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    Home » Barbecue

    40 vegan potluck, picnic & cookout recipes

    Updated: May 16, 2025 · Published: Jul 4, 2018 by Cadry Nelson · This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 8 Comments

    Charcoal grill with cauliflower, Beyond brats, and Beyond burgers.

    These vegan potluck recipes cover appetizers, drinks, side dishes, sandwiches, and food for the grill.

    Save it for your next cookout, picnic, or get together.

    Charcoal grill with cauliflower, Beyond brats, and Beyond burgers.

    If the campers and RV’s traveling down our street are any indication, the time for summer fun is now.

    It’s the season for outdoor family reunions, picnics in the park, throwing sandwiches into the boat cooler, and inviting the neighbors over for a cookout.

    Let’s face it, a lot of warm weather entertaining revolves around food.

    Here are 40 recipes that cover all of your vegan potluck needs!

    In this post:

    Jump to:
    • Vegan grill ideas
    • Summer-worthy main courses
    • Cold side dishes
    • Potluck appetizers
    • Drink options

    Vegan grill ideas

    If I had a top 10 list for my favorite things about summer, grilling would be way up there sun dresses, sunlight until after 8 pm, and outdoor art fairs.

    Here are some vegan grilling ideas outside of the usual veggie burgers.

    Grilled veggie fajitas

    Platter with vegetable fajitas by guacamole and chips.
    Make this recipe

    Everything tastes better with some char on it.

    Mushrooms and asparagus are no exception.

    So when you need a break from burgers, give veggie fajitas a whirl.

    Grilled tofu with lemon & rosemary

    Rosemary garnish on top of grilled lemon tofu.
    Make this recipe

    With a few hours of marinating time, tofu becomes the star of the show.

    Do a lemon rosemary marinade for a summery tofu that’s really nice with a salad.

    Grilled vegetable skewers

    Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes grilled on skewers.
    Make this recipe

    Grilled vegetable skewers are a terrific summer side dish.

    They’re made with zucchini, mushrooms, grape tomatoes, and red bell pepper.

    After they’re marinated in an herb & vinegar marinade, they’re tossed onto the grill.

    Tofu satay

    Platter of tofu satay skewers.
    Make this recipe

    You know tofu satay is going to be fun.

    It’s served on a stick alongside peanut dipping sauce.

    It’s sure to be a crowdpleaser.

    Bulgogi tofu bowls

    Grilled slabs of bulgogi tofu in black bowl with garlicky spinach, brown rice, and vegan kimchi.
    Make this recipe

    Delight your friends with bulgogi tofu for an option that’s outside the ordinary.

    It’s a mouthwatering addition to a bowl with kimchi, and sautéed spinach.

    Kimchi reuben

    Gochujang tofu on rye bread with avocado and kimchi.
    Make this recipe

    Or serve bulgogi tofu in a savory tofu sandwich with grilled bread & avocado.

    Breakfast skillets

    Cast iron skillets on grill with tofu scramble and vegan sausages.
    Make this recipe

    Brunch cookout, anyone?

    Cast iron breakfast skillets are filled with tofu scramble and veggie sausages. Serve with potatoes.

    Corn cakes

    Pupusas cooking on a cast iron pan on a campfire.
    Make this recipe

    Corn cakes are terrific cooked on a cast iron griddle right on a campfire, grill, or over a fire pit.

    You can even put the skillet directly on top of hot coals to warm.

    They are dotted with corn kernels.

    Great with a pat of non-dairy butter & drizzle of maple syrup. Or serve them alongside chili or refried beans.

    Grilled Portobello mushrooms

    Grilled portobello mushroom on plate with kale salad.
    Make this recipe

    Grilled portobello mushrooms are a meaty vegan entrée that you can eat with a fork & knife.

    ‘Shrooms pick up smoky flavors so beautifully.

    They make a wonderful main dish, or serve them on a bun with all the fixin’s.

