These Vibrant Vegetarian Dishes Will Get You Pumped For Summer

Planning your next barbeque just got a lot easier!

Too often, the only vegetarian options offered at barbeques are salads and slaws. We at HungerPass believe that vegetarians deserve better than a spoonful of potato salad and a smattering of green leaves, and we’re all about these flavor packed and exciting Vegetarian recipes we’ve discovered. With barbeque season upon us, these 5 recipes flip the script when it comes to traditional barbeque food: They’re vibrant, they’re unexpected, and they’re totally meatless. Say goodbye to the days of greasy barbeque fare and hello to new, refreshing summer flavors!

1. Vegetarian Chili

Photo Credit: Cookie and Kate

Yes, we’re starting out with what’s perhaps the most controversial dish on this list–a steamy bowl of chili! We know that chili doesn’t exactly scream “cool and refreshing summer dish,” but hear us out: Take away the meat and grease, and you get a lighter, brighter bowl of chili that you can enjoy any time of the year, even in June. Cookie and Kate’s recipe for Homemade Vegetarian Chili is easy to make without sacrificing chili’s trademark sweet and spicy flavors. You can add a refreshing dollop of sour cream for some added coolness, and even sliced avocado and lime wedges. It’s true that the chili powder, paprika, and cumin make for a fiery look and taste, but the addition of carrots, celery, and pinto beans add vibrancy to this chili dish that is sure to impress your family and your neighbors at the next barbeque.

2. Vegetarian Shish Kabob

Photo Credit: Unicorns in the Kitchen

It honestly doesn’t get much easier than food on a stick, and Unicorns in the Kitchen has a fantastic recipe for vegetarian Shish Kabobs with Garlic and Thyme that is bound to become a staple on your summer dinner table. Though most Shish Kabobs are served with chicken or beef, these vegetable skewers are wonderfully customizable depending on the kind of vegetables you want to use–you can imagine how colorful they can get! Skewers layered with bright green zucchini, yellow squash, purple eggplant, juicy red tomatoes, and multi-colored bell peppers will really pop, color-wise and taste-wise. Make your skewers even more flavorful with a delicious marinade of olive oil, garlic, thyme, balsamic vinegar, salt, and a splash of refreshing lemon juice. Because you’re grilling these shish kabobs, they’re sure to have that coveted smoky flavor that’s synonymous with relaxing summer nights spent with family and friends. Unicorns in the Kitchen recommends experimenting with other shish kabob marinades like Lemon Garlic and Teriyaki Veggie, so you know there won’t be an unsatisfied guest at your barbeque this summer!

3. Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

Photo Credit: The Lemon Bowl

Eggplant is a popular stand-in for chicken or beef, and it’s easy to see why: It’s simple to marinate, extremely versatile, and purple, which adds a unique element to any plate. Tack on the fact that eggplant is rich in nutrients and high in fiber, and you get a summery meat-substitute you won’t believe you haven’t tried before. The Lemon Bowl has a recipe for Grilled Eggplant Parmesan that is both amazingly hearty and gloriously light: Maybe it’s the combination of rich Italian flavors mixed with fresh eggplant, but this meal is a great happy medium for those who want to eat healthier without it tasting super-healthy. Instead of pan-frying, The Lemon Bowl recommends grilling each slice of eggplant until it’s sweet and tender and then coating them in cheesy, melted mozzarella. Sprinkle on some red-pepper flakes, and you get a seriously delicious dish that provides just the right amount of kick without making you sweat. Plus, grilling the eggplant gives it that somewhat-charred barbeque quality without all that grease and meat!

4. Vegetarian Summer Rolls

Photo Credit: Killing Thyme

Talk about the perfect summer present! These look like colorful little gifts, and the fact that they’re totally edible and refreshing proves that Killing Thyme knows what they’re doing when it comes to summer dishes. Of all the dishes on this list, this one requires the least time in front of a sweltering grill or in a stuffy kitchen–in fact, there’s almost no cooking at all, with the exception of the rice noodles. That’s what makes Summer Rolls different from Spring Rolls: As  Cooking Light  describes, Spring Rolls are steamy and spicy while Summer Rolls are crunchy and cooling. Also, have you seen how pretty these are? The cucumbers, radishes, carrots, and leafy green sprouts create a veritable rainbow of inviting colors and textures. To add an extra dose of flavor to your Summer Rolls, toss your vegetable filling in a light vinaigrette made with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and black sesame seeds. Dipping sauces make everything better, so Killing Thyme also recommends making a Thai-inspired Spicy Peanut Sauce that will definitely add some spice to your otherwise palate-cleansing meal. Summer Rolls are perfectly invigorating, the ideal addition to a plate laden with ribs and dripping with barbeque sauce.

5. Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

Photo Credit: Taste of Home

Summer is all about rest and relaxation, so it’s the perfect time to indulge in some sweetness! Taste of Home has the ideal dessert recipe that helps you unwind while still having fun–it’s an angelic and devilish mix of flavors, if you will. Angel Food Cake obviously doesn’t contain any meat, but you’ll still need the grill to prepare this sweet and savory dessert. What makes this dessert unique is how it blends traditional fruit flavors with tangy balsamic vinegar–yes, VINEGAR. When you brush the butter/vinegar mixture onto the cut sides of the cake, you get a one-of-a-kind flavor that tastes smoky and sweet all at once. You then grill the cake on a greased rack until it’s golden brown, and voila! A cake that’s perfectly moist and grilled without being too chewy or crispy. Taste of Home recommends drizzling blueberry syrup over your naughty-and-nice creation, which will surely make for an even more complexly-flavored dessert. For a dessert that’s all about balance, you’ll be craving this cake every day of the week!

Written by Emma Patterson