VN Guide to a Great Memorial Day Vegan BBQ

Whether celebrating with a sun-soaked picnic on the beach or hosting an afternoon backyard cookout, Memorial Day is the perfect time to show off the variety, color, and flavor of veggie food with friends and family. Replacing holiday barbecue standards with veggie burgers and brats is a snap, and classic sides are easily veganized. If a barbecue doesn’t strike your fancy, plan a day of outdoor activities ranging from daylong hikes to family baseball games at a local park. Whatever your plans, make sure to enjoy the day away from work and stress with tons of fun and vegan food.

Memorial Menu
Nothing says summer like a well-planned vegan picnic. Planning a plant-based, warm-weather menu is a breeze—just remember to keep it simple and fresh. Emphasize what’s in season, and don’t forget the condiments and compostable plates, cups and utensils. Fire up the grill and throw on everything from veggie shish kabobs, corn on the cob, and Portabello Burgers to meat-free main course favorites such as veggie dogs, like those made by Yves Veggie Cuisine, and flavorful veggie sausages by Field Roast. Classic cookout side dishes including Potato Salad and Coleslaw and dairy-free desserts such as Apple Pie and Vegan Fudgsicles give old standards new cruelty-free flair. Wash it all down with sweet, tangy kid-friendly homemade lemonade, or kick back with an ice-cold bottle of vegan beer made by Budweiser, Miller, or Corona.

Woodsy Weekend
When long weekends arrive, getting in some spirited exercise by hiking with a group of friends offers both a physically and mentally satisfying afternoon activity. Before venturing out on the trails, be sure to bring plenty of water and easy to-carry energy boosts such as nuts, dried fruit, veggie jerky, and the old standby, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole-wheat bread. Pack a big blanket and ask your hiking buddies to bring a different, easy to transport dish and, voila! A healthy potluck awaits you at the top of the mountain.

Play Ball
Stadium concessions are becoming increasingly more vegan-friendly, so whether or not you buy tickets for a home game or plan a family baseball game at home, a day filled with America’s favorite pastime is a great way to spend Memorial Day. Many ballparks offer great vegetarian fare such as veggie dogs, veggie burgers, burritos, French fries, and pretzels—and that’s not even including plant-based brews. So grab a buddy and enjoy the best of what summer has to offer.

Moonstruck
Memorial Day is a national holiday, but many Americans are still required to work while the rest of us only work on our tans. If you’re unable to spend the day having fun in the sun, treat yourself to some after-hours rest and relaxation once you’re home. Simply throw a blanket down on your balcony, patio or lawn, and enjoy a picnic after dusk by the light of the moon. Open a bottle of wine or sparkling juice and enjoy organic strawberries dipped in melted chocolate, or prepare a batch of chocolate covered cherries to enjoy.