Juneteenth Newsletter Veganuary Vegan for Beginners Vegan Summer American Food Holiday

Your Juneteenth Veganventure Begins

Celebrate freedom, heritage, and flavor with 10 plant-based Juneteenth dishes rooted in tradition, culture, and joy.

Jun 19, 2025

by Megan McFadden

Happy Juneteenth!

Whether you're hosting a backyard bash or quietly reflecting, today is a powerful time to honor freedom, resilience, and joy—and what better way to do that than with a soulful spread of delicious, meaningful food?

If you're off today, please feel free to soak it in. If you're working (like me!), there’s still room for celebration. Wherever you are, your veganventure continues with every flavor, every choice, and every bite.

Here are 10 Juneteenth-inspired plant-based foods to fill your plate with history, heart, and celebration.

1. African Cuisine

Juneteenth is a decisive moment to honor African heritage. Dig into the roots. Think jollof rice, peanut stew, suya-spiced veggies, or injera with lentils. These bold and rich dishes connect us to the deep traditions of the African cultures that are celebrated today.

2. Meatless Burgers

Veggie burgers are a cookout classic made vegan. Choose black bean, lentil, or Beyond. Pile high with tangy slaw, avocado, or spicy BBQ sauce for full flavor impact.

3. Mac and Cheese

Creamy, nostalgic, and soul-warming, mac and cheese is an essential soul food. Vegan versions made with cashew cheese, butternut squash, or nutritional yeast still bring the warmth and nostalgia without the dairy.

4. Beans

From smoky baked beans to seasoned black-eyed peas, beans are more than a protein source for many vegetarians and vegans. They're full of flavor and history. In fact, they symbolize nourishment and resilience and are often a key part of Juneteenth meals.

5. Okra

A Southern staple with African roots, okra can be fried, stewed, or added to gumbo. Its texture and versatility make it a flavorful side or main dish. Slippery? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.

6. Collard Greens

Slow-cooked greens are a symbol of prosperity and tradition. Vegan versions with smoked paprika or liquid smoke keep the soul without the meat.

7. Corn

From cornbread to grits, corn was nourishment then and now. It’s simple, hearty, and full of history. Centuries ago, Africans who were enslaved in the Southern United States used it to make cornbread, grits, hominy, and cornmeal mush. Today, corn is a popular comfort food with dishes like grilled corn on the cob, cornbread, and corn pudding.

8. Tomatoes

Fresh, tangy, and vibrant, tomatoes are perfect for summer salads, okra stew, or simply sliced with a touch of salt. They bring brightness and balance to the table.

9. Peaches

Juicy and sweet, peaches represent abundance and joy. Serve them grilled, in cobbler, or sliced.

10. Sweet Potatoes

Full of flavor and tradition, sweet potatoes can be baked, mashed, roasted, or turned into pie. They’ve long been a symbol of survival and comfort in African American cooking, which makes them a must on Juneteenth.