This summer, chances are the grill is going to get a workout. If you have big plans for backyard barbecues, summer soirees, and perhaps a few poolside parties, consider this: try a new grilling tactic. Ditch the meat and opt for a vegetarian cookout.

To support the veggie diets in our own household, which came about mainly because of environmental reasons, and to encourage friends and family to eat vegetarian more often, we're going to try only throwing non-meat items on the grill this summer. If you think that limits our ability to throw a sumptuous summer soiree, think again.

Here are some of the recipes we'll be trying in the next couple of months—be sure to share your ideas!

• Kabobs (skewer any summer veggies you want)
• Cheese (especially Halloumi)
• Grilled Veggie Pizza
• Grilled Tomatoes With Mozarella (or better yet, a grilled Caprese salad!)
• Killer Mexican Barbequed Corn on the Cob, from Jamie Oliver

To round out the savory part of the meal, turn to:

• Grilled peaches
• Homemade s'mores
•  ...and 16 more grilled desserts from Better Homes and Gardens.

(Image: Amber Byfield)