Celebrate the 4th of July with a Vegan BBQ

Summertime is here, along with longer days and warmer weather. With the 4th of July fast approaching, many people are already planning their Independence Day celebrations. And what summer celebration would be complete without a backyard barbecue? Luckily, a vegan barbecue can be delicious, healthy and a whole lot of fun! Here are tips to help you plan the perfect holiday gathering.

Vegan Barbecuing
As warm as the summer weather may be, there's no need to sweat the menu when planning your vegan barbecue. Go with your favorite mock meat alternatives to America's traditional barbecue favorites and make everyone happy, including the animals. From faux chicken and soy hot dogs to veggie burgers and faux sausages, mock meats are versatile, widely available and can be used to replace the animal protein in almost any recipe. Make sure you check the package directions so you know that the particular brand of burger or hot dog you plan to cook will stand up to grilling, as some aren't meant for the grill.

Of course, you can also grill fresh vegetables on the barbecue. A simple marinade of balsamic vinegar, tamari sauce and a bit of olive oil with your favorite herbs and spices turns fresh summertime veggies like yellow squash, corn-on-the-cob, zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms into dishes that are savory, fragrant and delicious! First, cut the veggies into large pieces. Then, marinade them for an hour or two before grilling. You can put them in a foil "package" straight on the grill, or put them on skewers to make veggie kebabs. Turn them carefully with a pair of long-handled tongs and you'll have a satisfying meal that's easy to handle with a plate in your lap.

Think Beyond the Grill
Many of our favorite barbecue foods never hit the grill. Salads (not just lettuce and tomatoes), are perfect for a 4th of July celebration. It's easy to make a cool and flavorful green bean and veggie salad, dairy-free macaroni or potato salad, coleslaw made with eggless mayonnaise, corn with peppers and sweet onions, hummus, cold eggplant salads like Baba Ghanouj as tempting sides—and the list is almost endless! Soon you'll be thinking "so many foods, so little room!"

With the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available throughout the summer months, and the growing variety of mock meats to satisfy even the most ravenous carnivores, it's easy to find a wide array of items to toss on the grill and serve on the side. But if you need a little inspiration, check out our selected recipes.

Celebrating With Friends and Family
If you are going to a barbecue where you know meat will be served, be gracious and offer to bring some vegan dishes for everyone to try. Some people may be surprised at how delicious vegan cuisine can be and, who knows, they may even ask you for the recipe! Plus, by bringing your own dish, you can make sure you won't go hungry.

If you are hosting the barbecue and inviting non-vegan friends or family, now is a great time to show them how delicious vegan eating can be! Encourage non-vegans to try a dish featuring their favorite vegetables, or a vegan version of their favorite grilled meat. Few things turn people on to an animal-friendly lifestyle like good vegan food.

If you have non-vegan friends or family members who are a bit stubborn or resistant to trying new things and insist on bringing meat to your barbecue, gently but firmly let them know that you would prefer not to have meat at your celebration. Ask if they have a favorite vegetable dish you could make special for them or ask them for their favorite recipe so you can “veganize” it. This lets them know that you appreciate their company and want your celebration to be fun for everyone, including the animals. If necessary, take time to explain how and why you became vegan. Or, if you prefer, have a stack of Farm Sanctuary's 20 Reason to Go Veg fliers available when people ask why you're not serving meat.

Pick Your Timing
Often, someone at the table may consider mealtime ideal for discussing your vegan diet. You may be well prepared to handle the conversation, even if it is confrontational, but steer clear. You, and whoever raised the subject, may be at ease discussing meat issues at the table, but others may become uncomfortable and feel held captive by the conversation. Talking with family about becoming vegan is easier to do before or after dinner, or away from food altogether.

If it comes up, try saying “veganism is an issue that is really important to me because I don't want to contribute to the unnecessary suffering of animals. But I've found that having this discussion with a table full of people is often unpleasant for some, and I don't want to monopolize the entire conversation. I'd love to talk with you about this later.”

Remember to keep the event happy and fun, and enjoy each other's company. As your friends and family start to realize how delicious and easy vegan grilling can be, you may just find them begging for more!