8 Vegetarian BBQ Ideas for Summer (That Even Meat-Eaters Will Love)

Looking for vegetarian BBQ ideas that’ll impress everyone at your summer cookout? Here are 8 smoky, sizzling, and seriously satisfying meat-free recipes—so good even the carnivores will be reaching for seconds.

Let’s Talk About Vegetarian BBQ Ideas (Minus the Meat, But Not the Flavour)

Summer BBQs used to give me a bit of anxiety - not the social part, but the food part. I’d show up with a pack of veggie sausages or burgers that tasted like regret with a side of cardboard, while everyone else was throwing steaks around like a rugby match.

But somewhere along the line, I realised: vegetarian BBQs don’t have to be an afterthought. In fact, with the right ideas, they can steal the whole show.

These vegetarian BBQ ideas are bold, flavour-packed, and - let’s be real - so much easier to digest on a hot summer night. They’re also easy to prep, fun to share, and perfect whether you're a full-time veggie or just looking to eat a little less meat. So, pull out the tongs, pour yourself something cold, and let’s get into it...

🌽 1. Grilled Corn on the Cob (with a Little Kick)

Corn is the BBQ star player. Seriously - if you’ve never had it grilled until it’s sweet and blistered, you’re in for a treat.

Two ways I love it:

• Classic: Brush with garlic butter, parsley, sea salt, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

• Spicy: Slather with vegan mayo, lime juice, and a dusting of chilli powder for a street-food-style twist.

  
  

Tip: Soak the cobs (husks and all if you have them) in water for 20 minutes before grilling. It keeps the kernels juicy and stops them drying out.

🍆 2. Smoky Aubergine Steaks with Tahini Drizzle

I honestly think aubergines were born for the BBQ. Slice them thick (like, steak-thick), brush with olive oil, salt, cumin, and grill until charred and soft inside. Then drizzle with tahini, lemon juice, and a touch of chilli oil if you’re into a bit of drama.

Tip: Don’t skip the fresh parsley on top - it gives the whole thing a lift like a sunny breeze through the garden.

🧀 3. Halloumi & Peach Skewers

I don't usually like fruit mixed with savoury and I know this combo sounds weird. Just wait until you try it. Suddenly, it’s all you want to eat for the next three weeks.

Thread halloumi cubes, peach wedges, red onion, and mint leaves onto skewers. Grill until the cheese is golden and the peach caramelises a little.

Finish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy. It’s sweet, salty, sticky heaven. You’ve been warned.

🫑 4. Stuffed Peppers with Herby Couscous & Feta

Want to look like you put loads of effort in? This is the one.

Halve some red or yellow peppers, scoop out the seeds, and stuff with:

• Cooked couscous

• Crumbled feta

• Chopped olives

• Sundried tomatoes

• Fresh mint and parsley

  
  

Wrap them in foil and grill until soft and steamy inside.

🌱 Vegan twist? Swap the feta for herby tofu or a spoon of hummus. Still dreamy.

🥔 5. BBQ Potato Wedges with Garlic Aioli

I could live off these!

Parboil some chunky wedges, then toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt.

Grill on a foil tray until crisp and golden.

Dip ‘em in garlic aioli or whatever sauce you fancy - just don’t expect leftovers.

🍔 6. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers

These burgers are soft, smoky, and satisfying - aka the opposite of those frozen bricks from the supermarket.

Mix together:

• 1 cooked sweet potato

• 1 tin of black beans (drained)

• Finely chopped red onion

• A handful of oats

• Cumin, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper to your taste

  
  

Mash, form into patties, and chill in the fridge for 30 mins. Grill gently on foil so they don’t fall apart mid-flip (been there). Stack in buns with avocado, lettuce, and chipotle mayo.

Messy, but worth it.

🍄 7. Grilled Garlic Mushrooms on Skewers

Mushrooms might not look exciting… but throw them on the BBQ with garlic and soy sauce, and they become these juicy, smoky little umami bites of magic

Marinade:

• Olive oil

• Crushed garlic

• Soy sauce

• Balsamic vinegar

• A few thyme leaves or rosemary sprigs

  
  

Type of mushrooms - I prefer plain button mushrooms but as long as the type of mushrooms you choose hold their shape well and will soak up flavour they will be fine.

Marinade them for 30 mins, then skewer and grill. Flip them with love - when they’re golden and slightly crispy at the edges, you’re good.

Bonus: Try brushing extra marinade on while grilling for mega flavour.

🍕 8. BBQ Flatbread Pizzas

Yes, you can make pizzas on the BBQ - and yes, they taste better than takeaway when done right.

Grab naan or flatbreads, brush lightly with oil, then top with:

• Tomato paste or pesto

• Shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese

• Whatever toppings make your heart happy (grilled courgette, onions, peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, pineapple)

  
  

Pop them straight onto the grill over low heat with the lid down. Cook for 5–7 mins until crispy and melty.

✨ Quickfire Extras for the Table

• Grilled asparagus with lemon

• Watermelon, mint & feta salad

• Caprese skewers (mozzarella, tomato, basil)

• Fresh flatbreads with hummus or baba ganoush

• Chilled cucumber yoghurt dip with dill

  
  

These are great for grazing while you wait on the grill gods to finish working their magic.

Here’s the Bottom Line…

Vegetarian BBQs aren’t just a substitute for “the real thing.” They are the real thing - just with more colour, more flavour, and less of that post-BBQ meat slump.

With the right mix of smoky veg, juicy skewers, and DIY-friendly bites, your next BBQ can be more plant-powered and 100% delicious. No compromises. No weird fake meat. Just genuinely great food.

What do you think?

Got a go-to veggie BBQ recipe I should try? Or a brilliant disaster story (I once set fire to a tofu skewer... it happens)? Drop it in the comments below - I’d love to hear it.

And if you try any of these vegetarian BBQ ideas, tag me - I’ll be cheering you on from my garden, cider in hand.