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    Home » Dinner

    Light Summer Vegetarian Meals

    Published: Jun 17, 2025 by Cara Lanz · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    collage of vegetarian meals.
    collage of vegetarian meals.
    collage of vegetarian meals.
    collage of vegetarian meals.

    Looking for easy, light vegetarian meals to enjoy all summer long? These fresh and flavorful recipes include hearty salads, veggie-packed pastas and sandwiches, and more plant-based meals—some even no-cook—perfect for warm-weather lunches and dinners.

    collage of vegetarian meals.

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    From vibrant quinoa salads to creamy summer pastas and hearty veggie sandwiches, these light vegetarian recipes are perfect for enjoying fresh produce all summer long. You’ll even find a few no-cook options to keep things cool.

    Each recipe comes from trusted bloggers who have tested, tasted, and perfected them in their own kitchens, so you know they’re as reliable as they are delicious.

    35 Light Vegetarian Summer Dinners

    1

    Vegetarian Stuffed Italian Peppers (No Rice)

    Vegetarian Stuffed Italian Peppers without rice are filled with hearty white beans, artichokes, and savory tomato sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a satisfying meatless meal. This easy meal is the perfect summer dish that even wins over meat lovers.

    2

    Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas {Vegetarian}

    Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com

    Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas are hearty, creamy, and packed with protein—ready in under 30 minutes. They make a delicious, healthy summer meal the whole family will love.

    3

    Spaghetti Squash Enchilada

    Photo Credit: myradkitchen.com

    Spaghetti Squash Enchiladas are a lighter take on the classic, swapping tortillas for tender roasted squash and topping with melty cheese and enchilada sauce. A veggie-forward vegetarian dish that’s smoky, cheesy, and satisfying.

    4

    Hummus Wrap with Raw Veggies

    Raw Veggie Hummus Wraps are packed with creamy hummus, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tender spinach, and fresh herbs. This protein-packed hummus sandwich makes a refreshing vegetarian lunch or light dinner. 

    5

    Plant Based Black Bean Burger

    Black Bean Burgers are loaded with bold flavor from black beans, sweet potatoes, oats, and crunchy walnuts for hearty veggie burgers everyone will love. Great for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues on warm summer nights. 

    6

    Roasted Red Pepper Gazpacho

    Photo Credit: foodwineandlove.com

    Roasted Red Pepper Gazpacho blends sweet red bell pepper, tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers into a cool and creamy soup. It’s a refreshing vegetarian starter or side dish that’s perfect for hot summer days.

    7

    Vegetarian Egg Bites

    Photo Credit: iheartvegetables.com

    Vegetarian Egg Bites are protein-packed and perfect for busy mornings, light lunches, or snacks. Prep a batch ahead for a quick, healthy, meatless bite anytime.

    8

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta

    Photo Credit: chefsavvy.com

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta combines seasonal asparagus and pasta in a bright, lemony sauce that tastes like summer. A quick and easy vegetarian dish for lunch or a light dinner.

    9

    One-Pan Caprese Pasta

    Photo Credit: cravingsomethinghealthy.com

    Caprese Pasta brings all the flavors of a Caprese salad—tomatoes, mozzarella, basil—into a quick and easy pasta dinner. A simple and satisfying summer dish with classic Italian flavor.

    10

    Air Fryer Cauliflower With Teriyaki Sauce

    Photo Credit: www.eatyourbeets.com

    Air Fryer Cauliflower with Teriyaki Sauce is crispy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet and savory glaze. A bold-flavored vegetarian dish that works as a side or light entrée.

    11

    Mushroom Spinach Pasta

    Photo Credit: chefsavvy.com

    Mushroom Spinach Pasta is rich and creamy, made with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and tender pasta. It’s a quick vegetarian dinner with cozy comfort food vibes.

    12

    Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

    Photo Credit: danielsplate.com

    Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is filled with chickpeas, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a bright and healthy vegetarian dish that’s perfect for summer potlucks or make-ahead lunches.

    13

    Easy pasta alla norma (tomato and eggplant pasta)

    Photo Credit: scrummylane.com

    Pasta alla Norma is a classic vegetarian dish with tender eggplant, tomato sauce, and melty cheese. It’s bold, hearty, and perfect for a comforting meatless summer dinner.

    14

    Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Kale & Roasted Chickpeas

    Photo Credit: www.beetofthewild.com

    Chili Lime Quinoa Salad is packed with roasted chickpeas, kale, and an array of bright veggies in a zesty homemade dressing. This nutrient-packed dish is great for summer cookouts or weekday meal prep.

    15

    Mediterranean-Style Japanese Eggplant and Chickpea Salad

    Photo Credit: www.veggiessavetheday.com

    Mediterranean Eggplant Chickpea Salad features grilled eggplant, chickpeas, and juicy tomatoes in a lemony dressing. A satisfying vegetarian salad full of vibrant colors, perfect quick lunch, dinner, or a bold summer side salad.

    16

    Gluten-Free Tomato Cheese Tart

    Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

    Cheese and Tomato Tart is made with juicy summer tomatoes and layers of melty cheese on a flaky crust. An easy vegetarian meal that’s perfect served warm or at room temperature.

    17

    Vegan Chickpea Ratatouille Without Eggplant

    Photo Credit: avocadoskillet.com

    Chickpea Ratatouille is a no-eggplant twist on the French classic, made with zucchini, bell pepper, and chickpeas in a savory tomato sauce. A simple, hearty vegetarian dinner idea that’s perfect for summer.

