End-of-Summer Recipe Ideas
Eat seasonally this August with the final wave of summer-fresh produce
Hello! Today I’m sharing 8 vegan recipes for late-summer inspiration here in the northern hemisphere (before we transition to cozy autumn produce.) Eating seasonally is a great way to maximize nutrition, freshness, affordability, and diversify your diet. Plus I simply find it fun and grounding to eat with the flow of nature’s cycle. :)
Please do share any favorite summertime recipes you enjoy as well! I would love to check them out.
1. Summer Vegetable Chili
Two types of beans combine with a satisfying medley of garden produce and tasty seasonings in this fresh chili.
Summer produce includes: zucchini, yellow squash, onion, garlic, bell pepper, sweet corn (and optional fresh cilantro + avocado for topping)
2. Summer Chopped Salad with Herb Dressing
If soup/chili in the summer isn’t your thing, try this refreshing chopped salad with creamy herb dressing instead. Change it up with a variety of garden produce depending on your favorites or what’s available.
Summer produce: cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado, parsley, basil, garlic (and optional sugar snap peas)
3. Strawberry-Lime Watermelon Slush
My daughter is a big fan of this deliciously hydrating slush. Made with just 3 whole foods (naturally sweetened with no refined sugar.)
Summer produce: watermelon, strawberry, lime
4. Cucumber Salad
A classic, tangy cucumber salad. Crisp and wonderfully refreshing!
Summer produce: cucumber, tomato, onion (and optional fresh herbs)
5. Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Lemon & Garlic
This 6-ingredient dish is super simple, but I adore the fresh, bright flavors when made in summertime.
Summer produce: tomato, basil, garlic, shallot
6. Almond-Garlic Green Beans
A simple side dish ready in 15 minutes. Tossed with almonds, garlic, and tamari glaze, this is one of our favorite ways to enjoy green beans. (Or try these Miso-Glazed Green Beans shared in the last newsletter.)
Summer produce: green beans, garlic
7. Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca)
Full of garden goodness! Perfect for topping Mexican-inspired cuisine, or simply scooping up with chips.
Summer produce: tomato, onion, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, lime
8. Chickpea Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing
Crunchy and hearty. This is a great make-ahead dish for on-the-go, packed lunches, or quick snacks from the fridge.
Summer produce: bell pepper, cucumber, tomato, onion, garlic (and fresh herbs if using)
Was this summer seasonal guide helpful? Would you like other seasonal roundups in the future? Your feedback either way is very appreciated to help shape future newsletters. Thanks for reading, and wishing you all a wonderful end of summer!
-Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Photo: Bison crossing the road in Yellowstone Natl. Park on a hot summer day last weekend. (These two were part of a small herd that swam across the river shortly after this photo was taken. A beautiful moment watching this young calf make such a journey!)