BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Memorial Day is right around the corner, kicking off a summer of get-togethers and grilling for all to enjoy.
But how do you accommodate vegans and vegetarians when so much of these celebrations revolve around meat?
As it happens, there has been an explosion in the number animal-friendly options at the grocery store over the past few years, in addition to new takes on old classics, meaning everyone can enjoy a celebration without going hungry.
- It's easier to accommodate vegans and vegetarians at your cookout than ever, no matter what their preferences
- Ready-made options are a simple strategy to satisfy guests, including veggie burgers and dogs from Gardein, MorningStar Farms and other companies
- With just a little effort, you can wow your guests with homemade dishes like Forks Over Knives' Carrot Dogs
Ready-made options make vegan grilling easy
Let’s start with the obvious: faux meat has become big business, with companies like Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, store brands and more making approximations of burgers, hot dogs, and even steaks.
Any of these options are reliable choices for those who enjoy the taste of meat but don’t want to consume an animal, and they’re also a great way to get a curious eater to try a vegan or veggie option.
For years, bland veggie patties and uninspired black bean burgers were the only option when it came to going out to eat. Nowadays, just about every grocery store carries MorningStar Farms, which offers options like their Veggie Grillers, or Spicy Black Bean Burgers.
Gardein, another popular plant-based company, has Chipotle Black Bean Burgers and unique tastes like Ultimate Falafel Burgers, for those who want something a little different. Again, you can also find some innovative offerings from store brands as well, so check out your local Wegmans or Whole Foods if you’re feeling adventurous.
A little extra effort for mouth-watering meals
Now, if you want to go the extra mile and impress your vegan and veggie guests, you can make your own vegetable-centric offerings as a main course.
Looking for something quick and easy? Veggie kabobs are incredibly easy to prepare and cook, and endlessly customizable. Just make sure to have a few bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and other seasonal produce, a bit of oil – or maybe a marinade? – and some seasoning, and you’re good to go!
If you want to present a real showstopper that will surprise the crowd – and possibly convert a few people to trying plant-based options – try out Forks Over Knives’ Carrot Dogs.
No, seriously. Try them.
As a vegan, I had my doubts, but in the end, this recipe is now a staple in my kitchen. Perfectly savory, smoky, and ever-so-slightly sweet flavor with a delightful texture plays perfectly on the grill-top, and when you serve them up with some spiralized cucumber, stone-ground mustard and diced onions, you’ll be a legend amongst your veg-centric friends and family.
Eat your veggies: sides offer plenty of options
As far as sides go, it’s incredibly easy to make them accessible for everyone, including those who don’t partake in meat or animal products.
Pasta salad is a great choice, as you can simply throw some al dente rigatoni together with diced onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and shredded carrots, splash a bit of balsamic vinaigrette or other dressing – always double check the ingredients, as some may have anchovies or dairy – toss it with some simple seasonings, and there you go!
If you’re going for a greens-based salad, put some thought into it and make it something you would eat yourself. Try some new vegetables, add some chickpeas or beans, and always, always, always offer up a tasty dressing to complement it. Nobody likes dry iceberg lettuce with sad tomatoes and damp onions, after all.
If you want to prep your sides along with your mains, grilled vegetables are an efficient method to get things done faster. Corn on the cob is easy as can be, and you can simply splash it with a bit of olive oil and seasoning to punch it up a bit. Grilled zucchini is another great option, requiring only a bit of oil, lemon juice and seasonings to make a great dish to pair with just about anything.
Time for dessert!
You may be stuffed already, but leave room for dessert – there are so many ways to accommodate your vegan guests and everyone else at the same time. So Delicious Dairy Free has a variety of ice cream bars, and even companies like Magnum Ice Cream offer flavors like Hazelnut Crunch and Sea Salt Caramel, if you’re feeling a bit fancy.
For those who prefer fruit popsicles, the world is your oyster mushroom – just double check that there aren’t any dairy products in the pops and you’re good to go. Outshine Organic Fruit Bars and Chloe's Fruit are easy to find, and just about every major company has a variety of fun flavors that will please every kid, and kid-at-heart.
Fresh fruit is another great dessert for everyone — get some chilled watermelon, or maybe a nice fruit salad, and everyone can enjoy a slightly healthier end to their meal.
So when you get the RSVP from your cousin telling you his girlfriend is vegan, don’t fret – you can make a delicious, delightful menu that proves you can enjoy a summer cookout with new options that just might delight the whole crowd.
