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

Do you have any plans for a vegan summer potluck?