32 Plant-Based and Vegan Recipes for Summer

Did you know that plant-based eating has significant environmental benefits? It’s also probably easier—and tastier!—than you might think.

Summer is a great time to take advantage of seasonal produce and try out some mouthwatering plant-based recipes during your barbecues, pool parties, and other summer festivities—while enjoying the peace of mind knowing you’re helping out the planet. 

This summer, try out these 32 vegan, plant-based recipes that are both delicious and earth-friendly:

Summer Vegan Recipes for Main Dishes and Dinners:

1. Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers

Looking for a veggie burger that will hold its form and stay together on the grill? These black bean burgers are simple, flavorful, and grillable! Find the recipe here. 

2. The Best Pulled “Pork” Sandwich

Made from canned jackfruit, this pulled “pork” sandwich has the same great texture and flavor as the real thing. Find the recipe here. 

The Best Pulled “Pork” Sandwich (find the recipe here)

3. Crispy Coconut Lime Baked Cauliflower Tacos

The perfect light summer meal, these easy, oil-free tacos are just as crispy as fish tacos! Find the recipe here. 

4. Portobello Steaks With Avocado Chimichurri

Mix things up this grilling season with these grilled mushrooms topped with a spicy avocado chimichurri sauce. Find the recipe here. 

5. Quinoa and Mango Stuffed Grilled Avocado

Another recipe perfect for the grill, these stuffed avocados are a fun summer entrée or side dish bursting with flavor. Find the recipe here.

6. Summer Veggie Pizza

Creamy cashew sauce, summer veggies, and sun-dried tomatoes come together to create the perfect pizza for summertime. Find the recipe here. 

7. Creamy White Pasta with Summer Vegetables

With sautéed yellow squash, roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a light vegan white sauce, this hearty yet light pasta dish is a great way to enjoy summer produce. Find the recipe here.

Creamy White Pasta with Summer Vegetables (find the recipe here)

8. Firecracker Lettuce Wraps

Spice things up this summer with these lettuce wraps featuring crispy tofu, spicy peanut sesame sauce, and brown rice noodles. Find the recipe here.

9. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

This noodle salad with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce is a fun and unique side dish to bring to picnics and backyard gatherings. Find the recipe here.

10. Sweet Potato Sushi Rolls

On those hot summer days when you need to beat the heat, making these refreshing DIY sushi rolls is a fun (and tasty) indoor activity. Find the recipe here.

Vegan Summer Recipes for Salads and Sides:

11. Colorful Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing

A tasty twist on a summertime staple, this pasta salad is colorful and flavorful with a creamy avocado vinaigrette dressing. Find the recipe here.

12. Southern Vegan Potato Salad

This classic Southern-style potato salad is creamy, perfectly seasoned, and easily customizable. Find the recipe here.

13. Grilled Corn, Avocado, and Tomato Salad

Tossed in a honey lime dressing, this grilled corn salad makes for a tasty side dish, dip, or topping. Find the recipe here. 

14. Bruschetta with Summer Tomatoes and Basil

This simple, light, and flavorful appetizer with sun-kissed tomatoes is the perfect dish to bring to a summertime gathering. Find the recipe here.

15. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels

These simple yet flavorful tortilla roll-ups make the perfect appetizer for summer parties—and they only take 15 minutes to prepare! Find the recipe here. 

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels (find the recipe here)

16. Rainbow Grilled Veggie Skewers

These colorful kabobs make for a nutritious, delicious, and gluten-free entree or side dish. Find the recipe here.

17. Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

With fresh herbs such as mint and cilantro, these refreshing spring rolls are perfect for the warm summer months. Find the recipe here. 

18. Watermelon and Peach Gazpacho

Cool off from the summer heat with a bowl of this sweet and savory gazpacho. Find the recipe here. 

19. Pineapple Guacamole

For a festive presentation, try serving this summery guac in a hollowed out pineapple half! Find the recipe here. 

20. Hot Pink Beetroot Hummus

Bright and colorful, this hummus gets its radiant color from cooked beetroot. Find the recipe here.

21. Mango Pico de Gallo

Fresh, flavorful, and festive, this 6-ingredient pico is perfect for summertime gatherings. Find the recipe here.

22. Caprese Salad with Peaches and Arugula

Juicy summer tomatoes and peaches come together with vegan mozzarella for a colorful, sweet, and savory side. Find the recipe here. 

Vegan Caprese Salad with Peaches and Arugula (find the recipe here)

23. Moroccan Lentil Salad

This flavorful lentil salad with toasted almonds, dried apricots, and fresh herbs works great as a quick and easy meal or a unique side dish. Find the recipe here. 

24. Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing

Fresh, fruity, and flavorful, this dish featuring homemade blueberry balsamic is the perfect summertime salad. Find the recipe here.

Plant-Based Summer Recipes for Breakfast, Desserts, and Other Fruity Treats: 

25. Double Chocolate Chip Cherry Ice Cream

What’s summer without ice cream? This chocolatey, fruity ice cream can easily be made at home—even without an ice cream maker. Find the recipe here.

Double Chocolate Chip Cherry Ice Cream (find the recipe here)

26. Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Coconut Cream

Bring out the best flavors of summertime peaches by grilling them and topping with this delicious blackberry coconut cream. Find the recipe here.

27. Grilled Fruit Kabobs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze

The caramelized flavors of the grilled fruit and the sweet and spicy glaze come together for a delicious summertime snack or dessert. Find the recipe here. 

28. Cherry Berry Smoothie Bowl

This vibrant, healthy smoothie bowl is a great way to start your summer mornings. Find the recipe here. 

29. Homemade Mixed Berry Cobbler

Pair this summer dessert with your favorite dairy-free ice cream! Find the recipe here.

30. No Bake Key Lime Bars

Bursting with flavor, these sweet and tangy key lime bars are a great dessert to make without having to turn on the oven. Find the recipe here.

31. Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Beat the heat with these summery, kid-friendly popsicles. Find the recipe here.

32. 5-Minute Watermelon Sorbet

This healthy sorbet couldn’t be easier to make or more refreshing. Find the recipe here. 

5-Minute Watermelon Sorbet (find the recipe here)

Eating plant-based foods is a simple yet effective way you can make a positive impact on the environment. Even trying Meatless Mondays just one day a week can have a bigger impact than you might think! 

Looking for more ways you can make a positive impact on the environment? One of the easiest and most impactful ways you can help protect our planet is by choosing 100% clean energy for your home. Signing up takes just 2 minutes, but it creates a lasting impact. Learn more about how you can sign up today and help create a better environment for future generations.

For more delicious plant-based recipes, check out our Pinterest!