Recipes  

10 Vegetable-Forward Summer Recipes

Summer is the ultimate time to let vegetables shine! From colourful salads to hearty sandwiches, these 10 vibrant recipes make the most of seasonal produce, all the while keeping meals simple, balanced and full of flavour. Which ones will you try this season?

1. Quinoa with Grilled Vegetables and Tofu

This nutritious salad features quinoa and marinated cubes of tofu combined with both fresh and grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, artichoke hearts and tomatoes. Garnished with parsley and a drizzle of lemon juice, it’s a fresh and bright dish that’s perfect for summer. 

2. Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables and Tomato Dressing

This refreshing pasta salad with grilled vegetables and a creamy and tangy tomato dressing is the ultimate summer side. The combination of whole wheat pasta, which has some bite to it, with softened grilled zucchini and peppers, and cherry tomatoes that burst in your mouth with each bite, makes for a well-balanced dish.

3. Veal Tenderloin and Vegetable Skewers

These colourful skewers combine flavourful veal tenderloin with grilled zucchini, mini bell peppers and cocktail tomatoes for a vibrant summer meal. The vegetables become lightly charred and caramelized on the grill, adding sweetness and smokiness that pair well with the tender meat. Finish with cilantro and crumbled feta, and it’ll be a backyard meal the whole family can get behind.

4. Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches with Parmesan Spread

Meat shouldn’t be the only food to get the BBQ treatment! Grilling enhances a vegetable’s flavour, imparting a smokiness and slight caramelization that make these eggplant, zucchini and bell pepper sandwiches especially satisfying. Layered with a salty and tangy Parmesan spread, they’re a great way to enjoy vegetables during summer.

5. Roasted Salmon Salad with Crunchy Vegetables

This loaded but perfectly balanced salad is a sight to behold. Salmon is paired with radishes, avocado, apples, sugar snap peas and Brussels sprouts for a colourful mix of fruits and vegetables. The medley of crisp and vibrant produce is the perfect contrast to the flaky, tender salmon.

6. Grilled Pork Chops and Quinoa with Broccoli and Asparagus

Pork chops may be a weeknight staple, but when cooked on the grill they become something special. Coated in a sweet and savoury sauce and served with quinoa, broccoli and asparagus, this hearty meal is packed with flavour and perfect for enjoying all through the grilling season.

7. Roasted Vegetables with Sunflower Seeds, Quick Hummus and Feta

This colourful vegetarian dish is almost too pretty to eat! Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli and sweet potatoes sit on a bed of creamy hummus and are topped with crumbled feta and sunflower seeds. The combination of textures and flavours makes every bite a satisfying one.

8. Warm Couscous Salad with Green Beans and Merguez Skewers

Light, tasty and colourful, this platter combines couscous, green beans, red onion and cherry tomatoes with grilled merguez skewers. Served warm and packed with fresh North African flavours, it’s a summer meal best enjoyed al fresco.

9. Grilled Zucchini and Lemons with Yogurt and Honey

Zucchini grilled in a skillet are paired with a creamy honey-yogurt sauce for a simple dish that’s just bursting with flavour! The charred citrus adds a brightness that enhances the zucchini’s natural sweetness, while the cool yogurt balances all the flavours beautifully. Along with a sprinkle of cayenne for heat and pine nuts for some crunch, this recipe is great as a side or a light meatless main.

10. Rice Vermicelli Salad with Grilled Chicken and Vegetables

This fresh rice vermicelli salad is loaded with grilled chicken, light noodles and crisp vegetables for a dinner that is both satisfying and refreshing. Packed with colour and bursting with bright Vietnamese flavours, it’s a warm-weather must!

Want more dishes that are loaded with vegetables? Be sure to check out our wide selection of recipes: