The word barbeCue has taken on a whole new meaning here at The Chalkboard. Long gone are the days of processed chips and dips, grilled conventional meat, white bread buns, and store-bought mayo-laced coleslaw or potato salad. Whoa. Now that we are in the know about all this non-toxic living and high-energy eating, we realize that if we want to keep our glowing appearance and youthful nature, avoiding toxic ingredients such as preservatives, GMO corn and wheat, and unhealthy vegetable oils is necessary. The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives that meet our needs – both in taste and nutrients – so that our new version of a barbecue is full of fresh fruits, vegetables, hearty grains, seasonal herbs and naturally sweetened treats!
We are transforming the typical BBQ spread to include the most health-inspired, palate-pleasing dishes constructed of solely vegetarian ingredients. It is time to redefine the menu to meet our ever-expanding nutritional demands. So here are our top twelve vegetarian BBQ recipes that are essential for your next cookout. From Goji Guacamole to Sweet Potato Buckwheat Burgers, to Carrot Ribbon Sorrel Pesto Salad and Blackberry Rhubarb Crumble, we promise you that no meat eater will resist trying a bite.
12 Healthy Vegetarian BBQ Recipes
From appetizers to side dishes and desserts, we have you covered this cookout season
Queso Dip with Chips
Don’t be fooled by the name of this recipe because this appetizer is nutrient-packed and anything but processed. Made with nutritional yeast, cashews and almond milk, it tastes just like the real thing.
Make Queso Dip with Chips
BBQ Sweet Potato Fries
The perfection of the sweet potato fry makes it a healthy BBQ must-have. Made with coconut oil, coconut sugar and the superfood maca, this recipe is a slam dunk!
Goji Guacamole
No BBQ is complete without the presence of guacamole. That is why we chose this version loaded with the beauty food, goji berries. Gojis are one of the healthiest foods on the planet, with anti-aging antioxidants and immune boosting vitamin C.
Make Goji Guacamole
Spicy Quinoa Kale Salad
Kale just had to make it to the cook out this year, so we decided on this spicy version, complete with quinoa. Packed with protein, this salad can easily be a side dish or live on its own as a main for those looking for a lighter fare to nosh on.
Lemon Coleslaw with Toasted Walnuts and Sweet Peas
A guilt-free version of coleslaw, this recipe is mayo-free. It is completely egg-free as well, dressed with brown-rice vinegar, mustard and olive oil. Throw in some fresh basil, walnuts and spring peas, and you have yourself a light and flavorful side salad.
Carrot Ribbon Salad with Sorrel Pesto
This salad is as delicious as it is beautiful, adorned with the unique flavor of sorrel. Simple to make, the rich taste of pesto complements the carrots perfectly.
Make Carrot Ribbons with Sorrel Pesto and Crumbled Goat Cheese
Portabella Mushroom Tacos with Cashew Cheese
If you are going for a Mexican twist on your BBQ this summer, try these portabella mushroom tacos. Completely gluten-free and dairy-free, they are topped with a delicious cashew cheese that you have to try.
Lemony Veggie Skewers
Veggie skewers are the vegetarian go-to when grilling out, so don’t miss out on this recipe. Made with bell peppers, zucchini, and tofu for an extra protein punch, make room for these on your next healthy BBQ menu.
Sweet Potato Buckwheat Burger
Also known as “the most delicious veggie burger ever,” this recipe is always a home run. As protein packed as the beef alternative, these are made with quinoa, kidney beans and sunflower seeds.
Raw Chocolate Ice Cream
This ice cream is unlike any other you have ever tasted – rich and creamy, not from dairy, but from bananas. Creatively made with tahini, dates and stevia, you don’t need an ice cream maker to indulge in this icy treat.
Blackberry Rhubarb Crumble in a Jar
We are crazy about all things rhubarb, which is why this crumble is at the top of our list this summer. Unlike the typical fruit crumble, this recipe has no trans fats, white sugar or any other nasty preservatives. Made with coconut sugar, coconut flour, coconut oil and oats, this delicious crumble paves the way for the sweeter notes of its summer fruits.
Strawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles
Nothing beats a strawberry banana popsicle, especially if it’s sweetened with honey. Made with only four ingredients, these are the easiest and healthiest summer treat to make.
