Meat-Free BBQ: A Healthy Solution for the Old Summer Stand-By

Get Ready for the Summer With a Vegan BBQ Feast

We all love a good old-fashioned barbecue. There’s nothing quite like the grill sizzling while the kids run amok and the grown-ups sit and sip a summer cocktail and get some good catch-up in. If you are ready for a health commitment that’s good for you, and good for the planet, here’s a new twist on a classic pastime: the vegan grill.

Not sure about veganism? The BBQ is an easy and delectable way to ease into a plant-based diet. Here are some easy ideas to start with –no special skills required!

The Grilled Squash Platter

Summer squash and zucchini are abundant in the summer months. If you have a garden, or have neighbors with a garden, you probably have access to more summer squash varieties than you know what to do with. A grilled squash mix is easy to make, and tasty to eat. Also, between the greens and yellows you have part of your healthy rainbow of nutrients taken care of for the day.

I like to toss my squash in olive oil, salt, pepper, savory, and oregano. Slice your squash about an eighth of an inch thick. Toss in marinade, let it sit for just a few minutes, and get it on the grill. The oil will offer that comforting sizzle that lets you know that summer’s in full swing, while the healthy olive oil will offer you good cholesterol, rather then the bad-for-you kind.

The Portabello Burger

I think of the grilled portabello more as a steak than a burger. I like mine best cut up in strips and eaten by itself, or topped with some of my delicious Tangy Vegan Aioli. However, a nice, fresh, perfectly burger-size grilled portabello mushroom will fit a bun like they were made for each other. This is another super easy to start with option for your meatless grill.

1. Wash mushrooms (one per person), and cut the stem even with the cap.

2. The simple marinade recipe is equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. Marinate for an hour.

4. Grill for about five minutes per side. If you want to, you can get more fancy with the marinade. Add garlic and onion powder to taste. Pepper if you like a little bite. Liquid smoke if you like to add more “grill” flavor to your grilled burger.

There are many, many more meatless options to add in as you get more comfortable with your meat-free adventure, but these simple summer options are tasty, easy, and sure to please.

Oh, and that cocktail I mentioned earlier? Here’s my favorite: a Fresh Apple-Ginger Spritzer. Juice four apples and one ½ inch of ginger per person. Mix ½ glass fresh juice with ½ glass sparkling mineral water, pour over ice, and enjoy a refreshing afternoon burst of flavor. Good, and good for you.

A votre santé! (To your health!)

Lasara Firefox Allen, MPNLP, is a best-selling author, educator, activist, and coach. Wife to her True Love, and mother to two amazing young women, Lasara believes in living the life you want to create. Lasara is available for coaching and spiritual guidance.