What’s In Season Summer: Guide & Recipes

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Melons, eggplant, avocado, stone fruit, and assortment of other seasonal produce

Eating seasonally is a wonderful way to maximize nutrition, freshness, and affordability! And summer is one of the best seasons for it since so much fresh produce is available. We’ve compiled our favorite summer produce + recipes to get you inspired.

What’s in Season in Summer?

Summer Recipes

Avocado

Mortar and pestle of Serrano & Rosemary Guacamole with veggie chips
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Serrano & Rosemary Guacamole
Incredibly fluffy guacamole infused with crushed rosemary, garlic, and serrano pepper! Just 10 minutes, 1 bowl, and 6 ingredients required for this plant-based side, appetizer, or sauce!
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Glasses and a jar of our Avocado Green Smoothie alongside ingredients used to make it
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Creamy Avocado Banana Green Smoothie
Creamy, nutritious, 5-ingredient Avocado Banana Green Smoothie loaded with greens, healthy fats, and protein. The perfect plant-based way to start your day.
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Wooden salad bowl filled with our Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad drizzled with tahini dressing
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Sweet Potato & Avocado Green Salad
A simple yet flavorful and satisfying salad with organic greens, roasted sweet potato, creamy avocado, and a lemon-maple tahini dressing. 30 minutes, naturally sweetened, so delicious!
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Using a fork to mash avocado on toast
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My Go-To Avocado Toast
My go-to avocado toast (gluten-free and vegan optional)! Just 3 ingredients and SO much nutrition and flavor! The perfect plant-based breakfast or snack.
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Bowl of dressing surrounded by Mexican Quinoa Salad Cups
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Mexican Quinoa Salad Cups with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
30-minute Mexican quinoa salad cups loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats from quinoa, black beans, sweet potatoes, and a creamy, vegan cilantro-lime dressing!
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Wooden serving spoons resting on a bowl of Detox Salad
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5-Minute Green Salad with No-Mix Tahini Dressing
A quick-and-easy salad for when your body is craving greens and simplicity! Greens and vegetables in a 3-ingredient no-mix dressing. A simple, fresh, healthy side.
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Plate of avocado boats stuffed with black beans, salsa, and red onion
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Avocado Boats (2 Ways)
Easy Avocado Boats two ways! Fill with seasoned black beans and taco-inspired toppings, or crispy chickpeas and tahini sauce! A simple, flavorful plant-based meal.
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Bell Pepper

Cutting board of Spanish Quinoa Stuffed Peppers topped with avocado, cilantro, and onion
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Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Amazing Mexican-inspired quinoa stuffed peppers made with just 10 ingredients! Simple, flavorful, full of protein and fiber, and entirely vegan and gluten-free!
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Using a fork to swirl a bite of Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
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Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (GF)
10-ingredient roasted red pepper pasta with a creamy, savory-sweet red pepper sauce and fresh parsley. Light, healthy, and simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
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Two bowls of Romesco Soup surrounded by ingredients used to make it
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Romesco Soup with Smashed Chickpeas
Delicious vegan soup inspired by romesco sauce with red peppers, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and almonds. A 10-ingredient plant-based side or entrée!
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Platter of Grilled Veggie Skewers with a small dish of Chimichurri sauce
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Veggie Skewers with Magic Green Sauce
Colorful, 30-minute veggie skewers grilled to perfection and served with a chimichurri-inspired sauce! The perfect plant-based side or main for summertime BBQs.
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Jar and spoonful of easy homemade Romesco Sauce surrounded by ingredients used to make it
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Easy Romesco Sauce
Easy, flavorful romesco sauce made with just 7 ingredients in 30 minutes. The perfect sauce for veggie bowls, pasta, Italian dishes, and beyond.
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Big bowl of Gluten-Free Muhamarra Dip beside crackers for dipping
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Easy Muhammara Dip
Easy, flavorful muhammara dip with roasted red peppers, Aleppo pepper flakes, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses! 10 ingredients, gluten-free, BIG flavor.
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Using chopsticks to grab a bite of our 20-Minute Tofu Stir Fry recipe
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20-Minute Tofu Stir-Fry
A FLAVORFUL veggie-packed Tofu Stir-Fry that comes together in just 20 minutes! Gluten-free, plant-based, and perfect for weekdays. 
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Berries