    Grilled corn with buffalo sauce

    Hands holding buffalo grilled corn on the cob.
    Make this recipe

    Slather grilled corn on the cob in buffalo sauce.

    Finish it with vegan blue cheese dressing for a deliciously messy side dish.

    Grilled banana split

    BBQ banana split on table with bananas, chocolate peanut butter sauce, peanut butter cups, and ice cream.
    Make this recipe

    Grilling doesn’t have to be for savory foods alone.

    Take it all the way to dessert with grilled banana splits topped with chocolate peanut butter sauce.

    Summer-worthy main courses

    No grill?

    No problem.

    These hearty mains can be made without firing up the grill.

    Vegan BBQ sandwich

    Hands holding vegan BBQ sandwich.
    Make this recipe

    When you don’t want to heat up the house or wait for the charcoal to reach that perfect temperature, use the air fryer for a vegan bbq sandwich instead.

    It’s made with Soy Curls!

    All out of barbecue sauce? Make vegan barbecue sauce in thirty seconds using ingredients you already have on hand.

    Vegan walking tacos

    Vegan walking taco stuffed with corn chips, non-dairy cheese, and jalapenos.
    Make this recipe

    Everyone loves vegan walking tacos – kids & adults alike.

    Put out chips, as well as toppings like lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and lentil taco mix.

    Then let your guests fix their ideal frito pie.

    Vegetable sandwich

    Vegetable sandwich on plate with chips.
    Make this recipe

    This vegetable sandwich is slathered with jalapeño cashew cheese, and then layered with fresh, crunchy vegetables.

    It’s a good one for the cooler!

    Vegan chicken salad sandwich

    Vegan chicken salad sandwich in basket with potato chips.
    Make this recipe

    This vegan chicken salad sandwich is a terrific option for a picnic. Or pop a few into the cooler before a day spent boating.

    This simple recipe comes together in only 15 minutes.

    Spring roll tortilla wraps

    Spring roll wrap on plate, skewered with pick.
    Make this recipe

    Cool & crisp tortilla wraps are filled with crunchy vegetables, lime tofu, and spicy peanut sauce for dipping.

    An unexpectedly delicious option for outdoor dining.

    Tortilla pinwheels

    Tortilla pinwheels on plate.
    Make this recipe

    Tortilla pinwheels with buffalo hummus are loaded with crisp romaine, shredded carrot, and chives.

    Perfect for that picnic basket or potluck!

    Vegan tuna salad sandwich

    Chickpea tuna salad sandwich on table with vegan mayo and bread.
    Make this recipe

    One of the first things I ever learned to cook was tuna salad. It was so easy, a kid could do it.

    These days, I make vegan tuna salad sandwiches with chickpeas instead.

    They’re surprisingly similar. But I like the chickpea base even better. (And so do the fish, of course!)

    Vegan egg salad sandwich

    Vegan egg salad sandwich speared with cornichon.
    Make this recipe

    It seems that at least a couple times a summer, our power goes out after a thunderstorm. Then I need to make a meal without electricity.

    Vegan egg salad is a fast & filling option. Don’t forget the kala namak!

    Vegan fried chicken

    Hand holding vegan fried chicken leg.
    Make this recipe

    There’s just something about picnics and hot or cold vegan fried chicken that goes together like a dream.

    It has a crispy coating. And it’s served on a stick. So kitschy & fun!

    Cold side dishes

    Fill out your meal with these summery side dishes.

    Israeli couscous salad

    Overhead bowl of Israeli couscous salad on table.
    Make this recipe

    Israeli couscous salad is packed with crunchy cucumber, tomatoes, grilled artichoke hearts, green onions, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.

    It’s a good one to keep in the refrigerator for an easy lunch in a hurry.

    For an added protein boost, throw in some roasted chickpeas.

    Vegan potato salad

    Bowl of potato salad by floral napkin on table.
    Make this recipe

    It may sound like I’m being hyperbolic here. But you’ll have to make it and see for yourself.

    It really is the best vegan potato salad.

