Published: · Modified: by Cadry Nelson
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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.
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, alot 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
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
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
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
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
Make this recipe
Delight your friends withbulgogi tofufor an option that’s outside the ordinary.
It’s a mouthwatering addition to a bowl with kimchi, and sautéed spinach.
Kimchi reuben
Make this recipe
Or serve bulgogi tofu in a savory tofu sandwich with grilled bread & avocado.
Breakfast skillets
Make this recipe
Brunch cookout, anyone?
Cast iron breakfast skillets are filled with tofu scramble and veggie sausages.
Serve with potatoes.
Corn cakes
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
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
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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
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
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 saucein thirty seconds using ingredients you already have on hand.
Vegan walking tacos
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 saladis afast & filling option.
Don’t forget the kala namak!
Vegan fried chicken
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Make this recipe
While regular caprese is usually made with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, this avocado caprese saladallows 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
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
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
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
Make this recipe
Like a Christopher Nolan movie, 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
Make this recipe
Juicy peaches and black beans come together in this sweet and savory peach salsa.
Tomato bruschetta
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
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
Make this recipe
It doesn’t get beach-ier than this vegan ceviche with hearts of palm, avocado, and lime.
Quick & easy 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
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
Make this recipe
Gin and tonic may be the quintessential summer co*cktail.
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
- Vegan corn cakes (similar to arepas or pupusas)
- Smoky sweet vegan collard greens
- Tofu satay with peanut sauce (air fryer or baked)
- BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
About Cadry Nelson
Cadry Nelson is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer behind Cadry’s Kitchen. She's also the author of Living Vegan For Dummies, 2nd edition. Cadry loves sharing vegan comfort food classics that come together quickly. Her work has been featured on NBC News, Mashable, Yahoo, Buzzfeed, Parade, Huffington Post, VegNews, and Vegan Food & Living.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Bianca Phillips
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
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
Shell
Everything looks so fresh and summery! I especially love the 7 layer dip and the black bean and peach salsa.
Reply
Cadry
Thanks, Shell! It makes me want to organize a get-together just so that I have an excuse to make them!
Reply
Dianne
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
What a fun idea! I’m on my way. 😀
Reply
Becky Striepe
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
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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