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Hi Friend,

Summer is here, and that means BBQ season is in full swing. If you're vegan or are cooking for vegan friends, you might be wondering what to bring to the next cookout that will impress everyone—not just the vegans. Don't worry, we've got suggestions for some crowd-pleasing vegan dishes that are easy to make and will put a smile on the face of even the pickiest of party-goers.

#1: Creamy Potato Salad
A summer BBQ staple that's easy to veganize is the classic potato salad, transformed without compromising on flavor or creaminess. For the dressing, combine silky vegan mayonnaise (such as Follow Your Heart's Vegenaise or Hellmann's plant-based mayo) with a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess, dijon mustard for depth, and a touch of maple syrup to balance the acidity. For an "eggy" flavor reminiscent of traditional potato salad, a sprinkle of black salt (kala namak) works wonders, fooling even the most discerning palates. The beauty of this vegan potato salad is that it actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for your summer gathering.

#2 Burgers
Who can say no to a burger straight off the grill? The great news for food lovers everywhere is that there's a ton of options out there to get your burger fix, completely meat free. Grocery store staples such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods have come so close to mimicking the taste and texture of a beef patty that you may be able to fool your guests at your next cookout.

If you're looking for something that doesn't come so close to real meat, Southwest black bean burgers aren't your average veggie patties. Packed with protein and Southwest flavors, these hearty burgers can satisfy even dedicated meat-eaters. They hold up well on the grill and won't fall apart like some store-bought vegan burgers.

#3 Watermelon Salad
Need something cool to beat the heat? Offer a refreshing watermelon feta salad with vegan feta as the perfect counterpoint to heavier BBQ fare. This cooling dish combines cubed watermelon, vegan feta (either store-bought or homemade from tofu), fresh mint leaves, and thinly sliced red onion. Dress it lightly with a balsamic glaze and olive oil, then finish with flaky sea salt and black pepper. The combination of sweet watermelon, savory vegan feta, and aromatic mint creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the balsamic glaze adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that creates a harmony between the ingredients.

#4 Mushroom Tacos
It's 2025, and mushrooms aren't just a topping anymore. For a vegan main dish that will have even dedicated carnivores reaching for seconds, grilled portobello mushroom tacos deliver satisfying umami flavor and meaty texture that perfectly captures the essence of outdoor cooking. Combine thick slices of marinated portobello mushrooms with a cabbage slaw and a cashew crema that ties everything together. The familiar format of tacos provides comfort for those new to vegan eating, while the depth of flavor from the grilled mushrooms demonstrates how vegetables can take center stage when prepared thoughtfully.

#5 Pineapple Ice Cream Sandwiches
After a day of amazing vegan food, who wouldn't want a little dessert? For a dish that makes brilliant use of the grill, charred pineapple and coconut ice cream sandwiches offer a tropical finish to any outdoor meal. Brush fresh pineapple rings with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of rum and grill until caramelized with distinctive grill marks. Once cooled, these sweet-smoky pineapple rounds become the "bread" for ice cream sandwiches filled with coconut milk ice cream (either homemade or store-bought.) The contrast between the warm, caramelized pineapple and the cold, creamy coconut ice cream creates a sensory experience that celebrates summer in every bite, proving that vegan desserts can be both innovative and indulgent.

Need more ideas? Visit tryveg.com ([link removed]) for more delicious vegan recipes.

Whether you're hosting a vegan gathering, want to impress your omnivorous friends, or just need something to take with you to your next party, there are so many great ways to make familiar, crowd-pleasing meals that leave animals off your plate. Enjoy good weather, good food, and good company, all while knowing that the sweetest part of the meal was that it was completely cruelty-free.

For the animals,
Belinda Davis
Senior Director of Communications
PS. After your friends have devoured (and inevitably complimented) your amazing vegan dishes, that's the perfect moment to casually suggest they take the VegPledge ([link removed]) . People are always more receptive when they've just experienced firsthand how delicious vegan food can be.

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