I always love big summer barbecue potlucks, especially on the fourth of July. The big table with the impressive layout of foods. People milling around, nibbling at this and that, a cold drink in one hand, waiting for the main course to be served. Tans, sunglasses, flip-flops. Kids running around, laughter in the background. Then the host brings out the main dish and everybody lines up to fill up their plates. Once the sun has gone down and the plates have been cleared, the fireworks begin. Close friends and family gather together under the stars, each with their choice of dessert- a brownie, a cookie, an ice cream sandwich. Everyone "Oohs" and "Ahs" as they watch the fireworks burst overhead. Then suddenly, where there were fireworks, there is just smoke in the sky and people split up to gather the dishes they brought their potluck contributions in. Inevitably there are always just a few bites left in the dish, not nearly enough to merit actually covering and storing the dish in the fridge. To avoid throwing it away or wasting valuable refrigerator shelf real estate, the last few bites are eaten at home while standing at the kitchen counter and reflecting on the wonderful afternoon spent with good friends.
What are you going to bring to your next potluck? What leftovers will you be snacking on after the festivities are over? Here are some of my favorite vegan summer potluck recipes:
APPETIZERS/FINGER FOODS:
Polenta Cornballs with Spicy Marinara Sauce
Mediterranean Nachos with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus & Tofu Feta
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Garlic Parmesan Tempeh Wings
SALADS:
Roasted Corn & Basil Farro Salad
Springtime Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Warm Lemony Olive Potato Salad
THE MAIN COURSE:
Sloppy Chicks (Chickpea Sloppy Joes)
Roasted Portobello Soft Tacos
Savory Sage & Flower Burgers
BBQ Tofu Cutlets
Jackfruit 'Tuna' Melt Sandwiches
Lentil Mushroom Cheeseburgers
"Chicken" Salad Wraps
Jackfruit Enchiladas
DESSERTS:
S'mores Cookies
Double Dipped Chocolate-Covered Bananas
Caramel Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars
Oatmeal Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Sugar-Free Cream Cheese Frosting
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Amy
OMG I am drooling over this lists! I think you could convert even the biggest carnivore to give these all a go! Thanks for sharing...can't wait to try!
keepinitkind
That's a huge compliment! Thank you, Amy!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
Those S'mores cookies are calling my name!! I'm going for lemony potato salad with asparagus and s'mores bars, yum!
keepinitkind
Yum! I'll be there at 4pm? 😉
Caitlin
thank you for all the great recipe options for the fourth! everything looks so good!
keepinitkind
Thank you, you sweet lady! 🙂
Maria Tadic
All of these look really good! I can't wait to try the tempeh wings - it's one of my all time favorite vegan proteins. LOVE it!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Maria! Your'e going to love the tempeh wings- they're sooo good! 🙂
Cadry
Everything is so gorgeous! I know where I want to be spending my Fourth of July! 🙂
We rarely host gatherings larger than a dinner party for four, but this year we're having a cookout at our house. A couple of friends are coming in from LA, and so we're using it as an excuse to have a get together. Wish me luck!
keepinitkind
That sounds like so much fun! I kinda wish I was one of those "friends from LA!" 🙂
Richgail @AstigVegan
Yum those Mediterranean nachos and jackfruit enchiladas look mighty good. Thanks for curating such a delicious list.
keepinitkind
You are so sweet- Thank you, Richgail!
luminousvegans
Yes, I want one, no two of each please. These all look like perfect summery recipes. Thanks for putting these all in one spot.
keepinitkind
Twas my pleasure! Thank you! 🙂