38 Plant-Based Memorial Day Recipes

VGVDF
Salads, dips, drinks, and desserts for Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the start of summer cookouts, grilling season, and warmer weather (our favorite)! To help you craft your menu, we’ve compiled easy dips, sides, grilling recipes, desserts, and drinks. All simple, plant-based, and incredibly delicious!

(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)

Dips

Platter of Shawarma Dip made with chickpeas and fresh vegetables
GFVGVDFNS
Chickpea Shawarma Dip
Amazing, 30-minute shawarma-inspired dip with baked chickpeas, parsley-tomato salad, and an easy 4-ingredient garlic dill sauce!
Make The Recipe
Bowl of white bean hummus surrounded by fresh vegetables and pita bread
GFVGVDFNS
Lemon and Herb White Bean Dip
A zesty, herby, lemony dip made with white beans! A protein- and fiber-rich dip or snack made with just 7 wholesome ingredients in 10 minutes. Perfect for spring (or any time!).
Make The Recipe
Quick and easy Vegan Crudite with Macadamia Nut Herb Cheese and goodies for dipping
GFVGVDFNS
5-Minute Macadamia Cheese + Vegan Crudité!
Creamy macadamia nut cheese and hummus served with roasted and fresh vegetables! The perfect 30-minute plant-based snack or appetizer.
Make The Recipe
Big bowl of Gluten-Free Muhamarra Dip beside crackers for dipping
GFVGVDFNS
Easy Muhammara Dip
Easy, flavorful muhammara dip with roasted red peppers, Aleppo pepper flakes, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses! 10 ingredients, gluten-free, BIG flavor.
Make The Recipe
Two gold spoons in a skillet of Cheesy Jalapeno Corn Dip
GFVGVDFNS
Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip
Easy, 10-ingredient cheesy jalapeño corn dip that's entirely vegan and gluten-free! Perfectly sweet, spicy, and savory ⁠— the perfect dip for summer!
Make The Recipe
Ceramic dish filled with a batch of our Easy Red Salsa recipe
GFVGVDFNS
Easy Red Salsa
Easy, 10-minute red salsa with smoky, fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, and fresh lime juice! Flavorful, fresh, and perfect for Mexican night!
Make The Recipe
Bowl of Mediterranean Lentil Dip topped with kalamata olives and freshly chopped parsley
GFVGVDFNS
Mediterranean Lentil Dip
Creamy, Mediterranean-inspired lentil dip with sautéed garlic and shallots plus a 2-minute garlic-dill sauce. A protein-packed, vegan and gluten-free appetizer or side dish.
Make The Recipe

