Unforgettable Vegan & Gluten-Free Memorial Day Recipes: Your Ultimate Plant-Based Cookout Guide

Discover an incredible collection of vegan and gluten-free mains, delectable side dishes, and irresistible no-bake desserts, all perfectly crafted for your plant-based cookout or BBQ this summer!

This past weekend, I embarked on a new adventure: my very first tent camping trip. It was an experience filled with unexpected delights and a few lessons learned, especially about nature’s own symphony.

The first night was an exercise in patience. I barely slept, tossing and turning on our air mattress, genuinely surprised by how incredibly loud nature could be. Every rustle, every chirp, every distant hoot seemed amplified in the stillness of the night. It was a stark contrast to my usual city sounds.

By the second night, something shifted. Perhaps I grew more accustomed to the symphony of the wild, or maybe sheer exhaustion finally took over. Whatever the reason, I found a deep, restful sleep, feeling more at ease in my new, temporary surroundings.

Leading up to the trip, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Having never camped as a child, I had always assumed it simply wasn’t my kind of thing. I envisioned discomfort, bugs, and a general lack of amenities. But, oh, how wonderfully wrong I was!

I absolutely adored it. There was something profoundly grounding about sitting around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and laughter with friends who feel like family. We savored chili reheated over a camp cooktop, watching the flames dance and lick at the wooden logs, casting a warm, comforting glow. I felt completely unplugged from the digital world, yet paradoxically, utterly recharged by the simple beauty of nature and the strong sense of community.

And because this was my inaugural proper camping trip, it also marked my first-ever authentic s’mores experience. My friend Anna, a seasoned pro, patiently demonstrated the art of perfectly browning the marshmallow on all sides. Then came the magical moment: smushing that gooey, toasted cloud onto a square of rich dark chocolate, nestled between two crisp graham crackers. Pure bliss! We even captured my post-s’mores smile in a photo, eyes closed in marshmallow rapture, a perfect memento of the moment.

With all the excitement and new memories from my camping adventure, I almost let the upcoming Memorial Day weekend slip my mind. But rest assured, I’ve put together something special for you! In this comprehensive Memorial Day Recipe Round-Up post, I’m thrilled to share an assortment of my absolute favorite vegan and gluten-free recipes, perfect for any summer cookout or BBQ celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a smaller, intimate get-together, these plant-based options are designed to impress. You can effortlessly mix and match these delightful mains, flavorful sides, irresistible no-bake desserts, savory dips, and refreshing drinks to craft your very own personalized and unforgettable cookout menu!

Irresistible Sides for Your Cookout Spread

No Memorial Day cookout is complete without a fantastic array of side dishes. These plant-based and gluten-free options are not only incredibly delicious but also perfect for feeding a crowd and bringing vibrant flavors to your table. From creamy salads to grilled veggies, these sides are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Easy Vegan Potato Salad: This classic cookout staple gets a delightful plant-based makeover, featuring tender Yukon potatoes and a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables generously coated in a rich, creamy vegan mayonnaise dressing. It’s an absolute must-have for any summer gathering, offering that familiar comfort food taste without any dairy or eggs. Plus, its flavors meld beautifully when prepared in advance, making it the perfect stress-free addition to your Memorial Day spread.

Vegan Maple Baked Beans: Bring the authentic taste of summer to your plate with these easy-to-make vegan baked beans. Crafted with wholesome navy beans and simple seasonings, they’re naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This hearty and flavorful side dish is incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal, fuss-free accompaniment to any plant-based BBQ.

Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw with Cherries: Elevate your coleslaw game with this refreshingly creamy and vibrant plant-based version, completely free of oil and dairy. A delightful mix of crisp cabbage and shredded carrots is tossed in a light, tangy almond milk yogurt dressing, punctuated by juicy pops of sweet pineapple and chewy dried cherries. It’s a beautifully balanced side that offers a refreshing crunch and a burst of unique flavors, perfect for brightening up any cookout.

Vegetable Kabobs with Spicy Lime Yogurt: These visually stunning rainbow kabobs are a fantastic way to enjoy the bounty of summer vegetables. Skewered and grilled to perfection, they’re served alongside a quick-mix, zesty spicy lime yogurt sauce that adds a refreshing kick. They’re not only easy to prepare but also a healthy and colorful addition to your grilling menu, offering a delightful char and tender bite with every piece.

1-Bowl Hummus Pasta Salad: Simplify your cookout preparations with this incredibly easy pasta salad, all made in just one bowl! It combines your favorite creamy hummus with hearty legume pasta, briny Kalamata olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber. This versatile dish is hearty enough to serve as a satisfying plant-based main or a flavorful side, making it a convenient and delicious option for any casual gathering.

Vegetable Pasta Salad (Grain-Free): For a lighter, healthier twist on a classic, try this vibrant grain-free pasta salad. It’s absolutely packed with fresh, finely chopped vegetables and gluten-free chickpea pasta, all tossed in a delicate balsamic dressing. This refreshing and nutritious salad is perfect for healthy summer lunches or as a light, yet satisfying side dish that caters to various dietary preferences.

