When the sun is shining, the last thing you want to do is spend hours hunched over a hot stove cooking up heavy meals. These light and summery plant-based recipes are perfect for warmer days
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Plant-based recipes are made to shine in the summer time. With all the nutritious and flavorful fruits and vegetables to explore through creative new recipes, the warm weather is the perfect setting to whip up the most amazing vegan spreads. From delicious smoothies and salads to more complex treats, there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Whether you’re attending a party where you can show off all your vegan master chef skills or simply planning your new favourites for the summer, vegan food has so much to offer and so many options to explore. You can pick a few options to try, or run down the list throughout the summer. It’s all up to you.
1. Easy Summer Chili
Chilli is a delicious vegan staple, and this light, flavorful summer take on this spicy favourite is a great option to cook up for a cosy dinner at home, or to bring along to a chill summer party. It’s sure to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike.
2. Quick and Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is the perfect meal for summer, whether you whip it up for lunch, dinner or a side dish. This light, refreshing dish is just as delicious as it is filling and satisfying. You can include any of your favourite vegetables, or simply toss in whatever you have in the kitchen.
3. Sam’s Smoked Salsa
If you’re bringing an appetizer to a barbecue or garden party, what better than a delicious salsa? This salsa is perfect for the summer, with the refreshing tomatoes, onions and peppers mixed with the smoky kick, it’ll go perfectly on chips or in any number of Mexican inspired summer dishes.
4. No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
If you’re looking for a beautifully light and fruity dessert, these cheesecake bars are right up your alley. You can bring these sweet treats to a gathering or chow down with the family after you toss them together. Since these are no-bake, you can avoid the kitchen heat while you make your tasty treats.
5. Fresh Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce
Spring rolls make for a perfect light snack or appetizer for any summer day. You can make them crispy and tasty, filled to the edges with delicious, flavorful vegetables. They’ll go perfectly with any number of summer meals, or on their own as a snack. You can even take them on the go if you’re in a pinch and need something quick and easy.
6. Lentil Salad With Summer Vegetables
Lentils are one of the best plant-based proteins for the summertime. Often, you’ll find them in stews and soups, but tossing them onto a salad can help you find the full punch of flavour in a light, crisp setting. You can change up the veggies and dressing if you’re looking to switch things up and get creative.
7. Citrus Vegan Smoothie
Would a summer vegan recipe list be complete without a smoothie? Between the greens and the burst of fruity flavour, this smoothie makes a great breakfast, though you can enjoy it any time of the day. Drink it by the poolside on lazy mornings or take it on the go when you need to rush out the door. The citrus and greens are sure to wake you up and push you to get moving.
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8. Vegan Summer Herbed Green Hummus
If you’re a lover of hummus, dips and various places to land your favourite chips, this creative, fresh hummus might be just the thing you need. With notes of garlic, clove and basil, this herbed green hummus is easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser. Take it to a gathering to share — if you don’t eat it all yourself beforehand.
9. Coconut Peach Popsicles
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter and totally refreshing, these coconut peach popsicles pair perfectly with a hot afternoon or a beautiful day in the sun. Come home to these treats in your freezer for the perfect pick me up when you’re feeling a bit lethargic — their fruity delight is sure to do the trick.
10. Vegan Summer Pasta
Italian inspired cuisines are often a smash hit that truly pleases a whole table, vegan or not. That’s why this vegan summer pasta is the perfect option to whip up right before a mixed summer gathering or a dinner with your family and friends. The veggies pack flavour, and the pasta is filling and sure to satisfy. Sub out any veggies that strike your fancy to customize this meal to your liking.
Get Cooking
There are so many delicious plant-based foods out there, and the summertime brings around a perfect selection totally ripe for the picking. Go sweet and light or satisfying and savoury. With all the prime choices in-store, all you have to do is follow your mood and get to cooking.
