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Summer Barbeque Ideas for the Vegetarian
by Kashmira Gandhi
Summer brings with it long sunny days, hot poolside picnics and, of course, backyard barbecues. With holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, there's always an excuse to have an outdoor feast. The BBQ classics, burgers, hot dogs and chicken salad are sure to please most of your guests. But how about trying something a little new this time around? Don't ditch your family favorites; just expand your spread with vegetarian options that everyone will love.
Even if you aren't expecting any vegetarian guests, non-meat dishes are often better for both your wallet and your waistline. Whip up a few dishes to supplement or even replace your more meaty entrees:
7-Layer-Dip
In a baking dish layer vegetarian refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, green onions, sliced black olives and Mexican cheese. Serve cold with tortilla chips.
Bruschetta
Slice a baguette into 1 inch rounds. Brush each piece with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and garlic powder and pop into the oven until crisp. Top with a mixture of chopped cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and pepper.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Portobello mushrooms are thick, meaty and full of flavor. Brush mushrooms with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before grilling along side some onion slices. Serve the mushrooms just as you would a burger and be sure to offer up all the fixings: grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles and condiments.
Foil Wrapped Vegetables
Create packages of fresh vegetables drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil, etc.) to throw on the grill. Asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onions and many others do well.
But the list certainly doesn't end there. Other options include store-bought or homemade veggie burgers, pasta salads, potato salad (hold the bacon), grilled marinated tofu, Caprese salad, vegetarian grilled pizzas and so much more. So this summer, give veggies a place on your holiday BBQ menu and watch the omnivores, carnivores and vegetarians in your family dig in.
More You Might Like:
BLT Bites
Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta Salad
Mississippi Mud Cookies
Grilling Tips
About the Author:
Kashmira Gandhi is a staff writer for FamilyCorner.com
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