As soon as the sun comes out, so do the UK’s barbecues. Even if it’s forecast to rain, the slightest sunny spell gets the nation sprinting to supermarkets to stock up on buns, burgers and booze. More and more of us are looking for meat-free alternatives to crown the coals, and these vegan barbecue recipes won’t disappoint.
Our best ever plant-based barbecue recipes will give you some delicious inspiration to experiment this summer, with an array of starters, sides, mains and beverages for the whole family. Also find more inspiration for al fresco dining in our collection of vegan summer recipes.
Vegan sharing starters and dips
Before things hot up and the grill gets going, you’ll need some easy sharing plates to keep hunger at bay. Leave these pleasing platters out for grazing and nibbling while you crack on with a salad or two.
Plate up a delicious spread of dips with our veg-filled carrot & cumin hummus, our ultimate guacamole and cool vegan sour cream. For something a little different, this lightly spiced avocado & cannellini bean dip is both creamy and satisfying without being too heavy. Or paint the rainbow with a super-healthy bowl of avocado hummus & crudités – as well as being delicious, it packs in all of your five-a-day!
Feeding a crowd? Our beetroot hummus party platter is sure to please everyone. This creamy chickpea & beetroot dip is accompanied with a vibrant spread of crunchy seeds, summer veg, breadsticks and more so everyone can just get stuck in and help themselves.
If you’re looking for a dip with some texture, our healthy vegan slaw only takes 15 minutes to make and will add crunch and texture to your mains. Feeling fruity? Try making our watermelon salsa for a refreshing summer snack people will be dipping into all night.
Pop everything on the table with some crackers and vegetable sticks for a simple starter that requires very little effort – then you can focus on prepping some tasty side dishes to accompany your vegan barbecue centrepieces.
Keep the hunger pangs at bay with more delicious vegan snack recipes and vegan starters.
Vegan barbecue sides
Some of these mouth-watering sides don’t need barbecuing at all, and can be prepared well in advance if needs be.
Vegetable salads
Make the most of seasonal veg such as asparagus, spring onions and radishes in this wholesome allotment salad, served in a zingy French mustard dressing. Pack in some punchy flavours with our parsley & caper salad, which takes a simple tomato and lettuce combination to the next level. Or keep it light and zesty with our carrot, orange & avocado salad, full of goodness and packed with ribbons of tasty, colourful ingredients.
For something more substantial, our Mediterranean-inspired charred aubergine, pepper & bulgur salad can be prepared using the barbecue or a frying pan and screams ‘summer’.
Vegan potato salads
It wouldn’t be a barbecue without the all-important vegan potato salad. A dollop of vegan mayonnaise makes this recipe just as luxurious and creamy as the classic.
Top our barbecued sesame sweet potatoes with a sweet and savoury soy glaze with deliciously crunchy peanuts. Forget soggy frozen fries – these bites are the king of the kitchen.
Check out more vibrant vegan salad recipes.
Barbecued vegetable sides
Accompany your mains with a colourful platter of griddled vegetables with melting aubergines. Flavoured with garlic, lemon and herbs, this light side also delivers all five of your five-a-day. Short on time? Go for a quick and easy veggie option with our barbecued fennel slices with a black olive dressing, ready in just 20 minutes.
Vegan barbecue mains
From plant-based burgers and skewers to pulled jackfruit and stuffed peppers, our gloriously simple yet sensational main courses are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Vegan kebabs
Load up some skewers with juicy chunks of mushroom, peaches, courgettes and red onions. Lightly charred on the barbecue, these vegan kebabs have a delicious smoky flavour which balances well with a zingy avocado dressing and fresh rocket salad.
Looking for meat-free burgers that pack a punch? Our recipes will ensure your barbecue spread is a kaleidoscope of beautifully fresh and bright delights.
These beetroot burgers have it all – a juicy veg-packed patty, creamy vegan mayo, dairy-free cheese and sweet chilli jam. Alternatively get munching on a hearty smoked tofu vegan burger or our easy vegan burgers with sweet potato, polenta and spices. Try adding some sweet potato crisps for extra crunch.
For a healthy bite, try our chickpea-based vegan burgers which only take 20 minutes to make. They’re simple but full of spice and flavour, and kids will like them just as much as the adults – topped with chunky guacamole, they make a patty that’s fit for a king.
Check out more of our best ever vegan burger recipes.
Pulled jackfruit
Looking for a mouthwatering meat-free substitute to pulled pork? Our sticky glazed jackfruit recipe has a delicious smoky flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s perfect for stuffing into bread rolls or serving in wraps with a corn salsa, vegan sour cream and guacamole.
Also try our mini jackfruit tacos and jackfruit bolognese.
Teriyaki tofu
Branch out from the typical barbecue offerings with this super satisfying Japanese-inspired dish. Our BBQ teriyaki tofu is coated in a punchy ginger and miso marinade and cooked on the barbecue until beautifully crisp and charred. Serve on a bed of courgettes and long-stem broccoli with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Check out our collection of tofu recipes for more ideas with this versatile veggie staple.
Vegan stuffed peppers
If you have a little more time on your hands, try our salad-stuffed blackened peppers for a slightly more sophisticated meat-free main with a subtle smoky flavour.
Vegan barbecue desserts
No summer’s day would be complete without a fruity sensation for dessert, and what could possibly be more fitting than our vegan Eton mess? Fluffy aquafaba meringues, fresh fruit and coconut yogurt make up this revamped English classic.
If you have room for something more substantial, try our zesty vegan lemon cheesecake which requires no cooking and can be prepared the day before. Or impress your guests with this showstopping vegan lemon meringue pie, complete with creamy lemon curd, fluffy aquafaba meringues and a speculoos biscuit base.
Need something to cool off? Try our funky watermelon lollies with a clever kiwi base. These picture-perfect treats are full of vitamin C and they’re low in calories too. Or, refresh your palate with our light and fruity elderflower sorbet, raspberry sorbet and mango sorbet recipes. For a grown-up treat, these boozy gin & tonic lollies are the ideal counterpart for anyone wanting a twist on the traditional cocktail.
For more inspiration, check out our selection of vegan ice cream recipes and vegan desserts.
Enjoyed these recipes? Try our other vegan options…
Easy vegan lunch ideas
Vegan ice cream ideas
How to make vegan cheese
Vegan comfort food recipes
