors or outdoors.
- Healthy and Filling: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and plant protein to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
No more boring veggie burgers—these recipes are designed to wow at any cookout!
Ingredients
Below are the most popular vegetarian BBQ recipes you can make at home. Each recipe comes with its own unique flavor and texture, ensuring variety at your next BBQ gathering.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Recipe | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Grilled Veggie Skewers | Zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, pepper |
| BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches | Canned young jackfruit, BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, hamburger buns |
| Portobello Mushroom Steaks | Portobello mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, black pepper |
| Grilled Halloumi & Vegetable Salad | Halloumi cheese, eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon |
| BBQ Tofu Kebabs | Firm tofu, BBQ sauce, red onion, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, olive oil |
Equipment
- Grill: Charcoal or gas, or a grill pan for indoors
- Skewers: Metal or wooden (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
- Mixing bowls: For marinating and tossing ingredients
- Basting brush: For adding marinades or sauces
- Tongs: For flipping and turning veggies and protein
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping vegetables and cheese
- Foil or grill basket (optional): For smaller veggies or cheese
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step methods for each of these crowd-pleasing vegetarian BBQ recipes!
Grilled Veggie Skewers
- Prep the vegetables: Cut zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion into 1-inch pieces. Leave mushrooms whole or halved if large. Thread onto skewers, alternating veggies for color.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Marinate: Brush marinade generously over skewers. Let sit for 10-15 minutes while you preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill: Place skewers on the grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until veggies are tender and lightly charred.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
- Prepare jackfruit: Drain and rinse 2 cans of young jackfruit. Remove seeds and tough pieces. Shred with your hands or a fork.
- Cook aromatics: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium. Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic until soft.
- Add jackfruit: Add shredded jackfruit to the skillet along with 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add BBQ sauce: Pour in 1 cup BBQ sauce and 1/4 cup water. Stir to coat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until jackfruit is tender and saucy.
- Assemble: Toast hamburger buns. Pile the BBQ jackfruit on each bun and top with coleslaw or pickles.
Portobello Mushroom Steaks
- Marinate mushrooms: In a bowl, whisk 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 cleaned portobello caps in the marinade for at least 20 minutes.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill mushrooms gill-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill another 4-5 minutes, basting with leftover marinade.
- Serve: Slice and serve as steaks, or on buns with toppings.
Grilled Halloumi & Vegetable Salad
- Prep ingredients: Slice 8 oz halloumi cheese, 1 small eggplant, 1 zucchini, and 1 red bell pepper into 1/2-inch slices.
- Oil and season: Brush all with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill: Grill veggies and halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and cheese is golden.
- Assemble salad: Arrange grilled ingredients on a platter. Drizzle with lemon juice and scatter fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) on top.
BBQ Tofu Kebabs
- Prepare tofu: Press 1 block (16 oz) firm tofu to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Marinate: Toss tofu with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Skewer: Thread tofu, bell peppers, pineapple, and red onion onto skewers.
- Grill: Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, basting with more BBQ sauce and turning until caramelized and slightly charred.
Tips & Variations
- Mix up the veggies: Try adding corn rounds, asparagus, or sweet potatoes to your skewers.
- Marinade magic: Let vegetables and proteins marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan cheese alternatives or skip cheese-based recipes. Opt for vegan buns in sandwiches.
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free soy sauce and buns where needed.
- Oven option: No grill? Roast skewers or mushrooms at 425°F (220°C) for similar results.
“The secret to outstanding vegetarian BBQ is a bold marinade and high heat for those irresistible grill marks.”
- For more creative grilled recipes, try this Kohlrabi Recipes Grilled for a unique, crunchy side!
- If you love homemade bread for your sandwiches, don’t miss this Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe—it’s perfect for piling on jackfruit BBQ.
- Round out your BBQ with a refreshing drink like the Green Goodness Juice Recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition will vary by recipe, but here’s an average per serving for the main recipes above:
| Recipe | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veggie Skewers | 120 | 3 | 15 | 6 | 4 |
| BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich | 310 | 6 | 45 | 8 | 5 |
| Portobello Mushroom Steak | 140 | 5 | 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Grilled Halloumi Salad | 250 | 14 | 12 | 17 | 2 |
| BBQ Tofu Kebabs | 220 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 3 |
All recipes are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh veggies and herbs.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair veggie skewers with fluffy couscous, quinoa, or a crusty slice of Green Chile Cheese Bread.
- Serve BBQ jackfruit sandwiches with a side of vegan coleslaw and crunchy pickles for a classic BBQ vibe.
- Top portobello steaks with chimichurri or vegan pesto and serve with grilled corn on the cob.
- Grilled halloumi salad shines with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and toasted walnuts.
- Tofu kebabs go great with a simple lime-yogurt dip or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Don’t forget dessert! A slice of Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding or a scoop of Goat Milk Ice Cream is the perfect sweet finish.
Conclusion
Vegetarian BBQ isn’t just a compromise—it’s an upgrade. With vibrant produce, hearty plant proteins, and smoky-sweet marinades, you can enjoy a feast that’s both satisfying and good for you.
These vegetarian BBQ recipes prove that you don’t need meat to wow your guests or satisfy your cravings for bold, smoky flavor. Whether you’re grilling up veggie skewers, smoky jackfruit sandwiches, or zesty tofu kebabs, you’ll discover new favorites that will keep making appearances at your table all season long.
So grab your tongs, gather your friends, and fire up the grill for a meatless BBQ that’s bursting with color and taste. Experiment with new veggies, marinades, and sides, and you’ll see just how versatile and delicious vegetarian grilling can be.
Don’t forget to check out some of our other plant-forward recipes—like Half Runner Beans or Kodiak Banana Muffins—to make your next BBQ truly unforgettable. Happy grilling!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian BBQ Grilled Veggie Skewers
Description: Colorful veggies are marinated and grilled to perfection, making a delicious and healthy BBQ vegetarian option. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 oz button mushrooms, halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes if using.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, onion, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Thread the marinated vegetables onto skewers, alternating types for color.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 15 g
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