10 Vegan BBQ Side Dishes for Your Next Cookout
A summer BBQ isn’t just about what’s on the grill—it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or bringing a dish to a potluck, these vegan BBQ side dishes will impress even the most dedicated meat lovers.
From creamy dairy-free coleslaw to smoky grilled corn, these recipes are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for warm-weather feasting. Get ready to fire up the grill and dive into these 10 must-try vegan BBQ sides!
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1. Creamy Vegan Coleslaw
A BBQ isn’t complete without a refreshing, crunchy coleslaw. This dairy-free version is just as creamy and flavorful as the classic, but entirely plant-based!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (mix of green and purple)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup.
- Pour the dressing over the veggies and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
📝 Pro Tip: For extra crunch, add sunflower seeds or chopped almonds!
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic-Lime Butter 🌽
Simple yet bursting with flavor, this grilled corn is taken to the next level with a zesty garlic-lime butter.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the corn with a little oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Mix melted vegan butter, garlic, lime juice, and smoked paprika.
- Brush over hot corn and serve immediately.
🔥 Try this with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!
3. Smoky BBQ Baked Beans 🥣
These rich, smoky, and slightly sweet baked beans are a must for any BBQ spread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté onions in a pan over medium heat until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and spices.
- Add beans and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve warm or make ahead for deeper flavor.
📌 Bonus: These taste even better the next day!
4. Vegan Potato Salad 🥔
A BBQ favorite, this dairy-free potato salad is creamy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups baby potatoes, boiled and halved
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss with potatoes, celery, and onions.
- Chill for at least an hour before serving.
🥒 Add pickles for extra tang!
5. Grilled Zucchini & Peppers
A simple yet delicious way to enjoy summer veggies!
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss veggies with olive oil and seasonings.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
🔥 Perfect as a burger topping or in tacos!
6. Tangy Cucumber Salad
A light, refreshing side that balances out heavier BBQ dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Try adding fresh dill for an herby twist!
7. Vegan Mac & Cheese 🧀
Creamy, cheesy, and completely dairy-free!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1 ½ cups plant-based milk
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- 12 oz cooked elbow pasta
Instructions:
- Blend cashews, milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices until smooth.
- Heat sauce in a pan and mix with pasta.
🍽 Top with crispy breadcrumbs for crunch!
8. Sweet & Spicy Mango Salsa
Perfect for dipping or as a topping for grilled dishes!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Let flavors meld for 15 minutes.
🥭 Great with tortilla chips or grilled tofu!
9. Garlic-Herb Grilled Mushrooms
Juicy, umami-packed mushrooms make a perfect BBQ addition.
Ingredients:
- 10 cremini mushrooms, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss mushrooms with seasonings and grill for 5 minutes per side.
🌿 Pairs perfectly with grilled tofu or burgers!
10. Watermelon & Mint Salad
A refreshing, sweet, and hydrating summer dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced watermelon
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients together and serve chilled.
🍉 Add vegan feta for a salty-sweet contrast!
📌 Love these recipes? Pin them for later and follow us on Pinterest for more easy vegan meal ideas!
FAQs
What are the best make-ahead vegan BBQ sides?
Coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad taste even better when made in advance!
How can I add more protein to these dishes?
Try adding chickpeas, lentils, or tofu to salads and sides.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You may also like: 12 Irresistible Vegan Grilling Recipes for Your Next BBQ