    Even if I’m just cooking for two, I make the full batch, because no one is sad about potato salad leftovers in the refrigerator.

    Vegan pasta salad

    Short pasta in bowl with cucumber, carrots, and radishes in creamy vegan mayo dressing.
    Make this recipe

    Vegan pasta salad is loaded with thinly sliced carrots, radishes, cucumbers, and chopped bell pepper. It’s tossed in a flavorful creamy mayo dressing.

    It’s easy & familiar, which makes it a welcome side dish for vegans & non-vegans alike.

    Cold peanut noodle salad

    Overhead bowl of cold peanut noodles on table by serving spoons and napkin.
    Make this recipe

    Cold peanut noodle salad is popping with the flavors of peanut butter, tamari, and brown rice vinegar.

    With plenty of crisp, cool vegetables & a handful of nuts, you get a complete meal in one bowl.

    In addition to being great for potlucks & picnics, it’s also perfect for meal prep.

    Make on Sunday for quick & easy lunches throughout the week.

    Bowtie pasta salad

    Pasta salad with fresh basil in blue bowl.
    Make this recipe

    Bowtie pasta salad is filled with artichoke hearts, roasted chickpeas, tomatoes, and olives.

    It’s tossed in an oil and vinegar dressing.

    A handful of basil gives it a pop of summery pizzazz.

    Vegan coleslaw

    Simple vegan coleslaw with shredded carrot in bowl.
    Make this recipe

    This cool & crunchy side dish takes only minutes to make.

    Vegan coleslaw is a potluck classic that goes over well in any group.

    Serve it alongside your favorite veggie burger. Or use it as a topper on a vegan BBQ sandwich!

    Spinach salad with strawberries

    Hand pouring balsamic vinaigrette onto salad.
    Make this recipe

    I don’t usually add fruit to my salad, but when strawberries are in season, it’s a must.

    Spinach salad with strawberries is finished with a drizzling of balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

    Curried tofu salad

    Bowl of tofu salad on table by celery stalk.
    Make this recipe

    This curried tofu salad works as a side dish or a sandwich filling.

    If you’re heading to a potluck, and you’re not sure if there will be a filling vegan option, bring it along.

    It will amp up any sides you’re cobbling together.

    Avocado caprese salad

    Vegan caprese salad in bowl.
    Make this recipe

    While regular caprese is usually made with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, this avocado caprese salad allows the world’s best fruit to be the star of the show.

    Fatty, buttery avocado is so rich that this salad could be a side dish or a light meal on its own.

    Tomato cucumber salad

    Tomato cucumber salad in bowl with vegan feta crumbles.
    Make this recipe

    Juicy and hydrating tomato cucumber salad is the perfect antidote to humid weather.

    It’s tossed with a lemon vinagrette, and finished with creamy vegan feta cheese.

    Black bean & corn salad

    Close-up salad with corn, avocado, bell pepper, and black beans.
    Make this recipe

    This satiating black bean corn avocado salad is packed with satiating protein, fat, and fiber.

    It’s tossed in a light and zingy lime dressing.

    Serve it as a salad with a veggie burger. Or add tortilla chips and start scooping!

    Potluck appetizers

    These summertime vegan appetizers involve a minimal amount of cooking and can be served at room temperature.

    Pickle salsa

    Chip dipping into pickle salsa.
    Make this recipe

    This crowd-pleasing pickle salsa is an excellent dip with tortilla chips.

    Or use it as a topping on burgers & veggie dogs!

    Vegan 7 layer dip

    Close-up bowl of dip with layers of salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and refried beans.
    Make this recipe

    Like an episode of Severance, this dip has layers. 7 of them to be exact!

    With refried beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo, you could almost make a meal out of this vegan 7 layer dip!

    Peach & black bean salsa

    Hand dipping tortilla chip into salsa.
    Make this recipe

    Juicy peaches and black beans come together in this sweet and savory peach salsa. Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.

    Tomato bruschetta

    Bruschetta al pomodoro on platter & garnished with basil.
    Make this recipe

    There’s a reason a bruschetta al pomodoro is a classic.

