Who says you need meat to light up the grill? This plant-powered 4th of July lineup brings serious flavor with zero compromise. We’re talking bold mains, smoky sides, zesty sauces, refreshing sips, and sweet, star-spangled treats—all 100% vegan and 100% crowd-pleasing.
Whether you're hosting a backyard bash, packing a picnic for the fireworks, or firing up the BBQ, these recipes prove you can celebrate the stars and stripes without a single hot dog in sight.
Grab your sparklers and your spatula—because this meatless spread is about to steal the show.
Looking for even more ways to turn up the red, white, and blue fun?
Check out our collection of
Patriotic Cocktails to get the party started, whip up some sweet treats from our
Patriotic Desserts, or keep things cool with our
Refreshing Mocktails! There's something for everyone to sip, savor, and celebrate.
Main Attractions: Plant-Powered BBQ Stars
These aren’t your average veggie burgers. We’re talking smoky jackfruit, grilled mushrooms, and tofu skewers that’ll make meat-lovers do a double take. Fire up the grill and let these bold vegan mains steal the spotlight.
1. BBQ Jackfruit Pulled "Pork" Sandwiches
Vegan "Pulled Pork" Style Jackfruit Burger
This jackfruit "pulled pork" sandwich - even carnivores will be coming back for seconds.
2. Grilled Portobello Burgers
Thick, juicy mushrooms marinated in balsamic & herbs for a satisfying bite that’s smoky & full of um
Thick, juicy mushrooms marinated in balsamic & herbs for a satisfying bite that’s smoky & full of umami goodness.
3. Cauliflower Steak Sandwich
Cauliflower Steak Sandwich with Romesco Sauce
Grilled cauliflower and bold romesco sauce make this sandwich an elegant and hearty showstopper.
4. Spicy Grilled Tofu Skewers
Tofu cubes glazed in a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce, then grilled until charred and irresistible.
5. Tofu Fingers
Grilled Chickpea Tofu Fingers In Schezwan Sauce
Grilled to crispy perfection & dunked in a fiery, flavorful sauce—these aren't your average tofu nug
Grilled to crispy perfection & dunked in a fiery, flavorful sauce—these aren't your average tofu nuggets.
6. Charred Cauliflower Steaks
Grilled cauliflower steaks with bold seasoning bring smoky flair and substance to the party.
7. Cornmeal Burger
Cornmeal Crusted Veggie Burger Patties
Crispy on the outside and packed with veggies.
8. Vegan Hot Dog
Vegan Dogs with Grilled Avocado and Spicy Mango Mayo
These vegan dogs are straight-up fireworks for your tastebuds.
9. Veggie Skewers
A perfect plant-based option for skewer-lovers who like their BBQ with a rainbow twist.
10. Smoky Tofu
Oven-Roasted Tofu with Spanish Paprika and Parsley
A bold, savory combo that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and 100% picnic-approved.
11. White Bean Burger
Quinoa and White Bean Burger
Light, hearty, and herb-packed—this plant-based patty is perfect for summer grilling.
Cool Sides & Salads: Fresh Flavors to Balance the BBQ
Every BBQ needs a supporting cast of sides, and these cool, crisp, and colorful plates bring their A-game. From creamy classics to smoky, grilled surprises, these salads and sides are the flavor refreshers your plant-based party needs.
1. Classic Vegan Potato Salad
Vegan Lemon Herb Potato Salad
Creamy, herby, and tangy—this potato salad hits all the nostalgic notes without any dairy.
2. Grilled Corn
Roasted Masala Corn On the Cob
Spicy, smoky, and sweet—grilled corn gets a bold masala makeover.
3. Corn Salsa
Chunky Salsa with Roasted Corn, Avocado and Tomatoes
Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes come together for a scoopable salad-salsa hybrid.
4. CousCous Salad
Vegan Summertime Couscous Salad
Light, lemony, and loaded with veggies—perfect for balancing out those BBQ mains.
5. Watermelon Salad
Juicy watermelon with smoky grill marks. Swap in vegan feta for a plant-based twist.
Juicy watermelon with smoky grill marks make this salad shine. Use vegan feta for a plant-based option.
Buns & Bread: Carb It Up
Because even the best plant-based patties need a soft, toasty sidekick. These breads and buns are built for stacking, mopping, and soaking up all that saucy goodness. Go ahead, carb-load with pride.
1. Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
Soft, spicy, and slightly sweet, these muffins are begging to be paired with BBQ sauce & jackfruit.
2. Grilled Rosemary Focaccia
Grilled Garlic Rosemary Focaccia
Crispy on the edges, fluffy inside, and kissed by smoke—this focaccia is perfect for sharing.
Sauces & Condiments: Flavor Boosters
No great BBQ is complete without a little saucy swagger. From smoky-sweet homemade BBQ sauce to zesty salsas and cheezy vegan drizzles, these condiments bring the flavor fireworks. Slather, dip, or drizzle—your taste buds will thank you.
1. Homemade Vegan BBQ Sauce
Homemade Vegan Barbecue Sauce
Tangy, smoky, and sweet—this is the ultimate BBQ companion.
2. Fresh and punchy Salsa
This herby salsa adds zing to burgers, skewers, or bread.
3. Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Salsa
Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Salsa
Juicy pineapple meets chili heat in this tropical twist.
4. Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon Salsa
Tina Sawasdee at SideChef
Cool, refreshing, and slightly sweet—this salsa screams summer.
5. Cheeseless Nacho "Cheese" Sauce
Cheeseless Nacho Cheese Sauce
Lauren Holdcroft at SideChef
Creamy and dreamy, this plant-based sauce is perfect for dipping everything in sight.
Sips to Cool You Down
What’s a party without a little splash? These drinks (and yes, jello shots too!) bring the chill and the thrill—perfect for sipping, clinking, and keeping cool while you soak in the sun.
1. Cucumber Agua Fresca
Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca)
Light, crisp, and ultra-refreshing—hydrate like a champ.
2. Raspberry Sangria
Fruity and festive, this sangria is summer party perfection.
3. Grilled Pina Colada
Smoky grilled pineapple takes this classic tropical cocktail to a whole new level.
4. Shots
Watermelon Mint Jello Shots
Cool mint, and a splash of fun—these jello shots are the ultimate party starter!
Cool mint, and a splash of fun—these jello shots are the ultimate party starter!
5. Cassic Lemonade
Classic, tangy, & the ultimate summer thirst-quencher—serve it plain or spike it for grown-up vibes.
Sweet Land of Desserts
From icy popsicles to jiggly jello shots, we’ve got your post-grill sugar fix covered. Think red, white, and blueberry pies, cheesecake muffins, and fruity treats that’ll leave you licking your fingers and asking for seconds.
1. Tofu Mousse
Healthy Chocolate Tofu Mousse
Rich, creamy, and made with tofu—your guests will never guess it’s secretly good for you.
2. Whiskey Pineapple
Sweet pineapple grilled and soaked in fiery cinnamon whiskey—dessert and cocktail in one juicy bite.
3. Popsicles
Vibrant, colorful, and cool—these refreshing pops are like edible fireworks.
4. Blueberry Pie
Blueberry, Raspberry, and Apple Tart
A triple berry knockout with patriotic flair—this rustic tart is ready for its close-up.
https://www.sidechef.com/lg/recipes//blueberry_raspberry_and_apple_tart/
5. Cheesecake Muffins
Stars & Stripes Mini Cheesecakes
Sweet, festive, and oh-so-cute—just sub in a dairy-free cream cheese to keep it fully vegan.
