The essential vegan recipe guide for spring and summer

Seasonal vegan delights to savour, from picnics to parties and more!

This collection of vegan spring and summer recipes has everything from zesty lemon posset and smoky jerk tofu to hearty and refreshing salads.

Whether you’re after a light dessert, a flavourful main or a fresh side these recipes have got you covered. Try a few of these favourite dishes and enjoy the sunshine one delicious bite at a time!

Starters and light bites

Perfect for grazing boards, pre-dinner nibbles or a breezy afternoon snack with something chilled. Whether you're enjoying a casual picnic with friends or unwinding solo, they offer the right mix of flavours to please any palate.

• Giant tortilla chips with rainbow dips – Get ready to level up your snack game with giant tortilla chips served with a rainbow of dips. From creamy hummus, zesty hot mango dip, refreshing mint raita and bold pizza salsa. This colourful platter is a party winner.
• Almond stuffed courgettes – These almond stuffed courgettes are a simple yet elegant dish, tender courgettes with a rich and nutty filling that is great for summer any occasion.
• Akara bites – This tasty recipe by Ngwafu Tansie is from Nigeria and is made with black eyed beans, known as ‘black beans’ in West Africa.

Salads

Salads are a spring and summer staple that are easy to make, colourful, nourishing and endlessly versatile.. Recreate some of our vegan salad recipes below and add your own twist with crunchy croutons, grilled vegetables or your favourite vegan dressing.

• Hearty halloumi salad – This tofu halloumi BOSH! recipe is a real showstopper with its punchy, fresh flavours.
• Thai noodle salad– A vibrant Thai noodle salad with a kick of chilli from The Vegan Punks.
• Crunchy cauliflower and brown rice salad with a miso and amardine dressing – Add quinoa or any other crunchy cruciferous veg to this recipe. Amardine is a tasty Arabic apricot fruit leather great for adding a sweet flavour to your salad.

Crunchy cauliflower and brown rice salad with a miso and amardine dressing from Veganistan: A Vegan tour of the Middle East by Sally Butcher (Pavilion Books). Image credit Yuki Sugiura. 

Sandwiches and wraps

Nothing hits the spot like a fresh, crunchy sandwich or wrap. These easy vegan sandwiches and wraps are perfect for everything from picnics in the park during the summer months or for healthy lunches on the go.  Packed with fresh vegetables, flavourful spreads and hearty plant-based proteins. If you fancy something heartier, then why not try these recipes with your favourite thick crusty bread.

• Simple TLT (tofu lettuce tomato) – A vegan version of a classic. Featuring only six ingredients, it is quick and easy to make.
• African shawarma wrap – West African Shawarma is a popular street food in Nigeria and Cameroon, influenced by Lebanese immigrants and adapted with local spices. This vegan version uses mushrooms to mimic the umami flavour.
• Refried bean wrap – Filled with creamy refried beans, crunchy veggies and a mix of bold seasonings wrapped in a soft tortilla – this recipe is filling and easy to eat on the go.

The main event

Hearty, wholesome dishes that are light enough for warmer days but filling enough to satisfy your belly. These meals offer the perfect balance of freshness and comfort. Filled with vegetables and tasty seasonal ingredients, that will keep you fuelled and energised.

• Katy Beskow's Mediterranean gnocchi bake – Light and comforting, this vegan mediterranean gnocchi bake is packed with seasonal veggies and basil. A summer twist on a cosy classic.
• Jerk smoked tofoo – Coconut rice, jerk seasoning and fruity salsa come together in this dish to bring a Caribbean vibe to your plate.
• Crack'd vegan quiche – This vegan quiche is for sunny spring and summer days. A deliciously simple option for picnics and garden lunches and dinners.
• Mexican bean rice – The ultimate one-pot wonder.  Infused with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, such as cumin, paprika and oregano, this dish is nourishing and flavourful.
• Lemony courgette orzo – A simple and delicious option for lunch or dinner, lightly cooked courgette and tender orzo provide a satisfying texture.

Lemony courgette orzo from Broke Vegan: One Pot: Over 100 simple plant-based recipes that don't cost the Earth. Photographer: Charlotte Nott–Macaire  

Sweet treats

Vegan summer desserts are a great way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth in the warm weather. With fresh, seasonal fruits and light ingredients, these treats offer a refreshing twist.

• Passionfruit and mango cheesecake – Tropical heaven, combining the tangy sweetness of passionfruit with the juicy richness of mango for a truly revitalising dessert.
• Lemon posset and shortbread – A decadent dessert with a zesty twist. Smooth and refreshing, it’s an excellent way to end any meal.
• Meringue nests – Aimee from Wallflower Kitchen uses aquafaba (also known as chickpea water) to make these egg free meringues with strawberry and dairy free cream. A summer classic made vegan!

Meringue nests by Aimee from Wallflower Kitchen

Whether you're packing a picnic basket or preparing a light family dinner, these dishes are perfect for getting wholesome, vegan meals on your table. With vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and nourishing ingredients, each recipe brings the best of the season to life, making it easy to enjoy a variety of dishes that are both healthy and filling. Perfect for any occasion, these meals will keep you feeling good and fully satisfied all season long.