    Fresh basil, balsamic, and extra virgin olive oil make summer tomatoes sing in this bruschetta.

    Pineapple salsa

    Tortilla chip being dipped into pineapple salsa.
    Make this recipe

    Pineapple salsa is a fresh & juicy addition to summer gatherings.

    It only takes 10 minutes to make. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the recipe to fit your preferences!

    Vegan ceviche with hearts of palm

    Vegan ceviche in bowl by tortilla chips and jalapenos.
    Make this recipe

    It doesn’t get beach-ier than this vegan ceviche with hearts of palm, avocado, and lime.

    Quick & easy guacamole

    Tortilla chip being dipped into guacamole.
    Make this recipe

    This vegan guacamole is ready to go in five minutes.

    It’s perfectly balanced with avocado, onions, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. A consistent crowd pleaser!

    Drink options

    When the temperatures heat up outside, keep cool with these refreshing drinks.

    Perfect for cooling off in the summer sun!

    Peach rooibos tea

    Ice floating in jar of peach rooibos tea with golden brown straw.
    Make this recipe

    Add peach juice to rooibos tea for a mildly sweet iced peach rooibos tea.

    If you’re on the go, pour it into a mason jar with a lid, and take it to the picnic with you.

    The perfect gin & tonic

    Fingers squeezing lime over gin and tonic with mint.
    Make this recipe

    Gin and tonic may be the quintessential summer cocktail.

    Muddle some mint and add a squeeze of lime to finish it off.

    I hope these recipes are a hit at your next vegan potluck, picnic, or cookout!

    More Barbecue

    • Chocolate peanut butter sauce being poured onto vegan banana split.
      Grilled banana splits for the BBQ (vegan)
    • Fresh rosemary garnish on top of grilled tofu slabs.
      Grilled tofu with lemon & rosemary
    • Text overlay: 28 vegan BBQ side dishes for your next cookout. Israeli couscous salad on table with spoon.
      28 vegan BBQ side dishes for your next cookout
    • Pupusas-style corn cakes on plate.
      Vegan corn cakes (similar to arepas or pupusas)
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    About Cadry Nelson

    Cadry Nelson is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer behind Cadry’s Kitchen, and the author of Living Vegan For Dummies, 2nd Edition. Since launching her blog in 2009, Cadry has been making plant-based cooking approachable, and reimagining classic comfort foods. Her work has been featured in NBC News, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, Parade, VegNews, and more. She regularly appears on local TV shows, demonstrating to a broad audience how easy vegan cooking can be.

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    1. Bianca Phillips

      July 09, 2018 at 3:24 pm

      All of these recipes look amazing, and you’re making me want to have a grill party TONIGHT! 🙂 I definitely need to bring that 7-layer dip to my next potluck. I’m always so unsure what to make for a potluck!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        August 07, 2018 at 10:27 am

        Thanks, Bianca! Grill parties are the best, especially for warm weather lovers like you and I. That 7-layer dip always goes over like gangbusters. I hope your friends like it!

        Reply
    2. Shell

      July 06, 2018 at 7:55 am

      Everything looks so fresh and summery! I especially love the 7 layer dip and the black bean and peach salsa.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        July 08, 2018 at 4:06 pm

        Thanks, Shell! It makes me want to organize a get-together just so that I have an excuse to make them!

        Reply
    3. Dianne

      July 04, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      All of these recipes look so yummy! I want to throw a potluck and have everyone cook something from this collection, so I can try everything!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        July 05, 2018 at 7:25 am

        What a fun idea! I’m on my way. 😀

        Reply
    4. Becky Striepe

      July 04, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      So many awesome recipes, and I love that you included cold drinks! It has been a scorcher in Atlanta this summer, so anything on ice is most welcome.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        July 05, 2018 at 7:24 am

        Thanks, Becky! It’s been incredibly hot & humid here too. It felt like we went straight from a long winter right into the thick of August heat.

        Reply

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