Fire Up the Grill: Your Easy Vegan Backyard BBQ Guide

Grill up a summer celebration that’s plant-based, stress-free, and full of flavor

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There’s something magical about the way summer sunshine mixes with the smell of something sizzling on the grill. A vegan backyard BBQ doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be fun, flavorful, and deeply satisfying without a single ounce of stress. 🌱☀️

In this post, I’m sharing my go-to guide for hosting a joyful, plant-based BBQ that brings everyone to the table.

You’ll find easy recipes, simple setup tips, and creative ways to make your outdoor gathering cozy, memorable, and kind to the planet.

Photo from Depositphotos

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This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure at the bottom.

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Welcome to a Joy-Filled Vegan Backyard BBQ

There’s something magical about late spring turning into summer. The days stretch longer, and the sun feels warmer. It’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy a vegan backyard BBQ with the people you love.

This post is here to help you make it simple, satisfying, and full of fresh flavor.

I’ve come to treasure these easy outdoor gatherings. They involve good food, a cool breeze, and a few laughs shared around the patio table. It doesn’t need to be fancy. In fact, I’ve found that the less fuss, the more fun we have. It’s about connection, not perfection.

This menu is designed for 8–10 guests. Every dish is plant-based, packed with flavor, and can be prepped or grilled. It’s perfect if you’re hosting your first vegan backyard BBQ or you’ve been doing this for years.

I hope you’ll find some inspiration to make your next get-together healthy and joyful.

• Jump to the Garlic-Herb Grilled Mushrooms & Cherry Tomatoes (Skewers) Recipe

• Jump to the BBQ Lentil Sliders with Pickled Red Onions Recipe

• Jump to the Grilled Banana Boats with Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter Recipe

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Backyard Bliss: Setting the Perfect BBQ Vibe

Before the grill gets going and the food starts sizzling, it helps to set the stage. A relaxed, welcoming backyard makes all the difference.

Creating a space where people feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to enjoy a beautiful day together doesn’t take much.

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Here are a few easy ideas to make your vegan backyard BBQ cozy, inviting, and kind to the planet:

• Create shade with umbrellas, pop-up canopies, or a big beach towel clipped to a clothesline.

• Add comfy seating with cushions, blankets, or folding chairs in small circles.

• Play some music that sets the mood—light acoustic, classic soul, or a summer playlist with a little groove.

• Use string lights or lanterns if you’re going into the evening. It adds instant charm!

• Serve with style using compostable plates and napkins or washable dishes and silverware.

• Label drinks and food with small signs or tags to avoid confusion and show your thoughtful touches.

It’s okay if everything isn’t picture-perfect. What matters most is creating a space where everyone feels at home.

A casual, no-pressure vibe invites connection. Great conversation and good food are the true stars of any vegan backyard BBQ.

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Let’s Eat: The Ultimate Vegan Backyard BBQ Menu

Food brings people together like nothing else can. For your vegan backyard BBQ, I’ve put together a three-part menu that’s all about simplicity, color, comfort, and flavor.

Each dish is easy to prep or toss on the grill when the party starts. From savory starters to sweet endings, everything is plant-based, straightforward, and sure to please a crowd.

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Garlic-Herb Grilled Mushroom & Tomato Skewers

These colorful skewers do more than sit on the side. They bring bold, savory flavor right to the front of the plate. The garlic and herb marinade give them depth, while the grill adds just the right touch of smokiness.

The tomatoes burst with sweetness, and the mushrooms soak up all the good stuff. They’re perfect for snacking while the rest of the meal comes together.

Garlic-Herb Grilled Mushrooms & Cherry Tomatoes (Skewers)

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cremini or button mushrooms cleaned and trimmed

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes

• 4 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried

• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley plus extra for garnish

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• optional: wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes or metal skewers

Instructions

• Prep the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

• Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

• Marinate: Add mushrooms and tomatoes to the bowl. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Let sit for 15–30 minutes while the grill heats up.

• Assemble Skewers: Thread mushrooms and tomatoes onto skewers, alternating for visual appeal.

• Grill Time: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and the tomatoes are just starting to blister.

• Serve: Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g

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BBQ Lentil Sliders with Pickled Red Onions

These sliders are everything you want in a main dish. They’re smoky, hearty, and just the size to keep things fun and casual. The lentil patties hold their shape beautifully on the grill.

A quick-pickled red onion on top adds the perfect tang. To keep things relaxed and interactive, let guests build their own with fresh buns and optional toppings.

