Sure, some people think grilling is typically associated with meat, but there’s no reason why vegan dishes can’t be invited to the barbecue. In fact, grilling vegan-friendly foods is super simple. So, what exactly can you grill? From eggplant to stone fruit to tempeh, the options are endless. Use our simple guide, recipes and tips to get started.
How to Grill Vegetables
Grilling vegetables adds a deliciously smoky char to them. What are the best vegetables to grill? While there isn’t exactly a right answer, some veggies are easier to grill than others. Grilling a whole ear of corn is inevitably going to be a bit easier than grilling romaine, which can wilt quickly if you aren’t paying attention. Start with this list:
Artichokes
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Corn
Eggplant
Fennel
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Peppers
Potatoes
Romaine
Sweet potatoes
Summer squash
Winter squash
Tomatoes
Zucchini
Prep Work
Lightly brush oil on your veggies to prevent sticking. A nonstick grate or grilling basket can also help. Don’t worry about peeling veggies — you’ll save time and keep beneficial nutrients like fiber found in the peels. Also, leave the husk on corn for grilling to keep the steam in and prevent the corn from drying out.
Precooking
Veggies like eggplant, fennel, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes, summer squash and tomatoes should be uncooked when placed on the grill. However, artichokes, beets, carrots, parsnips, potatoes and winter squash can be precooked to shorten grilling time. Plus, it will help ensure the inside and outside cook evenly. To precook: Steam or blanch until just barely tender. Pat dry, brush lightly with oil, then grill until completely tender and lightly browned.
Grilling Tips
Cook all veggies directly over moderately hot coals or use the indirect heat method, where you rotate or move them to a cooler part of the grill during cooking as needed so that the outside isn't cooking too quickly. Once you’ve got the veggies grilled, add oomph by serving them with something sweet and smoky like romesco sauce. Don't worry, we’ve got more saucy inspiration below.
Grilled Vegetable Recipes
While you can grill vegetables on their own, there are plenty of ways to dress them up for salads, sandwiches, kabobs, pasta dishes and more. Give these recipes a try:
Grilled Vegetable Panzanella
This grilled bread salad puts a bumper crop of summer squash to good use in the form of a classic summer dish. Feel free to substitute other vegetables in this recipe; eggplant, red onion and asparagus would all be great additions.
Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
Anytime you have the grill warmed up, throw on some extra corn on the cob to make this refreshing and easy summer side dish. It’s a great complement to any outdoor party or barbecue.
Grilled Zucchini with Kalamata Vinaigrette
This innovative recipe blends olives to create a richly flavored dressing, delicious on zucchini as well as other grilled veggies.
Grilled Tomato and Romaine Salad
Make this refreshing salad when summer tomatoes are at their peak of flavor. The entire meal is made on the grill for a wonderfully different take on salad.
Grilled Veggie Pinwheels
Hitting the grill for dinner tonight? Add a few extra vegetable slices to the grill and tomorrow’s lunch is in the bag. These colorful pinwheels also double as a wholesome after-school snack.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Start by parboiling the potatoes. Put them into a small pot, cover with 2 inches of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until they’re just tender, but not completely cooked through, since you’ll finish them on the grill.
Grilling More Than Veggies
Don’t just stop at grilling vegetables. Besides, everyone wants to eat something satiating at a cookout. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of quality vegan alternatives to grill, including grilled tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, veggie dogs, veggie sausages and veggie burgers.
How to Grill Tofu
Choose firm or extra-firm tofu when grilling and press it to remove excess moisture opens in a new tab. Then, marinate the tofu in the fridge overnight. Forgot? Even 30 minutes will get the job done. Brush lightly with oil to help prevent sticking. A nonstick grate can also help. Grill over a preheated grill (not too hot!) for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Place the tofu directly over moderately hot coals or use the indirect heat method. Rotate or move it to a cooler part of the grill during cooking as necessary to ensure that the outside isn’t cooking too fast.
Grilled Teriyaki Tofu
Teriyaki-marinated tofu is a versatile ingredient for vegans and vegetarians. Use in sandwiches or wraps, or serve on a bed of sautéed veggies like spinach, carrots, bok choy or bell peppers.
