Vegetarian Guest at BBQ

My uncle is a vegetarian and has me hooked on this easy bean and corn salad:

1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered (gently squeeze out seeds)
½ cup minced onion
2 medium cloves garlic, pressed
½ cup diced red bell pepper
2 TBS sunflower seeds
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
3 TBS fresh lemon juice
salt and black pepper to taste

This recipe can easily be doubled, and as a hint, the cilantro makes the dish if you ask me!!

Good luck and enjoy your party!

1 mom found this helpful

First, let me thank you - as a vegitarian - for putting so much thought and effort into things for your guest!

Second, there are already a lot of great responses to your question... so I'll try to be brief.

My favorite burger is the Morningstar Orginal Griller... this burger seems to cook the best in any situation - some of the others don't either do well in the microwave, on the grill, etc... this one does well no matter how you heat it up.

A vegetarian will likely not eat a burger cooked on a grill with meat - so you may want to offer to microwave the burger or at least spray some foil with cooking spray and cook it on the grill on the foil... even though it will 'get smoked' by the meat, this guest may be okay with that... the microwave is your safest option.

A cheap and easy side dish is definetly the vegetarian baked beans - most brands identify this right on the front of the label!

As for other items, there will likely already be a lot to choose from given the typical BBQ spreads of chips, mac salads, potato salads, fruit/veggie/cheese trays, etc... so don't stress!

Most likely your guest will have a snack before they come anyway, knowing their options may be limited!

Happy Memorial Day!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi Kristi... I think it is AWESOME that you are thinking of your veg guest. I've been vegetarian for 19 years and when I'm invited to a place, I usually offer to bring something that I know I can eat. I think your guest will be flattered that you've thought it through. All grocery stores have veggie burgers these days, the original garden burger is good, alot of people like boca. One tip, when you cook it on the grill, put it on foil. I personally don't like to cook veggie burgers where meat has been, but thats just me. There are many side dishes at bbq's that a vegetarian can enjoy, as you said, fruit, veggies and dip, salad, pasta salad, hummus. Have fun.

You are a kind and thoughtful hostess to provide your vegetarian guest with a "veggie burger". I am not a vegetarian, but I do not eat poultry of any kind and haven't for 25 years. In that time, I have never once expected anyone to provide me an alternative meal...I just eat everything else that is offered. I don't believe it is anyone's obligation to accommodate my personal choices.

As far as side dishes, salads are always a good option...green, pasta, potato, etc. If you are making something extra to accommodate your vegetarian guest, it might help to find out if she is vegan...there are different guidelines for vegans such as no eggs, no dairy, etc. If she is not vegan, mac & cheese is always good. All of these fit well with a bbq and your other guests will enjoy them as well.

I would hope your guest will gracefully work aroud the items they choose not to eat. I figure if I can make it through thanksgiving every year not eating turkey...your guest should certainly be able to work their way through a meal with whatever you serve - especially since you are providing them a comparable main dish.

Enjoy your BBQ!

As a vegetarian I think I can help a little.
Giant has lots of good veggie burgers, morning star, sunshine burger, amy's etc...
I do not think there is any extra work besides to try to separate the veggie burgers from the meat while cooking it so meat juice will not get on it and do not flip it with the same spatula. NExt to the burger maybe you can grill some mushrooms or zuccinis for her/him. Also, he would probably like a whole wheet burger bun better then white. Just an idea.

You can make a pasta salad as a side dish, it is easy and yummy.

I.

How about grilling veggies? I slice zucchini, eggplant, yellow squash length wise, brush on olive oil and sometimes pepper or garlic and grill on tin foil. Even non-vegetarians eat this up.Hope all goes well!

Hi Kristi,
You may want to find out what kind of vegetarian he/she is- if they eat dairy products or are strictly vegan. If dairy is OK, you have many options: tortellini salad, potatoe salad/cole slaw, hummus & pita, vegetarian baked beans, chips & salsa/7 bean dip, etc.- all vegetarian. Most of us are pretty flexible in these settings anyway so there's really no need for any special treatment. My favorite kind of burger is the original Boca burger (it is vegan so you'd be safe either way). It grills up nicely & tastes great!
Hope that helps,
P.

