When the weather warms up, it is time to heat up the grill.
Just because you choose to follow a meatless diet doesn’t mean that you can’t
enjoy a BBQ just as much as someone who eats meat. With a little creativity and
some help from meat substitute products, you can create healthy vegan recipes
that are delicious, wholesome, and that even the biggest carnivores will enjoy.
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| hallmarkchannel.com |
Burgers
No BBQ is complete without a big, juicy hamburger, but the patty
doesn’t have to be ground beef or another animal product for it to taste good.
Try replacing the patty with a vegan-friendly option in order to get the same
taste without ruining your diet. Meat substitutes can be found easily on-line and
make for a quick and easy meal. If you really want to wow your guests, whip up
a flavorful sauce to top your burgers with, like a rich and smoky BBQ sauce
that is the perfect complement to a tasty burger, such as the one found on the Hallmark
Channel’s Home & Family website.
Pizza
Traditionally, pizzas are topped with melted cheese and lots
of processed meats – two no-no’s for vegans. Grilling your own pizzas is easy
and as a plus, they are completely customizable, giving all of your guests
complete control of their toppings. Make or purchase whole wheat pizza dough
and sauce and chop up a variety of healthy toppings, including:
- Tomatoes
- Fresh basil
- Bell peppers
- Herbs
- Onions
- Mushrooms
The topping possibilities are endless and you can create
some one-of-a-kind pizzas that are free from any animal products.
Grilled Chicken
Many people enjoy grilled chicken at their BBQs and you can
as well with a little creativity. Chicken substitutes give you all the flavor
that you want and you can create some interesting dishes using them as a base.
A marinade that uses oil, lime juice, garlic, chipotle chilies, and jalapeno
peppers is a zesty, spicy option that can serve as the basis for a delicious
scaloppini dish cooked up right on the grill.
Sides
BBQs are well known for their sides, and luckily for vegans
and vegetarians, meat-free sides are often on the menu at most events. A simple
salad of black beans, fresh corn, tomatoes, and herbs is the perfect complement
to any entrée. Some other easy vegan side dishes include:
- Cut fruit
- Sliced tomatoes
- Quinoa salad
- Grilled
vegetable kabobs
- Corn on the cob
By keeping your sides basic, you and your guests can really
focus on the main dishes that you have created.
Desserts
A BBQ dessert is the perfect time to offer something cool
and refreshing to your guests and it doesn’t have to be ice cream. Sorbet is a
yummy option for vegans, especially when you use fresh fruits that are at the
peak of ripeness. A creamy option involves mixing lime juice and zest with
avocados and a little sugar to create a frozen treat that everyone is sure to
enjoy.
Don’t give up on hosting summer events because of your vegan
lifestyle. Your dinners can be just as delicious as ever by incorporating good
quality meat substitutes with tried and true BBQ recipes that will stand the
test of time.