Summer brings an interesting dilemma: The sun is out, the temperature is hot (in the sweltering South, at least), and the last thing you want to do is heat up your kitchen cooking. But…summer also brings an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, and you owe it to them (and yourself) to cook them.
Most of us who love food, especially fresh summer produce, wind up doing more cooking that we might expect to in the summer. Blame it on all the lovely watermelons at the farmers’ market, all the peppers, zucchini, and eggplant being left on our porch by some anonymous gardener. We can’t resist making jalapeño pickles and even watermelon rind preserves.
We kick off summer here in the States with a celebration, Independence Day, that demands lots of cooking: veggie burgers to go on the grill, potato salads and baked beans, fruit-filled desserts. So whether you’re looking for great recipes to use your summer produce or perfect picnic/cookout foods for the Fourth of July, I’ve got you covered with these ten essential vegan summer recipes.
It's so much easier than you think to whip up your own vegan hot dogs. Make them ahead of time and toss on the grill at your next cookout. These delicious, smoky burgers are another great make-ahead and grill recipe. Jackfruit adds an amazing texture to these vegan ribs. Make them in the oven and reheat on the grill. No picnic is complete without potato salad. This oil-free version is light and tangy and the perfect complement to any vegan main dish. Pineapple adds sweetness to this classic picnic side dish. If you prefer cold dishes during the summer, you have to try my favorite quinoa salad, sparkling with the flavors of lime juice and fresh tomatoes. Looking for an easy way to prepare all that yellow squash your garden generously supplied? This is the easiest, most flavorful recipe I have found. And it also works with zucchini! Eggplant is another plentiful summer vegetable, and the good news is it makes wonderful casseroles, burgers, and sandwiches. Try this New Orleans favorite. Ripe, juicy peaches stand out in this easy, gluten-free dessert. Shredded zucchini adds moisture to these all-natural cake-like brownies. They're a great way to eat your veggies!10 Essential Vegan Recipes for Summer
Homemade Veggie Dogs
Simple Black Bean Burger
Jacked-Up Vegan Ribs
Vegan German Potato Salad
Hawaiian Baked Beans in the Instant Pot
International Quinoa Salad
Ridiculously Easy Roasted Yellow Squash and Onions
Oven-Fried Eggplant PoBoy Sandwiches
Vegan Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler
Date-Sweetened Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frosting
And follow me on Instagram to see what I’m cooking this summer!
SkiptheBS
June 30, 2019 at 11:41 amTry that squash with strips of red bell pepper, a jalapeno or two, and a generous sprinkle of lemon pepper.
mary
July 8, 2019 at 12:45 pmWhat a lovely round up of recipes for the summer! Those zucchini brownies look amazing:)
Kate
July 10, 2019 at 7:49 amYum! Thank you for the inspiration!