    18

    Fresh Spring Rolls

    Photo Credit: veganhuggs.com

    Fresh Spring Rolls with Tofu are stuffed with crisp veggies, tofu, and rice noodles for a light, healthy meal. Serve with creamy peanut dipping sauce for the perfect meatless lunch or main attraction.

    19

    Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu

    Photo Credit: blessthismeal.com

    Honey Garlic Tofu is crispy, sticky, and full of sweet-savory flavor with a sprinkle of green onion and sesame seeds. This easy tofu dish is a quick vegetarian protein option that’s bold and satisfying.

    20

    Easy Lentil Bolognese Pasta Recipe (Meatless)

    Photo Credit: homesteadhow-to.com

    Lentil Bolognese is a hearty vegetarian twist on the Italian classic with rich tomato sauce, lentils, and herbs. Cozy, comforting, and perfect for a meatless dinner.

    21

    Vegetarian Bibimbap

    Photo Credit: simplybakings.com

    This Korean Vegetarian Bibimbap is a vibrant rice bowl filled with quinoa, fresh veggies, and shiitake mushrooms, with a tangy-spicy sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s a flexible, flavor-packed vegetarian dinner that makes the most of summer's bounty.

    22

    Sweetgreen Hummus Crunch Salad

    Photo Credit: letusmunchlettuce.com

    Sweetgreen Hummus Crunch Salad is loaded with kale, chickpeas, and tomatoes, tossed with za’atar breadcrumbs and pesto vinaigrette. A hearty vegetarian salad with bold Mediterranean flavor and satisfying crunch.

    23

    Grilled vegetable sandwich with tapenade

    Photo Credit: parsleyandparm.com

    Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Tapenade layers smoky grilled veggies, creamy goat cheese, leafy greens, and briny olive spread on crusty bread. A bold vegetarian sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

    24

    Homemade Teriyaki Tofu (Poke Bowl with Mango and Avocado)

    Photo Credit: athletelunchbox.com

    Teriyaki Tofu Poke Bowl is filled with crispy tofu, sweet mango, and creamy avocado over rice for a colorful and flavorful vegetarian dinner. A great way to enjoy plant-based protein with fresh summer ingredients.

    25

    Cauliflower Tabbouleh

    Photo Credit: whensaltyandsweetunite.com

    Cauliflower Tabbouleh is a low-carb version of the classic, made with riced cauliflower, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs. A light and refreshing salad that’s perfect for meal prep or summer lunches.

    26

    Homemade Zucchini Gnocchi in Rustic Tomato Sauce

    Photo Credit: www.chefspencil.com

    Zucchini Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce is soft and pillowy with ricotta and zucchini, tossed in a rustic cherry tomato sauce. A creative way to enjoy seasonal zucchini in a cozy vegetarian meal.

    27

    Ratatouille Pappardelle

    Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com

    Ratatouille Pappardelle features ribbons of pasta tossed with tender zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers in a rustic tomato sauce. A hearty summer dinner finished with crumbled feta cheese and herbs.

    28

    Cottage Cheese Quiche

    Photo Credit: www.cinnamonandkale.co.uk

    Cottage Cheese Quiche is a protein-rich, veggie-packed dish that’s perfect for brunch or paired with a fresh salad for a light dinner. It’s a healthy vegetarian recipe that’s easy to make ahead and enjoy all week.

    29

    Mexican Quinoa Salad with Avocado

    Photo Credit: www.evolvingtable.com

    Mexican Quinoa Salad is tossed with black beans, sweet corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing summer side dish or make-ahead lunch with bold Tex-Mex flavor.

    30

    Easy Sheet Pan Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

    Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com

    Eggplant Parmesan is a meatless twist on the Italian favorite with crispy breaded eggplant, marinara, and melty cheese. It’s the ultimate cozy comfort food for a vegetarian dinner.

    31

    Creamy Lemon Asparagus Risotto with Parmesan

    Photo Credit: finefoodsblog.com

    Lemon Asparagus Risotto is creamy and bright with tender seasonal asparagus and fresh lemon flavor. A great spring or summer dinner that works as a vegetarian main or side.

    32

    Puff Pastry Tomato Tart

    Photo Credit: finefoodsblog.com

    Puff Pastry Tomato Tart features flaky pastry topped with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese for a rustic summer meal. A lovely vegetarian dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for guests.

    33

    Kale Wraps (With Spicy Chickpeas)

    Photo Credit: healthmylifestyle.com

    Kale Wraps with Caesar Dressing are stuffed with crispy chickpeas, tender kale, and a bold vegan Caesar dressing. A great vegetarian lunch or light dinner packed with plant-based protein and greens.

    34

    Soba Noodle Salad

    Photo Credit: veganhuggs.com

    Soba Noodle Salad is a refreshing cold noodle bowl with crisp vegetables and a savory umami dressing. It’s the perfect quick and healthy vegetarian meal for warm weather.

    35

    Grilled Halloumi Salad Recipe

    Photo Credit: thecookingfoodie.com

    Grilled Halloumi Salad combines crispy cheese, seasonal produce, and fresh herbs in a hearty, bright summer salad. A perfect way to enjoy vegetarian grilling with big, bold flavor.

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    Hi, I'm Cara!

    I love sharing easy, delicious everyday recipes from the heartland.

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