As a vegetarian myself, I would appreciate the fact that you had the meatless burger, veggies and fruit. It's always a pleasant surprise that someone has a few choices out that I can have. Other than that, I never want anyone to make a big deal about it. Any veggie burger in the grocery store will be nice. I prefer certain ones, but since you don't know your guest's preference, just go with making the effort. It will be appreciated. Don't stress about it and have fun at your party! D. Fletcher ____@____.com

You are so considerate!

Heinz makes Vegetarian Baked Beans which are pretty good! I add some brown sugar!

I would also try deviled eggs or pasta salad. These are things that everyone enjoys!

While I am the furthest from a vegetarian (I gotta have my cattle flesh LOL), Baked beans are a hit at a BBQ - you can make the same beans for all the guests! If you use canned, just make sure you are buying the vegetarian kind (not with bacon). The non-vegetarians won't even know the difference!

And I agree that Boca Burgers are the best.

At our picnics, in addition to what you mentioned, we often have dishes like pasta salad, grilled veggies (zucchini, yellow squash, onion, pepper), seasoned potato wedges.

Here is a super easy fruit salad recipe that I've made for a few recent gatherings that my family loved. I substitited vanilla pudding for the lemon pudding (since that is what I had on hand) and I omitted the banana. Made this way, the pudding has a sauce-like consistency.

Summer Day Salad

Ingredients
1-20 oz can pineapple tidbits
1-11 oz can mandarin oranges
1 small pkg lemon instant pudding
1 cup quartered strawberries
1 cup sliced bananas

Instructions
Drain pineapple and oranges, reserving liquid. Prepare pudding, using liquid from the fruit in place of milk. In a bowl, combine pineapple, oranges and strawberries and gently fold in pudding. Chill for at least 2 hours. Add bananas just before serving. (Makes 8-10 servings.)

Kristi,

I was a vegetarian for many years. First, let me commend you for even thinking about this guest's needs ahead of time- I have been to many BBQ's and parties where I actually brought my own veggie burgers to cook on the grill! That being said, some vegetarians are stricter than others. You may want to ask the guest if he/she minds the veggie burger being cooked on the same grill as the meat (I never cared about this, but some for some people this is really important and it makes them feel good that you thought to ask). As far as veggie burgers go, Boca burgers are excellent and grill well. You can find them in the frozen section of any grocery store. Pretty much any sides that are meatless should be fine- things like potato salad, chips and dip, veggies and dip, fruit salad, etc. If you have baked beans, maybe you can take a serving and prepare without the meat.

Good luck and have fun at your BBQ!

Okay, first of all, I think the vegetarian friend will be happy that there is even something for him/her to eat at the BBQ. You may find that they bring along something for themselves and everyone else, that's what I usually do to ensure that I don't starve at parties. If you want to be especially nice you can have your husband call or call yourself, or even send an email. Just ask what type of veggie burger he/she prefers and if there is any other dish that he/she would like. I think fruit salad, pasta salad, potato salad, vegetarian baked beans gives them enough options. Problem is that some people don't understand the difference between the different kinds of vegetarians and I would hate to see you go to alot of trouble and find out your guest is a vegan in which case it will be much more difficult to make something. Your best bet is to send a quick email or make a phone call and ask. Everyone prefers different veggie burgers, I myself don't like the Boca and neither does my sister but we love the Morningstar Farms Prime Grillers. If you are interested I also have a great taco dip recipe that no one will know is vegetarian.

I think no matter what you do the vegetarian will be glad that you tried and that you took the time to think about him/her.

Hi Kristi,

As far as veggie food goes, Garden Burger brand burgers are really good--you could also use Boca burgers (these are intended to replace meat--so they have a meaty look/feel/taste to them--i am not to into them). There are also meatless hotdogs--Morningstar is the brand. All of these things can be found at Whole Foods or Market District Giant Eagles in the freezer section.

As for etiquette--cook her food first or on a different spot as meat foods and use a different spatula.

Side dishes--there are a few good three bean style recipes that may work and veggie baked beans are an option too. Pasta salad works well too.

