While Memorial Day is going to look a lot different for most of us, I hope all of you have the chance to spend time with friends and family (even if you're outside and 6 feet apart). If you're like me, going to a BBQ can be a bit intimidating to a Vegan - grill season usually means a lot of chicken, steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. BUT, not to worry!!! With a little prep, you can enjoy your Holiday while staying plant-based. Take a look at my favorite outdoor-party-recipes that will be a hit for you AND the non-vegans. I've linked each recipe below but you can also head to my Pinterest page where I made a Memorial Day Board, so you can see them all in one spot!
Carrot Dogs You just have to trust me with this one. These take 5 minutes to prep: peel a carrot, marinate it in sauce (there is one in the recipe or you could just marinate it in any bottled BBQ sauce to save time), and have whoever is manning the grill to throw these on until tender! Put them in a hot dog bun and top with anything and everything. Recipe here!
Portobello Mushroom Burgers Another easy one you can pre-marinate, and then simply ask the grill-master to throw on. Make these Vegan by either eliminating the cheese or buying a plant-based brand. Coated in a dressing made with soy sauce and balsamic, these are far from flavorless! Recipe here!
Macaroni Salad This is my absolute FAVORITE food at a BBQ. What's not to like about a creamy pasta with tons of flavor that just scream summer? Well, the calories are what's not to like (and all the dairy). Try this remake: It's crunchy and colorful from the peppers and celery, packs a punch from the dill, and is dreamy-creamy from a blend of cashews, potatoes, and white beans. Recipe here!
Panzanella Salad Look no further for a FRESH, full-of-flavor salad. Basil, tomatoes, balsamic...what else can you ask for? (Other than a glass of wine to go with it). Make this ahead of time and let it sit so all the flavors can meld together. The bread soaks everything up but somehow still stays crispy. I promise you this one will be a huge hit. Recipe here!
Carrot Cake This one is a labor of love, but if you're like me, you have some extra time on your hands lately. It's naturally sweetened with dates and banana, and has those feel-good, comforting flavors and smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla. Maybe this isn't a typical recipe for MDW but - whatever floats your boat. And this one floats mine! Recipe here!