Summer salads become a mainstay on many dining tables as the weather warms and the sun shines more.
Crisp greens like arugula or romaine make up the base of a traditional summer salad, which can be enhanced with a variety of vibrant vegetables. Imagine bell peppers adding a sweet, juicy element, cucumbers adding a satisfying crunch, and cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor. Use seasonal fruits like watermelon, peaches, or strawberries to turn a basic salad into a gourmet treat.
Key Takeaways
- Summer salads are a refreshing and healthy option for hot days
- Grilled veggie skewers are a delicious and colorful addition to any BBQ
- Tropical smoothie bowls are a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack
- Vegan BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are a flavorful and meat-free alternative to traditional BBQ
- Dairy-free ice cream is a creamy and indulgent treat for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
In addition to adding to the dish’s visual appeal, these fruits provide a delightful sweetness that counterbalances the savory ingredients. Nuts & seeds, like sunflower seeds or toasted almonds, can be added for a tasty crunch and good fats. A simple dressing consisting of fresh herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar can effectively blend all the flavors.
Summer salads can be combined in countless ways, making them ideal for picnics, cookouts, or as a light meal on their own. The abundance of summer vegetables can be beautifully displayed with grilled veggie skewers, which also add a smoky flavor that brings out their inherent sweetness. Grilling gives vegetables a charred flavor that is difficult to resist in addition to caramelizing their sugars.
Bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini are common skewer options. Before these veggies are grilled, they can be marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs to add flavor. A more substantial meal could be made by skewering plant-based proteins like tempeh or tofu. These proteins can have a unified flavor profile if they are marinated in the same mixture as the vegetables.
| Recipe Name | Ingredients | Preparation Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Veggie Skewers | Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper | 20 minutes | 4 |
| Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette | Quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper | 25 minutes | 6 |
| Watermelon and Mint Salad | Watermelon, fresh mint, lime juice, agave nectar | 10 minutes | 4 |
| Vegan Stuffed Peppers | Bell peppers, quinoa, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, tomato sauce | 40 minutes | 5 |
| Mango Coconut Nice Cream | Frozen mango, coconut milk, agave nectar, shredded coconut | 5 minutes | 2 |
For a full meal, these skewers can be served with brown rice or quinoa on the side after grilling. They can also be served with a cool yogurt dip made with dairy-free yogurt and fresh herbs, or they can be topped with a spicy tahini sauce. Both vegans and non-vegans find grilled vegetable skewers to be a tasty alternative due to their unique blend of flavors and textures. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, tropical smoothie bowls are nutrient-dense and can liven up your day. Typically, the foundation of these bowls is made up of blended frozen fruits like pineapple, mango, & bananas, which give them a creamy texture akin to soft-serve ice cream.
Plant-based milk or yogurt can be added to improve the creaminess and add more flavor. The sweetness of the fruits easily masks the mild taste of spinach or kale, so add them to the blend for an added nutritional boost. The fun part starts with the toppings after the base is ready. On top of the smoothie base, you can creatively arrange fresh fruits like kiwi slices, coconut flakes, and berries. Add some granola or chia seeds for crunch and nutrition.
The bowl can be made more filling by adding protein & healthy fats with a drizzle of nut butter. In addition to being tasty, tropical smoothie bowls can be tailored to your dietary requirements or taste preferences by experimenting with different fruit combinations and toppings. The vegan BBQ jackfruit sandwich has become a popular and tasty substitute for the classic pulled pork sandwich. When cooked and shredded, jackfruit remarkably replicates the texture of meat. It’s a great option for homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce because of its capacity to absorb flavors.
Before adding your preferred BBQ sauce and canned young green jackfruit (in brine), the onions and garlic are first sautéed until fragrant. By simmering this mixture, the jackfruit becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors. When the BBQ jackfruit is done, serve it on a toasted bun with crunchy coleslaw on top for some extra freshness & texture. A delightful eating experience is produced by the contrast between the crispness of the slaw and the smoky BBQ flavor. The flavor profile can be further enhanced by adding pickles or jalapeños for an added kick.
These sandwiches are ideal for summertime get-togethers and are sure to please both meat eaters and vegans. Nothing beats the heat quite like a scoop of ice cream during the sweltering summer months. Dairy-free ice cream options have grown in popularity and accessibility among people who are lactose intolerant or vegan. These substitutes, which are made from bases like cashew cream, almond milk, or coconut milk, offer a creamy texture without using any dairy.
The smooth consistency and rich flavor of coconut milk make it especially popular. There are countless flavor options available for dairy-free ice cream. High-quality cocoa powder or vanilla extract can be used to easily recreate classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla. Use ingredients like matcha powder for a green tea taste or fresh fruit purees for natural sweetness for a more daring approach.
Mix-ins like crushed nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips can add tasty surprises with each bite. In addition to being tasty, homemade dairy-free ice cream can be tailored to individual tastes. Citrusy lemonade is a classic choice for slake thirst on hot summer days.
The perfect balance of sweetness and the vibrant acidity of fresh lemons make for an irresistible refreshing drink. To make homemade lemonade, first juice some fresh lemons and then add water & sweetener (maple syrup or agave syrup are good plant-based options). To give your lemonade a unique twist, think about adding herbs like basil or mint for a fragrant experience. To release the essential oils from the herbs, simply muddle them before adding them to the lemonade mixture.
Seasonal fruits like raspberries or strawberries can be added to the lemonade to improve its flavor profile and add color. This is another delicious variation. At any summer gathering, serve over ice with lemon slices & fresh herbs for a visually striking presentation that will wow guests. Because it is so versatile and simple to make, plant-based pasta salad is a great dish for summer potlucks and barbecues.
Start with your preferred pasta (there are many whole grain & gluten-free varieties available), and cook it just al dente so that it keeps its texture when combined with other ingredients. For extra taste & crunch, mix the pasta with a variety of vibrant veggies, including bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, & olives, after it has cooled. To make the salad even better, think about including protein sources like edamame or chickpeas for a filling dinner choice. A light & refreshing dressing consisting of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs can bring all the ingredients together in a beautiful way.
Adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts can enhance the dish even further for people who like strong flavors. In addition to being tasty, plant-based pasta salad offers the chance to try a variety of ingredients according to individual tastes. A creative dessert that perfectly embodies summer in every bite are vegan grilled peach sundaes.
Peaches’ natural sugars are caramelized by grilling, which also increases their sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that goes well with creamy vegan ice cream. To make this dessert, just cut ripe peaches in half and remove the pits.
Serve the peaches warm from the grill, topped with scoops of cashew or coconut milk-based dairy-free ice cream, once they are soft & slightly charred. Add crushed nuts for texture or drizzle with homemade chocolate sauce to further improve this sundae.
You can garnish the dish with fresh mint leaves to give it some color and freshness. This dessert offers a delightful way to finish any summer meal on a sweet note while staying completely plant-based, in addition to showcasing the harvest of the season.
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