Barbecue season has officially begun, and while this time-honored summer tradition is usually packed with meats of all kinds, vegetarians and vegans don’t have to be left out of the fun. There’s a lot more to meat-free cookouts than frozen veggie burger pucks and bland potato salad. Try these 14 ideas (and 28 individual recipes!) for grilled vegetables, fruits and more.
Seasoned Corn on the Cob
(image via: jonsson)
Why barbecue plain old corn on the cob when you could give it a huge flavor boost? Try one of these three simple and easy recipes for zesty grilled corn: chili lime, parmesan cheese or maple chipotle. It only takes a few minutes to whip up a little marinade or glaze.
Marinated Squash
(image via: woodley wonderworks)
Zucchini and summer squash are practically overflowing from home vegetable gardens by midsummer, and they’re always a nice addition to a cookout. Butternut and other fall and winter squash varieties are also delicious, and tend to caramelize to a sweet finish. Try miso-marinated summer squash, garlic-balsamic grilled butternut or rice vinegar and chili oil.
Polenta-Stuffed Peppers
(image via: gromgull)
Sweet bell peppers, smoky poblanos or spicy jalapeno make flavorful edible bowls for polenta, a creamy cornmeal paste. Cook and season the polenta according to Martha Stewart’s recipe, fill the halved peppers of your choice (or squeeze the mixture into whole peppers with a pastry bag) and simply place them on the grill until the peppers are tender to your taste.
Portobello Mushrooms
(image via: sweet on veg)
This meaty, satisfying vegetarian favorite soaks up a lot of flavor when it’s marinated before cooking. Use your favorite marinade or try garlic balsamic, lime and olive oil or cajun spices. You could even stuff them with spinach and cheese.
Grilled Peaches & Pineapple
(image via: ozmafan)
Grilled pineapple is an old favorite, with most people just throwing them on the grill as they are. But have you ever tried grilled peaches? The high temperature caramelizes the fruit, intensifying the flavor. Spice them up with cinnamon and serve them with vanilla ice cream, add some ginger coconut caramel or try mascarpone and raspberry sauce.