Hopes this helps--enjoy the day!

as a prior vegetarian i love the boca burgers as well as the gardenburgers.
as far as side dishes i think if you have fruit salad and or maybe tomatoe basil type salad that would be fine.
personally i'd be honored to know you have gone as far as to asking for advice to accomadate me as well as preparing special meals for me!! that's wonderful!
when i attened BBQ's (even at family's homes) i always brought food along with me or ate before hand.
good luck, don't worry so much!!
i just thought- ambrosio salad is always a big hit for everyone!!

Morning star veggie burgers are good. Also something like veggie skewers are good. My Mother in law is a vegetarian and eats both of these at bbq's. The only other thing I would suggest is if there was meat where you are putting the vegetarian food, clean it well. I know my MIL won't eat it if it has touched meat, but she is a hard core vegetarian.

Boca burgers and veggie/soy dogs are a great idea. Or, if you want to go a little fancier to help the guest feel better about being the odd one out, you can always try making some falafel. Now that you can get the mix in a box and only requires water, it's super easy!

Also, one side dish you can make which is always a hit in the summer is fatoush. It's a Mediterranean seasonal salad that even my four and one-year-old will eat. VERY quick and simple. Let me know if you'd like the recipe I have or just do a search for it online.

Hope this helps!

Hi Kristi!

My brother was a vegetarian and we used to eat a lot of pasta & veggie burgers and lots of veggies & fruit. I'm sure your friend will find plenty to eat if you serve those items. If you need any side dish ideas like breads & dips check out my ____@____.com/web/lsmoker We have a beer bread & spinach dip that is out of this world and very easy to make. It's always a hit at my house:)

Have fun!

L.

I would call the guest and talk to them. They may feel nervous about what they will eat or they may be used to it. I used to bring my own stuff when I was vegetarian or a dish I knew I could eat

i host a bbq every year and we always have vegetarian - even vegan - guests. serving grilled peppers and portobello mushrooms along with typical simple salads and sides has always been satisfying for our non-meat eating guests. grilled eggplant would be another nice option, too
good luck!

hi, all brands and their varieties taste different, so this guest may have a preference to one if you can have your husband find out what he/she likes. Definately keep it off the grill, it dries out (did for me) and meat juice on a burger is nasty for a vegitarian (best cooked in the oven). If you can't find out what brand to buy, Morningstar has the best burgers. I get the cheddar burgers (for a meat-like taste) and the garden vegetable for a nice veggie taste, My husband who is a meat eater, really likes the garden vegetable and will ask for it instead of his meat burger. I add romaine lettuce to it and it's perfect. So you may have other guests that may want a veggie burger too, especially if they are watching their diet, so make a few.

I want to be your friend!!! It is rare to have someone even ask what it is that I eat and they usually have items that have things in them such as gelatin, lard or broth that a non-vegetarian wouldn't even think of as off-limits for a vegetarian. So my suggestion is to look at all the ingredients or have the labels available so that your guest can look at them. I know that I do not eat chips unless I can look at what they are cooked in.

The baked beans are a great idea. Salads are always great. You can try serving hummus with veggies and pita bread---great source of protein. There are a variety of hummus flavors and it is always a hit at parties. It can usually be found in the produce section.

Have fun at your BBQ!!

I often use the Boca Bugers which are tasty and are similar to regular burgers and found just about every grocery store. Just having a vegetable and fruit platter is fine. For a "special" kick, if you have a deep fryer, slice some paper thin potatoes or sliced julienne styled potatoes and make either chips and or fries. Use veg. oil and sea salt with a dash of pepper. I don't think you need to over extend yourself here. It's just a BBQ. Vegetarians are big on soy, beans, edamamas (dried or fresh),anything really that doesn't contain any "meat". Another idea is to google this idea and you would be surprised as to what you come up with.

Enjoy your BBQ.
Mom of 4.

Hi!
What about a vegetable shish kabob? I'm thinking portabello mushrooms, onions, peppers.....That would be terrific on the grill!

Hi Kristi,
I dont eat red meat and I dont eat pork at all. I will eat some chicken but mainly seafood. So, for your vegetarian guest, a good veggie burger is Boca Burger or Garden Burger brand, in my opinion.

