21 Plant-Based Recipes for a Vegan Fourth of July

On the Fourth of July, it’s not all about burgers and wings for those who have chosen a plant-based diet, or even those looking for more interesting alternatives. So here’s a round-up of winning plant-based ideas for a real Independence Day feast.

Grilled Vegetable Lasagne

A fun and tasty main course idea that allows you to fire up the grill and get that smoky flavour in your vegetables. Then pop it into the oven for a lovely, meaty satisfying fourth of July meal.

Persian Eggplant and Tomato Salad

A sweet and spicy Persian-inspired salad dish that works great as a side dish or a main for the plant-based eaters at your party. Fresh and lively for outdoor eating.

Tadka Dal

This recipe calls for ghee, but you can easily replace it with a plant-based alternative for a fully plant based tadka dal. This dish is incredibly comforting and always satisfying. Serve it in a steaming pot at the centre of the tables with naan and raita.

Panzanella

A light and lovely summer salad from Tuscany makes a delicious and refreshing plant-based alternative on the Fourth of July. This salad is an enduring classic of Italian cuisine and for good reason: it represents the essence of Italian food - simple but with just the right combination of flavours.

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Beetroot Cream

A beautiful, colourful baked potato dish that combines potato starchiness with earthy, umami-rich beetroot. It's easy and a winner for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Alexis Gauthier's Vegan Faux Gras

Enjoy a touch of luxury this Fourth of July with this recipe for Alexis Gauthier's vegan faux gras which uses lentils, walnuts, fresh vegetables and a variety of herbs for a plant-based version of the French favourite. Will your guests notice the difference?

Gordon Ramsay's Green Bean Salad with Mustard Dressing

Ramsay combines bright and crunchy green beans, lemon and creamy garlic dressing for a very interesting plant-based salad. A very good balance of flavours and textures here.

Gordon Ramsay's Gazpacho with Pineapple Carpaccio, Pomegranate, Vanilla Salt

Another recipe that shows off Ramsay's plant-based flair - a gazpacho with pineapple carpaccio, pomegranate, and vanilla salt zings with flavour to tie up a plant based meal.

Raymond Blanc's Vegetable Curry

Learn from the best with this easy recipe for vegan vegetable curry by Raymond Blanc. Bright, crunchy vegetables are enhanced with herbs and spices and coconut milk brings a sweetness and creamy texture.

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Go for the Italian classic this Fourth of July and learn how to do it properly with this step-by-step recipe. Get it right and it is a perfectly balanced dish that you can whip up in minutes.

Baba Ghanoush

It's not so easy to get right, but follow this recipe and you'll have a wonderful, creamy plant-based dip that you can dollop unto anything for a touch of intriguing Middle Eastern flavour.

Vegan Pizza

Pizza is always a winner, so plan ahead, work your dough, let it rest and then bake your pizza in the oven, or even better in a wood fire oven in your garden. Top it with whatever vegetables you want, skip the cheese, or replace it with a soya-based alternative and drizzle with chilli oil.

Brined Cauliflower with Macadamia Miso

Elevate your Fourth of July celebration with a touch of fine dining with this recipe by chef Abhijit Dey, winner of the Fine Dining Lovers Food For Thought Award for the Pacific Region. All the recipes are available in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Cookbook. Available for free to our registered FDL+ readers.