Written by Andrea Buckett @andreabuckettcooks
If the words vegan and BBQ don’t seem to go together, I am here to tell you that they absolutely do! A drool-worthy, satisfying, and delicious plant-based meal is easier to create than you might think. To set the stage, know that vegan meals do not include any animal products at all (meat, dairy, eggs, and often honey). However, there are a myriad of delicious options waiting to adorn your summer vegan BBQ. From what goes on the grill, to those always present and pleasing side dishes – I’m here to show you how to veganize your favourite BBQ recipes. Let’s get cooking!
Vegan Mains
BBQ Pizza or Calzones
If you are short on time consider throwing a pre-made Farm Boy Vegan Gluten-Free Cauliflower Crust Pizza on the BBQ. Yes, you can BBQ frozen pizza, just cook it low and slow until the cheese is melty and the crust is brown. If you are feeling adventurous, try making your own calzones with fresh pizza dough, sauce, and your choice of fixins including Farm Boy™ Vegan Mozzarella Style and Parmesan Style Shredded Cheese Alternatives.
Vegetable Steaks
Grill ½” slabs of cauliflower, cabbage, or the always favourite portobello mushrooms. Brush vegetables with canola oil and add to a hot grill. Cook until well browned and cooked through. Top with Farm Boy™ Vegan Pesto and Vegan Smoked Gouda Style Sliced Cheese Alternative and cook until melted. Check out the full recipe for Vegan Grilled Cabbage Steaks here!
Your Favourite Vegan Sides
Macaroni Salad
Use Farm Boy’s Vegan Mayonnaise Type Dressing to get that creaminess you crave. Mix in Farm Boy™ Vegan Cheddar Style Shredded Cheese Alternative along with heaps of chopped veggies for texture. Think celery, carrots, and green onions.
Potato Salad
Swap out the traditional mayo and instead drizzle your potatoes with white wine vinegar, olive oil and a tablespoon or so of Farm Boy™ Dijon Mustard. Fold in some diced Farm Boy™ Organic Dill Pickles and fresh dill along with sliced green onions for a unique but dill-icious option.
Pasta Salad (But Make it Protein)
Cook up a box of Farm Boy™ Vegan Chickpea & Lentil Pasta Shells. Drain and rinse with cold water. Mix in Farm Boy™ Vegan Parmesan Style Shredded Cheese Alternative, Farm Boy™ Sun Dried Tomatoes, black olives, and some fresh red peppers that have been diced. Toss it all with some Farm Boy™ Organic Vegan Mediterranean Dressing.
Caesar Salad
Always a classic! Try this vegan version: Vegan Grilled Broccoli Caesar Salad . It starts with hearty grilled broccoli spears and the key is the dressing; this recipe uses Farm Boy™ Lemon Garlic Hummus and Farm Boy™ Organic Vegan Lemon Garlic Dressing. Add a good amount of vegan parmesan and this rendition rivals the original.
End With a Vegan Dessert
Ice cream sandwiches are always a hit. A delicious way to make them vegan is to pair any one of Farm Boy’s vegan cookies with their vegan sorbets. Consider using the Farm Boy™ Mango Sorbet sandwiched between two of their Sweet and Spicy Ginger Cookies (yes, they’re vegan!). You can even make them ahead, wrapping them and storing them in the freezer until ready to serve.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
Consider getting a cooler or large bucket and filling it with ice. Add a selection of Farm Boy™ Organic Flavoured Sparkling Water or Farm Boy™ Sparkling Beverages. That way everyone can serve themselves!
Make Clean Up a Breeze
Set up two buckets of warm soapy water so family and friends can add their dirty plates and cutlery to one and glasses to another. Set up a green bin bag and garbage where everyone can see.
