Succotash is a classic dish that beautifully celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh summer vegetables. Traditionally made with corn and lima beans, this colorful medley has been a staple in American kitchens for centuries.
If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy, and completely vegetarian side or main dish, this vegetarian succotash recipe is perfect for you. Packed with sweet corn, tender lima beans, bell peppers, and a touch of fresh herbs, it’s a versatile dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite protein or enjoying it as a wholesome vegetarian meal, this succotash is easy to customize and sure to please any crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to get a variety of vegetables into your diet in one delicious bowl.
Ready to bring a taste of the garden to your table? Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful vegetarian succotash recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian succotash recipe is a celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables that come together in a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful dish. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with fiber and protein from the lima beans, and loaded with antioxidants from the vibrant bell peppers and corn.
Not only is it easy to make with simple ingredients, but it also offers great flexibility. You can enjoy it warm or cold, as a side dish, or even as a light main course.
The mixture of textures—from the juicy corn kernels to the slightly creamy beans—makes every bite exciting. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up summer produce and bring a bit of sunshine to your plate year-round.
For those who love exploring vegetarian meals, this dish pairs wonderfully with other flavorful recipes like Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or can be complemented by a sweet treat such as the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
And if you’re in the mood for bread alongside your succotash, don’t miss the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 ½ cups lima beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Colander (if using fresh vegetables that need rinsing)
- Small bowl for lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: If using fresh lima beans, shell them if needed and rinse thoroughly. Dice the bell peppers and finely chop the red onion. Mince the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Cook the lima beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the lima beans for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the peppers and corn: Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers and the corn kernels. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine lima beans and tomatoes: Add the blanched lima beans and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Season the succotash: Sprinkle in the fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the flavors. Remove from heat.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lemon: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and parsley, if using. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the succotash for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve warm or at room temperature: This dish can be enjoyed immediately or cooled and served as a refreshing side salad.
Tips & Variations
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sautéed vegetables.
If fresh lima beans aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen lima beans or even edamame for a similar texture and protein boost.
To make this dish more filling, toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice before serving. You can also add diced zucchini, fresh green beans, or peas for additional color and nutrients.
For a creamy twist, stir in a tablespoon of vegan butter or a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking.
If you prefer a Mediterranean flair, add some chopped kalamata olives and a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese alternative right before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian succotash is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed meal, or as a colorful side to your favorite roasted vegetables.
It also makes a delicious filling for stuffed peppers or can be layered in a warm grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and a tangy dressing. For a Southern-inspired meal, serve it with cornbread or alongside vegan-friendly fried green tomatoes.
Looking for more vegetable-forward dishes? Check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to add even more greens to your menu.
Conclusion
This vegetarian succotash recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a medley of fresh vegetables in a simple yet flavorful dish. Its bright colors, fresh herbs, and satisfying textures make it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The recipe is flexible, easy to prepare, and perfect for using up seasonal produce.
Whether you serve it warm or chilled, as a side or a main, succotash offers a wholesome, nutrient-rich option that fits beautifully into any vegetarian or plant-based diet. Give this recipe a try and experience the comfort and freshness it brings to your table.
For more easy and delicious vegetarian dishes, explore our collection of recipes like the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Succotash
Description: A colorful and nutritious mix of fresh vegetables sautéed to perfection. This classic succotash is a delicious side dish or light main course.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen lima beans
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lima beans, corn, bell pepper, and green beans; cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 28 g
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