Corn, Tomato, & Avocado Salad with Zoodles: Embrace the freshness of summer with this effortlessly prepared raw salad. It features sweet corn kernels, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and delicate zucchini noodles, all simply dressed for a light and bright flavor profile. Completely oil-free and bursting with natural goodness, it serves as a wonderful, nutritious side dish that’s perfect for warm weather dining.

Oil-Free Rosemary Three Bean Salad: This easy-to-make three-bean salad is a timeless classic, reimagined to be entirely oil-free while still bursting with flavor. It combines cannellini beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas in a zesty, tangy apple cider vinegar dressing infused with aromatic rosemary. This hearty and refreshing salad is fantastic for potlucks and picnics, offering a wholesome and satisfying addition to any outdoor meal.

Hearty Plant-Based Mains for a Satisfying BBQ

These creative and flavorful main dishes prove that a plant-based cookout can be just as satisfying, if not more so, than any traditional BBQ. From savory burgers to stuffed vegetables, these options are designed to be the star of your Memorial Day meal, offering diverse tastes and textures that everyone will love, all while being completely vegan and gluten-free.

Carrot Hot Dogs with Japanese Yam “Buns”: Experience a truly unique and delicious veg-centric take on the classic hot dog, completely vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free! Marinated carrot “hot dogs” are nestled inside naturally sweet and earthy baked Japanese yam “buns.” This innovative dish offers a fun, healthy, and flavorful alternative that’s sure to be a conversation starter at your Memorial Day gathering.

Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Zesty Lime Tahini: Celebrate the best of strawberry season and fresh spring vegetables with this light, bright, and utterly delicious one-bowl quinoa salad. It features tender quinoa, juicy strawberries, and crisp greens, all brought together with a vibrant, oil-free lime tahini dressing that adds a zesty, creamy finish. Perfect as a refreshing main dish or a substantial side, it embodies the flavors of summer.

Sweet Potato Veggie Burger Sliders: Get creative with these innovative plant-based sliders, where sweet potato slices serve as the naturally gluten-free “buns.” Stacked with savory Hilary’s Eat Well veggie burgers and your favorite toppings, these sliders offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. They’re a fun, bite-sized option for your cookout that caters to both vegan and gluten-free diets, making them incredibly inclusive.

Tempeh Burgers with Portobello Mushroom Buns: For a truly hearty and flavorful plant-based burger, try these marinaded tempeh patties served between large, savory portobello mushroom “buns.” Dressed with all your classic burger toppings, this dish offers a robust and satisfying experience. It’s the perfect gluten-free and vegan alternative for summer grilling, delivering deep, umami flavors without compromise.

Hummus Stuffed Zucchini Boats: These delightful zucchini boats are baked to perfection with all the vibrant fixings of a Greek mezze platter. They’re generously filled with creamy hummus, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, sharp red onion, and crunchy pine nuts. Light yet satisfying, these versatile boats can be enjoyed as a refreshing light snack, a wholesome meal, or an elegant appetizer for any summer gathering.

Dips & Spreads to Delight Every Palate

No cookout is complete without a variety of delicious dips and spreads to complement your mains and sides. These vegan and gluten-free options are bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for serving with crackers, fresh vegetables, or even as a topping for your grilled favorites. They’re easy to prepare and designed to please a crowd.

Cherry Tomato Salsa: This incredibly fresh, homemade salsa is a celebration of summer’s bounty, crafted with sweet, bursting cherry tomatoes. Enjoy it as a vibrant dip with your favorite grain-free crackers, or spoon it generously over tacos, burritos, and bowls for an instant burst of fresh flavor. Its bright acidity and natural sweetness make it an essential accompaniment to any festive meal.

Easy Raw Cashew Cheese & Rose: Indulge in this effortlessly creamy vegan cheese dip, made from nutrient-rich cashews, bright lemon, pungent garlic, and savory nutritional yeast. Its rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture make it perfect for dipping crisp vegetables, sturdy crackers, or even fresh fruit. This versatile dip is a sophisticated addition to any appetizer spread, showcasing how delicious plant-based can be.

Date-Sweetened Dark Chocolate Hummus: Experience a unique and delightful treat with this five-ingredient dark chocolate hummus, naturally sweetened with luscious dates. Its rich, decadent flavor is perfectly paired with crisp apple chips for a wholesome snack, fresh fruit for a healthier dessert, or spread on toast for a luxurious breakfast. It’s a surprisingly versatile and utterly delicious plant-based indulgence.

Delectable Desserts – No Oven Required!

Cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth with these incredible vegan and gluten-free no-bake desserts. Perfect for hot summer days, these treats require minimal effort and no oven, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without heating up your kitchen. From creamy ice creams to fruity tarts, these desserts are the perfect sweet ending to your Memorial Day cookout.

No-Churn Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream: Whip up this incredibly simple five-ingredient vegan ice cream, crafted with rich coconut milk, creamy cashews, pure maple syrup, and decadent cacao. Stir in generous handfuls of chopped dark chocolate chunks for an added textural crunch and intense chocolate flavor. It’s a delightful, homemade frozen treat that requires no special equipment and is perfect for a warm summer day.

