14 Vegetarian Summer Recipes to Showcase the Flavors of the Season (2024)

Are Plant-Based Meat Substitutes Healthy? What You Need to Know

Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Thanks to their "meaty" textures, eggplant and mushrooms become the perfect plant-based substitute for meatballs. Once they're cooked, the vegetarian summer recipe is hit with bright flavors of the season in the sauce featuring fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, and shallot. Enjoy as an appetizer or serve over a bed of cooked pasta or grains.

Miso Noodle Bowls with Turnip Greens

Noodle bowls are a takeout classic that you can easily turn into a vegetarian summer recipe for dinner (in less than an hour!). The rich miso broth gets a nice peppery bite from turnip greens and ginger. Crispy tofu adds delicious texture and protein to the bowl.

Asparagus Falafel

If you score a bundle of asparagus at the farmers market, utilize it to make this vegetarian summer recipe. The traditional chickpeas are still a part of the base, but the brightness from the asparagus really elevates the flavors.

Chipotle, Jackfruit, and Arugula Tacos

Jackfruit, a "meaty" fruit from Southeast Asia, magically takes on the flavors of whatever seasonings you add to it when it's in its unripe state. Chipotle transforms jackfruit into a spicy taco filling in this vegetarian summer recipe. Even meat-eaters will have a hard time believing it's not actually pulled pork.

Portobello-Pepper Kale Wraps

You've heard the saying, "Eat the rainbow," and this vegetarian summer recipe showcases an array of colors. Sturdy lacinto kale leaves become the refreshing wrap to hold meaty portobello mushrooms, peppers, and red cabbage. Sambal oelek (Asian chili sauce) and fresh jalapeños give the flavors a kick, while dairy-free homemade cashew-cilantro cream mellows out every bite.

Congee with Bok Choy and Soy-Glazed Shiitakes

Bok choy (aka pak choi) is a Chinese cabbage characterized by thick, clustered pale stalks and full, dark green leaves. Its peak season is in the late summer through early fall, so it's the perfect cozy Asian-inspired summer vegetarian dish to celebrate the end of the season.

Broccoli and Tempeh Quinoa Salad

Tempeh is a fermented soy meat substitute that packs a ton of protein (31 grams per cup!). Combine that with hearty, fiber-rich quinoa and vibrant broccoli to achieve one delicious vegetarian dinner for summer. Watermelon radishes give this dish a fun pop of color, but regular radishes will work if you can't find them.

Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Cucumber Relish

Skip the drive-thru and make this healthy quesadilla with seasonal veggies for a comforting yet not super-heavy vegetarian summer recipe. Sweet potatoes and navy beans stick to gooey Monterey jack cheese in a whole-wheat tortilla. The cucumber relish balances spicy and cool by utilizing fresh chile peppers. Opt to serve with Greek yogurt rather than sour cream for added nutrients.

Black Bean Burgers with Sweet Corn Salsa

Look no further than the magical black bean for a budget-friendly vegetarian summer dinner. Toss the burgers on the grill for a plant-based cookout to share with the family. Fresh corn on the cob becomes a delicious salsa for topping these tasty veggie burgers.

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

This vegetarian summer vegetarian recipe can use many veggies from your garden. Fresh corn, summer squash, zucchini, green onions, and fresh basil are all packed into ripe, crisp bell peppers. Ancient grain farro helps bulk up the recipe by adding protein and fiber.

Make-It-Mine Thai Curry Pot

This curry recipe is an easy way to create a summer vegetarian dinner with whatever seasonal ingredients you have on hand—all in a single pot. No matter what combination of vegetables you choose, this clean-out-the-fridge recipe will be a winner at the table.

Pesto Veggie Gyro

If you haven't jumped onto the halloumi train yet, now's the time. The chewy, high-heat-tolerant cheese makes a perfect meatless base to cook on the grill. Enjoy with fresh veggies for a summer vegetarian dinner everyone will love.

Summer Spaghetti Salad

Spaghetti, strands of string cheese, and squash noodles get the freshest tomato topping in this perfect vegetarian summer dish. We use a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes for color here but feel free to use whatever blend of garden tomatoes you have on hand. Toasted walnuts add a nice nutty, crunchy flavor to bring the veggie-packed dinner to life.

Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

When it's too hot to turn on the oven or stove, this protein-packed meatless riff on chicken salad will hit the spot. Smash canned chickpeas with crunchy carrots and pickles before stirring in a simple mayo-mustard dressing. Spread on toasted ciabatta and tote to the park for the perfect vegetarian summer picnic.