Burgers. Is there any other food that more accurately captures the essence of summer? Okay, maybe ice cream. But we covered that last week in our post on frozen vegan desserts. This week is all about the main attraction of any backyard barbecue. The stuff that makes the grill sizzle and people smile. Burgers.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Burgers aren’t on a vegan meal plan. In fact, a burger is probably the furthest thing from being acceptable on a plant-based diet. You’re right. Traditional burgers are packed with saturated fat (among other yucky things), which is known to raise cholesterol levels and has been linked to heart disease. Gross! Luckily, there are plenty of unbelievably delicious vegan burgers that taste just as good loaded with fresh toppings and condiments.
Here are a few of our favorite vegan burgers to throw on the grill this summer.
Zucchini, Carrot and Sweet Potato Vegan Burger
If you have a garden, you’re probably up to your eyeballs in zucchini. Use some of it up by cooking a batch of these zucchini, carrot and sweet potato vegan burgers for your next barbecue. They’re moist, flavorful, and seasonal. What more could you ask for?
Get the recipe here.
Black Bean Burger
This is one of our favorite vegan burger recipes. Nutritious and filling, we like to top ours with avocado or guacamole. If we’re feeling sassy, a grilled pineapple ring may even find its way into the mix. But really, you can’t go wrong with whatever toppings you choose.
Get the recipe here.
Vegan BBQ Tofu Burger
If you love Asian flavors (think pickled cucumber slaw, toasted sesame oil and Sriracha sauce) you’re going to go nuts for this vegan tofu burger. Oh, and did I mention that homemade barbecue sauce is involved? Yeah, this is going to be good.
Get the recipe here.
Smoky Black Bean Beet Burger
When I was a kid I had a wild obsession with beets. Not much has changed, which is why I’m really digging this smoky black bean beet burger. Walnuts, quinoa, and a blend of spices come together to complete this hearty and nutritionally dense patty.
Get the recipe here.
Curried Spiced Lentil Burger
Mixing garam masala with curry is a fabulous flavor combination. In fact, I can’t think of a better way to season the rice and hearty lentils in this veggie burger. Keep it simple and top with roasted red peppers, cashew cream sauce, and avocado.
Get the recipe here.
By the way, grilling homemade vegan burgers is a very delicate practice. Unless you don’t mind if your burger totally self-destructs on the grill, I suggest freezing it and keeping it frozen right up until you’re ready to start cooking.
Oscar D. C.
I don't categorically disagree with eating meat, But we only buy a trusted oganic source. Food is the one MOST important substance we use on a daily basis, AND it MUST be pure... that ol adage, "you are what you eat" IS true... Food for thought... Spend your largest resources on "pure food" NOT on what you wear, or where you go... what good is it to eat poor quality food, and deprive yourself of the joy of the journey! Eat well... Live well... And love THE LORD your GOD with all your heart. . . Oscar C. ... Simply Be!
Kate Kasbee
Great idea, John. Thanks for the tip!
John
Whoa ... lots of options. The is great because I get tired of the standard veggie burgers.
I've found grilling baskets to be useful with burgers (and other things) that don't want to cooperate with the grilling process.