Grilling Season Got You Down, Vegetarians?

Looking forward to cookouts this holiday weekend, but you don’t eat meat?

Don’t fret the grilling season, says author Gloria Tsang, founder of nutrition network HealthCastle.com.

"There are plenty of non-meat grilling options that can extend the joy of grilling to non-meat eaters," Tsang said in a press release. "For those who tend to grill every night all summer long, they also provide a nice respite from grill-induced meat overload."

These are HealthCastle.com’s top picks for non-meat grilling options:

1. Veggie skewers: Brush mushrooms or eggplant with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, and alternate with peppers, onions, and even some pineapple.
2. Portobello mushroom: Try brushing it with garlic and olive oil, or marinating it in balsamic vinegar or any marinade you'd use for steak.
3. Tofu: Extra-firm tofu dipped in egg, coated with a thin layer of breadcrumbs, and grilled is anything but bland. Crispy on the outside and soft in the center, it’s truly delicious.
4. Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese, fold in half, and grill a couple of minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crunchy with grill marks.
5. Fish and salsa: Grilled white fish like mahi mahi or cod becomes sublime when topped with a fresh fruit salsa with a pineapple or mango base. 

Keep the Grill Well-Oiled

According to allrecipes.com, vegetarian grillers need to keep the cooking surface clean and oiled to prevent vegetables — less fatty and more delicate than meat — from sticking and falling apart.

The site also has links to a number of recipes.

Are you a vegetarian who likes to grill? If so, tell us about your favorite recipes.