Did you know that in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July, people spend over $800 million on beef, $217.5 million on pork, $85 million on shrimp, and $50 million on salmon?
The meat industry accounts for almost 15% of greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing animal agriculture could potentially offset 68% of current carbon emissions. Creating a plant-based spread for the Fourth of July or any summer cookout is one small way you can help reduce your impact on the planet while you save money - meatless could cut your food costs by up to one-third.
Here are some of our favorite plant-based recipes for a sustainable July 4th cookout!
Smoky BBQ Black Bean Burger
Get the full recipe on Minimalist Baker
This smoky black bean burger has all the flavor of a traditional meat burger, without the environmental impact. It’s a perfect addition to any summer cookout.
Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs
Get the full recipe on Shane & Simple
Although these may look like the Fourth of July staple, these are actually made from carrots!
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Get the full recipe on The Forked Spoon
Who doesn’t love flavor-packed grilled vegetables? These colorful veggie skewers are the perfect side dish to accompany your Fourth of July spread.
Vegan Pasta Salad
Get the full recipe on Food with Feeling
Pasta salad is the ideal make-ahead dish to bring to a summer picnic. This recipe uses a lot of pantry staples, so it is great to make in a time crunch!
Vegan Red, White & Blue Popsicles
Get the full recipe on Eating by Elaine
These vegan red, white & blue popsicles are sure to cool you down in the blistering summer heat.
Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Fresh Berries
Get the full recipe on Short Girl Tall Order
Need something easy and festive to bring to a July 4th potluck? These vegan vanilla cupcakes topped with fresh berries are delicious and festive.
Dairy-Free Frozen Yogurt Bark
Get the full recipe on Hy Vee
Dairy-free frozen yogurt bark is easy and requires very few ingredients. They are also customizable –get creative with your toppings!
Blueberry Lemonade
Get the full recipe on Damn Delicious
This refreshing blueberry lemonade is summer in a glass.
Red, White & Blue Fruit Salad
Get the full recipe on Eating by Elaine
The combination of jicama, strawberries, cherries, watermelon, blueberries, and mint is great to beat the summer heat. Purchase these fruits locally to make it extra sustainable.
Easy Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Get the full recipe on Minimalist Baker
This strawberry lemonade is sure to be a crowd favorite at every cookout.
Avocado Corn Salsa
Get the full recipe on Carmy
This avocado and corn salsa is a delicious summer palate cleanser to accompany any BBQ.
Vegan Baked Beans
Get the full recipe on A Virtual Vegan
Did you know that baked beans can easily be made vegan? This recipe is sure to be a hit at your BBQ.
Vegan Grilled Peach Caprese Salad
Get the full recipe on Crowded Kitchen
This take on a traditional caprese salad is paired with grilled peaches and makes for a fresh, tasty addition to your spread.
Simple Vegan Cherry Pie
Get the full recipe on My Vegan Minimalist
Cherry pie is a classic Fourth of July dessert and would be perfect paired with some vegan ice cream or dairy free whipped cream.
Layered Watermelon Cake with Coconut Cream Frosting
Get the full recipe on Creative Green Living
Need a showstopper to bring to the cookout? This watermelon cake is not only gorgeous but is full of fresh flavor.
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