Vegan Juneteenth Recipes

The 20 Best Vegan Desserts, Drinks, Mains & Sides Recipe’s to Celebrate Juneteenth.

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a celebration of the freedom of African-American slaves. A day to honor and acknowledge the history of African Americans in the United States; also called Freedom Day, it’s celebrated with parades, festivals and communing with food and drinks. The holiday, observed on June 19^th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas; learned of their freedom, which had been declared in the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier by  President Abraham Lincoln.

What Are The Traditional Foods For Juneteenth?

The holiday of Juneteenth is rich with symbolism.

While celebrations can differ regionally; two themes are common for all: red items like drinks and desserts; as well as prosperity foods.

Red foods are the most prominent on the Juneteenth menu. Red soda, punch, hibiscus tea, red velvet cake, red beans and rice, hot sauce, fruits (strawberry, watermelon).

History offers several explanations but the red of watermelon, hibiscus and strawberries are said to symbolize strength, spiritual power and transformation.

Prosperity foods often eaten on New Year’s Day are foods like: cornbread, collard greens, cabbage, black-eyed peas and sweet potatoes. Greens and black eyed peas symbolize prosperity.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Of course because they’re delicious to eat but also because food is a way to honor and celebrate family and culture. These recipes are a way to remember and enjoy the contributions of African American cuisine in the United States.

Drinks

Watermelon and Strawberries are stars on Juneteenth. In addition to their red color they are in season and summer’s sweetest produce.

Watermelon Basil Breeze Gin Cocktail

This refreshing Watermelon Basil Breeze Gin Cocktail is made with fresh watermelon and lemon juice, basil, gin, and a hint of rosemary.

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Strawberry Punch

Strawberry beverages are traditionally enjoyed for Juneteenth. 

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Hibiscus Coconut Latte

Hibiscus, coconut, and ginger combine for a uniquely creamy, lightly fruity, and floral herbal tea latte you can make in five minutes at home!

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Watermelon Rosé Granita AKA Boozy Snow Cones (with Video)

Watermelon rosé granita calls for just four ingredients and is the perfect boozy yet refreshing summer treat. Learn how to make it here.

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Appetizers

Easy & Quick Black Eyed Pea Hummus - The Vgn Way

A twist on the classic hummus. Vegan black eyed pea hummus is a wonderful snack thats gluten-free, dairy-free & vegan

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Vegan BBQ Meatballs + Polenta

Vegan chickpea meatballs have quinoa, bbq sauce, pecans, and nutritional yeast for tons of flavor, served with creamy vegan polenta.

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Desserts

Red Velvet cake and Strawberry Shortcake are classic southern comfort desserts. Hibiscus also known as sorrel in parts of Africa, hibiscus is a traditional flavor for the red desserts and drinks you’ll see on the day.

Juneteenth Hibiscus Strawberry Vegan Ice Cream

This Hibiscus Strawberry vegan ice cream gets its sweet & tart flavor from hibiscus & strawberries, a perfect addition to your Juneteenth & Summer bbq’s

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Homemade Watermelon Lime Popsicles

These Watermelon Lime popsicles are the perfect thirst quenchers for hot summer days. Healthy, full of fresh fruit, delicious and easy to make.

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Vegan Red Velvet Cake - Easy Minimalist Layer Cake!

This vegan Red Velvet Cake recipe has it all—the boldly coloured chocolate cake and the tangy cream cheese frosting, and it does it all without dairy or eggs!

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Delicious Strawberry Shortcake [Gluten-free, Dairy-Free & Vegan]

Light, moist & fluffy these gluten-free strawberry shortcakes, are easy to make delicious, vegan and dairy-free.

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Vegan Gluten-Free Lemon Bars (Dairy-Free)

When life gives you lemons.... make the yummiest, lemoniest, lemon bars ever! These from scratch, lip smacking, tangy vegan gluten-free bars on a buttery shortbread crust are the perfect combination of citrusy, tart & sweet.

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Tembleque (Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding)

Tembleque is a popular dessert during the holidays. This Puerto Rican coconut pudding is naturally gluten-free and vegan. #tembleque

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Vegan Peach Cobbler (Easy Recipe With Canned Peaches!)

This peach cobbler recipe is made with canned peaches, so you don’t need to fuss with slicing and pitting fresh fruit. It’s an old-fashioned peach cobbler made without eggs or dairy, so it’s vegan!

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Sides & Dinners

If you’re from the south then you’re very familiar with the long held tradition of eating prosperity foods to bring in the New Year. These foods are also enjoy during the Juneteenth holiday. Black-eyed peas and collard greens are associated with bringing in good luck and wealth.

Vegan Fried Chicken

This healthier, plant-based vegan fried chicken is made with fleshy oyster mushrooms and a crispy crunchy flavorful breading!

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Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat & Peas (Rice & Peas Remix)

Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat & Peas (Rice & Peas Remix), is a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional Jamaican Rice and Peas recipe.

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Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecan Topping

This Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecan Topping is a vegan, light and healthy dish that tastes JUST as incredible as the classic!!

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Smoky Vegan Collard Greens (Plant-Based Soul Food Side Dish!)

These vegan collard greens are tender, smoky, and cooked to perfection! You’ll love them with all your favorite Soul Food classics, and they’re great for meal prep too!

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Quick & Easy Instant Pot Vegan Baked Beans (Gluten-Free)

A perfect blend of sweet, savory & smokey flavors. This easy to make homemade instant pot vegan baked beans recipe is a classic summer cookout/barbecue side dish.

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Vegan Macaroni and Cheese | Nut-free

This tasty vegan macaroni and cheese is made with butternut squash, roasted garlic, a lot of nutritional yeast, and arrowroot to make it thick and creamy.

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Vegan Jiffy Cornbread

All The Delicious Moist, Sweet & Buttery Flavor You Love. This Easy To Make, One Bowl Vegan Jiffy Cornbread Is A Southern Classic. Dairy-Free & Egg-Free Too.

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Related Vegan Soul Food Recipes

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