The best examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love this year

Let’s start with the stars of the show: main-dish recipes that can stand toe-to-toe with any steak. These examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love are hearty, high in flavor, and built to impress even the most skeptical meat-eater.

1. Charred portobello “steaks” with garlic-herb butter

Portobello mushrooms are one of the best examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love if you miss that meaty, knife-and-fork experience. Their texture is naturally dense and juicy, and they soak up marinades like a sponge (in the good way).

Brush whole portobello caps with a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat, gill-side down first, until they’re deeply browned and a bit shrunken. Top with a quick garlic-herb butter made from softened butter (or vegan butter), chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.

Serve these over a bed of arugula, with grilled potatoes, or sliced into a grilled sandwich. For anyone trying to eat more plant-forward meals, mushrooms are a great way to add savory depth; research highlights their umami compounds as a flavor booster that can help replace some meat in the diet without sacrificing satisfaction (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).

2. Halloumi and vegetable platters: an example of Mediterranean-style grilling

If you eat dairy, grilled halloumi is a must-try example of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love. Halloumi is a firm, salty cheese from the Eastern Mediterranean that doesn’t melt into a puddle—it grills into crisp-edged, squeaky slabs.

Slice halloumi into 1/2-inch planks, drizzle with olive oil, and grill until you see golden grill marks. Surround it with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil, oregano, and lemon zest. Pile everything on a big platter with a drizzle of yogurt sauce or tahini and a shower of fresh mint.

This style of platter fits nicely with current 2024–2025 trends toward “board-style” meals and shareable grazing platters. It also makes it easier to build a balanced plate with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, a combo the U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages for overall health.

3. Grilled tofu with sticky gochujang glaze

Tofu on the grill can be incredible—if you treat it right. One of the best examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love uses extra-firm tofu pressed well and marinated in bold flavors.

Press a block of extra-firm tofu for at least 20–30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Slice into thick slabs and marinate in a mixture of soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste). Grill over medium heat until the edges are crisp and charred, brushing with extra marinade as you go.

Serve the tofu over rice with grilled bok choy or green beans. This is a great example of how vegetarian grilling can deliver serious protein; soy foods like tofu provide high-quality plant protein and are linked with heart-health benefits (National Institutes of Health).

4. Black bean and sweet potato burgers that don’t fall apart

A real example of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love has to include a veggie burger that can survive the grill grates. The trick is balance: enough moisture for tenderness, but enough binders to keep everything together.

Mash cooked sweet potato with black beans, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and a splash of lime juice. Stir in rolled oats or panko breadcrumbs and an egg (or a flax egg for vegan) to bind. Chill the patties so they firm up, then grill over medium heat on a well-oiled grate or a grill pan.

These burgers hit that smoky-sweet spot and pair beautifully with avocado, pickled onions, and chipotle mayo. As more people look toward plant-based proteins for environmental and health reasons (CDC), recipes like this are becoming staples at modern cookouts.

Colorful sides: examples include grilled salads, skewers, and flatbreads

Once your mains are sorted, it’s time to think about sides that can also steal the spotlight. These examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love double as crowd-pleasing potluck dishes.

5. Grilled corn elote-style salad

Grilled corn is a summer classic, but turning it into a salad is one of the best examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love when you need something shareable.

Grill corn on the cob until charred in spots. Cut the kernels off and toss with lime juice, a little mayo or Greek yogurt, cotija or feta cheese, chopped cilantro, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Add black beans or grilled peppers if you want to turn it into more of a main.

This salad holds well at room temperature and is easy to scale up. It’s also a nice way to pack in fiber from corn and beans, which supports digestive health and helps you feel full longer (Mayo Clinic on dietary fiber).

6. Rainbow vegetable skewers with herb marinade

Skewers are probably the most familiar example of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love, but they’re endlessly customizable and still very much on-trend for 2024’s “eat the rainbow” approach.

Thread chunks of bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, and a little honey or maple syrup. Grill over medium-high heat until the edges char and the vegetables soften.

Serve these skewers over couscous, quinoa, or a big green salad. Because you’re mixing colors and textures, you naturally end up with a wider variety of vitamins and antioxidants, something dietitians often recommend for overall health.

7. Grilled flatbreads with pesto and seasonal vegetables

If you want a more modern, restaurant-style example of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love, grilled flatbreads are it. Think of them as personal pizzas with a smoky twist.

Use store-bought naan, pizza dough, or flatbread. Grill one side until lightly marked, then flip and quickly spread with pesto or olive oil and garlic. Top with thinly sliced zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, and dollops of ricotta or vegan cheese. Close the grill lid for a few minutes to melt and crisp.

