20 Summer Vegetarian Recipes That Make The Most Of The Best Season For Produce

By

Alana Al-Hatlani

Published on May 22, 2024

Southern Living Sheet Pan Veggie Supreme Pizza cut and ready to serve — Photo:
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

When summer arrives so does all the best produce: zucchini, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and more. We've collected our favorite Summer vegetarian recipes that put produce at the forefront. From sheet pan pizzas loaded with veggies, to tomato pie, we've got something for every kind of find at the farmers market. And while these recipes might not include any meat, we promise you won't miss it one bit.

01 of 20

Veggie Fajitas

Southern Living Savory Veggie Fajitas on a plate ready to serve — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Summer peppers and meaty portobello mushrooms make up the base of these tasty fajitas. Just make sure to use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce as regular versions contain anchovies.

02 of 20

Greek Salad With Baked Feta

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta in a bowl to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This salad is a great showcase for summer tomatoes. The warm, baked feta helps make the refreshing salad feel filling and satisfying, but you can also add some white beans for extra protein.

03 of 20

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer Orzo Salad — PHOTOGRAPHER AND PROP STYLIST: JENNIFER CAUSEY FOOD STYLIST: MELISSA GRAY

We don't put summer in the name of this salad for nothing. It contains the fresh flavors of summer tomatoes and cucumbers, plus the herby freshness of basil pesto.

04 of 20

Tomato Galette

tomato galette with a slice out — Jennifer Causey; Prop Stylist: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

A mix of heirloom and cherry tomatoes in this easy summer galette show off all the season has to offer.

05 of 20

Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce

Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

It wouldn't be summer without a kebab or two. Here, we skip the meat in favor of fresh okra and peppers, and pair the summer veggies with a zingy dipping sauce.

06 of 20

Mexican Street Corn Pizza

Mexican Street Corn Pizza — Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

We took all of our favorite parts of Mexican street corn (elotes) and put them on a pizza. That includes fresh summer corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.

07 of 20

Grilled Baby Eggplants With Tomato-Corn Relish

Southern Living Grilled Baby Eggplants With Tomato-Corn Relish on a platter to serve — Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Fire up the grill because these baby eggplants are one dish you should definitely make this summer. When served with a side salad and bread, this dish makes a wonderful vegetarian meal that is guaranteed to satisfy.

08 of 20

Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie

Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie — VICTOR PROTASIO, FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN, PROP STYLIST: SHELL ROYSTER

We swapped a classic pastry crust for a press-in cracker base in this tomato pie. But don't worry, we don't sacrifice any of the flavor in doing so.

09 of 20

Cheesy Mushroom Sliders

Southern Living Cheesy Mushroom Sliders with fries on the side to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Although traditional beef burgers are a summer cookout staple, these mushroom sliders are the perfect vegetarian alternative.

10 of 20

Farmers' Market Frittata

Southern Living Farmersâ Market Frittata in the pan with a couple of slices cut out on blue plates — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

We call for a few specific veggies in this recipe, but feel free to sub in whatever looks best at the summer farmers market, from squash to peppers.

11 of 20

Green Tomato Gazpacho

Green Tomato Gazpacho — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Green tomatoes are one of our favorite parts of summer, and this cold soup puts them to great use without having to break out the oil and get to frying.

12 of 20

Eggplant Rollups

Eggplant Rollups — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Who needs pasta when you can use eggplant to make a satisfying, lasagna-like dish? For extra credit, use fresh summer tomatoes to make the sauce.

13 of 20

Burrito Bowls

Burrito Bowls Recipe — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Fresh corn, tomatoes, and avocado make these easy to pull together dinner bowls the perfect light meal for hot summer days.

14 of 20

Okra and Rice Casserole

Okra and Rice Casserole — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

June and July are the best months for okra, and this casserole is one of our favorite ways to showcase the vegetable. Serve it as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh salad, and you have the ultimate summer dinner.

15 of 20

Zucchini Lasagna

zucchini lasagna — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Tina Stamos

If you're anything like us, then you have a surplus of fresh zucchini (whether from the garden or the market) pile up every summer. Put it to good use in this lasagna that makes it the star of the show.

16 of 20

Southern Tomato Sandwich

southern tomato sandwich halves on a plate — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If there is one symbol of summer in the South, it might just be this sandwich. Simple, savory, and sweet, it's something we look forward to each year.

17 of 20

Sheet Pan Veggie Supreme Pizza

Southern Living Sheet Pan Veggie Supreme Pizza cut and ready to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This pizza doesn't include sausage or pepperoni, but it has more than enough fresh veggies to make up for the lack of meat.

18 of 20

Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas

Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: CLAIRE SPOLLEN; FOOD STYLING: RISHON HANNERS

Field peas are a Southern summer staple, and while we love them in a side dish, it's nice to see them shine in this main dish that makes both a great lunch or dinner.

19 of 20

Baked Ziti With Summer Vegetables

Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables — Alison Miksch

Yellow and green squash add a good dose of veggies to this baked pasta, but are combined with enough gooey cheese that the picky eaters won't even mind.

20 of 20

Millet Salad With Butter Beans, Okra, And Garlicky Marinated Tomatoes

Millet Salad with Butter Beans, Okra, and Garlicky Marinated Tomatoes in a serving bowl with serving spoons. — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

A loaded grain salad like this can be served as a side dish, or enjoyed as a main dish with crusty bread and a good glass of wine. If you need a little extra protein, white beans or tofu would make lovely vegetarian additions to this salad.

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