When I think of The Fourth of July, I think of watermelon, beach time, backyard barbecues, and of course (vegan) hot dogs! Here in the My Vegetarian Kitchen, we typically celebrate America’s birthday by inviting lots of friends + family, and eating veggie dogs, watermelon, and side dishes galore. We tend to gather around the TV + check out the Major League Eating event of the year taking place in Coney Island.
This year, however, for the first time in many years, the champion of all champions (Joey Chestnut for anyone not in my immediate circle and/or not up to date on Major League Eating facts π), the most decorated hot dog eater in history, will not be on the corner of Surf + Stillwell battling it out to beat another HDB record. He has traded in his meat dogs for meatless dogs, I knew I liked him π. Β Independence Day here in the USA is quickly approaching + even though we won’t be watching the reigning champion hold on to the mustard belt for another year, we still have to eat! So, what do we eat on the Fourth of July as vegetarians? This Tuesday, come into my kitchen and see my vegetarian Fourth of July menu ideas even the carnivores will love.
Tara’s Tuesday Tips:
What We Eat on The Fourth of July as Vegetarians
So, this 4th of July, if you are trading in your non-vegetarian hot dogs for vegetarian hot dogs or are thinking outside the bun, you have come to the right place! Don’t get yourself in a pickle not knowing what to eat or cook! Have yourself a fully vegetarian Independence Day celebration (Joey Chestnut style) or simply put a few more plants on your plate this year.
For more summer eating survival guides, check one of these out: Picnic Survival Guide For VegetariansΒ or Β BBQ Survival Guide For Vegetarians.
First thing on the list, make a good BBQ sauce
Don’t have a plant-based barbeque sauce recipe you love? You do now! My recipe forΒ Easy Homemade Vegan Barbeque SauceΒ is perfectly plant-based + super easy to whip up in minutes.Β No sugar, no worcestershire sauce, no meat! I created this recipe so that you can have the perfect BBQ sauce to use on just about anything.Β I don’t know how I ever survived without it! Every Fourth of July, I make a big batch of this, and somehow, it just tastes like summer!
I make the sauce ahead of time, and on the 4th, I will make us one of these:
Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower (No Eggs!)
A good hummus
Definitely what we eat on the Fourth of July!
If you are going to a party, bring homemade hummus! People love homemade hummus + all the hummus eating accessories. Including crackers, chips, chopped veggies, and pita. Make me hummus + invite me to your party! I’ll be there. New to hummus, I’ve got you covered. Start here: How To Make The Best Homemade Oil-free Hummus for my tips on making homemade hummus PLUS all of my hummus recipes in one place. Here in the MVF kitchen, I will make us a hummus to have on hand on the 4th for when people pop in and are hungry or we need a quick snack to grab between meals. This is what we eat on the Fourth of July and on most other days too!
Next on our menu, summer salads
Who doesn’t love a good summer salad? I am here for it. All the cookout salads, all day, any day. Salads made for summer are just a special kind of delicious. Not ‘pack my lunch box’ salad, but ‘let’s party’ salad. I know you know. If you don’t, try one of these. Because this Thursday, if you come to the MVF kitchen, you will be eating one of these:
Vegan Rosemary Potato Salad (Eggless!)
Dairy-Free + Egg-Free Coleslaw
Vegan Broccoli Salad (No Mayo!)
Avocado Corn Salad (Oil-Free!)
Avocado Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad
Our buns will be round this year!
In following my favorite hot dog eating champion, I’m trading in my hot dog bun for a burger bun! Yep, it’s true!
You don’t have to make your own burgers, there are so many store-bought options! Beyond Meat Grillers, Impossible Foods, and Dr. Praeger’s California Burger are my favorites in a pinch. Try a few + pick your favorite.
Need help picking a fake meat? Read this:The Vegetarian’s Guide to Plant-Based Meat Alternatives.
We don’t eat meat but we do eat flavor + July 4th is a party day! Buns, vegan or dairy cheese, condiments, pickles, my party burger will have all of the above.
Let’s make our own burgers:
Don’t forget dessert πͺ
Yes, there will be dessert on our menu in the MVF kitchen. We don’t eat meat or eggs, but we do like a good dessert. Sometimes, Mr. MVF will settle for a big bowl of watermelon. I’m ok with that because after eating all of the things on this page, I will be a happy girl!
Β Click here for ALL of my dessert recipes perfect for any vegetarian Fourth of July!
Food For Thought
Although I will not gather around the TV to see Joey Chestnut walk off the Nathan’s Famous stage with the Mustard Belt this year, I am not sad about this menu I have ready to go in the MVF kitchen. I hope my tips help you turn some of your 4th of July classics into a creative plant-based dish. No matter if you are invited as a guest to a party, or hosting a gathering, these menu items will certainly impress even the pickiest of eaters! Above all, enjoy lots of good 4th of July food in the company of good people. Let the food rules go, be present, move a little, and load up your plate in red, white and blue! β€οΈπ€π
Happy Everything, Friends β€οΈπ€π
All the Best,
Tara
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Is there a vegetarian hot dog out there that has some flavor?! The few brands I’ve tried were inedible. I know I could trade for a veggie burger, but I miss a good hot dog sometimes.
They are certainly not the same unfortunately. But, I hear that Impossible Foods is coming out with one soon that might be promising for us vegetarians!!!