BBQ Lentil Sliders with Pickled Red Onions

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 20 sliders

Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients

For the Lentil Patties:

• 2½ cups cooked green or brown lentils about 1 cup dry

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup onion finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic minced

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed plus 2½ Tbsp water (flax egg)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 Tbsp olive oil plus more for brushing

For the BBQ Glaze:

• ¾ cup vegan BBQ sauce

For the Pickled Onions:

• 1 large red onion thinly sliced

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• ½ cup water

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp salt

To Assemble:

• 20 slider buns or small rolls

• optional toppings: lettuce, avocado slices, more BBQ sauce

Instructions

• Make Pickled Onions (Do Ahead): Combine vinegar, water, maple syrup, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat until warm, then pour over sliced onions in a jar or bowl.

• Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or chill overnight for a deeper flavor.

• Prepare Lentil Patties: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, oats, onion, garlic, tomato paste, flax egg, spices, and salt.

• Use a fork or potato masher to mash most of the lentils, leaving some texture.

• Let sit for 5–10 minutes to firm up, then shape into 16–20 mini patties.

• Grill the Patties: Preheat grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates or use a grill mat.

• Brush each patty with BBQ sauce and grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with more sauce as they cook and caramelize.

• Flip gently, they’ll firm up more as they cool slightly.

• Assemble the Sliders: Toast buns if desired.

• Layer each bun with a grilled patty, pickled onions, and optional extras like lettuce or avocado.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 slider | Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 5g

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Grilled Banana Boats with Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter

This dessert is a throwback with a little upgrade. Warm bananas, gooey chocolate, and creamy almond butter combine in one dreamy bite.

Add a sprinkle of nuts or coconut for texture, and you'll have a comforting and fun treat. It’s sweet and simple, and it will leave everyone smiling by the end of the night.

Grilled Banana Boats with Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients

• 10 ripe but firm bananas one per person

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks vegan

• ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter if preferred

• ¼ cup walnuts or pecans chopped, optional

• ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut optional

• maple syrup for drizzling

• foil sheets for wrapping

Instructions

• Preheat Grill: Set grill to medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).

• Prep the Bananas: Without peeling, slice each banana lengthwise, making a deep cut but not all the way through. Gently open the slit to form a pocket.

• Fill 'Em Up: Stuff each banana with chocolate chips and spoonfuls of almond butter. Sprinkle with nuts and/or coconut if using.

• Wrap & Grill: Wrap each banana snugly in foil. Place directly on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, until bananas are softened and fillings are melted.

• Unwrap & Serve: Carefully open foil (watch for steam!). Serve warm as-is, or with a scoop of banana nice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for the extra wow.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 4g

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Easy Extras: Special Touches That Keep It Simple

Hosting doesn’t have to mean being stuck in the kitchen all day. You can enjoy the fun alongside your guests with just a little planning. Most dishes in this vegan backyard BBQ can be prepped beforehand, meaning more time laughing and less rushing.

Set up a help-yourself station so everyone feels welcome to dig in. Stack plates, fill a big bowl with napkins, and line up the food buffet-style. You can even jot down a quick label for each dish to add a personal touch.

Want to make things feel even more festive? Try a big pitcher of mocktails with fresh citrus and herbs. Or slice up a colorful fruit salad and serve it in a chilled bowl. These extras don’t take much time but go a long way in making the day feel special.

This kind of laid-back, joy-filled approach is what makes a vegan backyard BBQ so memorable. It’s not about a perfect presentation. It’s about sharing simple food and good company.

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Grilled with Love: A Joyful Ending

There’s something so special about sharing a meal under the open sky. As you plan your vegan backyard BBQ, soak in the laughter, the flavors, and the little moments that make summer shine. These are the memories that stick with us.

I’d love to hear how your backyard gathering turns out! Share your favorite ideas, photos, or even a new recipe twist you tried. This space is all about building community and cheering each other on.

Remember, plant-based living doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple vegan backyard BBQ can be one of the most joyful and satisfying ways to unite people. Here’s to good food, good health, and lots of love on your plate.

©2025 Julene Cole, all rights reserved

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Hosting a backyard BBQ is never about perfection—it’s about connection. The laughter, the fresh air, the easy flavors—those are the moments that stay with us.

I hope this guide helps you plan an effortless and joyful celebration. If you try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear about it!

Hit reply and share your favorite BBQ moment or a twist you added to the menu. I read and respond to every message. 💚

Here’s to grilled veggies, warm evenings, and plant-powered memories that last long after the plates are cleared!

Expect Miracles!
Until next time,
Julene