I Didn’t Expect 29 Vegan Summer Recipes to Be This Good

It’s easy to think summer eating means heavy barbecues and messy sides, but this list of 29 vegan plates flips that idea completely. They’re easygoing, quick to enjoy, and surprisingly fun to share. Friends may not even realize they’re eating plant-based food until you casually mention it later. By then, it’s too late; they’re already hooked. Turns out, plants can crash the summer party without anyone complaining.

A skillet with melted cheese dip, garnished with dill. Celery and carrot sticks are on the side, next to a bowl of dipping sauce. — Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate. — Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm textures combined with light flavors make this a filling yet fresh option. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad strikes a perfect balance between hearty and refreshing. Ideal for meals that need something vibrant and complete. It works great alone or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Grilled Vegetables

Simple yet full of bold flavors, this dish adds variety to any table. Grilled Vegetables bring out depth by balancing smoky tones with natural freshness. Perfect as a side or to be layered into wraps or bowls. They are as functional as they are flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon. — Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp bites paired with light textures make this a quick, fresh option. Cucumber Tomato Salad is great for adding something bright to your plate. It brings simple ingredients together in a way that doesn’t feel boring. Perfect for pairing with mains or served on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Close-up of a plate of rice garnished with chopped herbs and slices of lime. — Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Light and fragrant, each bite offers just the right amount of brightness. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is simple to make yet feels fresh and flavorful enough to stand out. It’s versatile enough to go with almost anything or even act as the base for bowls. A great option when you want something light.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Creamy Peanut Sauce

Smooth, rich flavors make this sauce a go-to for adding depth to meals. Creamy Peanut Sauce pairs perfectly with fresh wraps, noodles or grilled veggies. It’s a great way to upgrade simple dishes without much hassle. Works well as both a dip or topping.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Green Goddess Salad

A close-up of a plate with bright green guacamole, chopped vegetables, and tortilla chips on the side. — Green Goddess Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright green, crisp and full of texture, it feels light yet hearty. Green Goddess Salad delivers a mix that can be the main dish or a fresh addition to any spread. Perfect for when you want something colorful and vibrant on the table. Easy to serve and always feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl

Packed with hearty bites, this bowl brings a mix of soft and crispy textures. Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl offers balanced flavors while staying rich enough to serve as a complete meal. Great for layering with fresh veggies or paired with dips. It adds variety without being difficult.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl

Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Colorful vegetable spring rolls with carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers, served with peanut sauce. — Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Colorful, compact and full of crisp textures, each roll feels fresh and fun. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls are great for dipping and sharing as a starter or snack. They’re light yet packed with a balance of crunch and flavor. Perfect for meals that need some variety.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Bright slices and aromatic touches give this salad a modern twist. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad stands out for its refreshing blend of bold and light flavors. Perfect when you need something that feels elegant but quick to prepare. It’s a shareable dish you’ll want to bring back.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Egg Rolls

Crunchy outside, soft and flavorful inside, these are hard to resist. Egg Rolls are perfect for serving as a snack or appetizer that everyone will enjoy. They’re easy to pair with dipping sauces to keep it interesting. A dependable option you can always count on for big meals.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Compact filling and great for meals on the go, this wrap gets the job done. Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap pairs fresh and hearty flavors in a simple-to-handle package. Great to pack for lunches or serve as a quick dinner solution. Feels balanced without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Vegan Sushi

Close-up of three sushi rolls filled with rice, avocado, and vegetables, served on a brown rectangular plate with a small dish of soy sauce nearby. — Vegan Sushi. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Trying something different can be refreshing, especially when it surprises you. Vegan Sushi takes all the creativity of sushi and shifts it into a plant-based option. It’s a dish that feels creative, flavorful, and incredibly versatile for any occasion. Perfect for anyone who enjoys unique arrangements in a simple, fun way.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sushi

3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!)

A bowl of mango sorbet on a wooden table. — 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!). Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smooth, fruity and refreshing this simple dessert keeps it light. 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet works perfectly as a quick solution when craving a chilly treat. No special tools or tricks needed to make it come together easily. Ideal for when you want dessert without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!)

