14 Grilled Plant-Based Dishes to Try This Summer
Fire up your grill and get ready for an incredible summer of outdoor cooking! I’ve created these mouthwatering recipes that will make your backyard barbecues unforgettable. From smoky mushroom burgers to perfectly charred vegetable kabobs, each dish brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table.
My global travels and countless hours experimenting in the kitchen inspired these recipes. The Mediterranean grilled eggplant captures the essence of sun-soaked coastal villages, while the teriyaki oyster mushroom steak with bok choy brings Asian street food flair to your backyard. I’ve focused on simple, wholesome ingredients transformed by fire and smoke into extraordinary meals.
These dishes prove that grilling goes far beyond traditional fare. The butternut squash steaks deliver a hearty, caramelized sweetness, while the chimichurri-topped tofu offers bright, herbaceous notes. Your friends and family won’t believe how incredible these recipes taste – they might even forget what they’re eating!
BBQ Pulled Mushroom Burger
Transform oyster mushrooms into a mouthwatering BBQ sandwich filling by shredding them into tender strands and coating them in a sweet and tangy homemade sauce. The mushrooms soak up all the rich flavors while maintaining their meaty texture, making this dish a crowd-pleaser at any summer cookout.
Stack your burger high with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy red onions. Add a generous dollop of creamy coleslaw on the side or right on top of the pulled mushrooms. For extra indulgence, serve with crispy sweet potato wedges or grilled corn on the cob slathered in dairy-free butter.
Find the Recipe here: BBQ Pulled Mushroom Burger
Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
These colorful kabobs mix red onions, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes into a rainbow on a stick. A quick marinade of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs adds Mediterranean flair to every charred bite. Thread your veggies onto skewers, grill for 15 minutes while turning occasionally, and watch them transform into tender, smoky perfection.
Serve these kabobs over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the flavorful marinade. Add grilled corn on the cob and a fresh green salad with vinaigrette for a complete summer meal that will make your guests ask for seconds.
Find the Recipe here: Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Butternut Squash Steaks
You’ll transform ordinary butternut squash into tender, juicy “steaks” with this grilling technique. Simply slice the squash into thick planks, brush with olive oil, and season with paprika, garlic, and Italian herbs. The direct heat creates beautiful char marks while keeping the inside perfectly cooked – creating a satisfying main dish with minimal ingredients.
Pair these smoky squash steaks with a fresh arugula salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, or serve alongside grilled corn on the cob and herb-roasted potatoes. For extra flavor, top with chimichurri sauce or a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving.
Find the Recipe here: Butternut Squash Steaks
Cauliflower Steak
Transform a humble cauliflower head into thick, meaty steaks with crispy edges and tender centers. A quick marinade of olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika adds deep flavor before grilling. Top your steaks with a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce made from cashews, vegetable broth, and crushed black peppercorns for extra kick.
Serve these hearty steaks alongside grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a complete meal, add quinoa or wild rice pilaf to soak up the delicious sauce.
Find the Recipe here: Cauliflower Steak
Grilled Vegetable Napoleon
Stack grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers with layers of fresh basil and dairy-free cashew cheese for a stunning summer dish. The smoky char from the grill brings out deep flavors in the vegetables, while the creamy cashew filling adds richness and a satisfying texture to each bite.
Serve this colorful stack alongside quinoa or brown rice to soak up the flavorful juices. Add a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic dressing to round out the meal. For entertaining, make individual portions and garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Find the Recipe here: Grilled Vegetable Napoleon
Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant
Thick eggplant slices marinated in olive oil and garlic create a tender, smoky foundation for this Mediterranean dish. The marinade infuses deep flavors while grilling brings out the natural sweetness. A drizzle of homemade tahini sauce adds creaminess, while fresh parsley and pomegranate seeds bring bright pops of color and texture.
Serve these grilled eggplant rounds as a main dish over quinoa or couscous, or as a side with falafel and hummus. The tahini sauce works beautifully drizzled over roasted vegetables or as a dip for fresh pita bread too. Make extra sauce – you’ll want it for everything!