You could do baked potato for her or baked sweet potato, corn on the cob, potato salad, pasta salad, tomato, mozzarella and basil salad, baked beans w/ no pork in it... There are a lot of things!!!

Also, I would be sure that her burger is cooked on the grill before any meat touches it because she probably wont eat it otherwise.

Good luck!
K.

I have a brother that is vegetarian so i know how you feel. His favorite "meat" brand would be the garden burger. they also carry "hotdogs" that seem to do well. Most vegetarians i've known do not want you to make a fuss over them, and usually will eat everything but the meat products. a recipe that I've always liked is the vegetable pizza. you take a can of crossants and keep them together and flatten them on a pan like pizza crust and bake until golden brown. set that aside to cool. make the sauce with a packet of ranch dip, a packet of cream cheese, and milk to thin the cream cheese so it's spreadable. cut up vegetables like tomatoes, green onions, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. (whatever is your liking) and build like a pizza (crust, sauce, and toppings)and serve cold. this is always a big hit at my house and completely vegetarian friendly. enjoy and good luck!

Maybe pick up a box of Boca Burgers at the market. You can also buy tofu hot dogs. Baked beans would be good. Does the guest eat dairy? Or is the guest vegan? If so, how about potato salad or macaroni salad or tossed salad? Other than a veggie burger/tofu dog, baked beans fruit salad, veggie plate & baked beans & some desserts what more would you really make for a BBQ? I think most vegetarians are used to eating in situations where most are not vegetarian so I think he/she will not expect you to go to heroic efforts to accommodate!

Hi Kristi,

First let me say, as a vegetarian who frequents parties, thank you for taking the time to include us when planning your gathering!! Now, onto the question--you really don't need to do anything special. Most vegetarians can adapt to a social setting and make do with what hosts provide. That said, offering a veggie burger is a great choice. I'd recommend Amy's organics in the Chicago or Texas style. Also, Morning Star farms offer a black bean chipotle pattie that is very tasty although spicy. Both can be found in the freezer section and have instructions for cooking. Some can be tossed on the grill, some not.
As for other dishes, vegetarians try to balance just like everyone else: Protein, carbs, vegetables. Beans are a great source of protein, so go right ahead and serve baked beans (just make sure they're not processed or cooked with animal-based broths or bacon--Bush's has a vegetarian style that is quite good),or you could make a black bean and corn salad. Pasta salad, green salads, and hummus are all excellent choices. If you like to cook, there are a number of excellent websites out there that can provide you with great recipes. If your friend is like me, it won't matter what you serve, as long as you provide good company!
Hope that helps! Have fun!
D.

I'd suggest you contact this guest and ask them what would be best. You can also look up vegetarian dishes on many websites.

Hi Kristi,

So thoughtful of you to include the vegetarian's taste and who knew so many people would have ideas on this topic! I am a vegetarian as well and if you would like to get something "vegee" to grill my vote is for the Morningstar Farms brand. I have tried just about everything and I like their chick'n patties. But I wouldn't go out of your way to do anything else. That's enough and we learn to make do with what's available. Thanks for asking...

I am a vegetarian and I have to say that I am usually just thrilled that someone thinks of me when there is a barbecue! Sliced eggplant marinated in soy sauce, honey and garlic and cooked on the BBQ is really delicious, and your other guests will like it too! Throw some corn cobs husks and all on, after they are cooked everyone can peel them and enjoy.
Your guest will really appreciate if you cook the veggie stuff separate from the meaty stuff.
Steamed potatoes with soy sauce and sesame oil with chopped green onions make a great potato salad that won't spoil like mayonaise ones.
Then just cut up a whole watermelon and don't stress!