Two bowls and a baking pan of Grain-Free Berry Crisp served with vegan ice cream
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Grain-Free Berry Crisp
Vegan berry crisp with 3 types of berries. It's naturally sweetened with crispy, grain-free topping! The perfect plant-based, gluten-free summer dessert!
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Spoon in a jar of Simple Berry Compote beside fresh strawberries and cherries
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Simple Berry Compote
2-ingredient fruit compote that requires just 1 pot and 15 minutes! Perfect for waffles, French toast, sundaes, oatmeal, and more.
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Two Mini Blueberry Galettes for a simple vegan dessert that looks fancy
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Mini Blueberry Galettes
Mini rustic pies made with simple ingredients. The perfect vegan dessert for fresh berry season (or any time of the year)! Serve with your favorite vegan ice cream or coconut whipped cream for an extra special treat.
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Go-To Vegan Smoothie Bowl topped with shredded coconut, chia seeds, and fresh strawberries
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My Go-To Smoothie Bowl (5 minutes!)
My go-to 5-minute smoothie bowl with just 3 ingredients! Satisfying, nutrient-rich, and naturally sweet! A healthy, plant-based breakfast or snack.
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Corn

Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing drizzled over our fresh Grilled Corn Salad recipe
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Grilled Corn Salad with Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing (30 Minutes!)
Easy, 30-minute grilled corn salad perfect for summer gatherings. Pair with just about any main and top with our Easy Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing!
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Pouring Creamy Orange Chili Dressing onto a bowl of Vegan Mexican Quinoa Salad
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Black Bean Quinoa Salad with Orange Lime Dressing
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.
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Baking sheet with Grilled Corn drizzled with Vegan Sriracha Aioli
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Grilled Corn with Sriracha Aioli
Perfect grilled corn with a savory, spicy sriracha aioli. The perfect summer side dish or snack. 10 ingredients, vegan, and gluten-free.
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Two gold spoons in a skillet of Cheesy Jalapeno Corn Dip
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Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Dip
Easy, 10-ingredient cheesy jalapeño corn dip that's entirely vegan and gluten-free! Perfectly sweet, spicy, and savory ⁠— the perfect dip for summer!
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Big bowl of Simple Summer Corn Soup
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Simple Summer Corn Soup
9-ingredient simple summer chowder with corn and potatoes. Blend for a creamier soup, or leave as is for a brothy soup with more texture.
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Overhead shot of a big bowl of Grilled Corn Salsa topped with fresh cilantro
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Perfect Grilled Corn Salsa
Grilled corn salsa with perfectly grilled corn, fresh tomato, red onion and cilantro, a little lime juice to bring it all together, and a dash of heat from serrano pepper.
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Cucumber

Cutting board with glasses of green juice and ingredients used to make it
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Easy Green Juice Recipe + Juicing Tips
Our favorite green juice recipe, just 7 ingredients required! Incredibly refreshing, nourishing, and delicious. Plus, juicing tips, go-to methods, and juicer recommendations.
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Two glasses of our Healthy Cucumber Smoothie topped with sliced cucumber and lime
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Creamy Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
A creamy, 6-ingredient cucumber smoothie with coconut, lime, pineapple, and greens! A nutrient-rich, refreshing smoothie that will beautify you from the inside out!
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Overflowing jar of our vegan Super Green Spirulina Smoothie
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Super Green Spirulina Smoothie (5 Ingredients!)
A nutritious and vibrant green smoothie with 5 ingredients: banana, cucumber, coconut milk, spirulina, and spinach! The perfect plant-based breakfast or snack.
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Jar of cucumber spears made into Refrigerator Pickles
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Quick Refrigerator Pickles
A step-by-step guide for making quick pickled cucumbers. Only 7 ingredients required!
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Eggplant

Plate of Crispy Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan alongside fettucine noodles and marinara
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Crispy Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan
Crispy, vegan, gluten-free eggplant parmesan made with 10 simple ingredients! The perfect flavorful, plant-based entrée for Italian night!
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Plate of Moroccan Eggplant Tomato Stew with fresh parsley served over white rice
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Moroccan-Spiced Eggplant and Tomato Stew
Moroccan-spiced tomato stew with roasted eggplant, smoky spices, and chickpeas! An incredibly comforting, satisfying 10-ingredient meal inspired by the flavors of zaalouk. 
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Using chopsticks to pick up a piece of Sesame Tofu
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Sesame Eggplant & Almond Butter Tofu Bowls
Hearty, flavorful, 30-minute Asian-inspired bowl with crispy almond butter tofu and sesame stir-fried eggplant!
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Platter of four Moroccan-Spiced Lentil Stuffed Eggplants
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Moroccan Lentil-Stuffed Eggplant
Stuffed baked eggplant with Moroccan-spiced lentils! Just 9 ingredients, big flavor, plenty of protein and fiber, and the perfect side dish or entrée.
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Platter of our flavorful Vegan Eggplant Mini Pizzas
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Crispy Gluten-Free Eggplant Pizzas
Crispy 10-ingredient eggplant pizzas that are gluten-free and vegan! Cornmeal and vegan parmesan crusted, baked till crispy, a delicious side or main!
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Wood platter filled with Vegan Jerk Eggplant slices over white rice
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Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant (30 Minutes!)
Spicy Jamaican jerk spiced grilled eggplant! Ready in 30 minutes, incredibly flavorful, and the perfect plant-based side dish!
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Plate with a slice of Lentil & Eggplant Lasagna topped with fresh basil
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Lentil & Eggplant Lasagna
Satisfying, healthy eggplant lasagna with lentil marinara. Made with just 10 ingredients, this is the perfect plant-based, gluten-free entrée!
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Green Beans

