22 Perfect Recipes for Your Vegan Cookout
Oysters Rockefeller, Watermelon salad, and BBQ
BBQ and Easy Summer Salads: A Vegan Soul Foodie Guide by Brooke Brimm
Summer is the perfect time for outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and light, refreshing salads. But you don't have to compromise on flavor or health when opting for plant-based dishes. Today, we'll explore how mushrooms can transform your vegan BBQ, dive into the wonders of soy, watermelons, vegan cheeses, and other summer essentials. Let’s make your next cookout delicious, nutritious, and cruelty-free.
Mushrooms: The Meaty Marvels of the Plant World
Mushrooms, particularly king oyster and white button varieties, offer more than just umami flavor—they pack a nutritional punch and can easily mimic the taste and texture of meat. King oyster mushrooms have a dense, meaty texture that, when sliced thick and seasoned well, can resemble scallops or chicken. White button mushrooms, slightly milder in flavor, absorb seasonings beautifully and lend a rich, satisfying bite perfect for any BBQ.
Health benefits of mushrooms include their antioxidant properties, support for immune function, and being low-calorie sources rich in B vitamins, selenium, and copper. Seasoning mushrooms with smoked paprika, garlic powder, soy sauce, and liquid smoke can help replicate that smoky BBQ flavor. Grill or roast them, and you’ve got a delicious, meaty dish without animal products.
Vegan Mushroom Rockefeller
Put a vegan twist on the classic Rockefeller by topping large mushroom caps with a mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, herbs, vegan Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for an impressive appetizer or side that’s been rejuvenated with plant-based goodness.
The Versatility and Health Power of Soy
Soy is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in complete protein, isoflavones, and fiber, making it a staple in vegan diets. But did you know soy can be enjoyed in many surprising forms?
Soybeans can be used fresh in salads or roasted as a snack.
Tofu skin (yuba) is an often-overlooked soy product that’s perfect for vegan bbq wings, vegan chitlins, and even vegan fried chicken.
Watermelon: More Than Just a Sweet Treat
Watermelon is not only hydrating and packed with vitamins A, C, and antioxidants like lycopene, but it’s also low in calories and great for digestion.
Try these fun ways to enjoy watermelon:
Fresh cubes or balls in summer salads with arugula and feta
Grilled watermelon slices with a sprinkle of sea salt and lime
Blended into smoothies or slushies
Watermelon salsa with jalapeño and cilantro
Juiced into refreshing mocktails
Vegan Cheeses: Endless Creativity
Vegan cheeses can be made from nuts (cashews, almonds), soy, root vegetables, or coconut. They can be soft, creamy, meltable, or aged to provide a variety of textures and flavors that enhance salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and dips.
Cultured vegan cheeses, fermented for tang and complexity, mimic dairy counterparts and are ideal for sophisticated recipes. Homemade cashew cheese blended with nutritional yeast and lemon is an easy option that’s both tangy and rich.
Fruit Cubes: Zero Waste Kitchen Magic
Making fruit cubes is a simple way to preserve seasonal fruits and prevent waste. Blend overripe or excess fruit, pour into ice cube trays, and freeze. These cubes can then be added to smoothies, iced teas, or desserts—making quick prep even easier.
Sangria: The Quintessential Summer Drink
Sangria is a refreshing wine-based punch with fruits, spices, and optionally, a splash of soda. Vegan sangria substitutes traditional red or white wine with plant-based versions, adding orange slices, berries, and a cinnamon stick for warmth. It’s easy to make and perfect for any BBQ gathering.
Meat Substitutes: Vegan Shrimp and Beyond
The plant-based world offers numerous meat alternatives beyond tofu and tempeh. Vegan shrimp, made from ingredients like konjac root or mushrooms, replicates texture and flavor, allowing seafood lovers to enjoy their favorite dishes without compromise.
With the right techniques and ingredients, practically any food favorite—from crab cakes to fried chicken—can be veganized, preserving tradition in a plant-forward way.
Cauliflower: The Superstar Vegetable
Cauliflower is low in calories, high in fiber, and full of vitamins C and K. When seasoned with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, then oven-baked, cauliflower takes on a new identity: cauliflower steak.
These "steaks" have a satisfying texture and can stand center plate at your BBQ. Their versatility allows for flavor customization—from spicy to savory.
The crowd-favorite seafood boil, typically known for its rich, savory flavors and variety of shellfish, can be thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant vegan dish that captures the same comforting essence. By using plant-based ingredients such as hearts of palm, king oyster mushrooms, and seasoned tofu, combined with traditional boil spices, corn, potatoes, and vegan butter, this vegan take offers a satisfying and hearty experience that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike. As more people seek comforting, flavorful, and compassionate meal options, this reinvented seafood boil is poised to become the new staple in vegan comfort food, bringing communities together around a shared love of bold, familiar flavors without any compromise.