Cashew Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries: These light and easy stuffed strawberries are an elegant yet simple summer dessert. Fresh, juicy strawberries are generously filled with a homemade cashew cheesecake whip, offering a creamy, tangy contrast to the fruit’s sweetness. They’re a naturally beautiful and refreshing treat, perfect for a sweet summer side or a charming, guilt-free indulgence.

Frozen Fruit Kabobs: Keep cool with these vibrant and refreshing fruit kabobs! Skewers are loaded with your favorite red, white, and blue fruits – think strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices – then frozen until perfectly chilled and drizzled with melted dark chocolate. They’re an ideal healthy and fun treat, especially festive for Fourth of July celebrations but equally delightful for any summer gathering.

5-Ingredient Raw Strawberries ‘N’ Cream Tarts: Indulge in these incredibly simple and refreshing strawberry tarts, made with just five wholesome ingredients. They feature a delicious date-nut crust, a creamy coconut cream filling, and a topping of fresh, ripe strawberries. These tarts are an exquisite, no-bake option that delivers on both flavor and elegance, perfect for a light summer dessert.

Pineapple Sorbet: Beat the heat with this incredibly easy two-ingredient pineapple sorbet. Made with just frozen pineapple and a splash of coconut milk, it’s naturally sweet with no added sugar, offering a pure and vibrant tropical flavor. This wholesome and refreshing treat is perfect for a healthy warm-weather cool-down, providing a burst of sunshine in every scoop.

Coconut Quinoa No Bakes: Discover a delightful twist on classic no-bake cookies with this coconut quinoa version! Easily made on the stovetop, these treats combine flaky coconut, rich cacao, creamy peanut butter, and cooked quinoa for a uniquely satisfying texture and flavor. They’re a quick, wholesome, and incredibly delicious dessert that requires absolutely no baking, perfect for a speedy sweet fix.

Paleo Cashew Butter Chocolate Chip Fudge: Indulge in this ridiculously easy two-ingredient chocolate fudge, made with smooth cashew butter and decadent melted dark chocolate. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, stir in additional dark chocolate chunks. This clean and wholesome dessert is surprisingly rich and satisfying, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary treats.

No-Bake S’mores Cups: Experience the joy of s’mores without the need for a campfire with these inventive no-bake cups! They feature a delicious oat-date crust, a rich dark chocolate center, and a fluffy cashew marshmallow top. This vegan and gluten-free dessert captures all the nostalgic flavors of s’mores in a convenient, individual serving, perfect for any gathering.

5-Ingredient Chocolate Tarts (No-Bake!): These incredibly easy no-bake chocolate tarts are a showstopper with minimal effort. They start with a simple date-nut-cacao crust, filled with a luscious two-ingredient chocolate ganache. Top them with fresh berries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant, decadent dessert that will have everyone swooning.

Dark Chocolate S’mores Bars: Take your s’mores experience to the next level with these decadent layered vegan s’mores bars. They feature a delightful date-almond crust, a rich dairy-free chocolate ganache, and a perfectly toasted marshmallow layer on top. These bars offer a sophisticated yet fun twist on the classic, making them an ideal dessert for any summer celebration or cookout.

Refreshing Drinks to Quench Your Thirst

No cookout is complete without some deliciously refreshing beverages to sip on while enjoying the company and the warm weather. These plant-based drink recipes are easy to whip up and offer a delightful way to stay hydrated and cool. From fruity sangrias to sparkling spritzers, there’s something here to elevate your Memorial Day refreshment station.

Strawberry Sangria: This incredibly refreshing strawberry sangria is perfect for impromptu summer entertaining, mixed up right on the spot. It features juicy oranges and sweet strawberries, infused with a lively kombucha flair for a unique, tangy twist. This vibrant drink is ideal for outdoor gatherings, offering a delicious and slightly effervescent way to celebrate the season.

Cherry Berry Spritzers: Quench your thirst with these delightful and incredibly refreshing four-ingredient cherry berry spritzers. Naturally sweetened with dates, they’re bursting with fruity flavor and can be ready to sip in just about 10 minutes. These vibrant and sweet drinks are the perfect cooling companion for any warm summer day, offering a burst of natural goodness with every sip.

I hope this extensive collection of vegan and gluten-free recipes inspires your Memorial Day celebrations and all your summer cookouts to come! Creating delicious, inclusive meals is a joy, and these recipes are designed to bring people together over incredible plant-based food.

If you decide to make anything from this Memorial Day Recipe Round Up, I would absolutely love to hear from you and see your beautiful creations! Please give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to share your culinary masterpieces with our growing community. Your enthusiasm truly brightens my day!

For even more fantastic plant-based recipe ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out my other popular recipe round-ups. Explore my Vegan & Gluten-Free Appetizer Round Up for delightful starters, and my Vegan Meal Prep Recipe Round Up for easy, healthy planning throughout the week!

You can also visit my Pinterest page to pin more delicious recipes like these to save for later, ensuring you always have a wealth of plant-based inspiration at your fingertips.

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Happy cooking and happy Memorial Day!

XO Lauren