13 Vegan Recipes Perfect for Your Next Summer Picnic, Beach Trip, or BBQ
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A sizzling rack of ribs or tangy egg salad might scream summer to some, but if you’re vegan or have an allergy to foods like milk and eggs, you know that tasty warm-weather meals don’t necessarily require animal products. In fact, many of the dog days’ most classic dishes—fruit salad, corn on the cob, and pickled veggies, to name a few—are naturally vegan.
Then again, finding recipes that suit a summer party (vegan deviled eggs, anyone?) that use only plant-based ingredients can take some extra effort. (Ever been stoked about baked beans, only to realize they call for a big ol’ ham hock?) We’ve rounded up 13 vegan summer recipes so you can enjoy plant-based, non-allergenic eating all season long, no sweat.
Photograph by Peden + Munk, Food Styling by Diana Yen, Prop Styling by Hannah Ferrara2/13Smashed Cucumber and Melon Salad
Photo by Alex Lau, prop styling by Kendra Smoot5/13Big Beans and Tomato Vinaigrette
Forget the hot bean dishes stewed with bacon or ham. This plant-based bean salad serves up plenty of flavor using heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, veggies, and garlic. And since it’s intended for serving at room temperature, you don’t have to worry about leaving it on a hot stove. Just be sure to refrigerate leftovers (if there are any).
Photograph by Alex Huang, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht6/13Vegan Street Tacos
Grad party, Fourth of July celebration, backyard wedding—is there any fiesta that doesn’t get an upgrade from tacos? Those who can’t do meat or dairy will be only too happy to dig into this soy chorizo and vegetarian black bean dish. Set out some plant-based fixings like guac, salsa, and shredded cabbage to top these off with vegan flair.
Photo by Alex Lau7/13BA’s Best Guacamole
Every home chef thinks their own version of guacamole is the best, but psst…ours is definitely in the running. The keys to its life-of-the-party goodness? A finely chopped serrano chile for heat and toasted pepitas sprinkled on top for crunch. When friends come for summer gatherings, be prepared to make a big batch.
Photo by Alex Lau8/13Vegan Caesar Salad
Caesar dressing goes vegan thanks to silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and briny capers—no dairy or anchovies required. Top the salad with crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh crumbles to round it out as a summery lunch or vegan dinner.
Photographs by Laura Murray, food styling by Simon Andrews, prop styling by Sophie Strangio9/13Cooler Corn
Though it may require firing up the grill, we call this Cooler Corn because it involves a literal cooler. The cooking technique of grilling in-husk corn, then popping it into a cooler allows kernels to steam-cook to juicy perfection. Because this recipe uses only corn and salt, it accommodates nearly any dietary restriction. Dress them up with our favorite vegan mayo and a sprinkling of our Salty Sour spice blend.
Photo Alex Lau, food styling by Chris Morocco, prop styling by Emily Eisen10/13Easiest-Ever Grilled Veggie Burgers
The words vegan barbecue might sound like a contradiction. After all, one proposed etymology of the word barbecue is the French barbe à queue, which translates to eating animals from “beard to tail.” But this veggie burger idea proves you don’t need meat to have a delicious cookout. Beans, tofu, and—surprise!—almond butter are protein stars here, making this one of our go-to vegan dinners.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susie Theodorou12/13Strawberry Granola Crisp
Hosting an at-home barbecue? Pull this fruity crisp out of the oven a few minutes before serving. Top with a plant-based whipped cream or ice cream topping and savor the delicious hot-meets-cold contrast. Or, if you’re headed to the beach, pack it on ice and enjoy it cold. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
