Celebrate the Fourth of July with delicious plant-based grilling recipes and sides. From burgers to salads, we've got you covered with vegan options for your holiday cookout.

A Vegan Fourth of July: Plant-Based Grilling and Sides

Delicious Vegan Recipes for Your Fourth of July Cookout

Plant-Based Grilling Recipes

Vegan Burger Recipes

Grilled Vegetable Recipes

Vegan Hot Dog Recipes

Savory Sides

Potato Salad Recipes

Grilled Corn Recipes

Vegan Coleslaw Recipes

Sweet Treats

Vegan Dessert Recipes

Fruit Salad Recipes

Drinks

Summer Cocktail Recipes

Mocktail Recipes

Tips for a Successful Fourth of July Cookout

Prep Ahead of Time

Keep it Simple

Get Creative

Conclusion

Celebrate with Delicious Vegan Food

Portobello mushrooms are a great meaty substitute for burgers. Marinate them in your favorite sauce and grill them to perfection. Serve with your favorite burger toppings and enjoy!

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

These hearty burgers are made with black beans and spices. They hold up well on the grill and are perfect for Fourth of July cookouts. Top with avocado, salsa, and vegan cheese for a delicious meal.

Black Bean Burgers

These veggie burgers are packed with flavor and nutrition. They are made with quinoa, sweet potato, and black beans. The beet ketchup adds a sweet and tangy kick that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Veggie Burgers with Beet Ketchup

Grilled corn is a summertime classic. Brush with vegan butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple and delicious side dish.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Slice zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise and grill until tender. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a flavorful side dish.

Grilled Zucchini and Squash

Cut eggplant into thick slices and grill until tender and slightly charred. Brush with a garlic and herb marinade for a flavorful and filling side dish.

Grilled Eggplant Steaks

Peel and marinate carrots in a mixture of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and spices. Grill until tender and serve in a hot dog bun with your favorite toppings.

Carrot Dogs

Slice tofu into hot dog shapes and marinate in your favorite sauce. Grill until slightly charred and serve in a hot dog bun with all the fixings.

Tofu Dogs

These hearty hot dogs are made with chickpeas and spices. Grill until slightly crispy and serve in a bun with your favorite toppings.

Chickpea Hot Dogs

This recipe is a vegan take on the classic potato salad, perfect for any Fourth of July cookout. To make, peel and chop 2 lbs of potatoes and boil them in salted water until tender. Drain and let cool. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup vegan mayo, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the dressing to the cooled potatoes along with 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Classic Vegan Potato Salad

For a twist on traditional potato salad, try this loaded baked potato salad recipe. Start by baking 4 large russet potatoes in the oven until tender. Cut them into small cubes and let them cool. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup vegan sour cream, 1/2 cup vegan mayo, 1/2 cup chopped chives, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the dressing to the cooled potatoes along with 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds, 1/2 cup vegan bacon bits, and 1/4 cup chopped scallions. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This recipe puts a vegan spin on the popular Mexican street food, elote. Start by grilling 4 ears of corn until lightly charred. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup vegan mayo, 1/4 cup vegan sour cream, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Brush the mixture onto the grilled corn and sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese and additional chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.

Mexican Street Corn

This grilled corn and avocado salad is a refreshing side dish for any Fourth of July cookout. Start by grilling 4 ears of corn until lightly charred. Cut the kernels off the cob and add to a large bowl. Add 1 diced avocado, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

This classic vegan coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser at any Fourth of July cookout. Start by shredding 1/2 head of cabbage and 2 large carrots. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup vegan mayo, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the dressing to the shredded cabbage and carrots along with 1/4 cup chopped green onions. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Classic Vegan Coleslaw

For a spicy twist on classic coleslaw, try this recipe. Start by shredding 1/2 head of cabbage and 2 large carrots. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup vegan mayo, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp sriracha sauce, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the dressing to the shredded cabbage and carrots along with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno peppers. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Spicy Vegan Coleslaw

Indulge in this rich and decadent vegan chocolate cake that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and plant-based milk, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress. Top with vegan frosting and fresh berries for a festive Fourth of July touch.

