A Meatless Summer BBQ: Seasonal Vegetarian Grilling Tips & Recipes

Summer is in full swing and it‚s official: grilling season is here! And while burgers, dogs and chicken may be your barbecue go-to‚s, it‚s about time veggies were the star of the show. Today on the Vibrant Health blog, we‚re sharing our top vegetarian grilling tips, and some of our favorite meatless recipes for summer ‚ from delectable veggie burgers to grillable fruit! 1. Be Respectful of Food Preferences, Allergies & Sensitivities First and foremost, it‚s important to be mindful of your guest‚s food preferences, allergies and sensitivities. For someone who follows a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, they most likely don‚t want their food to be cross-contaminated or grilled on the same surfaces as other meats. And with gluten sensitiveness and other intolerances on the rise, you‚ll want to find out exactly what type of food your party guests can and can‚t have. Choose allergen-friendly vegetarian dishes like these simple Grilled Fruit & Vegetable Kabobs ‚ made with veggies, pineapple and a honey-lime vinaigrette. 2. Take Advantage of Summer Produce Speaking of grilled pineapple, now is the prime time to take advantage of summer produce! Fortunately, there are plenty of in-season fruits and vegetables to choose from for your BBQ. Think: tomatoes, corn, pineapple and zucchini. Turns out, fruit and veggies aren‚t just for salads and fruit bowls; in fact they‚re the perfect summer grilling companions. This season, think outside the box when it comes to crafting your summer menu. We‚re loving this Elote Mexican Grilled Corn, Grilled Pineapple Pizza, Cilantro Lime Grilled Pineapple, and Grilled Zucchini (paired with a lemony yogurt, feta and mint sauce). And don‚t forget your cold side dishes like this Tomato Basil Avocado Mozzarella Salad. 3. Shop Local There‚s no better place to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies than your community farm. Consider shopping at your local farmer‚s market or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for a plethora of produce. If you can‚t find anything in your area, something like Misfits Market may be a good fit for you ‚ an online marketplace delivering organic ‚imperfect‚ fruits and vegetables to your door. 4. Make a Standout Veggie Burger Veggie burgers don‚t have to be bland! Impress your meat-loving guests with a veggie burger to remember ‚ packed with flavorful ingredients like grains, legumes and yes, veggies. Try these Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers, Black Bean Burgers and Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers ‚ all packed with fiber and nutrient-rich veggies. Top with your favorite add-ons like raw onion, avocado, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and BBQ sauce, and serve on a bun or bed of lettuce for a healthier option! 5. Don‚t Forget Dessert! Last but not least, don‚t forget to serve up dessert. End your meal with a little something sweet ‚ made on the grill while you‚re at it! These Grilled Peaches with Honey or Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet and will be a surefire crowd-pleaser to end your BBQ on a healthy and sweet note. Share your favorite summer vegetarian meals & healthy grilling recipes with us on social @VibrantHealth