Grilled Tofu and Melon Salad
The attractive contrast of mixed greens and orange melon is just a prelude to the refreshingly light flavor of this simple summer salad. Chewy dried cherries and crunchy toasted pecans add flair and texture to the smooth tofu and balsamic vinaigrette. Serve with a side of quinoa or whole grain spelt bread.
Barbecue Tofu Po’boys
These New Orleans–style sandwiches offer a wildly delicious mix of flavors: tangy barbecue sauce, spicy caramelized onions, and crispy lettuce and pickles. Make them vegan by using a vegan mayonnaise.
Tempeh and Seitan Tips
Tempeh and seitan both have firm textures that make them a great choice for grilling. If you find either a little bitter, steam them first for about 10 minutes. Also, consider mixing up a marinade like the one in this Spicy Grilled Tempeh dish. After marinating for a few hours, grill the tempeh and seitan until browned on each side. Serve in tacos, grain bowls or alongside grilled veggies. Don’t have time for marinade? Try this recipe for Chimichurri Seitan Skewers. Though chimichurri is most commonly used on meats, it is also an excellent match for seitan.
Grilled Mushroom Recipes
Portobello mushrooms are a great burger substitute and white button mushrooms are perfect for kabobs. Marinating and basting are two simple techniques to add extra flavor and to keep your mushrooms juicy.
Portobello and Pineapple Teriyaki Veggie Burgers
These delicious mushroom burgers will brighten up any cookout. Our method uses leftover pineapple juice from a can of pineapple to make a simple teriyaki sauce.
Get the recipe: Portobello and Pineapple Teriyaki Veggie Burgers
Spanish-Style Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Peppers
Capers and sherry vinegar bring a Mediterranean flair to grilled mushrooms and bell peppers. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, so it’s perfect when you’re entertaining.
Get the recipe: Spanish-Style Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Peppers
Portobello Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce
Meaty, earthy portobello mushroom caps are the base for grilled satay. It makes a great appetizer, or serve it with a spicy vegetable slaw and steamed brown rice for a complete meal.
Pizza-Style Stuffed Portobellos
These stuffed portobellos pile on the pizza flavor and make an excellent low-carb sub for pizza crust. Before cooking the mushrooms, be sure to scrape out the gills, a task that’s easily accomplished with a spoon.
Vegan “Meat” Alternatives
Last but not least, vegan burger, sausage and hot dog alternatives opens in a new tab grill up fairly quickly over indirect heat. For best results, trust the instructions on the packaging — cooking times may vary.
Grill-Friendly Vegan Sauces, Marinades and Rubs
No barbecue is complete without zesty dressings, creamy dips and flavorful marinades. Here are some of our favorite vegan options.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
This vegan alternative to bottled barbecue sauce is sweetened with dates, and fragrant with onion, garlic, chili powder and mustard.
Vegan Tofu Green Goddess Dressing
Try this drizzled over grilled or raw veggies, grains, pasta or any kind of salad. It's also good with crackers and chips as a luscious dip, or on a sandwich as a vegan alternative to mayo.
Vegan “Hollandaise” Sauce
This savory, rich sauce is a great stand-in for traditional egg- and butter-based hollandaise. Serve warm over a tofu frittata, on sliced tomatoes and toast, or spoon over steamed or grilled veggies.
Grilled Tomato and Tahini Dressing
This flavorful combination of sweet-and-smoky grilled tomatoes and nutty tahini makes a terrific dressing for salads, but try it over grilled vegetables and any meat alternative.
Fresh Mango Marinade
Here’s a versatile and deliciously simple marinade for veggies and tofu. Try a garnish of fresh cilantro or green onions on the finished dish.
Lone Star Dry Rub
To use, spoon some of the dry rub onto a plate and lightly coat vegetables, tofu or tempeh with it before grilling or broiling.
Homemade Fennel Mustard
This intensely flavored mustard is terrific with all things grilled.
Sweet Pickle Relish
This relish is ideal with vegan “hot dogs” or “sausages,” but it’s also great on almost any summer sandwich or over simply grilled tofu cutlets.
