Best Vegetarian Outdoor Grilling Recipes for Summer Fun

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious meals outdoors. For those embracing a vegetarian lifestyle or just looking to add more plant-based options to their BBQ repertoire, grilling vegetables and meatless dishes opens up a world of vibrant flavors and smoky aromas.

Outdoor grilling brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, adds a satisfying char, and creates a fantastic texture that’s hard to replicate indoors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or enjoying a quiet weekend picnic, these vegetarian grilling recipes are guaranteed to impress and satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best vegetarian outdoor grilling recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. From grilled veggie skewers to halloumi cheese and grilled portobello mushrooms, these recipes are perfect for any grilling enthusiast looking to enjoy wholesome, colorful, and mouthwatering dishes under the open sky.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilling vegetarian dishes outdoors offers more than just a healthy alternative to traditional BBQ fare. It’s a way to celebrate fresh produce, experiment with bold marinades, and create meals that are both visually stunning and deeply satisfying.

These recipes:

• Highlight seasonal vegetables with smoky, charred flavors that enhance their natural sweetness.
• Are versatile and easy to customize with your favorite herbs, spices, and sauces.
• Make great options for all diets, ensuring even your non-vegetarian friends will enjoy the meal.
• Offer quick cooking times making them perfect for busy summer days when you want to spend more time outdoors.

Plus, grilled vegetarian dishes are nutrient-rich, low in calories, and packed with antioxidants, making them a wholesome choice for your next BBQ.

Ingredients

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 8 oz button mushrooms, whole or halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Grilled Halloumi Cheese

• 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh chopped mint for garnish

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps, stems removed
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, vegan mayo

Equipment

• Outdoor grill (charcoal or gas)
• Grill tongs
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
• Basting brush
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil (optional, for delicate veggies)

Instructions

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut the bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and mushrooms into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss all vegetables in the marinade until evenly coated.
3. Assemble the skewers: Thread the vegetables and cherry tomatoes alternately onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even grilling.
4. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
5. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until vegetables are tender and have nice grill marks.
6. Serve warm: Remove from grill and serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Grilled Halloumi Cheese

1. Slice the halloumi: Cut the halloumi cheese into ½-inch thick slices to prevent sticking and ensure even grilling.
2. Brush with oil: Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil to avoid sticking and enhance flavor.
3. Preheat the grill: Make sure the grill is hot, around medium-high.
4. Grill the cheese: Place halloumi slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Finish and garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled halloumi and sprinkle with chopped mint before serving.

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

1. Prepare the marinade: In a shallow dish, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate mushrooms: Place portobello caps in the marinade, turning occasionally, for at least 20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
3. Preheat the grill: Heat to medium-high heat.
4. Grill mushrooms: Place mushrooms on the grill, gill side down first. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until tender and juicy.
5. Toast buns: While mushrooms grill, lightly toast your burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
6. Assemble burgers: Place grilled mushrooms on buns and add desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try adding wood chips to your charcoal grill or use a smoker box on a gas grill.

• For the skewers, experiment with different vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, or corn chunks for variety.
• Marinate the vegetables for up to 2 hours to deepen flavors before grilling.
• Try adding a spicy twist by tossing the veggies in a chili-lime marinade.
• Use firm tofu or tempeh slices marinated in your favorite sauces for a protein-packed addition.
• Swap halloumi for paneer or firm mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese.
• For the portobello burgers, add caramelized onions or grilled pineapple slices for a gourmet touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian grilled dishes are fantastic served alongside fresh salads or grain bowls for a complete meal. Try pairing the grilled vegetable skewers with a quinoa salad or a chilled cucumber yogurt dip for added freshness.

The grilled halloumi cheese can be served atop a bed of arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette or wrapped in warm pita bread with tomatoes and olives.

For the portobello mushroom burgers, classic sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob make excellent companions. Don’t forget to offer a variety of condiments such as vegan mayo, mustard, or your favorite BBQ sauce to customize each burger.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta side, or cool down with a sweet treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

For a savory snack, you might enjoy the Cheese Penny Recipe that pairs well with any BBQ.

Conclusion

Embracing vegetarian grilling recipes is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy outdoor cooking all summer long. These recipes not only bring out the best in fresh vegetables and plant-based ingredients but also offer a variety of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone at your BBQ.

From smoky grilled vegetable skewers to juicy portobello mushroom burgers and crispy halloumi cheese, these dishes prove that vegetarian grilling can be exciting, flavorful, and fun.

With simple ingredients, easy steps, and creative marinades, you can elevate your outdoor meals and make healthy eating a communal celebration. So next time you fire up the grill, remember that vegetarian options can be just as indulgent and crowd-pleasing as any traditional BBQ fare.

Enjoy the fresh air, good company, and mouthwatering vegetarian delights!

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