Summer Grilling Recipes That Are Not Just Meat

Summer and grilling go hand in hand. But if you think BBQs are just about burgers, sausages, and steaks—think again. From smoky eggplant and sizzling tofu to charred pineapple and grilled halloumi, the grill is your playground for flavour-packed, meat-free creations.

This blog is your go-to guide for summer grilling ideas that are not just about meat but still deliver on taste, satisfaction, and flair. Whether you're catering to vegetarians, vegans, or just looking to lighten things up, these recipes and ideas will fire up your BBQ with variety and excitement.

Why Grill Without Meat?

Before we dive into recipes, let’s talk about why skipping the meat can be a game-changer at your next summer gathering:

• Health benefits: Lower in saturated fat and cholesterol
• Environmental impact: Plant-based options have a smaller carbon footprint
• Diversity: Opens up a world of colourful veggies, fruits, cheeses, and grains
• Dietary inclusion: More inclusive for vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious guests

Grilling without meat isn’t a compromise—it’s an upgrade.

Essential Tips for Meat-Free Grilling

To get the most flavour and best texture from your non-meat ingredients, here are a few game-changing tips:

• Oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
• Marinate or season in advance to boost flavour.
• Use skewers or grill baskets for small items like cherry tomatoes or tofu cubes.
• Don’t overcook—veggies and fruits need much less time than meat.
• Finish with fresh herbs or citrus to brighten up the grilled richness.

The Ultimate Plant-Based Grilling Line-Up

Let’s explore the wide variety of grill-friendly foods that aren’t meat.

1. Grilled Veggie Skewers – Colourful and Crowd-Pleasing

Skewers are a BBQ favourite and work brilliantly with vegetables. Try this combination:

Veggies to use:

• Zucchini
• Bell peppers (all colours)
• Red onion
• Mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes
• Corn rounds

Pro Tip: Marinate the veggies in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before skewering.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a herby yoghurt dip or chimichurri.

2. Grilled Tofu Steaks – Smoky, Protein-Packed

Tofu is a blank canvas that soaks up marinades beautifully.

How to Prep:

• Press extra-firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove moisture.
• Slice into thick slabs.
• Marinate in a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup.

Grill Time: 4–5 minutes per side until charred with grill marks.

3. Grilled Halloumi – Salty, Golden and Gooey

Halloumi is one of the best cheeses for grilling. It holds its shape and browns beautifully.

Steps:

• Slice into 1 cm thick pieces.
• Brush lightly with olive oil.
• Grill 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

Pair With: Grilled watermelon, fresh mint, or couscous salad.

4. BBQ Stuffed Capsicums

Bell peppers make great natural grill vessels. Stuff them with:

• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Feta or vegan cheese
• Chopped olives, cherry tomatoes, and basil

Grill With Lid Down: For 10–12 minutes until tender and smoky.

5. Charred Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

Thick eggplant slices become smoky and silky on the grill.

Prep:

• Cut into rounds or lengthwise strips.
• Brush with oil and salt.
• Grill until soft and charred, about 5–6 mins per side.

Top With: Tahini-lemon sauce, za’atar, and pomegranate seeds.

6. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms – Umami Bombs

These large mushrooms can be marinated like steak and grilled whole.

Marinade Ideas:

• Balsamic vinegar + garlic + soy sauce
• Olive oil + thyme + lemon zest

Grill for 4–5 minutes per side. Serve on buns or with grain salads.

7. BBQ Cauliflower Steaks

A whole new way to enjoy cauliflower.

How to Cut: Trim into thick “steaks” from the centre of the head.

Marinade: Smoky paprika, cumin, garlic, olive oil, and lemon.

Grill until charred and tender—about 5 mins per side.

8. Grilled Avocado Halves

Surprisingly good on the BBQ!

Method:

• Halve and remove seed.
• Brush with lime juice and olive oil.
• Grill cut side down for 2 minutes.

Stuff With: Salsa, beans, or grilled corn.

9. Charred Sweet Potato Rounds

Precook sweet potatoes in the microwave or boil for 4–5 minutes before slicing.

Grill: 2 minutes per side until caramelised.

Topping: Lime aioli or chimichurri.

10. Grilled Corn with Flavoured Butters

Corn on the cob + fire = magic.

Butter Options:

• Garlic-parsley
• Smoked paprika-lime
• Vegan chipotle spread

Char directly on grill and rotate frequently for even cooking.

11. Grilled Fruit for Dessert or Sides

Fruits get sweeter and deeper with a touch of flame.

Fruits to Grill:

• Pineapple slices
• Peach halves
• Watermelon wedges
• Mango cheeks
• Banana (skin-on)

Serving Ideas:

• With ice cream
• Drizzled with honey and mint
• With Greek yoghurt or whipped coconut cream

Complete Sample BBQ Menu (Meat-Free)

Here’s how you can build a full cookout that’s impressive and 100% meat-free:

Starter:

• Grilled eggplant with tahini
• Watermelon-halloumi skewers

Main:

• Tofu steak with chimichurri
• BBQ cauliflower with herb yoghurt
• Stuffed capsicums

Sides:

• Grilled corn with garlic butter
• Sweet potato rounds
• Couscous with mint and pomegranate

Dessert:

• Grilled peach halves with coconut cream
• Pineapple with cinnamon sugar glaze

Grilling Sauces, Marinades, and Dips (That Work Without Meat)

Must-Have Marinades:

• Lemon herb vinaigrette
• Soy-ginger-sesame mix
• BBQ maple glaze
• Yogurt-turmeric-garlic sauce

Essential Dips:

• Hummus
• Chimichurri
• Tahini drizzle
• Cashew cream
• Romesco (roasted capsicum + almond)

These boost grilled veggies and plant proteins to restaurant-quality level.

Tools That Make Plant-Based Grilling Easy

• Grill baskets – for small or delicate items
• Reusable skewers – for eco-friendly, firm veggie kebabs
• Spray bottle of oil – to keep food moist and avoid sticking
• Meat thermometer (yes!) – helps with things like halloumi and tofu to avoid burning
• Grill mats or foil sheets – handy for cheesy or sticky recipes

Hosting Tips for a Meat-Free BBQ

• Label dishes for dietary transparency (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
• Make more than just salad—grilled mains should shine
• Offer variety in textures and flavours: chewy, crisp, creamy, smoky
• Pre-prep sauces and dips to reduce stress on BBQ day
• Have fun with drinks! Think mocktails, infused water, sangrias

Bonus: Vegan Grilling Powerhouses

Want to go fully vegan? These are some superstar ingredients to build with:

• Seitan skewers – Chewy and meat-like
• Tempeh strips – Marinate in soy-maple
• Jackfruit BBQ – Pre-cook and crisp up on the grill
• Plant-based sausages – There are great brands now in Australia

Final Thoughts: Fire Up the Flavour

Grilling without meat doesn’t mean giving up on excitement or satisfaction. In fact, it often opens the door to more creative, colourful, and flavourful cooking. With fresh summer produce, bold marinades, and smoky textures, your BBQ spread can impress carnivores and herbivores alike.

So next time you fire up the grill, let veggies, fruits, cheeses, and plant proteins take centre stage.