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Creamy with a subtle sweetness in every bite, this dip is anything but basic. Caramelized Onion Hummus pairs perfectly with veggies, crackers, or as a spread for wraps. Its unique twist on a classic makes it stand out at any table. Always a hit for snacking or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and seasonings in a white bowl. — Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm and smoky meet fresh and light in this perfect combination dish. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad offers great texture with just enough weight to feel filling. It fits well as either a side or main making it incredibly versatile. Easy to serve at gatherings or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Hearty fresh layers make this bowl feel complete and customizable. Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl gives everyone the chance to enjoy restaurant-style flavor at home. Simple but loaded with balanced textures and bold notes. Perfect for a quick solo meal or sharing with others.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Crispy Avocado Fries

Close-up of crispy, breaded Air Fryer Avocado Fries on a white plate. — Crispy Avocado Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crunchy coating paired with creamy centers creates a fun twist on a favorite. Crispy Avocado Fries are perfect on their own or served with dips for extra flavor. They make great snacks or sides for larger plates. A fresh way to enjoy avocado differently.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Dairy Free Ice Cream

A gold spoon scoops a portion of creamy, pale vanilla ice cream from a glass bowl. — Dairy Free Ice Cream. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smooth creamy texture makes this dessert feel rich without heavy ingredients. Dairy Free Ice Cream is light and easy while still satisfying sweet cravings. Great for experimenting with flavors or keeping it classic. Always a go-to when looking for a quick frozen treat.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Ice Cream

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly smoky with tender texture makes this veggie shine. Grilled Zucchini is perfect as a side dish or layered into bowls or wraps. Each bite offers fulfilling simplicity mixed with bold, earthy flavor. Easy to pair with practically any meal plan. Serve this up as a meal or side that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls

Soft and tangy, these bites bring sweetness in a compact form. Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls make perfect snacks or light desserts to enjoy any time. Easy to grab and share, they feel indulgent without being heavy. They’re small with just the right touch of brightness.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bliss Balls

Oat Milk

A glass mason jar filled with a creamy beverage sits on a blue cloth with scattered oats on a white wooden surface. — Oat Milk. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This drink offers an easy alternative to the usual. Oat Milk works great in coffee, smoothies, or as the base for light desserts. A simple solution for those seeking plant-based options without losing texture. Ideal for anyone wanting a fresh take on dairy alternatives.
Get the Recipe: Oat Milk

No-Bake Mini Vegan Cheesecakes

Light and creamy, these mini treats bring all the richness without the hassle. No-Bake Mini Vegan Cheesecakes are perfect for small gatherings or when you want dessert prepped ahead. Their small size makes them easy to serve and portion. A go-to choice for quick, elegant sweets.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Mini Vegan Cheesecakes

Quinoa Salad

Fluffy grains combined with fresh textures create a balanced bowl. Quinoa Salad offers a versatile option that pairs well with practically any main meal. Balanced enough to stand alone if needed and perfect to pack for lunches. A full meal in one quick dish.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Rich flavors combine with soft textures in a shareable dessert. Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe adds just the right amount of sweetness for special occasions. Great to slice and serve at events or enjoy for a laid-back treat. A simple way to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them. — Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Nutty, earthy tones balance with smooth noodles for a light yet filling dish. Sesame Soba Noodles are quick to prepare and easy to customize with basic toppings. Works as a main or an interesting side for larger spreads. Perfect for anyone craving something simple yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes. — Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fresh crisp bites paired with a kick of heat make this dish refreshing. Spicy Cucumber Salad stands out for its balance of cooling textures and bold flavors. Easy to enjoy as a side to BBQ or heavier mains. Great when looking for light options that still feel flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Strawberry Mochi

Strawberry ice cream with a slice cut out. — Strawberry Mochi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet bites of texture make this dessert a fun way to end a meal. Strawberry Mochi combines a soft outer layer with a fruity filling for a balanced treat. Fun to share for snacks or as a lighter dessert. Always a good choice for something unique and handheld.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mochi

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

A plate of creamy fettuccine alfredo garnished with chopped parsley. — Vegan Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy sauce layered over tender noodles makes this dish stand out. Vegan Alfredo Pasta offers comforting flavors without any heaviness. Simple enough for busy nights yet special enough for gatherings. Great to pair with veggies or bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip

Spicy flavors make this dip hard to skip over. Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip adds just the right kick to chips or veggies for a shareable snack. Easy to prep for parties or quick snacks at home. Perfect for anyone looking for a classic dip without the usual ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip