12 Irresistible Vegan Grilling Recipes for Your Next BBQ

Grilling season is here, and you don’t need meat to fire up the flavor!

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, looking for healthy plant-based meals, or simply want to switch up your grilling game, these 12 vegan grilling recipes will impress everyone at the table.

From smoky grilled tofu to charred summer veggies, these recipes are packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.

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Why You’ll Love These Vegan Grilling Recipes

✅ Full of Flavor – Marinated, spiced, and grilled to perfection!
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with plant-based proteins, vitamins, and fiber.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for backyard BBQs, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal.
✅ Easy to Customize – Adjust the spice levels, swap ingredients, and make them your own.

Now, let’s fire up the grill!

1. Grilled Avocado with Garlic Lime Dressing

Grilled avocado is a game-changer! The heat enhances its creaminess while adding a smoky depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brush avocado halves with olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes, flesh-side down.
2. In a small bowl, mix garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle over the grilled avocado and serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

💡 Pro Tip: Top with salsa or grilled corn for extra flavor!

2. Smoky Grilled Eggplant Steaks

Eggplant absorbs smoky flavors beautifully, making it a fantastic meat alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, and olive oil.
2. Brush eggplant slices and let marinate for 15 minutes.
3. Grill over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side until tender.

💡 Serve With: Tahini drizzle or a side of hummus!

3. Spicy Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter

Corn on the cob gets an upgrade with a zesty, spicy kick!

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Grill corn over medium heat, turning occasionally, until charred (8-10 minutes).
2. Mix melted butter, chili powder, and lime juice.
3. Brush over grilled corn and garnish with fresh cilantro.

🔥 Make it Extra: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!

4. Ultimate Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Portobello mushrooms are juicy, meaty, and perfect for a satisfying vegan burger.

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate mushrooms for 20 minutes.
3. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side. Serve in a bun with your favorite toppings.

5. BBQ Tofu Skewers

These smoky-sweet skewers are a plant-based protein powerhouse!

Ingredients:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, cubed
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced

Instructions:

1. Thread tofu, bell pepper, and zucchini onto skewers.
2. Brush with BBQ sauce and grill for 3-4 minutes per side.

💡 Extra Crispy? Freeze tofu before using for a firmer texture!

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6. Grilled Carrot Hot Dogs

A surprisingly delicious and smoky alternative to traditional hot dogs!

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp liquid smoke

Instructions:

1. Boil carrots for 10 minutes, then marinate for 1 hour.
2. Grill for 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. Serve in a bun with mustard, ketchup, and relish.

7. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

This caramelized pineapple is the perfect summer dessert!

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, sliced into rings
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle pineapple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Grill for 3 minutes per side until caramelized.

🔥 Pair with: Coconut whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream!

8. Grilled Flatbread Pizza

No oven needed—make crispy, smoky pizzas right on the grill!

Ingredients:

• 2 flatbreads or naan
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup vegan cheese
• 1 cup grilled veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)

Instructions:

1. Grill flatbread for 1-2 minutes per side.
2. Add toppings and grill covered for another 5 minutes.

9. Grilled Herbed Potato Packets

These tender, smoky potatoes are cooked in foil packets for an easy, no-mess side dish!

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide into foil packets and seal tightly.
3. Grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Open the packets carefully and serve warm!

🔥 Bonus Tip: Add sliced onions and bell peppers for extra flavor!

10. Grilled Garlic Butter Mushrooms

These juicy, umami-packed mushrooms make a great side dish or burger topping!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole mushrooms (button or cremini)
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Mix melted vegan butter, garlic, soy sauce, and thyme.
2. Toss mushrooms in the mixture and let marinate for 15 minutes.
3. Skewer mushrooms or place them in a grill basket.
4. Grill for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

🔥 Serve with: Grilled bread, pasta, or as a topping for burgers!

11. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges with Spicy Dip

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—these sweet potato wedges are addictive!

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Spicy Dip:

• ½ cup vegan mayo
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until tender.
3. Mix spicy dip ingredients and serve with the grilled wedges.

