Ultimate Vegan Side Dish Recipes for Every BBQ and Summer Party

Posted on May 15, 2026

Vegan Side Dish roasted baby potatoes with herbs and dipping sauces

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Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Side Dish Recipes for Every BBQ can add vibrant flavors and textures to any BBQ. They are an essential part of your meal, making it wholesome and satisfying. These vegan side dishes are not only tasty but also colorful and healthy. By including more plant-based options in your barbecue spread, you offer something for everyone, catering to various dietary preferences and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

How to Make Vegan Side Dishes

Here are a few delicious vegan side dish recipes that are perfect for your next BBQ.

Ingredients:

  1. Grilled Corn on the Cob:

    • 6 ears of sweet corn
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt to taste
    • Pepper to taste
    • Fresh lime juice (optional)
  2. Vegan Coleslaw:

    • 4 cups shredded cabbage
    • 1 cup shredded carrots
    • 1 cup vegan mayo
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  3. Chickpea Salad:

    • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • ½ cucumber, diced
    • ¼ red onion, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  4. Grilled Vegetable Skewers:

    • 1 zucchini, sliced
    • 1 bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 red onion, quartered
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Grilled Corn on the Cob

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Peel away the outer husks and remove the silk from each ear of corn.
  3. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn, if desired.

Vegan Coleslaw

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Chickpea Salad

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  3. Season with salt and pepper and toss everything together until well mixed.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

  1. Preheat the grill on medium-high heat.
  2. Thread the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
  3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender.

How to Serve Vegan Side Dishes

These vegan side dishes are best served fresh off the grill or chilled, depending on the dish. Pair your grilled corn with a dollop of vegan butter and lime, and serve the coleslaw alongside a hearty main dish for a complete meal. The chickpea salad can be served in small bowls or as a filling for wraps. The vegetable skewers make a great centerpiece on your BBQ table. Feel free to add extra garnishes like chopped herbs or avocado slices.

How to Store Vegan Side Dishes

Most of these vegan side dishes can be stored in the refrigerator. Here’s how:

  • Grilled Corn: Wrap in aluminum foil and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Vegan Coleslaw: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The coleslaw may become softer over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
  • Chickpea Salad: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
  • Grilled Vegetable Skewers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips to Make Vegan Side Dishes

  1. Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and ingredients for the best flavor.
  2. Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
  3. Prep Ahead: Many of these dishes can be prepared ahead of time. Coleslaw and chickpea salad can be made a day in advance.
  4. Variations: You can easily swap out the vegetables in dishes like grilled skewers based on what you have on hand.

Variations

  1. Grilled Corn: Try adding spices like chili powder or paprika for a kick.
  2. Vegan Coleslaw: Mix in some sliced apples or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
  3. Chickpea Salad: Add diced bell peppers or avocado for a twist on texture and flavor.
  4. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Experiment with different seasonal vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant.

These Vegan Side Dish Recipes for Every BBQ are packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and easy preparation, making them perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, and backyard gatherings.

Pair your savory BBQ spread with these refreshing mini trifles with mixed berries, enjoy these delicious easy no-bake summer desserts, or serve this fruity easy berry icebox cake recipe for the perfect sweet finish.

FAQs

1. Can I make these side dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these side dishes can be made ahead of time, especially the coleslaw and chickpea salad. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Are these side dishes gluten-free?
Yes, all of these recipes are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients.

3. How do I know when the corn is done?
The corn will be tender when it is cooked. You can test it by piercing it with a fork to check if it’s soft.

4. Can I replace chickpeas with another bean?
Absolutely! You can use black beans or kidney beans in the salad instead of chickpeas for a different flavor.

Enjoy your vegan BBQ with these delicious and easy side dishes! They are a great addition to your meal and will impress all your guests.

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Vegan BBQ Side Dishes

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A collection of delicious and colorful vegan side dishes perfect for your next BBQ.

  • Author: Anika Weiss
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ears of sweet corn
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh lime juice (optional)
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup vegan mayo
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ¼ red onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat for the corn.
  2. Peel away the outer husks and remove the silk from each ear of corn.
  3. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn, if desired.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots for the coleslaw.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix the vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
  8. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
  9. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
  10. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for the chickpea salad.
  11. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  12. Season with salt and pepper and toss everything together until well mixed.
  13. Preheat the grill on medium-high heat for the vegetable skewers.
  14. Thread the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
  15. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  16. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender.

Notes

These vegan side dishes are best served fresh off the grill or chilled, depending on the dish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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