Summer is the perfect time to embrace the vibrant, fresh flavors of plant-based cuisine. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your summer menu, this blog post is your ultimate guide to the best vegan summer recipes.
From light and refreshing salads to mouthwatering grilled veggies, get ready to indulge in a variety of delicious dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let's dive into the world of vegan summer cooking!
1. Vegan Soba Noodle Salad
The Vegan Soba Noodle Salad is a flavorful and refreshing addition to any summer picnic. Loaded with healthy vegetables and dressed with a nut-free tahini dressing, this salad is perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. The combination of soba noodles, broccoli, mushrooms, bell pepper, baby bok choy, and carrot ribbons creates a satisfying and nutritious meal.
The dressing, made with tahini, lime juice, tamari, miso paste, ginger, and garlic, adds a deliciously tangy and savory flavor to the salad. Garnished with green onions and cilantro, this salad is a must-try for a summer gathering.
2. Vegan Summer Rolls
Vegan Summer Rolls are a healthy and easy-to-make dish perfect for the summer season. Packed with fresh veggies and wrapped in rice paper, these rolls are light, gluten-free, and low carb.
They can be customized with various fillings, such as tofu, vermicelli noodles, and colorful vegetables. Enjoy them with a delicious peanut or gyoza dipping sauce for a refreshing and nutritious meal.
3. Summer Vegetable Chili
The Summer Vegetable Chili is a satisfying vegan recipe that incorporates two types of beans and fresh garden produce. It is a healthy and customizable dish that makes for a delicious lunch or dinner option. The chili is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, thanks to the black beans and pinto beans.
The addition of zucchini, yellow summer squash, and bell pepper gives it a refreshing taste of summer. The recipe allows for customization by adding extra spices, mushrooms, or vegan ground beef crumbles. Overall, the Summer Vegetable Chili is a flavorful and nutritious choice for vegans during the summer season.
4. Tropical Vegan Summer Rolls
The Tropical Vegan Summer Rolls are a vibrant and refreshing dish that is perfect for the summer season. Filled with avocado, cucumber, and mango, these rolls are bursting with flavor and color.
The peanut dipping sauce adds a creamy and tangy element to the rolls. Overall, these rolls are a healthy and delicious option for a light lunch or dinner.
5. Summer Corn Zucchini White Bean Soup
The Summer Corn Zucchini White Bean Soup is a delicious vegan and gluten-free option for the summer. Packed with fresh corn kernels, zucchini, white beans, and a variety of spices, this soup is a flavorful and satisfying meal.
It's easy to make and perfect for those hot summer days when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The addition of sour cream and cheese (optional) adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the soup. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for vegans and non-vegans alike.
6. Vegan Summer Rolls with Satay Dip
These Vegan Summer Rolls with Satay Dip are a refreshing and healthy option for summer. Filled with fresh veggies and served with a tangy satay dip, they are simply delicious.
The recipe is easy to adjust based on your preferences and the rolls can be made with or without Oumph! The satay dip adds a spicy kick to the rolls. Overall, a great vegan summer recipe to try.
7. Easy Summer Raspberry Loaf Cake
The Easy Summer Raspberry Loaf Cake is a delightful vegan dessert that is perfect for the summer season. Made with plant yogurt, non-dairy milk, and fresh raspberries, this loaf cake is moist, flavorful, and bursting with fruity goodness. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a great option for beginner bakers.
The cake is topped with a tangy glaze made from powdered sugar, plant milk, and lemon juice, adding a refreshing touch to each bite. Whether you're vegan or not, this loaf cake is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and light summer treat.
8. Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
The Vegan BLT Pasta Salad is a flavorful and refreshing summer dish that is perfect for BBQs. Loaded with tempeh bacon, cherry tomatoes, arugula, avocado, red onion, and a creamy dressing, this salad is both comforting and light.
The dressing is lightly dressed, but can be doubled for those who prefer a more heavily dressed salad. It's best to wait to dress the salad until right before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing the dressing. Overall, this salad is a delicious and satisfying addition to any summer party.
9. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels
The Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels are a flavorful and satisfying vegan appetizer that is perfect for summer. The combination of creamy vegan cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and vegan parmesan cheese creates a burst of flavor in every bite. These pinwheels are easy to prepare, requiring only 8 ingredients and 15 minutes of your time.
They are a crowd-pleaser at summer parties and can be enjoyed by vegans and meat-eaters alike. The pinwheels are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their vibrant green color. Overall, the Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels are a must-try for anyone looking for a simple and tasty vegan summer recipe.
10. Summer Chickpea Blueberry Salad
The Summer Chickpea Blueberry Salad is a refreshing and satisfying vegan dish perfect for summer. Packed with fresh blueberries, red cabbage, greens, chickpeas, hemp seeds, and cranberries, it offers a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors.
The tahini maple dressing adds a creamy and slightly sweet touch. This salad is not only quick and easy to make but also high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy main dish or a light side salad. It pairs well with sweet potato black bean burgers or quinoa beet burgers for a complete summer meal.
11. Vegetable Spring Rolls
These Vegetable Spring Rolls are a vibrant and refreshing vegan appetizer for the summer. Filled with colorful vegetables, including beet, cilantro, cabbage, peppers, carrots, and avocado, these rolls are packed with flavor and texture.
The rice paper adds a delicate and light touch to the rolls. They are served with a creamy peanut sauce that complements the fresh ingredients perfectly. These spring rolls are a fun and healthy option for any summer gathering.
12. Vegan Rice Paper Summer Rolls
The Vegan Rice Paper Summer Rolls are a quick, healthy, and delicious option for a vegan summer meal. They are gluten-free, oil-free, and packed with colorful vegetables like spiralized zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers.
The rolls can be easily customized with your favorite veggies and are perfect for on-the-go lunches or dinners. Dip them in soy sauce or your preferred sauce for added flavor. Overall, these rolls are fresh, tasty, and perfect for summer.
13. Thai Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce
These Thai Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce are a must-try vegan summer recipe. Packed with fresh veggies like cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots, these rolls are bursting with flavor.
The creamy peanut sauce adds the perfect tangy and sweet element to complement the crunchy vegetables. Cut in half, these rolls become a colorful and appetizing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or snack.
14. No Mayo Vegan Potato Salad
No Mayo Vegan Potato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer side dish. Packed with fresh herbs and dressed with tangy olive oil, this recipe is a delicious alternative to traditional potato salad. The combination of baby potatoes, red onion, and herbs creates a light and bright salad that is perfect for summer parties.
The absence of mayo is not missed, as the olive oil dressing adds a delightful richness. This vegan potato salad is simple to make and can be enjoyed for up to three days in the fridge. Overall, it's a must-try recipe for vegans and non-vegans alike.
