When we think of meals prepared on a grill, we immediately think of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, and more. But that doesn’t mean only meat-lovers can enjoy a barbecue party!

Are you a vegetarian or want to host a barbecue party where some vegetarian friends will be present? If so, you’ll need grilled vegetarian meal ideas to prepare your menu ahead of time.

Just keep in mind that it’s best to cook vegetarian meals on a clean portion of your grill. Perhaps you might want to cook on separate gas grills. That’s because many vegetarians wouldn’t appreciate knowing that their food touched some meat.

Here are nine grilled vegetarian meal ideas:

Idea #1: Grilled potatoes

Like corn on the cob, potatoes make great side dishes for a barbecue meal, and everyone can enjoy them. Some of the following grilled vegetarian meal ideas might attract even meat-lovers, so be sure to prepare at least a few more than what you need.

To bake potatoes on your grill, simply prick them a few times with a fork, brush them with olive oil, and wrap them in aluminum foil. Cook them on a hot grill for at least 45 minutes.

Idea #2: Seasoned tofu

Did you know that tofu was perfect for grilling on the barbecue? This versatile source of protein absorbs the flavour of anything you put on it, which means you can let it marinate in your favourite combination of sauce and spices for at least a few hours before cooking it on your grill.

You can also season some tofu cubes with the salad dressing of your choice and add them to veggie skewers.

Idea #3: Grilled mushroom burgers

Of course, you can buy veggie burger patties and place them on your grill. Or you can make your patties by grilling some mushrooms. Large portobello mushrooms are perfect for this purpose, as you can season them and cook them directly on your grill.

Vegetarians can then complete their mushroom burgers with their choice of toppings, whether it’s sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, ketchup, or a delicious sauce you have prepared yourself.

Idea #4: Stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are also delicious when cooked on the grill. Once again, large portobello mushrooms are perfect for stuffing, although it’s possible to stuff smaller mushrooms as well.

You can combine breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and spices for the stuffing. You could also consider breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped onions and peppers. How about improvising your stuffing recipe with the cheese and the veggies of your choice?

Idea #5: Grilled veggie skewers

Veggie skewers are perfect not only for vegetarians but also for those who eat meat. And they are really easy to prepare, as you can simply chop cubes of any vegetables you have, marinate them in salad dressing or olive oil, and place them on skewers.

You can also add tofu cubes or cubes of halloumi cheese or paneer cheese, which can be grilled without turning into a gooey mess.

Alternatively, you can prepare veggie packets by wrapping your vegetables in aluminum foil and seasoning them with olive oil, herbs and spices.

Idea #6: Grilled eggplant

Like tofu, eggplant easily absorbs flavours and can make a great meat substitute. You could simply grill two slices of eggplant and use them to make a sandwich complete with a slice of tomato and some goat cheese.

It’s also possible to marinate eggplant slices with any sauce of your choice and add spices and herbs to create a delicious and hearty grilled vegetarian meal.

Idea #7: Grilled Ceasar salad

Who said green salad couldn’t be grilled? Hearts of romaine acquire a wonderful smokey flavour when they are cooked on the grill, and you can use them to make a delicious Ceasar salad with vegetarian salad dressing, crispy croutons, and parmesan cheese.

Be sure to prepare enough for everyone, as even your friends who are not vegetarians are going to love this grilled version of a classic salad.

Idea #8: Grilled pizza

Preparing pizza on a grill is a great idea since you don’t need to use your oven to heat your kitchen in the middle of a hot summer. Look for vegetarian pizza at the grocery store, whether frozen or fresh.

You can also prepare your vegetarian pizza and top it with ingredients you know your vegetarian friends will love.

Be sure to place your pizza on a pizza pan if you don’t want the dough or the melted cheese to fall between the grates of your grill.

Idea #9: Grilled fruit

For dessert, everyone at your barbecue party can enjoy this wonderful vegetarian dessert: grilled fruit. Watermelon, pineapple, apples, peaches and bananas will all be even more juicy and delicious when cooked on a grill.

You can eat them on their own or serve them with ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or pound cake. You are sure to make everyone happy with this sweet dessert!