23 Fresh Vegan Summer Recipes to Try

For me, summer cooking is all about keeping things cool and simple. I want to spend less time at the stove and more time enjoying the long evenings. That usually means meals full of fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden or market, with flavors that feel light and bright.

These are the vegan recipes I turn to all season long.

They’re perfect for easy weeknights, casual picnics, or just when you want something refreshing that doesn’t weigh you down.

1. No-Cook Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

I blend ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper with a little olive oil and vinegar until smooth, then chill it. It’s the coldest, most refreshing soup for a hot day.\

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 150
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 18g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 5g

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2. Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad

Sweet raw corn cut right off the cob, mixed with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro. It’s creamy, crunchy, and comes together in five minutes.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 9g

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3. Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Basil Pesto

I spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss them with a bright pesto made from basil, lemon, garlic, and pine nuts. It’s a light alternative to pasta.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 6g

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4. Chilled Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

Cooked soba noodles tossed with shredded carrots, cucumber, and edamame in a tangy peanut lime dressing. I eat this straight from the fridge.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 55g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 8g

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5. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint

Cubes of cold watermelon, salty vegan feta, and fresh mint leaves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze makes it perfect. I make this for every barbecue.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 2g

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6. Black Bean and Mango Tacos

Warm corn tortillas filled with spiced black beans, diced mango, red cabbage slaw, and a squeeze of lime. They’re sweet, savory, and so easy.

Nutrition per serving (2 tacos):

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 58g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 15g

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7. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Cooked quinoa with chopped cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, and parsley in a lemony vinaigrette. It’s my favorite make-ahead lunch.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 7g

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8. Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

Red potatoes in a creamy dressing made from vegan mayo, mustard, and fresh dill. I add celery for crunch. It tastes just like the classic.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 4g

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9. Grilled Vegetable and Hummus Wraps

I grill zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, then wrap them in a tortilla with a thick spread of hummus and spinach. They’re good warm or cold.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 40g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 10g

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10. Berry Chia Seed Pudding

A simple mix of almond milk, chia seeds, and maple syrup, left to thicken overnight. In the morning, I top it with all the fresh berries I have.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 12g

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11. White Bean and Herb Salad

A can of white beans, chopped tomato, red onion, and lots of fresh basil and parsley. I dress it lightly with olive oil and lemon juice.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 11g

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12. Simple Cucumber Salad with Dill

Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion in a dressing of vinegar, water, and fresh dill. It’s the quickest, most refreshing side I know.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 40
2. Protein: 1g
3. Carbs: 9g
4. Fat: 0g
5. Fiber: 2g

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13. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Canned young jackfruit shredded and simmered in BBQ sauce until tender. Piled on a bun with cool coleslaw, it’s a great sandwich for a crowd.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 58g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 10g

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14. Caprese Skewers with Vegan Mozzarella

Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and chunks of vegan mozzarella on skewers, drizzled with balsamic. The easiest party appetizer.

Nutrition per serving (3 skewers):

1. Calories: 130
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 2g

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15. Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Sandwich

Mashed chickpeas with vegan mayo, celery, and nori flakes for a sea-like taste. I eat it on toasted bread with lettuce.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 11g

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16. Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites

Slices of banana dipped in melted dark chocolate and frozen on a sheet pan. They’re a sweet, cold treat that’s ready in minutes.

Nutrition per serving (4 bites):

1. Calories: 150
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 4g

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17. Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Cooled rotini pasta with peas, broccoli, and a creamy green dressing made from avocado, basil, and lemon juice.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 50g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 8g

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18. Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad

Peach halves grilled until caramelized, then served over peppery arugula with a light vinaigrette. The warm fruit is so good.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 120
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 5g

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19. Smashed Chickpea Avocado Toast

Mashed avocado and chickpeas with lemon and red pepper flakes on thick sourdough toast. This is my summer breakfast more often than not.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 13g

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20. Cold Cucumber Soup

Just cucumber, vegan yogurt, garlic, and dill blended until smooth and served very cold. It’s the definition of refreshing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 90
2. Protein: 4g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 2g
5. Fiber: 3g

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21. Mango Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

A sweet salsa of diced mango, jalapeño, and cilantro. I bake triangle-cut tortillas with cinnamon and sugar for dipping.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 3g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 5g

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22. Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

A warm skillet of large butter beans sautéed with garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. It’s simple, protein-rich, and full of flavor.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 10g

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23. Ice Cream Float with Vegan Soda

A scoop of rich vanilla bean vegan ice cream in a glass of cold root beer or cream soda. It’s pure summer nostalgia.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 2g

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