🔥 Tip: Soak sweet potatoes in water for 30 minutes before grilling for extra crispiness!

12. Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Vegan Ricotta

These elegant zucchini rolls are stuffed with creamy vegan ricotta and make the perfect appetizer or side dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Vegan Ricotta Filling:

• ½ cup crumbled tofu
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped basil

Instructions:

1. Brush zucchini slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 1-2 minutes per side.
2. In a bowl, mix all ricotta filling ingredients until smooth.
3. Spread a spoonful of filling onto each zucchini slice and roll tightly.
4. Secure with a toothpick and serve warm.

🔥 Pair With: A drizzle of balsamic glaze or marinara sauce for extra flavor!

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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Vegan Grilling

Can you grill tofu without it sticking?

Yes! To prevent tofu from sticking to the grill:

• Press tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
• Brush the grill grates with oil before placing the tofu.
• Use extra-firm tofu or freeze it beforehand for a firmer texture.
• Consider grilling tofu on a grill mat or in a grill basket to prevent breakage.

What’s the best vegan protein for grilling?

The best plant-based proteins for grilling include:

• Tofu – Absorbs marinades well and develops a nice char.
• Tempeh – Has a firmer texture and holds up great on the grill.
• Seitan – A high-protein, meaty alternative that grills beautifully.
• Chickpea patties or lentil burgers – Perfect for homemade veggie burgers.

How do you keep veggies from falling through the grill?

• Use a grill basket or a grill mat for smaller veggies.
• Skewer small vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini slices.
• Place sliced veggies perpendicular to the grates to prevent slipping through.

What vegetables are best for grilling?

Some of the best vegetables for grilling include:

• Bell peppers – Sweet, smoky, and colorful.
• Zucchini & summer squash – Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
• Corn on the cob – Gets beautifully charred and caramelized.
• Eggplant – Grills to a deliciously soft, smoky texture.
• Mushrooms – Perfect for a meaty texture and umami flavor.

What are the best marinades for vegan grilling?

Marinades enhance flavor and help prevent drying out. Try these:

• Soy sauce + maple syrup + garlic + ginger (for an Asian-style glaze)
• Balsamic vinegar + olive oil + rosemary + garlic (for a Mediterranean touch)
• BBQ sauce + apple cider vinegar + smoked paprika (for a smoky-sweet flavor)
• Lemon juice + olive oil + oregano + black pepper (for a fresh, zesty taste)

Can you grill fruit?

Absolutely! Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in fruit, making them extra delicious. Try grilling:

• Pineapple – Sweet and smoky, perfect with a dash of cinnamon.
• Peaches – Amazing with a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Watermelon – Grilling enhances its sweetness and adds a unique depth.
• Bananas – Perfect for a dessert, especially when topped with dairy-free ice cream!

How do you add smoky flavor to vegan grilling?

Since plant-based foods don’t have the natural fat content of meat, you can enhance smokiness by:

• Using smoked paprika or liquid smoke in marinades.
• Cooking over wood chips like hickory or mesquite.
• Grilling directly on the flames for a light charred flavor.

What are the best vegan burger toppings?

Take your plant-based burgers to the next level with these delicious toppings:

• Avocado slices or guacamole – Adds creaminess.
• Grilled onions and mushrooms – Caramelized for extra flavor.
• Pickles and sauerkraut – A tangy contrast to smoky flavors.
• Cashew cheese or vegan mayo – Rich and indulgent.

What’s the best way to grill plant-based burgers?

To prevent veggie burgers from falling apart:

• Chill the patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Use a well-oiled grill to avoid sticking.
• Flip only once to prevent crumbling.
• Grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

Can you grill plant-based meats like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burgers?

Yes! These store-bought vegan burgers grill just like traditional meat:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Lightly oil the patties to prevent sticking.
• Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and heated through.

What’s a great plant-based alternative to hot dogs?

Instead of traditional hot dogs, try:

• Smoked tofu sausages – Firm, smoky, and packed with flavor.
• Carrot dogs – Marinated carrots grilled to perfection.
• Grilled zucchini or eggplant strips – Folded into a bun with toppings.

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