Barbecue season is finally here, and for those who follow a plant-based diet or simply wish to incorporate more greens into their grilling routine, hosting an eco-friendly BBQ can be both delicious and satisfying. Whether you're inviting a ton of friends over or just enjoying a fun family dinner, Almond Cow has all the information you need to make your green, plant-based BBQ a hit!

Set the Scene

Enhance your backyard BBQ’s ambiance with sustainable tableware and decorations, such as reusable or biodegradable utensils and cups instead of plastic, and recycled paper or cloth napkins. You can also use hemp, linen, or cotton tablecloths instead of single-use plastic ones. They're more sustainable and add a rustic touch.

Set out your potted plants or fresh flowers to add a natural touch to your outdoor space. As the day turns to dusk, illuminate your gathering with eco-friendly solar-powered lights or place candles made from soy wax or beeswax in cleaned out, recycled glass jars to create a welcoming glow. 

The Entertainment

At a BBQ, the best entertainment often revolves around activities that complement the laid-back, social atmosphere of outdoor dining. There’s nothing wrong with simply talking and laughing with one another, while listening to someone's playlist shuffle in the background, but you can dial-up the good times with some additional options. 

There are plenty of DIY games you can create to keep guests engaged, or go with classic board games, trivia, or yard games like cornhole or spikeball, if you have the space for them. This extra effort will be appreciated even more so if you have guests coming with young children. It never hurts to have things like coloring books, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles available. 

The Menu

Arguably the most important part of any BBQ is the food, and when you’re hosting a plant-based meal, people unfamiliar with green hosting or plant-based foods might be curious about what you’re going to serve. You can put their minds at ease with this menu that will have them asking for seconds, thirds, and maybe even a plate to take home. 

Start your meal with some yummy appetizers that can easily be eaten while mingling around the yard. Almond Cow’s Beet Hummus with vegetables or our Vegan Herb Cheese make wonderful appetizers that will intrigue your guests and set the tone for the rest of the night’s menu. 

Next, surprise your guests with the intricate and beautiful Vegan Tomato Galette. Topped with our signature Vegan Ricotta Cheese, the beautiful array of sliced tomatoes is as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. This can be sliced and served before the meal, or presented at the table for an added small course. 

When you’re ready to sit down for dinner, impress your guests with some favorite BBQ side dishes, including Almond Cow’s hearty, plant-based Mac n Cheese, fresh and crunchy Broccoli Salad, and warm, sweet cornbread. For the main course—a mouth-watering classic, with a tropical, plant-based twist—Hawaiian BBQ Burgers. Made from a base of walnut pulp and mushrooms, and seasoning, these delicious burgers are topped with red onion, a slice of pineapple, and Almond Cow’s BBQ Sauce. We promise, your guests won’t miss the meat in these patties. 

Finally, quench your guests' thirst and complete your plant-based BBQ with a pitcher full of Spanish Sangria to share, made right in your Almond Cow! 

Hosting a plant-based BBQ is not only a flavorful way to enjoy summer but also an opportunity to showcase delicious and sustainable food options. By embracing plant-based alternatives and focusing on eco-friendly practices, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests while reducing your carbon footprint. So fire up the grill and your Almond Cow, savor the flavors, and celebrate the joys of green grilling with friends and family this barbecue season!