Whenever I am invited to a house party or barbecue, I am known for bringing a really good dessert. Not only because I am a terrific baker (well I am, okay?!) but because I take the time to make sure whatever I am bringing is super delicious and appetizing
This is all for totally selfish reasons though. Of course I want to win friends and influence people with chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fudge layer cakes but the real honest truth is, I bring the good stuff so that I am guaranteed something I would like to eat.
There. I said it.
But come on — Is there anything worse than being at an event with nothing good to eat? Friends and family are a good time but food is the star of the show.
Without something yummy, the party is boring and if I am left hungry, I can’t be responsible for my cranky, unfriendly mood.
When I became a meatless eater a few years ago, it was suddenly a little trickier to attend barbeques and other summer events.
Most holidays I can get by on side dishes and fill up on desserts but summer barbeques are sometimes another story.
What are they throwing on the grill for you? What if there isn’t a side dish worth eating?
I am not about to walk into just anyone’s backyard with a veggie burger in my pocket and most of the time, I don’t even want one.
There’s more to meatless life than a veggie burger to put on a grill.
There are so many wonderful salads and side dishes that can double as a meal for both meat eaters and non meat eaters alike!
I am obsessed with my salad board on pinterest. Here are some highlights along with lots of other side dish options:
Crowd Pleasing Vegan Caesar Salad
Grilled Mexican Corn & Avocado Salad
8 Vegetarian Side Dishes For Your Next Cookout
Potato Cauliflower Chickpea Salad with Vegan Sour Cream & Onion Dressing
Apple, Cranberry and Walnut Salad
Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry & Quinoa Salad
Southwest Quinoa & Grilled Corn Salad
20 Healthy Quinoa Salads For Summer
Sesame Almond Butter Zucchini Noodle Bowls
You didn’t think I would leave you hanging today without a dessert recipe for this weekend, did you?
Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
Skinny Chocolate Chip Fro-Yo Sandwiches – July 4th inspired
Banana Chocolate Chip Snack Cake With Peanut Butter Frosting
Flourless Greek Yogurt Zucchini Brownies
Samoa Cookie Dough Bark <- dairy free option
Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies <- dairy free option
Have a wonderful July 4th weekend 🙂
Vegetarian Summer Sides & Salads Recipes - Dessert links too! #recipes #summer #salads #vegetarian #July4th #dessert Click To Tweet**************
Are you hosting or attending a party this weekend? What are you making?!
Who is running in a July 4th race tomorrow?
Last time you had a cupcake? What kind was it?
I ate a cupcake last night! After dinner we went to Fresh Market and got a cookies n cream and a peanut butter explosion cupcake and shared them (the PB one was way better). I feel like I am going to need to make some kind of desert today. Have a great weekend!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Fast-Finish Focused 5k Workout
I was at Fresh Market yesterday too! Their desserts look so good to me, I have to remember to go back to try it. I also want to try their sushi. Have a good weekend 🙂
I have a similar struggle (where there isn’t necessarily food for me) but in a slightly different way–I usually can’t find things that aren’t pre dressed or drowning in oil/mayo whatever. And then I end up eating burger toppings and chips.
It has happened. Happy Fourth!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Five Inspiring Examples of Independence (Day)
I hate when food is drowning in dressing and oils. Gross!
My mom does the same thing! She is known for brining tons of food to every event because she wants to make sure there is good food! It makes me laugh. Happy 4th!!
Shannon recently posted…4th of July Recipe Roundup
I really like your mom! Have a great weekend
I bring my own for the exact same reason. Salads are my go to for spring and summer eats.
jill conyers recently posted…Comprehensive Physical Fitness
Ahhh I had the same problem when I was a vegetarian. My inlaws would make lasagna for everyone and then a vegetarian lasagna just for me but I’d always feel so bad that there was this huge meal that nobody else ate except me. Too much pressure!
Suzy recently posted…Blended Family Friday: Taking Turns
I know, it’s weird when people special make for us so I try to just blend in as best as I can which works on most holidays but bbq’s can get a little awkward.
The salads and desserts make the barbeque in my opinion! But maybe that’s because I already eat burgers almost every day 🙂 Love the roundup. I’m heading to my parents’ tomorrow and am going to bring a potato salad, dessert, and green salad most likely.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Banana Sunbutter Ice Cream Pie
Yay for heading out to the island! Have a great time 🙂
I’m totally the same way – I always bring something GF because while I do actually have a bunch of veggie friends, only two others are GF and I want to ensure there’s something scrumptious to snack on while enjoying time with family and friends 🙂
Alyssa @ RenaissanceRunnerGirl recently posted…Happy Fourth of July + GF Golden Corn Muffins for a BBQ
Great round-up, lady! I realized the other afternoon while watching Real Housewives of OC (can’t give up trashy tv), that I could never attend any type of charity event or what I like to call a “rich people” event without eating beforehand. I mean goodness sakes – do they even feed their guests? Hah!
As a (mostly) vegetarian, it can be tricky going to barbeques and finding food. I can relate to this, and actually when I go on vacation with my family later this month, I will be bringing a cooler full of veggie burgers. They tend to grill all the meats and maybe have a salad or bread for dinner. I need more substance than that, unless the course the salad is covered is all the toppings. Like your favorite one from Cheesecake Factory.
Love the round up.