14 Summer Recipes You Need to Try This Year

Summer is here, which means patios, pool parties, and picnics. To make sure you’re prepared for all these events, here are some of the most delicious and refreshing summer main courses, side dishes, and desserts. These 14 vegan options will make your taste buds happy and your body healthier.

1. The Best Vegan French Toast

Start your day off right with a delicious vegan twist on a breakfast classic. Use thick slices of sourdough or brioche to serve as the base for this dish by A Virtual Vegan. You can top it with your favorite summer produce or add some protein with nuts, seeds, or creamy nut butter.

Get the Recipe: A Virtual Vegan

2. Vegan Protein Smoothie Bowls

Choose from two different flavors with this recipe from Blissful Basil: banana almond or wild blueberry. These smoothie bowls pack in 10-15 grams of protein each. Instead of relying on traditional protein powder, use silken tofu to blend in easily.

Get the Recipe: Blissful Basil

3. Balsamic Tofu Quinoa Strawberry Salad

Savory chunks of balsamic-baked tofu complement an assortment of summery greens, radishes, green beans, and strawberries. Add some extra protein using quinoa, then drizzle on some of The Full Helping’s Balsamic Dijon Tahini Dressing.

Get the Recipe: The Full Helping

4. Tempeh Veggie Burger

It wouldn’t be summer without enjoying a freshly cooked burger! This patty made with tempeh will be a delicious addition to the grill. Eating Bird Food recommends letting this protein-packed mixture sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before cooking so it won’t crumble when you form your burgers.

5. Meatless Po Boy Sandwiches

Po Boy sandwiches are an iconic dish in the South, but you don’t need to travel there to try one. You can really customize them to your tastes, whether you go with grilled summer vegetables, like asparagus, or tofu with classic Cajun seasoning. These sandwiches pair perfectly with coleslaw, another summertime staple.

Get the Recipes: Milford’s On Third

6. BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joes are the perfect picnic food capable of feeding a crowd. Whip up this lentil-based version in a pressure cooker to save time in the kitchen. The sauce on this is a perfect balance of sweet and acidic. Add whatever topping you like – Emilie Eats chose to stuff hers in a whole wheat bun with red cabbage, red onion, and lettuce.

Get the Recipe: Emilie Eats

7. Grilled Veggie Kebabs With Creamer Potatoes and Tofu

Who doesn’t love a good kebab? Add marinated tofu cubes to your skewers along with your favorite summer produce. This recipe calls for mushrooms, peppers, onions, and zucchini, but you could switch those out easily. While you grill, liberally spread I Love Vegan’s homemade sweet maple barbecue glaze.

Get the Recipe: I Love Vegan

8. Sweet Corn Curry

Nothing says summer like biting into fresh, juicy kernels of sweet corn. Yup, It’s Vegan’s recipe takes this sunny staple to a whole new level. Fresh corn mixes with warming spices, tomatoes, lemon, and coconut milk – all served over a bed of cauliflower rice.

9. Barbeque Sesame Sweet Potatoes

BBC Good Food packs these sweet potato wedge fries with flavor. The glaze – made of ginger, soy, garlic, and lime juice – is out-of-this-world delicious and makes for a sticky treat that’s finger-licking good.

Get the Recipe: BBC Good Food

10. Israeli Couscous Salad

If you want to really wow folks at your next get-together, this unique dish will surely be a hit. The Green Loot’s recipe combines fluffy Israeli couscous with traditional Italian flavors. The taste of fresh basil, tomato, crunchy cucumbers, and salty olives packs each bite. Let it chill before eating for the perfect light summer treat.

Get the Recipe: The Green Loot

11. Vegan Macaroni Salad

Meet the perfect side dish for your veggie burgers or picnic buffet. Nora Cooks’ vegan macaroni salad is creamy with an outstanding balance of flavors and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: Nora Cooks

12. 3-Ingredient Easy Watermelon Granita

This Italian-style shaved ice is so easy to make and you can store the leftovers to enjoy later. Add lime and your preferred liquid sweetener with watermelon for a refreshing and simple treat. You’ll be amazed at the punch of flavor this recipe from Jessica in the Kitchen delivers.

Get the Recipe: Jessica in the Kitchen

13. Super-Easy Vegan Oreo Ice Cream

This one is so sinfully delicious that no one will believe it’s vegan! All you need for this recipe from Vegan Heaven are five minutes and five ingredients – including the blender. Oreos and peanut butter are a delicious addition to traditional banana “nice” cream.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Heaven

14. My Best Ramen

Ramen is a mainstay in so many of our lives and there is no reason why we shouldn’t kick it up notches!!! Gaz is a master at Vegan Cuisine and his spice combinations are truly amazing. There might seem to be many ingredients… but trust me… they are all worth the end result! This is one meal you need to make now!

Get the Recipe: Avant Garde Vegan

Always Be Prepared

Summer plans pop up at a moment’s notice, but with these 13 simple summer recipes in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to take on any occasion. Everyone will want to know your secret, so spread the wealth and share these yummy treats with friends and family!

Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.