When the weather is super hot and humid, the last thing you want is a heavy dish weighing you down. That's why you should make these fresh vegetarian summer recipes to stay cool while utilizing seasonal produce. Whether you're solely a plant-based eater or just trying to cut back on the meat intake, this list has something sure to please every palate.
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 lacinato 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.
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.
Test Kitchen Tip: A lot of curry pastes contain fish, so check the label before you buy to ensure it's vegetarian.
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.
Veggie Chili Verde with Seitan Crumbles and Lager
Chili in the summer may seem like an odd choice, but this vegetarian recipe is the perfect vehicle for fresh toppings like herbs, tomatoes, and green onions. The chili is made with seasonal veggies, like shredded zucchini. Spice up each bowl with canned chipotle peppers.
Portobello Pot Roast
This vegetarian summer dinner stars hearty portobello mushrooms and tender veggies. Reviewers call the recipe a "great vegan dish" and "delicious." If you can find it, we love to finish the pot with freshly grated horseradish.
Carbonara-Style Pasta with Peas and Shiitake "Bacon"
Shitake "bacon" stands in for the meat in this vegetarian pasta recipe. We'll show you how to make it, along with our recipe for a sweet and savory fresh pea pasta. We highly recommend doubling the mushroom bacon recipe and using it on sandwiches or salads.
Pesto Pasta with Charred Radicchio
You can use any herb you like to make this homemade pesto pasta. Round out the bowl with rigatoni pasta, radicchio, and Parmesan cheese. If you want a little more texture, try tossing in a couple handfuls of toasted walnuts.
Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)
Salads without lettuce are one of our go-to vegetarian summer dinners. Adding a block of salty feta cheese helps this vegetarian recipe feel extra satisfying.
Red Curry Tofu Skewers
To make this summer dinner idea vegetarian, skip the fish sauce in the tofu marinade. The flavors are rounded out with Thai red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and lime. Serve the skewers with a homemade peanut sauce.
Spaghetti and Zucchini Noodles with Basil-Walnut Pesto
Twirl up this vegetarian dinner idea! The recipe is made with both spaghetti and zucchini noodles for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. If you don't have a spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles, you can often find them pre-packaged at stores like Trader Joes.
Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Feta Dressing
Hearty grains, like quinoa, make this a filling vegetarian dinner idea. Round out the salad platter with fresh veggies, beans, olives, and pita chips.
Noodle Bowl with Tofu and Poached Eggs
This satisfying bowl starts with marinated tofu. Once cooked, add it to a brothy bowl with noodles, mushrooms, carrots, and a poached egg. Finish with crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.