Very few aromas compare to that of a holiday cook out or a barbecue at the beach. More than a mere meal, the smell of sauces and juices searing on the grill means friends and family … and tons of meat.

We all have a relative or a significant other of so-and-so who’s coming to join in the festivities but doesn’t eat meat. Don’t panic, there are many simple options when it comes to grilling for vegetarians. Here are some lighter, healthier suggestions that everyone will enjoy this summer.

Let’s start with vegetables. Although often an afterthought (or punishment) for most meat eaters, vegetables are even more delicious when cooked on the grill. While baked potatoes and corn on the cob are most common, try asparagus, zucchini and squash. If you’re feeling adventurous, add onions and tomatoes and make them into vegetable Kabobs. Seasoning or sauce to taste.

If you know your way around the grill and are feeling up for a challenge, try grilling up some tofu, polenta, portobello mushrooms or eggplant. These options require a little more care than most veggies but the end result makes it well worth it and your vegetarian friends will surely be impressed with your skills and thoughfulness.

If you want to keep it simple and merely offer a vegetarian substitute without all the extra grocery shopping and recipe following, here’s all you need to know: veggie burgers are patties made from varying vegetables, but imitation meat burgers and hot dogs also exist. Be careful, once you throw some of these on the grill you might not even be able to tell the difference. Here are some recipe ideas.

Aluminum foil is an ideal partition between vegetarian items and the meat-saturated grill. It prevents food from sticking and keeps the more sensitive vegetarians from questioning your motives and ethics. Trust us on this one.

13 recipes: http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/parties/barbecue-grilling/vegetarian-bbq-recipes

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