30 Light Vegan Summer Recipes for Dinner

From salads and pasta to plant-based burgers, these easy and delicious vegan summer recipes are so good, even avid meat eaters will ask for seconds.

They’re light, bright, and fully loaded with fresh veggies!

30 Easy Vegan Recipes for Summer

Even if you’re not on a vegan diet, these recipes are ideal for summer.

After all, when the weather warms up, the last thing you want is something heavy weighing you down.

And these vegan summer recipes are the perfect blend of filling yet light.

Plus, you can easily pair them with some grilled chicken or fish for your non-vegan friends 😉

1.​ Vegan Summer Pasta

Colorful, punchy, and packed with flavor, this veggie-filled pasta is incredible.  

It’s loaded with fresh and flavorful summer vegetables, including zucchini and tomatoes. Plus, there’s olives and artichokes in the mix for a zippy kick.

Toss it all in a heavenly dressing with garlic and balsamic, and it’s ready to be devoured.  

2. Vegan Summer Rolls

Vegan summer rolls are bright, fun, and super easy to make. 

They’re a quick way to add extra veggies to your day, and even kids will love them.

Throw in a few crunchy veggies, some tofu, and vermicelli noodles, then wrap it up in rice paper.

All that’s missing is a dipping sauce – and the peanut butter recipe in the post is about as good as it gets. 

3. Easy Vegan Tian (Baked Ratatouille)

Need a show-stopping dish for your next dinner party? Try this stunning vegan tian!

Also known as Ratatouille, it’s a simple yet effective spiral of thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, squash, onions, and tomatoes.

Add a flavorful and fragrant sauce (made with only two ingredients), and get ready to drool!

4. Crispy Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Cabbage Slaw

This dish tastes like it’s straight out of a restaurant. But it’s insanely easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.

The tofu is perfectly crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. Meanwhile, the cabbage slaw gives it a nice, refreshing crunch. 

It’s colorful, textural, and super hard to resist.

5. Vegan Summer Garden Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Chard

Make good use of your garden’s harvest with this summer veggie pasta. 

I love the mix of nutrient-dense veggies like chard, tomatoes, zucchini, and chickpeas. But feel free to add whatever you have on hand!

It’s also loaded with flavor-boosting ingredients like garlic, capers, and sundried tomatoes. Yum!

6. Easy Grillable Vegan Burgers

Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you can’t have a thick, juicy burger!

Trust me, these veggie burgers are more than worth the extra effort.

Featuring black beans, brown rice, and sautéed onions with barbeque sauce, walnuts, and spices, they’re overflowing with taste and texture.

Add a soft bun, tomatoes, and vegan sauce, and dig in!

7. Easy Vegan Couscous Salad

This couscous salad makes a terrific side dish or rice alternative for any summer meal. 

Fluffy couscous, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and salty olives are a fabulous combination.

You’ll also boost that Mediterranean flavor with a lemon-garlic dressing that’s to die for. 

The textures and flavors in this couscous recipe are irresistible. So if you’re looking for a quick dish for parties or busy weeknights, this is it. 

8. Vegan Gyros

I know what you’re thinking: no way that’s vegan!

But I promise this recipe is 100% plant-based.

Can you guess the secret ingredient?

Yup, it’s jackfruit marinated in the most delicious spices, then stuffed in a fluffy pita. 

Add a generous helping of vegan tzatziki sauce, and you’ll fall in love at first bite. 

9. Vegan Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a backyard BBQ staple. And thanks to all the amazing vegan sausages out there, they’re great for plant-based summer dinners.

But this recipe takes it a step further – you’ll make your own veggie dogs with carrots!

Marinated in a delicious mixture of apple cider vinegar, tamari, paprika, and garlic, you’ll be amazed at how incredible these taste.

After a spin on the grill, they’re ready for the toppings. So don’t be shy!

10. Best Vegan Potato Salad

Potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser. But with all that mayo, it’s not vegan-friendly.

But this recipe is!

Fluffy potatoes, crunchy celery, green onions, and relish make up the bulk of the dish.

Then you’ll make a simple dressing with vegan mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and some spices.

It’s easy and tastes just like your grandma’s recipe.

11. Vegan Macaroni Salad

Here’s another summer staple you know everyone will love.

It’s super colorful and packed with veggies, including onions, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and peas.

Add some tender pasta and a non-dairy dressing, then let it chill in the fridge.

Easy peasy.

12. Vegan Kebabs

I’m a huge fan of kebabs because they look great, they’re super versatile, and they’re easy to eat while you mingle around the pool.

And while I often go for chicken or steak, these vegan kebabs are my newest obsession.

Between the colorful veggies and marinated soy curls, they’re filling and delish.

Cook them on the grill or in the oven, and watch as they fly off the plate.

13. Texas Caviar

Texas caviar is one of my favorite dips. It’s all the fun of scooping something up with salty chips, but with vegetables!

Texas caviar is really just a fun name for corn and bean salsa. Though this one has yummy avocado mixed in for a creamier finish. 

Dig in with your favorite chips or add it to tacos, nachos, buddha bowls, and more!

14. Grilled Tofu

Grilled tofu is a fantastic main dish that can be grilled up in no time. 

Press the tofu before you start to remove the excess moisture. Then slice it nice and thick.

Add a marinade if you like, or keep it simple with salt and pepper. Either way, it’s best served with grilled veggies!

15. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Magic Green Sauce

This is one filling salad.

