The Ultimate Vegan Barbecue - Food Tips

Bank holidays and warm summer days wouldn’t be the same without inviting your loved ones over to enjoy food in the garden.

Alfresco grilling was once deemed an incredibly meat-heavy activity, but now vegans and vegetarians can get involved with the fun without any fuss or stress. Although a fully vegan barbecue is easy to pull off, it might feel daunting at first, especially if you’re used to grilling with animal products. Follow these straightforward tips, and your vegan barbecue will be one to remember.

Vegan dressings and sauces to pair with plant-based meat

There is an abundance of vegan-friendly condiments for you to use with your barbecued foods and plant-based meat. Many dressings and sauces are already vegan, such as ketchup and mustard (but it’s always good to double-check, as some brands might make their products differently). There are plant-based versions of condiments that usually contain animal products, such as vegan mayonnaise and vegan barbecue sauce, which are classic additions to a barbecue.

Healthy fermented foods for barbecue

If you’re keen on impressing your guests, add a selection of fermented foods and pickles like kimchi, sauerkraut, gherkins, pickeld onions and beets. They are not only bursting with flavour, but they have wonderful nutritional benefits and improve digestion.

Plant-based protein for a vegan barbecue

Plant-based meats bring a vegan barbecue to life, so be open-minded and give them a go. Just like animal products, there are tonnes of unique brands and products, which means you’re bound to like at least a few. Look for vegan beef burgers, vegan chicken burgers, sausages, hot dogs, and steaks.

Vegan cheese for grilling

If you want to serve something else than just plant-based meat substitues, look for vegan halloumi, vegan feta, and traditional vegan staples like tofu and tempeh as an option for guests who don’t like vegan meat.

Grilled vegetables and fruits

Fruit and vegetables are the most underappreciated part of a barbecue. I mean, when have you ever not enjoyed charred, buttery corn on the cob? Veggies have their own natural flavourings, unique textures, and you already know how to cook them anyway - so there’s zero hassle. You can either make the classic vegetable skewers (jazz them up by adding cubes of vegan halloumi) or grill vegetables whole like portobello mushrooms, sweet potatoes and asparagus or sliced like courgette and bell pepper.

Marinating plant-based meat

Meat alternatives do not have high-fat content like meat, so you need to add the extra flavouring by using marinades, herbs and spices. Brush a little bit of olive oil onto the food before cooking to add fat and prevent it from sticking to the grill.

Vegan side dishes for barbecue

You can’t have a barbecue without a few delicious sides! Sometimes you need a break from the rich, umami flavourings of grilled, savoury food and want something to freshen up your tastebuds. Go for light, plant-based dishes such as potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, tabbouleh, chickpea salad. Plan ahead of time with delicious, flavoursome fillings that you and your guests can stuff into burgers and hot dogs to amp up the quality. A few typical burger fillings include vegan cheese, hot chillies, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and avocado. A few typical hot dog fillings include sauerkraut, caramelised onions, or crispy onions.