When the summer heat rolls in, cooking can feel like a chore—but the season’s fresh produce makes it the perfect time to enjoy vibrant, satisfying vegetarian meals. From juicy tomatoes and sweet corn to crisp peppers and fragrant herbs, summer offers no shortage of inspiration. While there are countless delicious vegetarian recipes out there, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our absolute favorites—dishes that are easy to make, full of seasonal flavor, and perfect for warm-weather dinners, backyard get-togethers, or lazy weekend lunches.
Eggplant Mixed Grill
In this colorful dish, grilled eggplant is mixed with a variety of other grilled vegetables, including red onion, asparagus, crimini mushrooms, and bell peppers. Prior to grilling, the vegetables are marinated in olive oil, garlic, and lots of fresh herbs for ultimate flavor. Recipe: Eggplant Mixed Grill
Vegetarian Chili with Summer Vegetables
This recipe is a vibrant, hearty dish that celebrates the flavors of the season. It features sautéed onions and eggplant, seasoned with chili powder and cumin, combined with fire-roasted tomatoes and kidney beans to create a rich, flavorful base. Crispy, pan-fried grated tofu adds a satisfying texture, while sweet corn kernels bring a touch of summer sweetness. The chili is simmered to perfection and served with toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and crunchy corn chips, making it a delightful and filling meal suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Recipe: Vegetarian Chili with Summer Vegetables
Curried Tomato Sandwich
The simplest summer pleasure of all? The humble tomato sandwich. All you really need are sliced heirlooms, mayo, salt, and bread; but to take it up a notch, add a little kick by frying sourdough in sizzling oil infused with curry powder until golden, crisp, and fragrant. I love Madras curry powder because it’s a little spicier than regular curry powder, but as always, use what you’ve got. Just remember the two golden rules for tomato sandwiches: Always season your tomato slices, and always eat over the sink (or grass!). Recipe: Curried Tomato Sandwich
Crispy Tofu Stir Fry
This crispy tofu stir fry is easy to make, filled with vegetables, and packed with plant-based protein! It’s simple to make and great for a weeknight meal. Recipe: Crispy Tofu Stir Fry
Vegetable Enchiladas
This recipe is a take on classic Tex-Mex enchiladas. We use seasonal summer vegetables such as yellow squash, cherry tomatoes and poblano peppers to create a veggie-forward dish perfect for family mealtime. Recipe: Vegetable Enchiladas
Cold Noodles with Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce
Summer food is a very particular quandary: some of the best produce of the year, during arguably the worst cooking season (too hot, too stuffy, too sweaty). The no-cook route is great, paved with salads and stone fruits aplenty, but it’s when you find yourself on the internet searching, “How many nights in a row can I eat watermelon for dinner?” that you know things have gone too far. Consider this chilled noodle salad for such times. The cooking, if you can call it that, is limited to boiling a pot of noodles. Recipe: Cold Noodles with Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce
Cheesy Zucchini Quiche
This cheesy crustless zucchini quiche has plenty of leeks and zucchini enveloped in a light custard. Feta and fontina cheeses add a rich depth of flavor. Serve it for brunch or anytime you have extra zucchini on hand. Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Quiche
Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers
An easy, healthy vegetarian recipe that is quick to put together. Sweet bell peppers are filled with fibre and protein-rich quinoa and black beans. Recipe: Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers
Corn and Zucchini Fritters with Herbed Yogurt
These are great cold and in lunch boxes so double the recipe. You can reheat them in the toaster. Also good with a slather of honey for breakfast. Recipe: Corn and Zucchini Fritters with Herbed Yogurt
Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta
Mint and peas are a natural pairing in this creamy pasta dish. It works well as a vegetarian main dish or can be divided into smaller portions as a side dish. If you have pine nuts on hand, sprinkle them over the top for a little crunch. Recipe: Creamy Green Pea Pest Pasta
Final Thoughts Summer is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with fresh, plant-based ingredients—and we hope these recipes have inspired you to try something new. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to a light and flavorful meal, there’s a vegetarian dish here to fit the occasion. Of course, there are so many great ideas out there—we’d love to hear from you! Drop your favorite summer vegetarian recipe in the comments and let’s keep the inspiration going.