Cut into wedges and serve as an appetizer or light main. This is a great way to showcase seasonal produce—heirloom tomatoes in late summer, squash in early fall, even grilled asparagus in spring.

Fresh, fun trends: 2024–2025 examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love

Plant-based grilling has exploded in the last few years, and 2024–2025 trends are all about global flavors, high-protein options, and minimizing food waste. Here are some trend-forward examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love incorporating into your rotation.

8. Grilled cauliflower “steaks” with chimichurri

Cauliflower is still having a moment, and grilled cauliflower steaks are a fantastic example of how a humble vegetable can become the centerpiece.

Slice a whole head of cauliflower into thick slabs (you’ll get a few full “steaks” and some smaller florets). Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and grill until tender with charred edges. Spoon over bright chimichurri made from parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.

This dish checks all the boxes: low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and packed with flavor. It’s a smart option if you’re feeding a mixed crowd with different dietary needs.

9. Grilled avocado and peach salad with lime vinaigrette

Fruit on the grill is a big 2024 trend, and this is a great example of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love for brunch or a lighter meal.

Halve and pit ripe avocados and peaches. Brush with oil and grill cut-side down until you see distinct grill marks and some caramelization. Slice and toss gently with arugula or baby greens, toasted nuts or seeds, and a lime-honey vinaigrette.

The warm, smoky fruit against cool greens feels restaurant-level but comes together in minutes. It’s also a fun way to use slightly overripe peaches that might not hold up in a fruit salad.

10. Grilled tempeh tacos with citrus slaw

Tempeh is a fermented soy product that’s higher in protein and a bit heartier than tofu, and it’s showing up more and more in plant-based grilling recipes.

Slice tempeh into thin strips and simmer briefly in vegetable broth with a splash of soy sauce to soften and infuse flavor. Then marinate in lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Grill until crisp around the edges and serve in warm tortillas with a crunchy slaw of cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and orange segments.

This is a real example of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love if you’re craving something bold and taco-truck inspired, but still lighter than traditional meat fillings.

How to make vegetarian grilling actually work (without fuss)

You’ve seen several examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love, but a few practical tips will make them easier to pull off, especially if you’re new to grilling without meat.

Give vegetables and proteins enough seasoning

Vegetables and plant proteins need plenty of salt, acid, and fat to shine on the grill. Don’t be shy with marinades and rubs. A basic formula that works for almost every example of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love is:

• A fat: olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter
• An acid: vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt
• Flavor boosters: garlic, herbs, spices, chili pastes, or mustards

Even 20–30 minutes of marinating makes a noticeable difference, though you can prep things like tofu or tempeh the night before.

Use the right heat and tools

Most vegetables do best over medium to medium-high heat. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside softens; too low, and you miss that char.

A few simple tools make almost all of these examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love easier:

• A grill basket for smaller items like cherry tomatoes or sliced onions
• Metal skewers (or well-soaked wooden ones) for kebabs
• A flat grill pan or cast-iron skillet for delicate veggie burgers

Think about balance on the plate

When you plan a plant-based cookout, try to mix:

• A protein-rich main (tofu, tempeh, beans, cheese, or veggie burgers)
• A couple of vegetable-heavy sides (skewers, salads, grilled greens)
• A starch or grain (grilled potatoes, flatbreads, rice, or quinoa)

That way, these examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love aren’t just tasty—they’re also satisfying and nutritionally balanced.

FAQ: Real-world questions about vegetarian grilling

What are some easy examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love for beginners?

If you’re just starting, go for forgiving recipes: portobello mushroom “steaks,” rainbow veggie skewers, grilled corn salad, and flatbreads with store-bought dough. These are straightforward examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love because they don’t require perfect timing and still taste great even if you get a little extra char.

Can you give an example of a high-protein vegetarian recipe for the grill?

A strong example of a high-protein option is grilled tofu with gochujang glaze or grilled tempeh tacos. Both use soy, which offers complete protein and fits nicely into a plant-forward eating pattern supported by organizations like the CDC and NIH.

What are the best examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love that also work for meal prep?

Grilled tofu, tempeh, and veggie burgers all reheat well and can be used in bowls, salads, and wraps throughout the week. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and corn also keep nicely and can be tossed into pasta, grain salads, or omelets.

Do I need special equipment to try these examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love?

No special equipment is required, but a grill basket and a sturdy spatula make life easier. If you only have a stovetop, a ridged grill pan can still give you that charred flavor and those grill marks.

Are these vegetarian grilling ideas healthy?

Most of these examples of vegetarian grilling recipes you’ll love are centered around vegetables, whole grains, and plant proteins, which align well with general healthy eating patterns promoted by public health organizations. As always, balance matters—pair richer elements like cheese or creamy sauces with plenty of vegetables and fiber-rich sides.