Even though summertime BBQs seem to be all about grilling, we really know it’s all about the side dishes. Find your next favorite side in this collection of vegetarian bbq sides that are perfect for grilling out with friends. A few extra meatless main dishrecipes are included, too!
It’s summertime, and while there are so many glorious things about that, one of the best parts of hot days is dinner outside loaded up with our favorite summer recipes. Whether you call them barbecues or grilling out or potlucks…they’re all synonymous with delicious eats, laughter, and sunshine.
And they’re not just for omnivores serving burgers and wings and ribs…vegetarians, vegans, and any sort of eater can enjoy this season too!
Check out this collection of over 20 vegetarian side dish recipes for grilling, as well as a few grilled meatless main dishes and three dessert bars perfect for potlucks (I just couldn’t help but add a few extras here for you to complete the meal).
All of the recipes in this collection are vegetarian, but many can easily be made vegan and gluten-free.
Regardless of if you are vegetarian or not, aren’t cookouts all about the sides?! This collection of vegetarian summer sides is all about flavor and texture and using fresh summer produce (the best kind of veggies!).
Homemade Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Bursting with flavor, tender pasta, and loads of texture-filled veggies, this pasta salad is the best version of the BBQ classic everyone loves! Ingredients: pasta, cucumber, olives, tomatoes, banana peppers, shallot, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan
The BEST potato salad around…bursting with fresh herbs, crispy golden leeks, and creamy potatoes. Ready in just 25 minutes, too!Ingredients: baby potatoes, leeks, scallions, dill, parsley, chives, and red wine vinaigrette
Enjoy caramelized onions without even turning on the stovetop! Keep it all on the grill with these onions in a foil packet; vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan if using oilIngredients: Vidalia or yellow onion, onion and garlic powder, butter or oil
Tangy, sweet, stick-to-your-ribs baked beans made without any meat! Ready in just 30-minutes, too! Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free.Ingredients: navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard
A bright, fresh, crunch side dish or topping on your favorite sandwiches! Easy to make in just 10 minutes. Vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free.Ingredients: red cabbage, lime, cilantro, mayonnaise, celery seed
An easy broccoli salad that is bright, fresh, and flavorful! Ready in just 10 minutes without mayo and it's meatless! Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan if cheese is omitted.Ingredients: broccoli, craisins, sunflower seeds, gruyere cheese, apple
A non-lettuce salad that's simple yet full of flavor and texture, made with the freshest summer produce tossed with a bright Italian-inspired dressing. Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan if cheese is omitted.Ingredients: green beans, onion, avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil
No BBQ is complete without good ol' mac and cheese! Make this elevated white wine version for an extra impressive side. Vegetarian.Ingredients: pasta, butter, white wine, heavy cream and milk, thyme, taleggio, Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan
Sometimes a BBQ just needs a big ol' slice of sweet, sticky cornbread. Be sure to make some whipped honey butter to go along with this one!Ingredients: milk, flour, cornmeal, honey, corn kernels
This pasta salad is bursting with flavor and is a delicious spin on the classic pasta salad. Vegetarian, vegan without cheese, gluten-free if GF noodles are used.Ingredients: homemade greek dressing, orzo or mini farfalle, cucumber, bell pepper, banana pepper, feta, olives
If you're looking for a lightened-up potato salad, this version with half cauliflower is it! Ingredients: potatoes, cauliflower, mayo, vinegar, shallot, celery, red bell pepper
A super easy side dish – just throw it in foil and let it cook over the heat. The flavors meld together creating a delicious combination.Ingredients: potatoes, onion, corn, parsley, butter, garlic
A hearty combination of black beans and edamame tossed in a light and refreshing lime dressing.Ingredients: black beans, edamame, corn, jalapeno, red bell pepper, cilantro
So, sides or appetizers? They’re those recipes that are like appetizers but can totally be enjoyed as a side at a BBQ. Because really, it’s all about just filling up your plate, isn’t it? Really, it’s just all about good food with friends.
Apricot, Almond, and Thyme Grilled Brie
Start the grill early to make this easy yet elegant appetizer!Ingredients: brie wheel, almond slices, thyme, honey, apricot jam
A delicious side dish or appetizer ready in just 5 minutes!Ingredients: frozen fire-roasted corn, mayo, scallion, garlic, chili powder, lime, cilantro, cotija cheese
Adding fresh sweet corn to salsa brings a bright, juicy crunch that is a must for summer!Ingredients: corn on the cob, onion, jalapeno, tomato, cilantro, lime
If you’re going to be enjoying vegetarian bbq sides, then surely we should enjoy a meatless main dish too! These ones can all be made on the grill for easy summertime cooking.
Vegan Carrot Dogs
Easily prepare and marinate these carrot dogs ahead of time, then grill them up when the part =ystarts! A wonderful grilling recipe for vegans and vegetarians (that everyone will love!).Ingredients: whole carrots, soy sauce, rice vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic, ginger, sesame oil
Cauliflower steaks grilled to caramelized, tender perfection and slathered with your favorite homemade BBQ sauce.Ingredients: whole cauliflower, oil, BBQ sauce
This sweet and savory flatbread pizza features the best of summer produce and is so easy to make!Ingredients: flatbread, peaches, pesto, burrata, arugula, honey
Easy grilled cauliflower steaks caramelize right up and a bright, herby, flavorful chimichurri sauce is the perfect pairing!Ingredients: whole cauliflower, chimichurri sauce
Not a grilling recipe, but a delicious crowd-pleaser that can be made in just 15-minutes or ahead of time!Ingredients: jackfruit, dried spices, BBQ sauce, buns and toppings
When you're craving a non-traditional burger, try these flavorful Curried Chickpea Burgers!Ingredients: chickpeas, brown rice, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, other spices
The words BBQ, potluck, and any sort of outdoor dinner/party/bonfire/happy hour situation are basically synonymous with no-bake dessert bars. And ok, those margarita ones do require baking…but they’re totally worth it.
Milk Chocolate Scotcheroos {without Corn Syrup}
A Midwest favorite – these no-bake dessert bars are like Rice Krispies, but made with butterscotch, peanut butter, and chocolate.Ingredients: honey, sugar, peanut butter, Rice Krispies cereal, butterscotch and chocolate chips
Bursting with Oreos from a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy Oreo filling, and plenty of Oreos on top, these no-bake bars are perfect for get-togethers!Ingredients: Oreo cookies, heavy cream, sugar, cream cheese, butter
A margarita lover's dream come true! Margarita in dessert bar form, with a soft, custardy lime and tequila filling on top of a salty pretzel crust.Ingredients: pretzels, sugar, limes, tequila, eggs, butter
Vegetarian BBQ Side Dish Recipes: Grilled Sweet Corn Salsa
BBQs and potlucks are all about the side dishes! Make one of our favorites: Sweet Corn Salsa from the collection. It is bursting with fresh summer produce and flavor; it's an easy recipe that can double as a side, garnish, or appetizer. The perfect starting place for your summer sides.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Husk the corn on the cob, then place on clean grill grates and cook for a few minutes on each side, rotating until charred and soft all around.
Let the corn cool slightly while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Add the rest of the ingredients to a medium bowl. Once the corn is cool, cut off the kernels and toss in the bowl until combined.
Taste test and add additional salt or lime juice as needed. Serve with chips or as a side dish (or even on top of tacos, etc.).
