10 Plant-Based Memorial Day Recipes

Be inspired to enjoy a healthy, yet delicious outdoor meal for Memorial Day, thanks to this collection of top plant-based (vegan) recipes.

Memorial Day marks the first summer holiday, as kids are released from school, days turn warm, and the long holiday weekend means fun and relaxation. It’s the perfect time to get to cooking healthy, light and lovely, open-air dishes, such as this collection of my favorite recipes that I like to serve at my own table over the summer holidays. I’m including 10 Plant-Based Memorial Day Recipes in every category to inspire you. Enjoy a relaxing weekend with your friends and family.

Eat and Live the Goodness,

Sharon

10 Plant-Based Memorial Day Recipes

Rosé Sangria Sparkler

This pretty in pink Rosé Sangria Sparkler looks gorgeously elaborate, but it’s anything but. Just slice some fruit into a pitcher with a bottle of rosé wine, let the flavors meld together, then add some sparkling mineral water to create a nice, light effervescent pop. This drink is light in sugar and alcohol, but heavy on aroma and flavor, making it the perfect party drink.

Chickpea Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Hummus

Everyone loves a good, flavorful creamy hummus at a gathering, right? This classic recipe enjoys the vibrant flavor with sun-dried tomatoes added to the mix. Serve it up with whole grain pita or crackers, and fresh spring veggies as an appetizer or spread for your veggie burger.

Grilled Lemon Cilantro Shishito Peppers 

Bring the beauty of poppable, grilled Shishito peppers to your table with these sweet, mildly hot peppers. These little mini peppers are just the right amount of crunchy, sweet, and mildly hot. They are absolutely wonderful roasted or grilled as an appetizer or side-dish for your holiday menu. I picked up a bag of Shishito peppers from the farmers market this weekend, and couldn’t wait to roast these sweet, mildly hot peppers on the grill in this simple plant-based recipe for Grilled Lemon Cilantro Shishito Peppers. I get so excited when shishitos are in season! These little mini peppers are just the right amount of crunchy, sweet, and mildly hot. They are absolutely wonderful roasted or grilled as an appetizer or side-dish.

Mississippi Caviar 

I just love this hearty, colorful appetizer dip, that is so good you can eat it by the spoonful!

Confetti Potato Salad 

Want to serve a classic, comfort food potato salad with a healthy crunch for your party menu? Then you’ll love my sunny, colorful, nutritious, and delicious potato salad. Watch everyone lap it up! The colors of veggies—carrots, peppers, herbs, red onions—shine right through in this light Confetti Potato Salad, which is completely gluten-free to boot. I have served this at countless outdoor picnics and summer parties, and always get requests for this recipe, which is why I put it on the blog a few years ago. With a vegan, yet flavorful creamy mustard-mayo dressing, this fluffy, creamy potato salad is as delicious and luscious as it is pretty.

Tuscan Asparagus Fennel Farro Salad

If you’re looking for a different take on a salad for your menu, you’ll love the crunchy, nutty taste of farro in this grain salad. This ancient wheat, which has its roots in Tuscany, is rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and even phytochemicals. This cool, hearty recipe for Tuscan Asparagus Fennel Farro Salad has all of the flavors of the Tuscan countryside: fennel, onion, olive oil, lemons, pine nuts. Plus a springy addition of asparagus livens this salad right up!

Tex-Mex Sorghum Chili

This chili relies upon the flavorful combination of hearty sorghum, which grows readily in Texas, as well as black beans, corn, peppers, onions, celery, and seasonings. Serve it with tortilla chips, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro to bring out even more delicious flavors.

Spicy Sorghum Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers

If you’re looking for a new take on veggie burgers for your holiday menu, then give these spicy, sweet sorghum sweet potato burgers a try! Based on the power of black beans, whole grain sorghum, bell pepper, almond flour, and spices, these Spicy Sorghum Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers just shine with flavor and nutrition. Let your guests build their burgers just the way they like with toppings.

Grilled Spicy Sesame Tofu 

Serve this easy recipe for Grilled Spicy Sesame Tofu as a hearty grilled entree. Mix up a marinade of sesame, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, red chili, and seaweed to flavor firm tofu, then grill it, allowing the surfaces to caramelize and gain a little crispness.

Rustic White Peach Pecan Tart 

This simple fruit-forward Rustic White Peach Pecan Tart celebrates one of nature’s best fruits, stone fruit. White peaches are subtly sweet, and oh-so delicately colored a pale white-pink by nature. In this simple, serene dessert, the pastry is made of whole wheat fillo dough brushed with vegan margarine, creating layers of crisp, melt-in-your mouth golden pastry.

For other recipes perfect for Memorial Day, check out these:

Grilled Peaches with Basil
Herbed Grilled Vegetables
Red Raspberry Crumble Bars
Radish Jicama Salad with Lemon Cumin Vinaigrette
Beet White Bean Hummus
Smoky Rosemary Snack Mix