Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant vegetarian dishes that are light, colorful, and packed with seasonal produce. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, BuzzFeed’s summer vegetarian recipes offer an exciting variety of flavors and textures to keep your taste buds happy.
From zesty salads to hearty grilled veggies, these recipes are designed to celebrate the bounty of summer while keeping preparation simple and quick—ideal for those warm, sunny days when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time outside.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best BuzzFeed summer vegetarian recipes that are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simple weeknight dinners. These dishes highlight fresh ingredients, easy techniques, and delicious combinations that will make you fall in love with summer cooking all over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
BuzzFeed’s summer vegetarian recipes stand out because they combine freshness with bold flavors, ensuring each bite feels refreshing yet satisfying. These recipes often incorporate a variety of vegetables, herbs, and grains that celebrate summer’s peak harvest.
Not only are they nutrient-rich and colorful, but they also cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and skill levels.
Many of these dishes are perfect for meal prepping or serving at gatherings, making them versatile and convenient. Plus, they’re packed with ingredients that boost energy and hydration, so you’ll feel great while enjoying delicious meals.
If you’re looking for recipes that are both healthy and exciting, this collection is definitely for you.
Ingredients
- Fresh seasonal vegetables: zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, corn
- Leafy greens: arugula, spinach, kale
- Legumes: chickpeas, black beans, lentils
- Whole grains: quinoa, farro, brown rice
- Herbs and aromatics: basil, cilantro, garlic, green onions
- Citrus: lemons, limes
- Cheese (optional): feta, halloumi, or mozzarella
- Olive oil and vinegars (balsamic, red wine)
- Spices: cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes
- Nuts and seeds: toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or almonds
Equipment
- Cutting board and sharp knives for chopping vegetables
- Mixing bowls of various sizes
- Grill or grill pan for roasting vegetables
- Large skillet for sautéing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for rinsing grains and legumes
- Salad spinner for drying greens
- Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
Instructions
- Prepare the grains: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa or farro under cold water. Cook according to package instructions, typically simmering in 2 cups of water until fluffy or tender. Set aside to cool.
- Grill the vegetables: Slice 2 zucchinis, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 ear of corn (cut kernels off the cob). Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred and tender. Remove and let cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey or agave, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, grilled vegetables, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup fresh arugula or spinach, and 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
- Add finishing touches: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts and crumble 1/2 cup feta cheese on top if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro leaves.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. This salad tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
To keep your summer vegetarian dishes exciting, feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s fresh and local. Grilled peaches or nectarines add a wonderful sweetness to salads, while roasted sweet potatoes bring extra heartiness.
You can make this recipe vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative. For an extra protein boost, add grilled tofu or tempeh cubes.
Experiment with different herbs like mint or dill for unique flavor profiles.
If you enjoy spicy food, toss in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This summer vegetarian salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or pita for a light lunch. For a more filling meal, serve alongside a bowl of soup such as a chilled gazpacho or a hearty lentil stew.
It’s also a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues, complementing grilled meats or plant-based burgers. If you want to keep things fully vegetarian, try pairing it with Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or a fresh batch of Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.
More BuzzFeed Summer Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Love
Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad
A refreshing salad combining sweet, juicy watermelon with savory grilled halloumi cheese, fresh mint, and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for hot days and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.
- Ingredients: halloumi cheese, watermelon cubes, fresh mint, lime juice, olive oil, black pepper
- Preparation: Grill halloumi slices until golden, toss with watermelon and mint, drizzle with lime dressing, and serve chilled.
Spicy Black Bean and Corn Tacos
These vegetarian tacos are bursting with summer flavors—charred corn, black beans, fresh avocado, and a spicy chipotle sauce that wakes up your taste buds. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
- Ingredients: black beans, corn, chipotle peppers in adobo, avocado, small corn tortillas, cilantro
- Preparation: Sauté corn and beans with chipotle sauce, assemble tacos with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro.
Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup
This creamy, cooling soup is perfect for beating the heat. Blended cucumbers, avocado, Greek yogurt, and dill make a nutritious and refreshing starter or light meal.
- Ingredients: cucumber, avocado, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic
- Preparation: Blend all ingredients until smooth, chill for at least an hour, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Summer Vegetable Ratatouille
A rustic French vegetable stew bursting with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a hearty vegetarian main course.
- Ingredients: zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, basil
- Preparation: Sauté vegetables separately, then simmer together with herbs until tender.
Quinoa and Chickpea Stuffed Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a protein-packed mixture of quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. Baked until tender and topped with melted cheese or vegan alternative.
- Ingredients: bell peppers, quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin, feta cheese (optional)
- Preparation: Cook quinoa and chickpeas, mix with spices and tomatoes, stuff peppers, bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Conclusion
Summer vegetarian recipes from BuzzFeed bring fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dishes that celebrate the best of the season’s produce. These recipes are perfect whether you’re cooking for yourself, hosting a barbecue, or looking for nutritious and flavorful meals to enjoy on warm days.
The combination of fresh vegetables, hearty grains, and bold seasonings ensures that every meal is exciting and satisfying.
By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can keep your summer menu varied and enticing. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the refreshing Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes to complement your vegetarian meals.
Embrace the season and enjoy the bounty of summer with these tasty vegetarian dishes!
📖 Recipe Card: BuzzFeed Summer Vegetarian Recipes
Description: A collection of vibrant and fresh vegetarian dishes perfect for summer. Each recipe is easy to prepare and packed with seasonal flavors.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cooked quinoa in a large bowl.
- Add crumbled feta and chopped basil to the mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 28 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “BuzzFeed Summer Vegetarian Recipes”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A collection of vibrant and fresh vegetarian dishes perfect for summer. Each recipe is easy to prepare and packed with seasonal flavors.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 large cucumber, diced”, “1 cup cooked quinoa”, “1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh basil”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 clove garlic, minced”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup toasted pine nuts”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cooked quinoa in a large bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add crumbled feta and chopped basil to the mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28 g”}}
