I’ve already been proclaiming that Summer is here. It may be Spring for you but it is Summer in Arizona. Since Memorial Day is only days away I wanted to leave you will some grilling ideas.
If you get invited to a barbecue you will be prepared. Just don’t go empty-handed!
Portobello Mushrooms
You can’t go wrong with grilling Portobello Mushrooms. Consider grilling Portobello Steaks, Portobello Fajita’s, or Portobello Burgers. Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and work great on the grill. Since they are large they “fit” better and don’t fall in the fire.
Veggies
Many veggies can be grilled as well. Summer Squash, Onions, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, and Asparagus. I even grill Avocados, yes you read that right.
You can arrange veggies on skewers or just toss them on the grill. There are also really neat products available like this Emeril Grilling Veggie Basket that you can flip over to allow both sides to cook. Or, this Weber Style Professional-Grade Vegetable Basket that is open on top for easy stirring. I always loved eating kabobs but when grilling for company (and kids) these grill baskets make much easier options in my opinion. They are even Father’s Day gift worthy!
Side Dishes
Baked Potato Wedges, Potato Salad, Dirty Mashed Potatoes, Baked Beans, Chip & Salsa or Pico De Gallo are great side dishes if you are planning to grill.
If you are getting together with friends or family I always enjoy bringing stuff like chips and salsa, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Green Chili White Bean Dip, Unfried Pinto Beans, Faux Cheese Dip for dipping. I’ll often bring a quinoa-black bean salad too. I like to bring chips and dips because these look “normal” to everyone else. I feel like dips are always safe to bring to a party. I sometimes feel weird bringing a whole separate entrée (unless I was asked ) to someone else’s party.
Drinks
Don’t forget to BYOB! I don’t drink alcohol and I’m rarely invited anywhere with it as an option (actually I’m rarely invited anywhere at all, I think everyone is too intimidated by my son’s allergies. That is the reason I’m going with. I’m fabulous, who wouldn’t want to hang out with me? I digress.) I prefer to bring my own drinks. Usually it is just water. I’m a water snob. We have a filter so I have a hard time drinking tap water.
Basically, don’t assume there will be something you can drink. I regularly attend events where lemon water is the only option. I prefer my water straight up. If you love lemon you must check out Sarah’s Stevia Lemonade at Gazing In!
Dessert
Probably the most important part of any cookout. I don’t typically grill dessert but we occasionally grill peaches. Just cut them in half, remove the pit and put them on the grill. Serve them with vegan ice cream! It will taste kind of like peach cobbler without all the work.
If I’m taking dessert somewhere it is almost always my Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies. They travel well, don’t need to be refrigerated and everyone loves them.
If you plan to spend some time outside make sure to check out my recent post with 4 Tips to Keep You Safe in the Sun! I also share about learning a had a pre-cancerous mole years ago. If you don’t know what sunscreen to buy read the post!
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Angela @ Canned Time says
Some great ideas Holly, thanks! I’m in a Non-Vegan household with a grill lovin’ husband so I’m constantly looking for new ideas for outdoor vegan food. That bean dip looks fabulous. We just invested in the veggie trays for the grill so…looking forward to grilling up some great stuff tomorrow, if I can just get room next to all the meat, arrrgggg ;(
Thanks for posting and Happy Memorial Day !
Holly says
HI Angela! A few years ago when we still grilled meat regularly I had the left side for veggies. I would always lose them through the grates though. I wish I would have had a veggie tray for grilling back then. Your Memorial Day ideas looked delicious! That Watermelon Slushie wouldn’t last long around my crew!
Martha says
If you ever come to Kansas you can come to my house for dinner! We have Culligan water, straight up. My family just had hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill while I ate some fabulous grilled veggies and I just pinned your avocado grillers with cilantro brown rice and black beans. Trying those next weekend.
Holly says
Martha I would love too! I will let you know if I make it to Kansas. I don’t have any trips planned involving Kansas in the near future though. Let me know if you make it to Arizona! 🙂
Kathleen says
Holly you truly are fabulous & I think EVERYONE would love to hang out w/ you; it probably is the allergies..I remember when my daughter had surgery and a neighbor called wanting to bring food. He was very kind to ask if there were any “food issues” and when I replied thank you for asking…I am a gluten free vegan…well suffice it to say ..never saw or heard from them again……ah well. But NO ONE can do what you do and make it look as easy as you do. Gosh..I am sure we all wish we had l/5 of your talent. By the way..its well into summer here also, in Nevada:)
Holly says
Kathleen you are also so kind! Thank you!
I’m on a committee at church to take food to people. I’m not as active anymore but when I see a request for any “specialty” diets I hop right on!