Memorial Day Menu: Vegan Burgers, Snacks, Sides, Desserts and Drinks

Planning a long weekend gathering? Here are easy, crowd-pleasing vegan recipes that travel well, grill beautifully, and satisfy everyone. Many of these options are gluten-free or have gluten-free variations noted.

Grilled Burgers and Sliders

Make a batch of BBQ Lentil Veggie Burgers topped with a mango-carrot-cabbage slaw for bright flavor and texture. The patties hold up well if pre-baked: bake them first, then finish on the grill for grill marks and heat. Toast the buns, grill any vegetable toppings, add your favorite BBQ sauce and slaw, and serve.

For smaller bites, try Sweet Potato & Adzuki Bean Sliders—serve with dill aioli and cucumber slices for a fresh contrast. These sliders are easy to pass around at a party.

Another favorite is the Red Lentil & Cauliflower Burger with onion rings and chipotle-habanero mayo. Many readers have loved this one; the patties are sturdy and work well gluten-free.

If you love chickpeas, Beet Chickpea Sliders are colorful, flavorful, and have a gluten-free patty option. For a savory, cheesy sandwich, try the grilled cashew-millet cheese sandwich—this dairy-free cheese is unconventional but highly praised.

Roasted Vegetables as Burger Toppers

A Roasted Butternut Slider with balsamic caramelized onions and sriracha mayo is stunning—swap in roasted sweet potato or cauliflower if butternut isn’t available. Roast cauliflower at 425°F for 15–20 minutes with oil, salt and pepper for excellent results.

For a crunchy, savory option, try a Tempeh Fritter Patty—tempeh dipped in a chickpea flour batter and pan-fried makes a great burger or sandwich filling.

Snacks and Shareable Sides

Keep guests nibbling with simple, flavorful snacks. Chana Masala–spiced roasted nuts are an easy, gluten-free option. Grilled stuffed avocados are fun to serve—pass halves around and let everyone enjoy their own.

BBQ mung bean sprouts with roasted sweet potato served as canapés or as one large salad/side are vibrant and portable. Chickpea fries are another winner — cook and set the batter at home, then grill or reheat on site. Crispy spiced okra offers a different texture and bold flavors.

A toasted rainbow quinoa salad or Heather’s bitter-sweet Asian salad provide colorful, healthy sides that pair well with grilled mains.

Desserts

Finish the meal with something indulgent. Triple Chocolate Salted Caramel Brownies offer a fudgy, crowd-pleasing finish. Spiced Apple Cake is another easy choice—use seasonal fruit and drizzle generously with salted caramel for a memorable dessert.

For a hand-held sweet, chocolate-blueberry crème whoopie pies are a delightful, gluten-free option that travels well to picnics and barbecues.

Drinks

Refresh guests with a Mango Strawberry Panna—sweet, tart, and lightly spiced. It’s a bright, summery drink that complements the flavors in the menu.

Putting It All Together

Most of these recipes are flexible—swap vegetables, make patties ahead and reheat on the grill, prepare sides in large bowls for easy serving, and choose a couple of desserts. Many of the dishes have gluten-free options, and the flavors balance well across savory, spicy and sweet choices.

What are your plans for Memorial Day? Whether you grill, gather, or picnic, these vegan-friendly options will keep the menu fresh, satisfying, and easy to share.