Summer is filled with BBQs and backyard cookouts, which is a very good thing! But if you’re a Vegetarian, Vegan, or simply trying to reduce the amount of meat you consume, it can be challenging to find tasty options.
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious Meatless Entrée Recipes that are perfect for Summer BBQs. From grilled tofu skewers to veggie burgers and portobello mushrooms, there are plenty of meatless options that are super satisfying and delicious.
Why Go Meatless?
While burgers, hot dogs, and chicken are often the go-to options for a Summer cookout, there are plenty of reasons to consider going meatless for your next BBQ. Here are a few reasons why:
Health Benefits
Meatless recipes can be a great way to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. Plant-based foods are often rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By swapping out meat for vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you can enjoy a healthier meal that’s just as satisfying.
Environmental Impact
Meat production has a significant impact on the environment, contributing to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing to go meatless, even just for one meal, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and support more sustainable food production practices.
Variety and Creativity
Going meatless doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. In fact, it can be an opportunity to get creative with new ingredients and flavor combinations. From grilled vegetables to veggie burgers and kebabs, there are endless possibilities for meatless BBQs. Plus, incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet can help you discover new flavors and cuisines.
Cost Savings
Meat can be one of the most expensive items on your grocery list, so going meatless can be a great way to save money. Plant-based foods like vegetables, grains, and legumes are often more affordable and can be just as filling and satisfying as meat-based dishes.
Overall, going meatless for your next BBQ can be a great way to enjoy a healthier, more sustainable, and more creative meal. We’ve rounded up 35 awesome Meatless Main Dish recipes from the top food bloggers for you to try!
Looking for more recipes? Check out these posts for more food ideas for your Summer BBQ!
- Chicken and Turkey Recipes for your Summer BBQ
- Seafood recipes for your Summer BBQ
- Beef Recipes for your Summer Cookout
- Pork Recipes for your Summer BBQ
- 150 Side Dish Recipes for your Summer BBQ Potluck
- Delicious Desserts for any Summer Party
Find our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Los Angeles here!
Meatless Main Course Recipes for Your Summer BBQ or Party
Teriyaki Tofu Skewers
From Veggies Save the Day
If you’re having an outdoor party or summer gathering, these Teriyaki Tofu skewers are sure to be a hit for anyone who craves a delicious meal without meat. What’s great about this recipe is that you can add whatever veggies you want and substitute the sauce for a different one if you want another flavor.
BBQ Grilled Eggplant Steaks (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
From Strength & Sunshine
For a Vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, or Keto meal, these BBQ grilled eggplant steaks will be a crowd-pleaser!
Grilled Eggplant Banh Mi Sliders
From Strength & Sunshine
Don’t you think sliders just scream outdoor barbeque? They’re the perfect size sandwich to serve when there are going to be lots of different foods to try,
Black Bean Burgers – Taking the BBQ Back
From HurryTheFoodUp
When you want a protein-packed non-meat option, check out these black bean burgers. They’d make a great addition to your next backyard gathering or party.
Epic Portobello Mushroom Burger | Grilled, Oven or Stovetop
From Ooh Là Là
This plant-based burger is filled with delicious veggies including marinated mushrooms. It’s a great main course to grill and serve a large group of people.
Grilled Tofu Skewers with 5 Easy Sauces
From Rainbow Plant Life
One of the best things about these tofu kabobs is the variety of sauces you can serve with them. Plus, you can make them on the grill at your next summer outdoor get-together.
Finger-Licking Veggie Fajitas
From Happy Kitchen
Do you like fajitas? If your answer is a resounding yes, you’ll find these fajitas to be a perfect summer dinner option. They’re filled with flavorful vegetables and only take about 30 minutes to make.
The Best Vegan Tempeh Tacos
From Happy Kitchen
What could be better on a Taco Tuesday than these mouth-watering Vegan tempeh tacos? Of course, you can serve them on any day you want — not just on Tuesdays!
Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Burger| Best Pulled Pork Sandwich
From Cook with Kushi
If you’re craving a pulled pork sandwich but need to serve something without meat, this BBQ pulled jackfruit burger might just be the perfect replacement.
Buffalo Tofu Wrap with Easy Vegan Ranch
From Naturallie Plant-Based
This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for summer because you can make it in an air fryer and avoid heating up your whole house by turning on an oven. Plus, you can use a milder buffalo sauce if you don’t want as much heat.