Hi, I'm the vegetarian at the bar-b-que usually. If he or she has been one for long, he/she knows to eat before they get there because they may starve!! :) You're awesome to want to oblige, but don't knock yourself out! I've had a blast at many bar b ques eating a bun and all the veggie sides. Any brand of veggie burger is yummy. Portabello burgers are yummy (just grill the mushroom instead of a burger). All the standard fruit veggie trays are fine, just make sure there's plenty, because He she may want extra helpings of those without the meaty sustenance everyone else is getting. I hate parties too, but once I get there I'm fine, and baked beans rule. There are vegetarian ones available, or even pulling the bacon out of a separate little bowl shows you are above and beyond gracious. Otherwise, they can pull it out themselves or skip the beans. Believe me, unless they are a total nuisance, they are going to enjoy your food!
a m y

Morningstar burgers are awesome. I'm not a vegetarian anymore, but I still like them. How about corn on the cob on the grill or vegi. baked beans? I would find out what type of vegi. they are, if they eat dairy or eggs.I wouldn't go crazy, just try to have food there that they definitly can eat.Good Luck!

I am and have been a vegetarian for a long time. When I am invited to a picnic I would never expect the host to provide something special for me. I think that you are very considerate for that. Once a in a while I will bring my own meatless patty, but I usually just wing it with bun with all the fixins, veggies and salads. Gardenburger"veggie patty" makes a good meatless burger, But honestly that is territory that you are unfamiliar with and she could be vegan and some meatless burgers do have bi-product. I would plan what you would for any other picnic and enjoy. Sorry to the vegetarians who expect more out of their hosts.

Personally I wouldn't think a certain brand would matter, but I would suggest your husband ask if he eats dairy or eggs as this would really limit your possibilities. I would also go to google and type in vegetarian recipes and you will be over flowing with them.

Good luck.
A.

I'm a huge fan of the veggie pizza, or veggie squares. It's a twist on the veggies and dip that's usually pretty popular. Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it:

2 pkgs. crescent rolls
2 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 c. mayonnaise
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix

assorted veggies chopped: (broccoli, carrots, black olives, green & red peppers, purple or green onions, etc.)

grated cheddar cheese

Lay crescent rolls on two 10 x 15 inch pans, push dough as far as you can stretch it. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool. Mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise and Ranch seasoning, spread evenly on top of dough. Sprinkle vegetables on top and then top with cheese. Cover with wax paper or Saran Wrap and press down firmly. Refrigerate 24 hours or overnight, cut into squares.

I've also found that it works if you use the breadstick dough that comes in the tubes as well, sometimes you can find those that are trans-fat free as opposed to the crescent rolls. And I've refrigerated if for only a few hours, or overnight and that's fine.

Good luck with the BBQ!

Hello Kristi. I am a veg and I think that the best way for you to be is normal. Vegetarians are good at finding food., you'd be surprised at how easy it tends to be to get by.
This said, some good recommendations that all ofyour guests mght like are salsa and guacamole--yummy veggie stuff! hummus with pita wedges (very easily bought at store--no prep)

the best brand of veggie burger i have found are the MORNING STAR brand. DON'T GET BOCA BURGERS!! they just don't taste good. really anything by this brand is good--especially the morningstar grillers.

just one more tip. your traditional baked beans could easily be substituted with vegetarian baked beans-bush's makes great veg baked beans. i grew up n a meat and potatoes family and my mother switched to these for me and some other family members and we all love them.

Good luck! and don't go crazy over it. like i said, we find things to keep us happy, happily!

Kristi - how great of you to consider your guest!! I haven't had red meat since 2002 and when I go to parties, I plan on my options being limited. If your guest is not a vegan, how about macaroni and cheese? Potatoes are good any way they come, too. Hope the BBQ's a success!

Hi Kristi!
I prefer the Boca line of products as do my kids. We eat them for dinner on several occasions. Something that I make for parties, since I am now encountering more and more "picky" people, is a simple pasta salad that I threw together. You can use any sort of pasta (rotini, shells etc). Steam some carrots and broccoli so they are still crisp (I put them in the micro for about 3 mins with 1tbsp water). Halve some cherry tomatoes. Mix the pasta & veggies with Italian dressing. I like to use Wegman's fat free Parmesan Italian for some extra flavor. THe salad goes over well and is VERY quick. You have to adjust all the ingredients to the size batch that you make. I usually add enough veggies to make it colorful.

Etiquette wise, I have really encountered that these "picky" people don't expect people to cater to them. They come and search out what they will eat and they make due with what is there.

I am a meat and potatoes sort of girl myself, so goodluck!

A.