Can you believe it’s already almost Memorial Day? Celebrated every year on the last Monday in May, this is the day we remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and grilling season. It’s time to get out the grill, set out the lawn chairs and picnic tables and start inviting friends and family to a bunch of picnics, cookouts, and potlucks.

For a holiday that is traditionally celebrated with meat- and dairy-filled dishes, you may need a few ideas for your plant-based cookout. Check out 15 Delicious Comfort Food Ideas for Your Memorial Day Weekend Celebration, 10 Bangin’ Vegan Dishes to Bring to Your Memorial Day Celebration, and 50 Jaw-Dropping Vegan-Friendly BBQ and Grilling Recipes. If that’s not enough, we have 25 more delicious dishes from the Food Monster App, including sides and desserts, for your awesome Memorial Day cookout.

1. Iceberg Wedge Salad With Shiitake Bacon

Source: Iceberg Wedge Salad With Shiitake Bacon

Go retro with this Iceberg Wedge Salad With Shiitake Bacon by the Cruelty Free Family. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time when you cut into this wedge of crunchy iceberg lettuce topped with Shiitake mushroom “bacon” and cashew-based blue cheese dressing. Put out a platter of these little salads for your first summer cookout.

2. Sandwich Cake

Source: Sandwich Cake

Big sandwiches are great for get-togethers. Instead of getting a long sub to divide up among the guests, try this Sandwich Cake instead by Maria Loghin. This particular sandwich cake has layers of avocado, spinach paste, tofu, sprouts, and roasted peppers. It slices like a cake, which means you can have another piece for dessert.

3. Pesto Potato Salad

Source: Pesto Potato Salad

Add some pizzazz to the usual ho-hum white potato salad by making this Pesto Potato Salad by Buffy Ellen-Gill. In addition to potatoes, this salad has chickpeas and green beans, so it’s packed with protein. Tossed in a fresh herb pesto that also features salty capers, this potato salad shows how easy it is to be green.

4. Cashew Ricotta Chocolate Sponge Cake

Source: Cashew Ricotta Chocolate Sponge Cake

This Cashew Ricotta Chocolate Sponge Cake by Nele Liivlaid is the reason you will never eat store-bought cake again. Between the three layers of this oil-free cake, a buckwheat-cashew ricotta is alternated with a rich and chocolatey cream frosting. The layers are made of soaked buckwheat and millet, thus making the sponge cake gluten-free. Superfoods matcha and turmeric give the cake it’s festive green and yellow colors. Top with berries to make it even more fabulous.

5. Cold Curried Cauliflower

Source: Cold Curried Cauliflower

Cold salads are always a hit at cookouts and this Cold Curried Cauliflower by Cara Carin is a change from the usual salads. Roasted cauliflower, golden raisins, and roasted almonds are tossed in a curry vinaigrette that brings a little bit of heat to this cold dish.

6. Beet Hummus Bites

Source: Beet Hummus Bites

These Beet Hummus Bites by Rekka Bell are more than just pretty — they’re delicious. Roasted beet hummus, black olives, and arugula salad tucked into homemade bamboo charcoal tortillas. The beet hummus is earthy and garlicky and the tortillas are really easy to make. Serve these at a party and you’ll most likely catch everyone snapping food photos before devouring.

7. Lentil Burger With Mustard Sauce

Source: Lentil Burgers With Mustard Sauce

Every cookout has to have burgers and these Lentil Burgers With Mustard Sauce by Florian Nouh will be the star of the show. With just four ingredients, these are a cinch to make. The combination of earthy flavor from the lentils, the touch of sweetness from the raisins, and the nutty walnuts, make this a unique veggie burger you will fall in love with instantly. The zesty mustard sauce makes this burger even better!

8. Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Source: Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Listen carefully: Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ice Cream by Azucena Noriega. Is there any part of that name that doesn’t have your mouth watering? Made from cashews and almond milk, this ice cream is about as creamy as you can get when it comes to frozen desserts. There’s rich vanilla flavor with bites of chocolate chip peanut butter cookie dough throughout. You won’t be able to wait for dessert knowing this ice cream is on the menu.

9. Carrot Hot Dogs

Source: Carrot Hot Dogs

Besides burgers, every cookout needs hot dogs. There’s no need to buy veggie dogs when you can make these Carrot Hot Dogs by Casey Muir Taylor. The marinade gives the carrots that smoky flavor you know and love. Add your favorite toppings and no one will know they’re eating a carrot. We won’t tell either.

10. Sweet and Spicy Mango Kebabs

Source: Raw Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Mango Kebabs

Think you have to miss out on barbecues if you’re trying to eat more raw foods? Not with these Raw Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Mango Kebabs by Amanda Nicole Smith! Mango, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions are sliced and tossed in a blend of barbecue spices, then dehydrated. They’re raw, spicy, sweet, and chewy and great and show that you can have raw meat at a cookout when it’s mango meat.

11. Spicy Tomato Tahini Spiralized Salad

Source: Spicy Tomato Tahini Spiralized Salad

Spiralized veggies are wonderful for when you want something tasty and easy to make. This Spicy Tomato Tahini Spiralized Salad by Harriet Emily is not only delicious but it makes a pretty presentation. Zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers are julienned and topped with a dollop of lentils and a zesty tomato tahini dressing. Top this dish with pumpkin seeds for an added crunch!

12. No-Bake Lemon Tart

Source: No-Bake Lemon Tart

Citrusy and light, this No-Bake Lemon Tart by Jana Kastner is the ideal dessert for those hot summer days when you’re craving something sweet, but not too heavy. Creamy lemon filling is poured into a buckwheat-based crust and then put in the freezer to set. This recipe requires no actual baking, so you’re free to set everything up and then go about your day as it turns into a delicious dessert in your freezer. Yum!

13. Curried Chickpea Salad Wrap

Source: Curried Chickpea Salad Wraps

Wraps are great utensil-free cookout dishes. These Curried Chickpea Salad Wraps by Jennifer Harmon are sweet, spicy, savory, chewy, and crunchy all at the same time. The peanuts give it a nice crunch while the curry sauce coats the chickpeas for loads of flavor in each bite. Adding peanut butter to the curry sauce adds a creamy element while still having the sweet and spicy curried deliciousness you know and love.

14. Smoky Barbecue Potato Salad

Source: Smoky Barbecue Potato Salad

This Smoky Barbecue Potato Salad by Alix Niblett isn’t your classic potato salad recipe. Potatoes along with tofu, carrots, celery, onions, and jalapeño are tossed in a barbecue sauce vinaigrette. Crunchy and spicy, serve this at your cookout and we guarantee this potato salad will disappear long before all the veggie burgers do.

15. Raw Banana Split Ice Cream Cake

Source: Raw Banana Split Ice Cream Cake

This Raw Banana Split Ice Cream Cake by Chantelle Zakariasen is like having two favorite desserts in one incredible bite. It’s loaded with all the best things — vanilla bean, cacao, nuts, hemp seeds, young coconut meat, berries, and of course, bananas! From birthday parties to backyard barbecues, this decadent cake is sure to be a hit.

16. Loaded Baked Potato With Carrot Bacon

Source: Loaded Baked Potato With Carrot Bacon

This Loaded Baked Potato With Carrot Bacon from the Cruelty Free Family is a healthy twist on the usual potatoes that are packed with butter, sour cream and bacon. Just a few swap-outs like vegan butter, a cashew-based sour cream, and carrot bacon, and you can feel good about indulging in this fully loaded yumminess.

17. Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Source: Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Nothing’s more fun at a cookout than personal-sized pizzas on the grill. This Cauliflower Crust Pizza by Tiana Haines is a sneaky way to get veggies into your diet. The veggie crust is soft and crumbly, and the herbs and toppings are light and fresh. Let everyone add their own toppings and you have a pizza party like no other.

