8 Refreshing Recipes to Make For Your Next Cookout
When it's hot outside, the last thing you want to do is cook in a sweltering kitchen—right? That's why there's nothing quite like a summer cookout. If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen and instead, take all of your cooking needs to the grill.
The question is, what kind of plant-based meals can you make with a grill? The answer? A lot! Our friends at Meatless Monday compiled a list of delicious recipes from expert bloggers that will help you stay cool (while filling your belly!) for the remainder of the summer.
So ditch the oven and the sauté pan and impress your guests with this selection of easy-to-make appetizers, fresh salads, and smoky plant-based burgers.
Charred Vegetable Flatbread Pizza
Using a hot grill gives this vegetable flatbread pizza a distinct and smoky taste. A spoonful of pesto, some shredded plant-based cheese, and a handful of leafy greens—arugula, spinach, mesclun—gives this appetizer a peppery finish.
Don't miss One Major Side Effect of Eating Grilled Foods, Says Science.
Chopped Summer Salad
Simple, bright, and fresh, this chopped summer salad is easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs makes this salad a refreshing side dish.
Fire-Roasted Portobello Burgers with Garlic Mayo
Marinating the mushroom caps in olive oil and spices makes these fire-roasted portobello burgers tender and rich in flavor. The "kiss" from the grill adds a charred smokiness that pairs nicely with a perfectly toasted bun and a schmear of garlic.
Check out 6 Easy Burger Recipes You Need to Try This Summer for more plant-based burger ideas!
Grilled Avocado with Salsa
This recipe for grilled avocado is so simple to put together. Simply slice, de-seed, and throw on the grill. For a little extra flair, add a spoonful of salsa to the middle of the avocado.
Mango, Grilled Corn, and Black Bean Salad
Bring some much-needed relief to a hot summer day with this smooth and tangy mango, grilled corn, and black bean salad. The combination of tropical mango, sweet-and-smoky grilled corn, and creamy black beans is satiating while also very refreshing.
Don't miss Secret Side Effects of Eating Mango, Says Dietitian.
Summer Corn and Wheat Berry Salad
The wheat berry grain gives heft and texture to salads. Add sweet summer corn, white beans, red onions, bell peppers, and drizzle with a citrusy vinaigrette for a delicious summer salad suitable for any picnic or cookout.
Summer Harvest Ratatouille
Let seasonal ingredients shine with this savory summer harvest ratatouille. Fresh thyme and basil add brightness to summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and fresh tomato.
Tofu Steak with Spicy Strawberry-Ginger Glaze
Throwing drained, slices of tofu on a hot, oiled grill gives them gorgeous grill marks. Topping the tofu "steaks" with a tangy strawberry glaze transforms the dish from "meh" to marvelous.
For more, be sure to read What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Tofu.