It’s a lovely side but so full of color, taste, and texture, it’ll work just as well as a vegan entrée.

Roast your favorite seasonal veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and white potatoes. Then toss them onto a bed of fresh greens for extra nutrients. 

And don’t forget the magic green sauce! It’s the best part.

16. Roasted Veggie Sandwich with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Spread

I often enjoy sandwiches for dinner during the summer. They’re light, easy to make, and always a winner.

And this one is no exception. In fact, it’s my favorite thing to make with leftover roasted veggies.

Zucchini, peppers, onion – you name it, and it’ll taste great.

Of course, the unique sun-dried tomato spread is the real MVP. So make extra!

17. Carrot Noodles with Ginger Lime Peanut Sauce

Looking for a healthy “pasta” dish that’s packed with flavor? This is it!

You’ll smother tender carrot noodles in a spicy, tangy, and rich sauce of ginger with lime and peanut butter.

Scatter over a few chopped cashews and serve it with some of that grilled tofu. Delish!

18. Grilled Mushroom Steaks

Mushrooms are some of the best vegan meat alternatives around. They’re incredibly flavorful and impossibly meaty.

Not to mention totally natural and easy to find.

Of course, these mushroom steaks probably won’t fool the non-vegans at the party. But they’re just what you need if you miss that red meat texture.

19. Vegan Jackfruit BBQ Sandwiches

Jackfruit is another must-try when it comes to vegan foods. It tastes shockingly like pulled pork and takes on flavors like a dream.

When the jackfruit is hot and saucy, pile it into a vegan burger bun and top it with slaw and grilled pineapple.

And unlike the mushroom steaks, this one is good enough to fool anyone into thinking it’s real pork.

20. Vegan Tomato Gazpacho

Cold soup is lovely on hot days. And it doesn’t get any better than tomato-filled gazpacho.

You’ll blend tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers with flavor boosters like chives, vinegar, garlic, and spices. 

Then serve it with crunchy bread and fresh veggies for garnish.

21. Roasted Sweet Potato + Cauliflower Tacos

Tacos are the kind of all-weather meal that’s welcome any day of the year.

Have a couple for a light lunch, or chow down on a whole platter for dinner. Either way, they’re universally loved.

And these sweet potato and cauliflower tacos are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

The chipotle cashew crema is a thing of beauty, and it lifts the veggies like you won’t believe.

I hope you’re hungry because you’ll devour six of these before you know it!

22. Vegan and Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad

Caesar salad is another recipe that almost everyone appreciates.

But this Caesar pasta salad is on a whole other level of yum!

Thanks to the gluten-free pasta, it’s way more filling than a regular salad. But it’s just as rich and zippy, with the same unique cheesy taste.

23. Summer Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is one of the best summer soups around.

Between the vibrant color and sweet pops of corn, it’s great for kids and adults alike.

This one calls for vegan cream cheese to get that signature silky finish. And there’s jalapeños in there, too, for a layer of heat.

Serve it with some bread, and you’re all set.

24. Barbecue Tofu Sandwiches w/ Homemade Coleslaw

When you know how to cook it, tofu is such a versatile ingredient in plant-based cooking.

I mean, just look at that sandwich! It’s begging to be devoured.

You’ll use extra firm tofu for the best texture and plenty of BBQ sauce.

As for the toppings, it’s totally up to you. But you can’t go wrong with crunchy slaw and pickles!

25. Vegan Tuna Salad

Vegan tuna salad is one of my favorite meat-free lunches. 

This faux fish is made with hearts of palm and chickpeas. So the texture is flaky like tuna salad, and the flavor is even better!

Add some crunchy celery, pickle relish, and nori for saltiness. Then pile it into a crunchy loaf and garnish it with more veggies and some fresh herbs. YUM!

26. Vegan Chicken Salad

If chicken is more your speed, check out this vegan “chicken” salad instead.

Again, you’ll use chickpeas to make up the bulk of the “meaty” texture. You’ll add onions, celery, and pecans to that, giving it a good amount of crunch too. 

The creamy dressing uses vegan mayo. However, most of these vegan heavy cream substitutes would work well if you can’t find any.

27. Easiest Vegan Chickpea Burgers

Here’s another fantastic chickpea recipe for vegans. And it’s one I think your whole family will love.

Chickpeas are jam-packed with protein, and when you mash them into a patty, they’re surprisingly burger-like.

Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, they’re insanely delicious thanks to the onions, garlic, and spices. 

28. Grilled Heirloom Tomato Pizza

Grilled heirloom tomato pizzas are unbeatable. Trust me, you won’t miss that pepperoni pie one bit after a bite of this.

Spread vegan ricotta cheese on top of the delicious grilled dough. Then add as many slices of gorgeous heirloom tomatoes as you want. 

The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze adds tons of flavor, and the chili flakes bring a kick of heat.

29. BBQ Tofu Tostadas

These tostadas just scream summer, don’t you think?

Between the crunchy base, BBQ tofu, and colorful slaw, they’re just what you want on a balmy July night.

Feel free to use jackfruit if you prefer, but I adore the tofu crumbles. They’re so meat-like, you might even do a double-take.

But don’t worry, there’s no beef in sight!

30. Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn is truly obsession-worthy. So if you love elote but don’t love the mess, you have to try this salad recipe!

Crisp, juicy corn covered in a vegan mayo dressing with a hint of spice is just what you need on the side of those tostadas!

That said, I could eat a whole bowl of this stuff for dinner. So be sure to serve it with plenty of salty chips.