18. Skillet Eggplant and BBQ Mushroom Tacos

Source: Skillet Eggplant and BBQ Mushroom Tacos

Who doesn’t love tacos? No one we know. These Skillet Eggplant and BBQ Mushroom Tacos by Emma D’Alessandro are the tastiest ones you’ve ever had. These tangy and savory tacos include meaty eggplant slices and mushrooms, onion, avocado, and an amazingly flavorful barbecue sauce! Whip these up in 30 minutes with your favorite fixings and watch them disappear.

19. Beet and Black Bean Burgers

Source: Beet and Black Bean Burgers

Get ready for warmer weather with these hearty Beet and Black Bean Burgers by Veronica and Amy Pearce. Beets give them their gorgeous pink color and earthy flavor while freshly cooked black beans add a meaty texture. Serve these topped with sprouts, fried onion, and mushrooms with sweet potato fries on the side. These will be a cookout favorite.

20. Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Source: Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Any good cook has a secret barbecue sauce and this Rhubarb BBQ Sauce by Emily Brees can be yours. This rhubarb barbecue sauce is tart, savory, and can be used on burgers, sandwiches, or tofu. Baste it over your kebabs or marinate jackfruit in this sauce for a super flavorful, vegan pulled pork sandwich. Don’t worry, we won’t give your secret away.

21. Pitaya Raspberry Chocolate Popsicles

Source: Pitaya Raspberry Chocolate Popsicles

The weather is getting warmer but don’t wait to make these Pitaya Raspberry Chocolate Popsicles by Lena Ksanti. What could be better than frozen raspberries dipped into chocolate? Absolutely nothing. The puffed amaranth on top adds crunch and makes them extra adorable. These are so pretty and easy to make, you’ll make them all summer long.

22. Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Salad

Source: Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Salad

This Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Salad from Crazy Vegan Kitchen is full of zesty flavor, thanks to the cumin sumac dressing. Roasted cauliflower and sweet potato are mixed with fresh spinach and pomegranate seeds, and then tossed with a dressing made from apple cider vinegar, sumac, and pomegranate molasses. The addition of pomegranate seeds adds a burst of sweetness that complements the roasted vegetables.

23. Veggie Coleslaw With Avocado Mayo and Cashew Sour Cream

Source: Veggie Coleslaw With Avocado Mayo and Cashew Sour Cream

Cole slaw made with regular mayo can easily be swapped with this delicious and creamy Veggie Coleslaw With Avocado Mayo and Cashew Sour Cream by Margaret. The richness of the avocado and the nuttiness of the cashews give this coleslaw the same consistency as the traditional version, but it’s healthier and you won’t have to worry about it being outside in the sun.

24. Roasted Corn and Tomato Salad With Tarragon Dressing

Source: Roasted Corn and Tomato Salad With Tarragon Dressing

This Roasted Corn and Tomato Salad With Tarragon Dressing by Alena Grahn is going to be a summer favorite. This salad is chock full of fresh and in-season ingredients like radishes, celery, tomatoes, and of course, corn. A bit of habanero is added to the corn for an extra zing. Drizzle it with tarragon dressing for a truly unique combination of flavors.

25. Raw Strawberry and Kiwi Tart

Source: Raw Strawberry and Kiwi Tart

Welcome in summer with this Raw Strawberry and Kiwi Tart by Jessica Meyers Altman. Sweet and creamy cashew cream sit on a crumbly pecan crust. It’s then decorated with fresh strawberries and kiwis to create a dessert that’s vibrantly colored and picturesque. Although strawberries and kiwis are a winning combination, you can also decorate these with any kind of fruit tart.

Memorial Day is a somber occasion to remember those who gave their lives in service to this great country. It’s also a day of celebration to welcome in the summer months. These recipes will make any cookout a festive and delicious get-together.

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 20,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

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