Summer is the best time to embrace vegetarian and vegan dishes, thanks to the abundance of fresh, local produce at farmers' markets across the state. And when it’s this hot, easy, veggie-forward recipes really get to bask in the spotlight.
These 25 veggie-forward meals are all about summery flavors: bright, sweet, refreshing, and tasty.
Summer Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Farro, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers make this salad a refreshing yet hearty side.
Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa, and Spinach
Ruby red beets offer a hint of sweetness to this crunchy and bright salad.
Vegan Rainbow Potato Salad
A classic barbecue dish gets a vegan twist. This vibrant potato salad is colorful and perfect for summer gatherings.
Cheddar Corn Fritters with Basil Mayo
Magic happens when you combine vegetables with a bit of binding and fry them until golden and crisp. Sweet corn paired with basil mayo may just be the most magical combo of the summer.
Broccoli Almond Pesto Pasta
Hear us out: peas belong in pesto. They add a subtle sweetness to the classic spread, rounding out the sharp flavors and adding a touch of protein, too.
Chopped Kale Salad with Avocado
A nutrient-packed salad featuring kale, cabbage, avocado, and a sweet mustard dressing. You’ve gotta have a go-to salad for the summer, and this one might be it.
Coconut Chickpea Curry with Turnips and Spinach
A nutrient-packed salad featuring kale, cabbage, avocado, and a sweet mustard dressing. You’ve gotta have a go-to salad for the summer, and this one might be it.
Simple Zucchini and Leek Soup
Paired with a glass of white whine and some good, local bread this light and flavorful soup is perfect for a summer evening.
Sesame Sugar Snap Pea Salad
This crunchy and vibrant salad features sugar snap peas and shaved broccoli stalks (which you can swap out for more sugar snap peas).
The Best Gazpacho
A classic cold soup that's perfect for hot summer days, featuring fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Corn and Goat Cheese Pizza
This special-occasion pizza combines sweet corn and tangy goat cheese— perfectly balanced flavors.
Smashed Oven-Fried Okra
Try this healthier take on fried okra. Dredged in a cooling buttermilk coating and baked until crispy, you won’t miss the deep fryer one bit.
Creamy Coleslaw
Our favorite classic side dish, perfect for summer barbecues.
Greek Style Stuffed Tomatoes
Big slicing or heirloom tomatoes are the perfect vehicle for this spiced Mediterranean rice salad. Bonus: this freezes well!
Spicy White Bean and Sweet Corn Gazpacho
A spicy twist on traditional gazpacho, with white beans and sweet corn.
BBQ Cauliflower Chopped Salad
We love this hearty and smoky salad featuring BBQ cauliflower. It packs well for an easy and healthy summer lunch.
Grilled Veggie Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce
These veggie skewers are paired with a zesty chimichurri sauce, so you can use up allll the farmers' market ingredients.
Smoky Harissa Eggplant Dip
The beauty of eggplant is that it takes on any flavors it’s cooked with. This dip’s smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors pair well with fresh veggies or pita chips.
Mushroom Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa
You won’t miss the meat in these tacos featuring mushrooms and charred corn salsa. Fire up the grill!
Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Chickpeas
No picnic is complete without pasta salad. Celebrate the best part of summer (farm-fresh produce!) with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and chickpeas.
Corn and Zucchini Orzo Salad
Sweet corn and zucchini are a match made in veggie heaven. Add some tofu to this salad for extra protein, or enjoy it alongside your favorite veggie burger.
Soba Salad with Grilled Eggplant and Tomato
This vegan-friendly soba noodle salad with grilled eggplant and tomatoes makes for a perfect light summer lunch. Add a handful of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color.
Veggie Burger
It’s called a veggie burger for a reason! Packed with fresh vegetables, this burger is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Chickpea Caesar Salad Wraps
A fresh and tasty wrap featuring chickpeas and a tangy Caesar dressing.
Tomato Galette
A rustic and savory tomato galette, perfect for showcasing summer tomatoes.
From refreshing salads and hearty mains to creative side dishes and delightful snacks, there's something here for everyone. So, take advantage of the abundance of summer produce and enjoy these delicious, healthy meals all season long.
Happy cooking!