07 Jun Summer Cookouts: What To Do When A Vegan Shows Up!

Summer time is synonymous with pool parties and cooking outside. Because it’s too hot to do anything else. So, you have the perfect BBQ planned….and a vegan shows up. Don’t panic! There are plenty of options for those guests who have special diets.

If you are someone who only knows carnivores, stop here and read this blog instead!

For those of you who are still reading, here’s what you need to know to throw the best summer cookout for all your guests.

Apps Are Where It’s At

Maybe you have a meat only grill. That’s fine. Appetizers are so easy and everyone loves them. Veggies and hummus is a vegan staple that everyone can get on board with. Hummus comes in many, many flavors. Grab a few tubs of hummus, get some baby carrots and broccoli, and BOOM, you have a perfect appetizer. Chips, salsa, and guacamole are a fan favorite! So, basically, most of the appetizers meat eaters like, vegans like, too. So, don’t stress too much about it.

Vegan Food Isn’t All About Meat Replacements

Vegan options aren’t limited to lettuce and Boca Burgers. Get creative. Many cookout staples are already, or can be easily altered to be, vegan-friendly; carrot dogs are a personal favorite. They are exactly what they sound like and the recipe can be found in the Thug Kitchen cookbook or on Pinterest. Something as simple as veggie kabobs or a salad could be enough for your vegan guests. The important thing is to not overthink it. And, if all else fails, Boca burgers will do just fine.

Try New Foods – You Might Just Like It 

The biggest issue most people have with vegan food is, they don’t know what it is. Or they think it’s too complicated. Thankfully, Pinterest is full of easy vegan recipes. And, if you’re looking for some tasty, fun recipes, check out Thug Kitchen; their cookbooks are amazing and take the mystery out of vegan food by breaking it down and listing plenty of ingredient alternatives.

Are You The Vegan In This Situation?

If you are, consider bringing something for yourself. You should probably do that anyway, it’s the polite thing to do. And it’s the surefire way to ensure you’ll have something the eat. Taking your own delicious vegan food also allows other people to give it a try.

There are many reasons someone may be a vegan. Sharing your food and giving people advice on how to incorporate more fruits and veggies into their diet is one of the joys of having a “weird diet”.