1. Vegan Chocolate Cake

This vibrant tart is the perfect dessert for your Fourth of July celebration. The crust is made with ground nuts, dates, and coconut oil, while the filling is a combination of creamy cashews, coconut cream, and fresh berries. Top with more berries and coconut whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert.

2. Red, White, and Blueberry Tart

Cool off on a hot Fourth of July with a DIY vegan ice cream sundae bar. Offer a variety of plant-based ice cream flavors, toppings like chopped nuts, fresh fruit, and vegan whipped cream, and let your guests create their own delicious dessert.

3. Vegan Ice Cream Sundae Bar

This colorful fruit salad features red strawberries, blueberries, and white peaches for a festive Fourth of July touch. Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a refreshing and healthy dessert.

1. Patriotic Fruit Salad

This refreshing watermelon salad is the perfect addition to any Fourth of July cookout. Toss diced watermelon with fresh mint, lime juice, and a drizzle of agave nectar for a simple and delicious fruit salad.

2. Watermelon Salad with Mint and Lime

Take your fruit salad to the next level with this grilled pineapple recipe. Brush pineapple slices with a mixture of cinnamon and honey and grill until caramelized. Serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a sweet and tangy dessert.

3. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Honey

Combine 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and 1 oz Cointreau in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Classic Margarita

Muddle 6-8 fresh mint leaves in a glass with 1 oz simple syrup and 1 oz lime juice. Add 1.5 oz white rum and stir. Top with pineapple juice and soda water. Garnish with fresh pineapple and mint.

Pineapple Mojito

Combine 1 bottle of white wine, 2 cups of diced watermelon, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of vodka, 1/4 cup of triple sec, and 1/4 cup of lime juice in a large pitcher. Stir well and chill for at least an hour before serving.

Watermelon Sangria

Combine 1 cup of fresh peach puree, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of simple syrup in a pitcher. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Serve over ice with a peach slice garnish.

Sparkling Peach Lemonade

Combine 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1 cup of coconut cream, and 1/2 cup of ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.

Virgin Pina Colada

Combine 1 cup of fresh strawberry puree, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of simple syrup in a pitcher. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves and muddle gently. Top with still or sparkling water and stir. Serve over ice with a strawberry and basil garnish.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Creating a checklist of tasks and a timeline for completing them can help you stay organized and reduce stress leading up to your Fourth of July cookout. This can include things like grocery shopping, cleaning and prepping your grill, and preparing any dishes that can be made ahead of time.

Make a Plan

If you're hosting a large Fourth of July gathering, don't be afraid to ask for help. Assigning tasks to friends or family members can alleviate some of the pressure and make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

Delegate Tasks

When planning your Fourth of July menu, focus on classic dishes that can be prepared easily and enjoyed by all. Simple grilled burgers and hot dogs, potato salad, and corn on the cob are always crowd-pleasers.

Stick to the Basics

Don't feel like you have to make everything from scratch. Using store-bought items like buns, condiments, and pre-cut vegetables can save time and reduce stress.

Use Store-Bought Items

Incorporating patriotic decorations like balloons, streamers, and tablecloths can add a festive touch to your Fourth of July celebration. Consider using red, white, and blue plates and napkins, or creating a themed centerpiece for your table.

Decorate with Red, White, and Blue

If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying a new plant-based recipe for your Fourth of July cookout. This can be a fun way to introduce your guests to new flavors and ingredients.

Try New Recipes

As you wrap up your Fourth of July celebration, take a moment to reflect on the joy of plant-based eating. Not only is it kinder to animals and better for the environment, but it can also be incredibly delicious and satisfying.

The Joy of Plant-Based Eating

By choosing to celebrate the Fourth of July with vegan food, you're making a statement about what you stand for and what kind of world you want to live in. It's a day to remember that every meal we eat is an opportunity to make a difference.

A Day to Remember

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore plant-based eating, there are always new recipes and flavors to discover. So keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep celebrating the joy of delicious vegan food.

Keep Exploring

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