Meatless recipes for celebrating a vegetarian 4th of July, from grillable burgers and hotdogs to fresh summer salads and desserts!

The 4th of July always seems to be defined by the meats. You know, the hamburgers and hotdogs and chicken wings and ribs.
But if you’re a vegetarian going to a cookout, you may be wondering what options you have. Or if you’re a host wondering what to cook for vegetarian guests, the struggle can be real.
So whether you’re struggling to find plant-based options or just want to include more variation and vegetables at your Independence Day celebrations, here are some ideas to get you started!
I’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite vegetarian 4th of July recipes, including all the classics – like hamburgers and hotdogs – along with some new recipes worth trying – like grilled watermelon!
Carrot Hot Dogs
Is there anything more classic on the Fourth of July than a grilled hotdog? These Carrot Hot Dogs don’t just look like the BBQ classic, they actually taste like it too! A smoky, sweet marinade brings carrots to life, turning them into grillable vegan hot dogs.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
And you'll be needing burgers too of course! With melted sharp cheddar, the perfectly meaty texture, and best-ever Fancy Sauce, these Portobello Mushroom Burgers are the vegetarian recipe that’ll have you craving mushrooms for dinner.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Forget the buffalo wings. This buffalo cauliflower is easier to make and obviously healthier. Make a double batch, it's going to go fast!
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe is a healthy, simple take on elote, the delicious Mexican street vendor version of corn on the cob! A reader-favorite for cookouts and potlucks.
Roasted Cauliflower Street Tacos
These Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with quick slaw and avocado cream sauce are a quick and delicious way to load up on veggies. Put out the components and let guests build their own tacos!
Healthy French Onion Dip
This healthy French Onion Dip recipe is made with protein-rich, creamy Greek yogurt and deeply caramelized onions. A fresh and flavorful chip dip that’s about to become your favorite!
Vegan Nachos with BBQ "Pulled Pork" and Queso
These vegan nachos are piled high with easy mushroom BBQ “pulled pork” and a cashew-based queso cheese sauce that will knock your dairy-free socks off.
Grilled Watermelon Salad
This savory Grilled Watermelon Salad is packed with feta cheese, mint, basil, and onion, and is bound to be the summer salad of your dreams.
Grilled Broccoli Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This Grilled Broccoli Salad is drizzled with a creamy honey mustard dressing and tossed together with feta cheese, cranberries, and slivered almonds. The perfect veggie side dish to compliment your BBQing this summer!
Mama’s Famous Bean Salad
This easy Bean Salad recipe is famous in our house, and for good reason! Quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for bringing to potlucks!
Oyster Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak
This vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak transforms oyster mushrooms into the perfect substitute for beef! With sautéed peppers and onions and loads of melted cheese, this is the best meatless cheesesteak.
Hidden Spinach Healthy Guacamole
No more brown guacamole. This Hidden Spinach Healthy Guacamole tastes like the homemade guacamole you know and love, but with the addition of vitamin-packed, vibrantly green spinach!
Portobello Mushroom Gyros
These vegetarian Portobello Mushroom Gyros are seasoned with Mediterranean spices, sauteed to meaty perfection, and drizzled with creamy tzatziki.
Kimchi Fries
Is anyone in the mood for some loaded fries? If so, these loaded vegetarian kimchi fries are the way to go! Made with all of the toppings, this tasty dish is packed with flavor and requires just 15 minutes to make.
Pan-Seared Watermelon Steak
This Pan-Seared Watermelon Steak is made by transforming juicy watermelon into a deliciously chewy vegetarian steak with a quick sear in the pan! And topped with feta cheese and balsamic reduction, this looks as good as it tastes.
Chickpea Corn Salad with Yogurt Dressing
In need of a quick summer side dish recipe that’s filling and delicious? (I mean, how can you say no to that?) Today we’re whipping up a Chickpea Corn Salad that’s bursting with veggies and herbs, and tied together with a spiced Greek yogurt dressing.
Vegetarian Buffalo Dip
This vegetarian Buffalo Chicken Dip uses shredded oyster mushrooms to recreate your favorite tailgate dip!
Tzatziki Cucumber Salad
If you’ve ever tried the refreshing yogurt and cucumber sauce known as tzatziki, you understand how lowkey epic it is. Well this Greek Cucumber Salad is proof that seemingly simple ingredients can be combined into refreshingly creamy and tangy deliciousness.
Zucchini Corn Salad
Zucchini Corn Salad with zingy lemon and feta cheese, so simple yet so perfect. This will become your new summer go-to dish (and everyone at the 4th of July BBQ will love you).
Kombucha Float
We’re bringing back the summertime nostalgia of ice cream floats and combining it with the millennial love for kombucha! This Kombucha Float is fizzy and creamy and about to become your new favorite treat.
Frozen Blueberry Bites
These Frozen Yogurt Blueberries are a simple, healthy snack that satisfy your sweet tooth big time. Great for tiding over hungry guests until dinner is ready!
Easy Blueberry Pie
This easy Blueberry Pie recipe is packed with fresh (or frozen!) blueberries and is perfect for baking this summer!
Loaf Pan Popsicles
Wondering how to make popsicles without a mold? This DIY popsicle mold idea makes sliceable homemade loaf pan popsicles that are perfect for a crowd.
Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri
For when you’re craving a cocktail that can cool you off in the summer heat, this Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri is the answer, taking almost no time to prepare (and with just a handful of ingredients)!
Chocolate Covered Cherry Yogurt Popsicles
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Yogurt Popsicles are an easy-to-make, healthy, and tasty treat to make this summer. If you need a reason to finally break out that old popsicle mold, this is it.
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