Find the Recipe here: Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant
Portobello Mushroom Burger
I marinate these meaty portobello mushroom caps in a savory blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before grilling them to juicy perfection. The mushrooms develop a deep, rich flavor that makes them a fantastic main dish. Top them with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and caramelized onions on toasted burger buns for an unforgettable meal.
Serve these hearty burgers with grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter or a side of crispy sweet potato wedges. A fresh coleslaw or mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber adds a bright, crunchy contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Find the Recipe here: Portobello Mushroom Burger
Grilled Buffalo Skewers
These bold and spicy Buffalo skewers pack a punch with their irresistible smoky flavor. The tofu cubes marinate in a mix of hot sauce, maple syrup, and seasonings before hitting the grill. After grilling, brush them generously with more Buffalo sauce to create a sticky, caramelized coating that will make you reach for seconds.
Serve these zesty skewers alongside a cool ranch dipping sauce, crunchy celery sticks, and a fresh coleslaw. For a complete meal, add grilled corn on the cob and a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
Find the Recipe here: Grilled Buffalo Skewers
Beet Burger
Transform raw beets into juicy, satisfying patties with simple pantry ingredients. The combination of cooked rice, sunflower seeds, and spices creates a hearty texture, while garlic and onions add depth to these bright magenta burgers. I promise these won’t stain your hands – just grate the beets straight into the bowl and mix with your wooden spoon.
Serve these beauties on toasted brioche buns topped with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickled red onions. Add a side of sweet potato fries or a light mixed green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to round out your meal. The burgers also make great sliders for party appetizers.
Find the Recipe here: Beet Burger
Cauliflower Tacos
Give your tacos a fresh spin with these smoky roasted cauliflower tacos! I make them by coating cauliflower florets with Mexican-inspired spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, then roasting them until golden and crispy. The crispy coating creates an irresistible texture that makes these tacos stand out.
Fill warm corn tortillas with the spiced cauliflower and top with crunchy purple cabbage slaw, creamy avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add a side of Mexican rice and refried beans to complete your taco feast. A fresh mango salsa would bring an extra punch of flavor too!
Find the Recipe here: Cauliflower Tacos
Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Press firm tofu until completely dry, then marinate it in a bold mix of soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika. The marinade infuses deep, savory notes into each slice. Grill the tofu steaks on high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until you see those beautiful char marks appear.
Pair these juicy steaks with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, oregano, and garlic. Serve alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or corn on the cob. The combination creates a satisfying summer meal that will impress everyone at your barbecue.
Find the Recipe here: Tofu Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Teriyaki Oyster Mushroom Steak with Bok Choy
Transform meaty oyster mushrooms into a satisfying main dish with this Asian-inspired recipe. The thick mushroom steaks soak up a rich homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. Grilling adds smoky depth while keeping the mushrooms tender and juicy inside. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating an irresistible glaze.
Pair these flavorful mushroom steaks with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce. The baby bok choy adds a fresh crunch and balances the sweet-savory teriyaki perfectly. For extra texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
Find the Recipe here: Teriyaki Oyster Mushroom Steak with Bok Choy
Pan-fried Green Herb Oyster Mushroom
This mushroom dish brings together fresh herbs and crispy textures in under 15 minutes. Pull apart large oyster mushrooms into strips, season them with salt and pepper, then coat them with a mix of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Pan-fry until golden brown to create an irresistible crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, juicy center.
Serve these golden beauties alongside fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the flavorful pan juices. Add a simple green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette to complete your meal. The mushrooms also make fantastic sandwich fillings or taco toppings.
Find the Recipe here: Pan-fried Green Herb Oyster Mushroom
BBQ Chickpea Meatballs
Make these tender, smoky BBQ meatballs in just 30 minutes! Simply blend chickpeas with onions, garlic, oats, and seasonings, then shape into balls and grill. The outside gets nicely charred while the inside stays moist. A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce coating adds the perfect finishing touch to these protein-packed bites.
Serve these versatile meatballs on slider buns with coleslaw for a crowd-pleasing sandwich. They also pair beautifully with grilled corn on the cob and a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, add them to pasta with extra BBQ sauce or pile them onto creamy mashed potatoes.
Find the Recipe here: BBQ Chickpea Meatballs