Sides

Top down shot of a bowl of creamy cucumber salad
GFVGVDFNS
Creamy Vegan Cucumber Salad (German-Inspired)
Creamy, German-inspired cucumber salad with fresh dill and tangy coconut yogurt. A refreshing, plant-based side for BBQs and beyond. Just 15 minutes, 10 ingredients, and 1 bowl required!
Make The Recipe
Plate of Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad made with coconut bacon and a cashew butter dressing
GFVGVDFNS
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad (Mayo-Free!)
An EASY, plant-based take on classic broccoli salad with coconut bacon, sunflower seeds, and a simple cashew dressing! Just 10 simple ingredients and 20 minutes required!
Make The Recipe
Blue mixing bowl filled with our Spicy Fruit Salad recipe
GFVGVDFNS
Spicy Fruit Salad
A simple, 15-minute fruit salad with mango, blueberry, strawberry, and kiwi, dressed with lime juice and chili powder! Spicy-sweet, healthy, and so delicious. Perfect for summer BBQs and heat-free meals!
Make The Recipe
Big bowl of our delicious Vegan Cole Slaw
GFVGVDFNS
Easy Vegan Coleslaw
A vegan take on classic coleslaw salad made with 10 simple ingredients! Easy, crunchy, fresh, tangy, and the perfect side for BBQs, sandwiches, and more!
Make The Recipe
Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing drizzled over our fresh Grilled Corn Salad recipe
GFVGVDFNS
Grilled Corn Salad with Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing (30 Minutes!)
Easy, 30-minute grilled corn salad perfect for summer gatherings. Pair with just about any main and top with our Easy Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing!
Make The Recipe
Teal bowl filled with Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
GFVGVDFNS
Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
An amazing, light summer dish: 30-minute Grilled Zucchini & Corn Salad with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette! Top with roasted chickpeas for even more protein.
Make The Recipe
Pouring dressing into a glass bowl of our Vegan Potato Salad recipe
GFVGVDFNS
Simple Vegan Potato Salad
Creamy, vegan potato salad made with tender potatoes, crispy vegetables, and a zesty, garlic-herb cashew sauce! Undetectably dairy-free and so delicious! A hearty, versatile, plant-based side dish.
Make The Recipe
Wooden spoon in a bowl of Vegan Macaroni Salad
GFVGVDF
Vegan Macaroni Salad
30-minute vegan pasta salad loaded with colorful veg and tossed in a dairy-free, undetectably tofu-based dressing. Perfect for summer shindigs, cookouts, and picnics.
Make The Recipe
Glass bowl filled with our Vegan Gluten-Free Penne Pasta Salad recipe
GFVGVDFNS
Penne Pasta Salad (30 Minutes!)
Wholesome and delicious classic pasta salad made with creamy pesto dressing and roasted tomatoes. Made with just 9 ingredients in 30 minutes! The perfect quick + easy side dish.
Make The Recipe
Fork resting on a plate of Vegan 7-Layer Salad
GFVGVDFNS
Vegan 7-Layer Salad
A modern twist on a classic salad. Veganized 7-layer salad with fresh vegetables, crunchy coconut bacon, and vegan mayonnaise dressing!
Make The Recipe

Grilling

Baking sheet with Grilled Corn drizzled with Vegan Sriracha Aioli
GFVGVDFNS
Grilled Corn with Sriracha Aioli
Perfect grilled corn with a savory, spicy sriracha aioli. The perfect summer side dish or snack. 10 ingredients, vegan, and gluten-free.
Make The Recipe
Platter of Grilled Veggie Skewers with a small dish of Chimichurri sauce
GFVGVDFNS
Veggie Skewers with Magic Green Sauce
Colorful, 30-minute veggie skewers grilled to perfection and served with a chimichurri-inspired sauce! The perfect plant-based side or main for summertime BBQs.
Make The Recipe
Wood platter filled with Vegan Jerk Eggplant slices over white rice
GFVGVDFNS
Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant (30 Minutes!)
Spicy Jamaican jerk spiced grilled eggplant! Ready in 30 minutes, incredibly flavorful, and the perfect plant-based side dish!
Make The Recipe
Platter of Grilled Romaine Salad topped with Lemon Herbed Beans and a drizzle of vegan Caesar Dressing
GFVGVDFNS
Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Herbed White Beans
Grilled romaine salad with a smoky, charred flavor, topped with lemon-herb white beans and a quick Caesar dressing! Ready in 30 minutes and BIG flavor!
Make The Recipe
Tray filled with Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers on buns
GFVGVDFNS
Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers
Easy, grillable veggie burgers with just 10 ingredients (give or take a spice)! Flavorful, hearty, and perfect for summertime grilling. Hearty enough to please meat-eaters and vegans alike!
Make The Recipe

