Summer is the best time to grow out – and I’m not just talking about lounging by the pool. If there’s a season to go without meat, it’s summer. The best vegetarian summer recipes are based on products that are plentiful, rich, and oh-so-tasty. Juicy fruit snacks and smoked grilled vegetables take the tastiest crops to a whole new level. And yes, they even go well with a polar day.
Of course, rainbow food isn’t just delicious. It’s also the easiest way to know you’re nourishing your body. While I like to dive deep into foods that won’t spike my blood sugar or keep my gut happy, it’s nice to know that as long as my plate is full of color, I’m probably just fine. After all, summer is all about that laid-back vibe. Give me a meal full of ripe, thick vegetables combined with a long sunset walk and it’s all good.
Ahead, we’ve got 12 vegetarian summer recipes that give seasonal foods the spotlight they deserve. Warm-weather delights await.
Featured image by Michelle Nash†
Vegetarian summer breakfast recipes
Tropical pineapple-ginger smoothie
Why we love it: Even picky eaters will approve of this five-minute breakfast smoothie. Packed with pineapple, banana, strawberries, ginger, and avocado, you’re looking at a crowd-pleasing smoothie that’s nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, and full of fiber. Make your prep simple and efficient by collecting all the ingredients in individual sachets for a breakfast that’s as energizing as it is filling.
Hero Ingredient: Ginger adds a necessary zest, but we also need the orange juice in this one! Skip the milk – it should be juice.
Get the Tropical Pineapple-Ginger Smoothie recipe.
Simple Vegetarian Quiche
Why we love it: A quiche is the perfect vehicle for summer vegetables. And with so many variations available, you just can’t go wrong as long as the veggie is in season. We even map out how to work with three different types of crust. Make this quiche work for you – not the other way around.
Hero Ingredient: It’s all about the vegetables. Collect your favorites and don’t forget to top the finished product with lightly dressed greens for a big wow factor.
Get the Simple Vegetarian Quiche recipe.
A perfect vegetarian summer lunch
Vegan Chorizo Tacos
Why we love it: This recipe from Austin hotspot The source brings nothing but joy to the table. Instead of soy, chickpeas and lentils provide protein, fiber and other essential nutrients for a balanced meal. From the cassava tortillas to the earth-shattering chorizo oil, these breakfast tacos are worth it.
Hero Ingredient: It is the infamous chorizo oil. Made from fresh garlic, cumin seeds, paprika, turmeric, jalapeno and olive oil, this oil is liquid gold.
Get the recipe for vegan chorizo tacos.
Chickpea salad sandwiches
Why we love it: Really, any summer vegetarian recipe can be had for lunch. But sometimes you just want a classic sandwich. This chickpea salad is a protein powerhouse — the perfect addition for Sunday night meal prep so you don’t have to scramble on Monday morning. Tip: Hydrate the cranberries for a firm, deliciously sour bite.
huhero ingredient: The lemon makes this chickpea salad sing.
Get the recipe for Chickpea Salad Sandwiches.
Vegetarian summer side dishes
White bean and raddichi salad
Why we love it: This white bean and raddichio salad is an easy appetizer or side dish that’s practically made for summer dinners. Olivia MuniakThe go-to for summer spreads gets our seal of approval. From taste to color, this one is absolutely WOWS.
Heingredient: The raddichio is the star of the show, but that salty, freshly shaved chicken Parmesan gets the second bill.
Get the recipe for White Bean and Raddichi Salad.
Bruschetta with slow roasted tomatoes and ricotta
Why we love it: You should roast the tomatoes slowly for optimal taste. With just five minutes of hands-on time, this dish comes to life in an hour in the oven. Combined with high quality bread and ricotta, it is one of the tastiest flavor combinations ever. This is how you start all your summer parties!
Hero Ingredient: It’s clearly the tomatoes. You can also put them on a pizza or in this one creamy polenta bowls†
Get the recipe for Bruschetta with slow roasted tomatoes and ricotta.
Salt and Vinegar Crispy Potatoes
Why we love it: These crispy potatoes cracked the code – they don’t need an oven! Pan-roasting in a cast iron skillet gives you the perfect crunch that will make you pop them one after the other in your mouth. The secret to getting them crispy? Be patient and don’t overfill the pan.
Heingredient: The vinegar takes these potatoes to a new level. It smells strongly when you add it to the pan, but the final flavor is perfectly subtle.
Get the recipe for Crispy Potatoes with Salt and Vinegar.
Fool-proof vegetarian summer dinner recipes
Sweet Potato Falafel Burger
Why we love it: Every summer, a grill-oriented gathering needs a hearty veggie burger and this is it. How do you keep them from falling apart? Pre-cook the vegetables to reduce the amount of water, which will give your burgers a firmer texture. Keep the mold short and plump, then let it cool for an hour or overnight. Boom – the perfect patty.
Hero Ingredient: If you can grind your herbs fresh, do so. Coriander and cumin seeds straight from the mortar and pestle bring the flavors to life.
Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Falafel Burger.
Paneer Tikka Kebabs
Why we love it: Paneer is a non-melting cheese with a chewy texture and a mild flavor. Here it’s marinated in yogurt and tons of spices for a vegetarian kebab that’s hugely satisfying. Give yourself plenty of time to marinate overnight (and, again, grind those herbs fresh) for an easy and delicious meal!
huheingredient: The marinade is central to this dish. And don’t forget to hit them with a squeeze of lime from the grill.
Get the recipe for Paneer Tikka Kebabs.
Pasta Pasta Primavera
Why we love it: This is one of those “once a week” meals and Camille’s very own go-to. An ultimate one-pot pasta recipe that is quick and easy, so delicious and packed with fresh summer vegetables. Grab the veggies in your fridge and eat them!
huheingredient: It’s all about the summer products in this one. You really can’t go wrong by pairing your favorite pesto with a great al dente pasta. This recipe is proof.
Get the recipe for Pesto Pasta Primavera.
Fruit-Forward Vegetarian Desserts
Berries & Cream Layer Cake
Why we love it: This cake is your shortcut to summer treats, both in taste and aesthetics. An easy berry and whipped cream cake based on a store-bought cake mix and a few simple styling tricks. Perfect for a birthday or just a Wednesday in July.
Hero Ingredient: Stuff those macerated berries for a natural syrup that adds great flavor.
Get the recipe for Berry & Cream Layer Cake.
Raspberrytiramisu
Why we love it: Tiramisu takes on a sassy glow with the brilliant addition of raspberries. This is an easy, no-cook summer dessert that’s perfect for an Italian dinner party. Just layer and chill (an ideal make-ahead treat). No furnace needed.
huheingredient: Is not it clear? Don’t skip the raspberries!
Get the recipe for Raspberry Tiramisu.
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