Check out this collection of 30+ vegetarian tailgating recipes featuring everything from BBQ jackfruit sliders to creamy vegan pasta salads. Whether you're looking for a classic tailgating recipe made meatless or you want to keep on the lighter side, you're sure to find something for your next veg-friendly game day party!

Football season is officially upon us, which means that it's time for tailgating food. As much as I love watching football, I have to admit that one of my favorite parts about football season is the food.
Game day food is seriously the ultimate comfort food! This roundup has something for everyone, whether you're vegetarian or just want to cater to vegetarians and vegans attending your party.
This roundup of some of the best vegetarian tailgating recipes includes appetizers, sides, main dishes, and a few desserts. From healthy to indulgent, there's sure to be something for everyone.
30 Vegetarian Tailgating Recipes
Whether you plan to serve an entire meal or just want to stick to the dips and finger foods, you're sure to find something here for everyone! Choose from classic cheesy dips and meatless versions of tailgating favorites, to refreshing pasta salads and crowd-pleasing desserts.
Dips and Salsas
Everybody knows that chips and dip are one of the best parts of gameday food! Choose from homemade hummus, cheesy dips, and salsas.
This 3-ingredient dip is a game day classic in my family. All you need is cream cheese, a can of vegetarian chili, and shredded cheddar cheese to make this dip.
This showstopping beet hummus is a fun and colorful twist on storebought hummus.
This pimento cheese is creamy, spicy and has a kick from jalapeños! It's ready in just 10 minutes and perfect on sandwiches or with crackers and veggies.
This corn salsa is fresh, flavorful, and super quick to make.
Skip the storebought salsa and impress your guests with homemade salsa featuring roasted tomatoes, chilies and garlic.
This baked artichoke dip uses just 5 ingredients and is a great alternative to spinach artichoke dip.
If you're tired of spinach artichoke dip, try this version that's made with kale instead. Kale adds extra texture and depth to this cheesy, delicious dip.
For a sweet and savory option, try this 5-ingredient lightly spicy and sweet strawberry salsa.
French onion dip is a classic potato chip dip. This vegan version has all of the same sweet, savory onion flavors, just without the dairy!
This white bean dip is bursting with bright lemon and rosemary flavor. It's the perfect party appetizer because it takes just 5 minutes to make and uses less than 10 ingredients!
Finger Foods and Appetizers
These utensil-optional appetizers are great grab-and-go options.
These mushroom fries have a crispy outside and "meaty" inside and are served with a homemade vegan aioli.
These veggie meatballs are a great way to pack in some vegetables at the tailgate without sacrificing flavor.
These kid-approved pizza bites are bite-sized and made with just 4 ingredients!
Buffalo sauce is a tailgating requirement, so why not try it with these quinoa balls? These meatless veggie balls are a great vegan option.
Cauliflower wings are synonymous with tailgating and party food! This recipe has 3 different flavor combinations and can be made in the air fryer or oven.
These bite-sized puff pastry appetizers are filled with goat cheese, spinach, and mushrooms. They are a great vegetarian option for entertaining and are beyond delicious!
Main Dishes
If you're planning to serve a main dish alongside finger foods and appetizers, check out one of these sandwich, pizza, or chili recipes!
These meatless vegetarian meatball subs can be made using homemade "meatballs" or storebought. They're also easy to make vegan by using your favorite dairy-free cheese.
Enjoy the flavor of buffalo chicken wings in the form of a vegetarian pizza with spicy buffalo flavor and a ranch crust.
This BBQ jackfruit "pulled pork" has a meaty texture but is 100% vegan!
Just like the sloppy joes from childhood, but with fiber and plant-based protein packed lentils.
These veggie roll-ups are packed with nutritious ingredients and a Southwest ranch dressing. They're a great finger-food option for tailgaters on the go.
This vegetarian mushroom Philly "cheesesteak" is made with sauteed mushrooms and peppers and topped with caramelized onions.
As delicious as meatless Beyond and Impossible burgers are, sometimes a veggie-packed patty does the trick. These burgers are made with mashed sweet potato, black beans, and smoky seasonings.
This slow cooker chili is a great fuss-free option because it keeps warm in the crockpot while you enjoy the game.
This 3 bean chili is packed with hearty protein and fiber. It's made on the stovetop but can be kept warm in a slow cooker.
Sides and Salads
Pair these lighter pasta salads and green salads with the main course or serve them up potluck style.
This dairy-free twist on creamy pasta salads is absolutely jam-packed with smoky, spicy flavor thanks to a vegan queso sauce.
Vegan ranch dressing is the star of the show in this simple but satisfying pasta salad that's made with coconut bacon (vegan!), cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and fresh herbs.
This fresh pasta salad is tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and crisp, crunchy veggies.
While the summer heat is still in the air, cool down with this simple but refreshing watermelon blueberry salad.
You could always go with a classic mayo-based potato salad, but why not shake things up with this herby, zesty, and flavorful potato salad?
Baked beans are a classic side with hot dogs and burgers. Making them in the Instant Pot is a great option if you're short on time or want to save money by cooking the beans from dry.
Desserts
With all the savory food bound to be available at the tailgate, don't forget to balance it out with a little bit of sweetness!
These soft and chewy vegan peanut butter cookies are a crowd-pleasing sugar cookie that is made in just one bowl.
Brookies bring the best of two worlds together by combining brownies and peanut butter cookies into one rich, fudgy dessert.
These strawberry energy bites are a great no-bake option. They are made with just a handful of ingredients and come together in 10 minutes!
Molly Kumar
Such a delicious roundup of vegetarian tailgating recipes!!! I'm always looking to try something new and these would fit in our party menu easily.
Cassidy
Thanks, Molly! Football season is fast approaching!