Summer is the perfect season to fill your plate with vibrant, fresh produce. Whether you shop at a local farmers' market or grow your own vegetables, eating seasonally has never been more delicious—or more nutritious. If you're looking for tasty vegan ways to enjoy summer produce like corn, eggplant, beets, cauliflower, broccoli, peaches, and bell peppers, this guide is packed with ideas that are simple, satisfying, and entirely plant-based.
As promised when I posted the unboxing of this week's Tanaka Farms CSA, here is my all-time favorite Three Bean Salad Recipe! Courtesy of Love & Lemons.
Why Eat Seasonally?
Eating seasonally means consuming fruits and vegetables at their peak harvest time. Summer produce tends to be higher in flavor, nutrients, and often more affordable. Plus, it's a great way to support local agriculture and reduce your environmental footprint.
1. Sweet Corn: A Summer Staple
Vegan Ideas:
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🌽 Grilled Corn with Vegan Lime Crema
Brush corn with olive oil, grill until lightly charred, and top with a vegan crema made from cashews, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of chili powder. Roll in crushed chips for crunch: I love Trader Joe's version of Takis! -
🌽 Corn & Black Bean Tacos
Combine fresh corn kernels with black beans, avocado, and chopped cilantro. Serve in soft corn tortillas with a squeeze of lime. -
🌽 Summer Corn Chowder
Blend sweet corn with coconut milk, potatoes, and leeks for a creamy, dairy-free chowder that’s light yet comforting.
2. Eggplant: Meaty & Versatile
Vegan Ideas:
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🍆 Smoky Grilled Eggplant Steaks
Marinate thick slices of eggplant in balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, and olive oil, then grill until tender and serve over quinoa or couscous. Here is my go-to combo, and you can oven roast if not grilling in a BBQ instead: Zatar! -
🍆 Vegan Baba Ghanoush
Roast or grill eggplant until soft, then blend with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a creamy Middle Eastern dip. -
🍆 Eggplant Stir-Fry
Sauté eggplant with bell peppers, tofu, and a soy-ginger glaze for an easy weeknight dinner.
3. Beets: Earthy & Nutrient-Dense
Vegan Ideas:
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🥗 Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts & Balsamic Glaze
Roast beets and toss with arugula, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. -
🧃 Beet Smoothie
Blend raw or roasted beet with banana, frozen berries, and almond milk for a bright, energizing smoothie. -
🍝 Beet Pesto Pasta
Make a vibrant pink pesto using roasted beets, garlic, lemon juice, basil, and sunflower seeds. Toss with your favorite pasta. - 🫙Pickled Beets: Link
4. Cauliflower & Broccoli: Cruciferous Powerhouses
Vegan Ideas:
- 🥜Peanut Broccoli Salad: Every summer I make this salad to eat on hot days when I still crave one of my favorite vegetables. Bon Appetit recipe from Chris Morroco.
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🥦 Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Roast cauliflower florets tossed in hot sauce and serve with vegan ranch for a spicy snack or party appetizer. -
🥦 Broccoli & Cauliflower Vegan Alfredo
Steam both veggies and blend them with soaked cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, and plant milk for a creamy, nutritious sauce. -
🥦 Summer Grain Bowl
Add roasted broccoli and cauliflower to a bowl with farro, avocado, chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
5. Bell Peppers: Sweet, Crunchy & Colorful
Vegan Ideas:
- If you have time, and an abundance of bell peppers, make some Ajvar!
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🌶️ Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill halved peppers with a mixture of brown rice, lentils, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Bake until tender. -
🌶️ Pepper & Hummus Wraps
Slice raw bell peppers and wrap in whole grain tortillas with hummus, spinach, and shredded carrots for a crunchy, on-the-go lunch. -
🌶️ Roasted Pepper & Tomato Soup
Roast red bell peppers and blend with tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a summery twist on a classic soup.
6. Peaches: Sweet & Juicy
Vegan Ideas:
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🍑 Grilled Peaches with Coconut Whipped Cream
Halve and grill peaches until caramelized. Serve with a dollop of coconut cream and chopped mint. -
🍑 Peach & Spinach Salad
Toss fresh peach slices with baby spinach, toasted pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light summer salad. -
🍑 Vegan Peach Crisp
Bake sliced peaches with a crumbly oat and almond topping for a healthy, plant-based dessert.
Final Thoughts
With so many vibrant fruits and vegetables in season, summer is the ideal time to experiment with vegan recipes that highlight fresh produce. From grilled eggplant steaks to peach desserts and corn tacos, eating plant-based in the summer doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. In fact, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the bounty of the season—deliciously.
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