Too hot to cook? These fresh and flavoursome vegan summer recipes are light and breezy and perfect for scorching hot days.
When the sun is shining, the last thing you want to do is spend hours standing over the stove in a hot kitchen!
As the temperature soars, these refreshingly light vegan summer recipes are the perfect way to help you keep your cool.
From zesty salads bursting with seasonal produce, tarts that can be enjoyed hot and or cold, and chilled soups that will cool you down in an instant, these light and invigorating plant-based summer dishes are easy to make and full of healthy, wholesome ingredients.
Craving fresh fruits? We don’t blame you – they’re a great way to make sure you stay hydrated! So, we’ve included some sweet vegan summer desserts to help you make the most of all the delicious seasonal summer fruits while they’re at their best.
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1. Vegan Caramelised Onion Quiche
Made with a golden, flaky crust and topped with beautifully caramelised onions, this quiche bursts with fresh, savoury notes. This simple vegan recipe uses a pre-made pastry crust, so you can enjoy a no-fuss meal that requires minimal cooking, leaving you more time to soak up the sun.
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2. Vegan Tomato And Fennel Gazpacho
Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the refreshing essence of fennel, this chilled soup is a light and invigorating delight. Perfect for hot weather, the cooling flavours of this chilled soup will nourish you and leave you feel revitalised.
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3. Potato Salad With Lemon & Herbs
This light and zesty salad features tender potatoes tossed in a tangy lemon-herb dressing, creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus flavours adds a burst of brightness to this classic salad, making it a delightful addition to any summer spread.
4. Vegan Beetroot, Feta & Thyme Tart
This delightful tart showcases the earthy sweetness of beetroots complemented by the tanginess of vegan feta and the aromatic touch of thyme. Its vibrant colours and light, flaky crust make it a visually stunning centerpiece for any summer gathering or a delightful addition to a picnic spread.
5. Vegan Pea, Spinach & Mint Soup
This vibrant green soup combines the sweetness of peas, the freshness of spinach, and the aromatic essence of mint, creating a refreshing and light dish. With its smooth and velvety texture, it’s an ideal choice for hot weather when you fancy a nourishing yet cooling lunch.
6. Vegan Kale, Cannellini Bean and Sundried Tomato Salad
This vibrant vegan salad combines nutrient-packed kale, creamy cannellini beans, and a zesty lemon dressing for a light and satisfying dish. The crispness of the kale and the creaminess of the beans provide a delightful contrast, while the tangy dressing adds a burst of freshness. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish for al fresco dining, this salad is a perfect choice for warm weather.
7. Summer Fruits Pimm’s Pavlova
This plant-based twist on a classic meringue treat features a light and airy pavlova base, topped with a vibrant assortment of fresh summer fruits. The addition of Pimm’s adds a subtle, refreshing twist, making it a perfect centerpiece for your summer gatherings or a delightful treat for a warm evening.
8. Summer Rice Paper Rolls with Berries
These vegan rice paper rolls are filled with an assortment of crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and your choice of protein, all wrapped in delicate rice paper.
Enjoy the cool, crunchy textures and the explosion of fresh ingredients as you dip them into your favourite sauce as a healthy appetiser or a satisfying main course this summer.
9. Jackfruit Vegan “Tuna” and Sweetcorn Pasta Salad
This satisfying pasta salad features tender jackfruit as a flavourful and textured substitute for tuna, while nori and capers bring in the fishy flavours. Combined with sweetcorn and other crisp vegetables, it’s a filling yet light pasta dish that’s made for summer dining.
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10. Vegan Orecchiette with Pesto, Broccoli and Kale
Delight in the flavours of Italy with this refreshing summer pasta dish that’s both simple and satisfying. The tender orecchiette pasta is tossed in a vibrant vegan pesto sauce, bursting with the flavours of fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts.
Whether enjoyed as a quick weekday meal or served at a side dish at BBQ’s, this vegan orecchiette with pesto sauce will transport your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean with every delicious bite.
11. No-Churn, 4-Ingredient Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream
This 4-ingredient vegan ice cream is one of our favourite vegan summer recipes to make because it requires minimal effort but yields maximum deliciousness! You only need 4 simple ingredients to make it and it’s a great way to enjoy succulent strawberries while they’re at their sweetest.
12. Vegan Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Samphire & Lemon
If you live by the sea, keep your eyes peeled for samphire to add to your dishes. It’s at its best during the summer and adds a natural saltiness to dishes that pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon in this gnocchi dish.
13. Vegan Pappardelle with Fennel, Courgette & Lemon
Celebrates the fresh flavours of the season with this light and refreshing vegan summer recipe.
Featuring wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta tossed with crisp courgette, aromatic fennel, and a zesty lemon sauce, the combination of vibrant vegetables and citrusy notes creates a harmonious balance of flavours that will transport you to a sunny Mediterranean paradise.
14. Vegan Portobello Mushroom Gyros with Tzatziki
These vegan gyros feature marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables and a creamy vegan tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread.
The smoky and savoury essence of the mushrooms combined with the refreshing crunch of the veggies creates a moreish dish that’s a real summertime treat.
15. Vegan Lebanese Buddha Bowl with Tahini Drizzle
This colourful bowl showcases a delightful combination of Middle Eastern flavours, featuring a variety of fresh vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and fragrant spices.
Drizzled with a luscious tahini sauce, this creamy and tangy element that brings all the components together seamlessly. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with taste, this wholesome bowl is a perfect choice for a light and satisfying summer meal, offering a delightful balance of flavours and textures in every bite.
16. Strawberry & Lemon Tart
Indulge your sweet tooth with this delectable dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This delightful tart features a buttery crust filled with a luscious lemon-infused custard and topped with juicy, fresh strawberries.
17. Vegan Tofu Lettuce Wraps
These wraps feature marinated tofu, sautéed with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, all tucked inside crisp lettuce leaves.
The combination of protein-packed tofu and vibrant veggies creates a satisfying and nutritious filling that won’t leave you feeling heavy or bloated. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any veggies in your fridge.
18. Gin & Tonic Ice Lolly With Basil, Lime & Strawberry
Cool down and enjoy a refreshing treat with these grown-up lollies that combine zesty flavours and the botanical goodness.
Featuring a cooling blend of gin, tonic water, fresh basil, tangy lime, and juicy strawberries, these vegan ice lollies offer a boozy twist and a burst of fruity freshness, making them a fun and unique way to beat the summer heat.
19. Vegan Jerk Seitan Skewers
Brings a taste of the Caribbean to your plate this summer with these fiery skewers featuring juicy seitan marinated in a spicy and aromatic jerk seasoning.
Grilled to perfection, the combination of fiery spices, tangy lime, and sweet undertones creates a mouthwatering experience that is perfect for barbecues
20. Vegan Temaki with Hoisin Carrots
Inspired by the flavours of Japanese cuisine, these hand-rolled temaki cones feature a medley of fresh ingredients, including crisp carrots glazed with savoury hoisin sauce.
The combination of the crunchy carrots, tangy pickled veggies, creamy avocado, and fragrant herbs creates a perfect balance of cooling flavours and textures.
21. Vegan Eton Mess
Eton Mess is a quintessential British dessert that combines layers of sweet fruit and crunchy meringue in a beautiful (but delicious!) mess.
This vegan twist on the classic dessert features a luscious combination of fluffy aquafaba meringue, juicy berries, and creamy coconut whipped cream.
Hosting a summer gathering? Get the party started with these vegan barbecue recipes!