Strawberry Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad (Vegan)
From Naturallie Plant-Based
Salads are the perfect warm-weather food to serve when you don’t want to add extra heat to your house by cooking. This one is loaded with delicious fruits and vegetables and is hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
Vegan Chili Cheese Dogs
From World of Vegan
Most outdoor barbeques include hot dogs, and if you want to include them but don’t want to serve meat, these Vegan chili cheese dogs are a great non-meat choice. But you don’t have to wait for a party or other event, you can make them any night of the week!
Easy Veggie Burger Recipe (Vegan & Healthy)
From Blondelish
Are you searching for the perfect burger for your next picnic? This recipe is simple and filled with ingredients that are good for you.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Bowl
From Simply Scrumptious
You’ll find this recipe to be colorful as well as filling. It uses a lot of ingredients and involves several steps, so plan ahead before making it.
Jennifer Aniston Salad
From Simply Scrumptious
This is a copycat of the salad Jennifer Anniston eats — with a few tweaks. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s quick and easy to make, as well as being tasty!
Teriyaki Oyster Mushroom Steak
From My Pure Plants
The oyster mushrooms in this recipe are prepared in just the right way to make them very similar to steak. They’re also fast to make and full of flavor.
The Best Falafel Sandwich
From My Pure Plants
These pita sandwiches are filled with falafel, lettuce, and other tasty ingredients. If you don’t know how to make falafel, this recipe included instructions so you can make it in your own kitchen.
Vegan Smashed Chickpea Salad [Sandwiches, Wraps, Dip]
From Food Sharing Vegan
Sandwiches are a terrific main course choice for summer picnics or other events. And you can make these in around 10 minutes.
Greek Quesadilla
From Gluten Free Stories
When it’s hot outside and you want to skip over the heavy foods, opt for a light meal instead featuring these Greek quesadillas. You can make them quickly and they’re loaded with yummy ingredients.
Gnocchi Di Ricotta (Ricotta Gnocchi)
From It’s Not Complicated
Whether you want to make a meatless meal on a weeknight for your family or for a summer event, we think this gnocchi dish looks like a winner! It’s easy, only requires a few steps, and the recipe provides plenty of tips to help you make it successfully.
Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
From Sprig & Spoon
Of course, not everyone likes mushrooms. But if you do, these vegetarian stuffed portobellos might make the perfect main attraction for your next outdoor party. The recipe includes lots of suggestions so you can make them with ease.
Vegetarian Pecan Tomato Pasta
From Tastes of Lizzy T
Sometimes quick meals are all you have time for. That’s when this vegetarian pecan tomato pasta recipe comes in handy.
Egyptian Koshari: a Step-By-Step Guide (Koshary)
From Chocolates & Chai
There are usually several steps involved in making koshari, and you’ll probably have quite a few dishes to wash when you’re done. However, it is an amazing Egyptian dish that you’ll be thankful you made once you try it. Believe me, this meatless meal is worth the extra effort!
Summer Tortellini Salad
From Our Love Language is Food
Instead of going out for fast food, try making this salad instead. It’s loaded with delicious pasta, veggies, and Italian dressing, but you can add or remove vegetables to make it your own.
Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe (with or without Meat)
From Christina’s Cucina
This recipe is made without meat or lasagna noodles, but you can add either one or both if you want. Regardless, we think it looks really tasty just as it is!
Potato Broccoli Cheese Soup – The Best In A Bread Bowl!
From Grains in Small Places
For this recipe you can make your own bread bowls or buy them. Either way, once they’re filled with delicious potato broccoli cheese soup, we don’t think anyone will be able to resist asking for seconds.
Jeanne Sloan is a farm wife, mother of two, and grandmother of two who was born in Las Vegas, Nevada but was transformed into a country girl at the age of eight when her parents moved the family to Kansas. You can read more from Jeanne Sloan at mid-lifemusings.com where she writes about whatever strikes her fancy, including advice, recipes, and more.
Acknowledgment: This round-up of recipes and photos from other bloggers was made with their full and express permission to share. We’re grateful to them for sharing their creativity and talent and we encourage you to visit each of their websites for many more recipes like these.