Desserts

Close up shot of vegan chocolate chip cookies topped with flaky salt
VGVDF
Classic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies (1 Bowl!)
The perfect classic vegan chocolate chip cookie made in 1 bowl! Salty-sweet, buttery, slightly crisp edges, tender center, and gooey chocolate chips. Just 9 ingredients and simple methods required!
Make The Recipe
Tray and bowl with our Vegan GF Chocolate Chip Cookies alongside a glass of dairy-free milk
GFVGVDF
Perfect Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect vegan chocolate chip cookies made with simple methods and 9 ingredients. Tender, sweet, studded with chocolate, and undetectably gluten-free.
Make The Recipe
Cutting board filled with Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
GFVGVDF
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (V/GF)
Easy 1-Bowl Peanut Butter Cookies with Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms! Tender, salty-sweet, gluten-free, and perfect for the holidays!
Make The Recipe
Stack of three Easy Vegan Brownies on a wood cutting board
GFVGVDFNS
4-Ingredient Easy Vegan Brownies
Incredibly rich, vegan, easy brownies made with just 4 ingredients and 1 bowl! Naturally sweetened, grain- and gluten-free, and so satisfying!
Make The Recipe
Tray stacked tall with homemade Vegan 7-Layer Bars
GFVGVDFNS
Vegan 7 Layer Bars
Decadent vegan 7-layer bars with an almond-oat crust, date caramel, coconut butter and flakes, chocolate chips, and peanut butter! Easy to make, gluten-free, and insanely delicious!
Make The Recipe
Top down shot of six vegan vanilla cupcakes topped with frosting
GFVGVDFNS
Easy Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes (Gluten-Free)
Perfectly fluffy vanilla cupcakes that happen to be vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened. Just 1 bowl and 10 ingredients required!
Make The Recipe
Plate of Two Vegan GF Shortcake Biscuits filled with strawberries and coconut whipped cream
GFVGVDFNS
Perfect Strawberry Shortcake (Vegan / GF)
Fluffy, tender, vegan gluten-free shortcake topped with coconut whipped cream and strawberries! The perfect special diet-friendly dessert for summertime!
Make The Recipe
Two bowls and a baking pan of Grain-Free Berry Crisp served with vegan ice cream
GFVGVDFNS
Grain-Free Berry Crisp
Vegan berry crisp with 3 types of berries. It's naturally sweetened with crispy, grain-free topping! The perfect plant-based, gluten-free summer dessert!
Make The Recipe
Scoops of homemade vegan vanilla ice cream on a stack of cones
GFVGVDF
Creamy Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream
Vegan vanilla ice cream that’s creamy, perfectly sweet, and easy to make! Just 6 ingredients and simple methods required for this dreamy dessert!
Make The Recipe

Drinks

Glasses of our Perfect Peach Iced Tea with peach slices and ice cubes in them
GFVGVDF
Perfect Peach Iced Tea
3-ingredient peach iced tea that’s perfectly sweet and mega peachy. Perfect for hot summer days and BBQs.
Make The Recipe
Two bottles of homemade Watermelon Juice
GFVGVDFNS
Watermelon Juice
How to make watermelon juice FAST with just a watermelon and a blender! Options for add-ins and cocktail recipes included!
Make The Recipe
Close up shot of a glass of our Citrus and Melon Spritzer recipe
GFVGVDF
4-Ingredient Citrus & Melon Spritzer
Light and refreshing spritzers made with fresh honeydew melon and lime. Incredibly versatile and made with just 4 simple ingredients.
Make The Recipe
Lime wedges around glasses of Watermelon Margaritas
GFVGVDFNS
Best Watermelon Margaritas (3 Ingredients!)
The best Watermelon Margaritas with just 3 ingredients! Naturally sweet from the watermelon, tangy from the lime, and spiked with silver tequila!
Make The Recipe
Glass filled with our Blackberry Basil Mojito recipe
GFVGVDF
Blackberry Basil Mojito
This 7-ingredient Blackberry Basil Mojito is refreshing, simple to make, and a lovely balance of tart and sweet. Perfect for happy hours, entertaining, and making the most of all that beautiful summer produce.
Make The Recipe
Fresh orange wedge on the rim of a jar of Traditional Red Sangria
GFVGVDF
Easy Traditional Red Sangria
Simple, traditional Red Spanish Sangria made with simple methods and just 6 ingredients. The perfect fruity summer beverage that’s adaptable and delicious!
Make The Recipe
Using a wooden spoon to stir fresh fruit for making White Sangria
GFVGVDF
Easy Traditional White Sangria
An easy, 8-ingredient (1-pitcher!) recipe for traditional white wine sangria. Brandy and wine recommendations included, and seasonally adaptable!
Make The Recipe

If you try any of these recipes, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment & Rating!

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the "find on page" function on your phone browser to search existing comments! Need help? Check out this tutorial!