POV: It’s summer, it’s hot, you aren’t sure what’s for dinner, and if someone suggests turning on the oven, you might melt into a puddle. Luckily for you, we saw this coming and gathered dinner ideas perfect for hot summer nights!
Below you’ll find recipes with fresh, cooling ingredients that don’t require turning on the oven. Some require a short time on the stovetop (no more than 20-30 minutes), while others are completely heat-free. Scroll through for simple sandwiches & wraps, cooling summer salads, flavorful tacos, hearty bowls, and more!
(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)
30-minute Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich with smashed chickpeas and roasted sunflower seeds in a simple dressing. Sandwiched between two slices of bread and topped with my secret garlic sauce, this is healthy lunch perfection.
Collard Green Spring Rolls + Sunflower Butter Dipping Sauce
Spring rolls with a twist! Veggies + tofu wrapped in collard greens and served with a spicy-sweet sunflower butter dipping sauce. A satisfying and healthy plant-based snack or side.
Vibrant Collard Green Wraps with Green Curry Tahini Sauce
Vibrant collard green wraps packed with hummus, sprouts, and tons of fresh veggies. Serve with a tangy, creamy green curry tahini sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!
Easy-to-make, 8-ingredient, 30-minute vegan burritos wrapped in collard greens! Stuffed with wholesome ingredients like Raw Vegan Taco Meat, Vegan Mexican Cheese, Red Salsa, avocado, and more! The perfect quick and portable lunch or snack.
Herby, savory, quick and easy pesto veggie burgers made with chickpeas! SO satisfying and perfect for BBQs or a quick weeknight meal. Just 30 minutes required!
A quick and easy sandwich with spicy chipotle hummus, smoky tempeh bacon, and fresh veggies. Plant-based, fiber- and protein-packed, and just 7 ingredients and 15 minutes required!
Easy, nourishing white bean quinoa salad with fresh parsley, garlic, lemon, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. Just 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, and 30 minutes required for this fiber-packed, plant-based side!
An easy, 30-minute Mexican-inspired salad with quinoa, corn, black beans, avocado, and a creamy orange, lime, and chili dressing! Healthy, delicious, and so satisfying.
Fresh watermelon and cucumber salad with red onion, mint leaves, and jalapeño! A refreshing plant-based side for summer and beyond! Just 10 ingredients and 20 minutes required.
Vegan BLT salad with romaine, tempeh bacon, tomatoes, avocado, and creamy vegan ranch dressing. A satisfying, veggie-packed, plant-based meal with just 7 ingredients!
Sweet + spicy watermelon salad with cucumber, avocado, and a creamy mango vinaigrette. A show-stopping side inspired by True Food Kitchen. Just 20 minutes required!
A fresh, vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, and fresh mint! Perfect for meal prep, or as a versatile spring and summer side dish!
This Chickpea Caesar Salad is ready in just 30 minutes! Kale provides a hearty base while the zesty cashew Caesar dressing brings the whole dish to life. The perfect side to any main!
Creamy and satisfying sesame noodle salad that’s perfect for picnics or BBQs! A great side dish to serve with tempeh, tofu, or chicken skewers. Just 30 minutes required!
Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Chili Garlic Sesame Dressing (30 Minutes!)
A healthy, filling, 30-minute Asian-inspired Rainbow Quinoa Salad with edamame, crisp veggies, and a spicy-sour-sweet dressing! A simple plant-based entrée or side.
Smoky Summer Salad with Lime-Crusted Salmon (30 Minutes!)
Flavorful lime-crusted salmon atop a fiber-rich salad of greens, cabbage, and black beans, topped with smoky chipotle dressing and fresh peach salsa. Just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes required!
Easy, flavorful, crunchy slaw with cabbage, shredded chicken, carrots, and a ginger-sesame dressing! Almonds and sesame seeds add crunch to this delicious, 30-minute salad!
French-inspired green bean potato salad with kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and a zippy mustard vinaigrette. An easy, super satisfying vegetarian side with just 9 ingredients required! Optional jammy eggs make it a light meal.
Smoky BBQ bean tacos pack serious, saucy flavor. Serve with our Jicama Slaw for the ultimate plant-based side or entrée. Ready in 25 minutes with 10 basic ingredients!
The ultimate Mediterranean Bowl with greens, hummus, olives, parsley-tomato salad, classic vegan falafel, and a variety of sauces! My go-to easy recipe when we’re craving Mediterranean cuisine!
Savory salmon “sushi” bowls with a crunchy cucumber salad! All the satisfaction of sushi without finding sushi-grade fish or assembling rolls. Just 9 ingredients!
Easy vegan sushi bowls with marinated tofu, fresh vegetables, rice, seaweed, and quick pickled carrots! All the fresh, delicious flavor of sushi in convenient, versatile bowl form. Just 10 ingredients required!
Stacey says
What an awesome and delicious looking line-up of recipes!! Thank you so much!!🥰👍🏼
You’re welcome, Stacey! Enjoy! xo