21+ July 4th Cookout Recipes for Vegans
July 4th means summer is officially in full-swing and it’s time to hang out with friends grilling in the backyard. This can be tough to do if you’re the only vegan in your friend group.
Don’t worry! This vegan 4th of July menu has all your classic American cookout and barbecue favorites along with a few twists.
All of the recipes are plant-based, easy to make, and even meat-lovers are sure to enjoy. So go ahead, host a vegan Independence Day.
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Vegan Salads and Side Dishes
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Nothing tastes better than freshly grilled corn on the cob. This recipe includes a creamy avocado dill dressing that pulls all the flavors together nicely.
2. Vegan Coleslaw
A light tasting side with a refreshing crunch. Unlike traditional coleslaws, this vegan version is calorie-friendly yet still creamy.
3. Classic American Macaroni Salad
This macaroni salad will bring on the nostalgia of summertime block parties and being a kid. It’s so creamy, you’ll have a hard time convincing others that it’s actually dairy-free.
4. Vegan Chicken Cucumber Salad
This chicken salad recipe is actually vegan! It incorporates jackfruit and a creamy dressing to get it to taste like chicken salad. Eat it as a side or add it to sandwich rolls for a main dish.
5. Grilled Mixed Vegetables
A mixed vegetable recipe where the veggies are grilled on kabobs and then tossed in a marinade after. A great healthy option for your Independence Day cookout.
6. Vegan Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is a staple of backyard barbecues. This classic potato salad recipe hardly takes any time to make. It uses vegan mayo to amp up the creaminess.
7. Grilled Watermelon
Grilled watermelon is absolutely delicious and so quick to make. This watermelon recipe adds a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on top. Perfect for your guests to snack on in the heat.
Cookout Dips
8. Chocolate Hummus
A fun chocolatey twist on hummus. Who knew that hummus could also be a dessert? Perfect for dipping fruit in for a lighter, healthier sweets option.
9. 5-Ingredient Guacamole
Guacamole is everyone’s favorite party tip. It also doubles as a burger topping. This guacamole recipe is easy to make and your guests are sure to love it.
10. Buffalo Jackfruit Spinach Dip
The shredded jackfruit in this buffalo dip gives mimics shredded chicken and the addition of spinach sneaks in some added greens. The vegan cream cheese holds the dip together.
11. Vegan French Onion Dip
This dip uses two whole onions and cashews. It’s a much healthier version than store-bought versions filled with dairy and chemicals. It tastes even better the longer you let the flavors sit.
Main Dishes & Grillable Entrees
12. High Protein Vegan Ribs
An oil-free plant-based ribs recipe that meat-lovers will adore. You can cook it inside on a griddle or even out on the backyard grill if you’re cooking out.
13. Colorful Vegan Burger Buns
If you really want to amplify the red, white, and blue theme then these colorful burger buns will do the trick. You can either use a superfood powder or vegan food coloring to dye the dough.
14. Plant-Based Bhaji Burger
An Indian-inspired burger made out of sweet potato, onion, and carrots. Bhaji burgers are simple to make and add some well-needed flavor to the typically bland American fare. They even hold up well if you grill them outside on a skillet.
15. Carrot Hot Dogs
Yes, that’s right, carrots in a bun are tastier than hot dogs. This vegan carrot dog recipe is a plant-based alternative to hot dogs for your 4th of July cookout. Seriously, you need to try them and you’ll be hooked.
Festive Summertime Drinks
16. Honeydew Basil Lemonade
A unique fruity twist on traditional lemonade. The honeydew adds all the sweetness while the basil balances out the sugar without being overwhelming. You won’t believe this honeydew basil lemonade has no sugar added!
17. Beet, Citrus, & Ginger Sangria Mocktail
I love a good sangria but sometimes you want something without alcohol. While beet, citrus and ginger sangria is probably something you haven’t had before, give this mocktail recipe a try as your cookout’s signature drink.
18. Strawberry Infused Water
Who said your drink options have to be complicated? This strawberry infused water can be thrown together in 2 minutes and refilled throughout the party.
Red, White, and Blue Desserts
19. Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberries are plentiful and inexpensive in the summer so same a little money and incorporate them into your 4th of July celebration. This vegan strawberry shortcake is even paleo-friendly.
20. Watermelon Granita
A watermelon granita is a light refreshing way to beat the heat. This watermelon shaved ice is easy to make and can be fancied up why serving it in a wine or martini glass.
21. Easy Apple Crisp
Nothing says “America” like an apple pie. This apple crisp recipe uses only 5 ingredients and is easy to make in a larger pan for a party.
22. Red, White, & Blue Strawberry Mini Pies
Cute, festive pies each of your guests can snack on. This is a great option for smaller desserts or if you want something easy to serve. These red, white, and blue strawberry mini pies go perfectly for a July 4th celebration.
Vegans Can Cookout Too!
Don’t get discouraged by everyone else grilling and feeling like you have nothing to eat. Your summer isn’t doomed to be filled with soy burgers from well-meaning omnivores.
Instead, follow this July 4th menu. Invite them over for a vegan bbq or Independence Day block party. It’s time to show off how delicious plant-based vegan food can be!
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Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert
Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.
Pin For Later:
Hi Stephanie – What great vegan recipes for the 4th of July. Pinned! Thank you for including my grilled watermelon. My heart is full of gratitude! Hugs, Holly
This is a wonderful collection of vegan 4th of July recipes. I can’t wait to try them all! Thanks for including our Beet Sangria Mocktail. It’s so yummy and perfect for a warm July day! Cheers.