Pan of Garlicky Green Beans with Almonds
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1-Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds
Easy, delicious green beans made in 1 pan with 6 simple ingredients! Big flavor, infused with garlic, and garnished with toasted almonds. Perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond!
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Two plates of our Almond Butter Tofu Stir Fry made with brown rice and green beans
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Almond Butter Tofu Stir-Fry
Easy, 9-ingredient tofu stir-fry with baked tofu marinated in an almond-tamari sauce. Serve with veggies and rice for a flavorful, plant-based meal!
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Using wooden spoons to pick up a serving of our Vegan Cauliflower Stir Fry recipe
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30-Minute Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
Easy, flavorful, satisfying cauliflower rice stir fry ready in just 30 minutes! Vegetable-rich, studded with roasted cashews, grain-free!
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Lemons & Limes

Batch of Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars topped with lemon slices and powdered sugar
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Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars
Creamy, naturally sweetened vegan lemon bars made with 10 simple ingredients and a delicious gluten-free crust.
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Jars of Vegan Lemon Curd topped with lemon zest and fresh raspberries
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Vegan Lemon Curd
EASY vegan lemon curd with just 5 ingredients and 1 pot required! Creamy, perfectly tart, naturally sweetened! Enjoy straight from the jar, or add to waffles, pancakes, and baked goods!
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Cutting board filled with Mini Cheesecakes for our Easy Plant-Based Mother's Day Recipes roundup
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White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake (Vegan + GF)
Amazing 10-ingredient White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake made entirely in the food processor or blender! So rich, decadent, and satisfying you’d never guess it was vegan and gluten-free.
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No-Bake Lemon Cookie Fruit Tarts in parchment-lined mini tart tins
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No-Bake Lemon Cookie Fruit Tarts
Simple no-bake vegan tarts with a date-walnut crust and a creamy, dairy-free filling that tastes just like a lemon cookie!
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Half eaten Mini Vegan Key Lime Pie on a cutting board
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7-Ingredient Vegan Key Lime Pies
7-ingredient key lime pie bites with a simple graham cracker crust! Perfectly tart, creamy, and so satisfying.
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Two glasses of our Cherry Limeade Smoothie recipe beside fruit used to make it
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Cherry Limeade Smoothie
A simple, 5-minute smoothie that tastes just like a creamy cherry limeade! 5 ingredients, perfectly tart and sweet, and perfect as a healthy breakfast or snack on the go!
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Mango

Wood cutting board with lime wedges and Chili Lime Mango Margaritas
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Chili Lime Mango Margaritas
Simple mango margaritas with orange, lime, agave, and silver tequila! Cold, sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced. Perfect for Mexican food and warm weather!
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Using wooden salad spoons to grab a serving of our colorful Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing
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Vibrant Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing
A quick and easy Thai-inspired salad with fresh vegetables and mango! Drizzle on a simple peanut dressing for a delicious side, or add a protein of choice to make it an entrée.
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Glass serving jar with a swirl of coconut milk and our Mango Berry Smoothie recipe
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Gingery Mango & Berry Smoothie
A wholesome (banana-free!) smoothie of mangoes, berries, lime, ginger, and coconut, with a hint of spice from cayenne. Satisfying, delicious, and packed with vitamins and nutrients!
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Tall drinking glasses of our mango ginger kale green smoothie
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Mango Ginger Kale Green Smoothie
My NEW favorite green smoothie that requires just 5 ingredients and is inspired by Jamba Juice! Tart and sweet thanks to kale, lemon, ginger, peaches, and mango! Super refreshing and antioxidant-packed.
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Bowl of our delicious Spicy Mango Chutney recipe topped with fresh cilantro
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1-Pot Spicy Mango Chutney
Delicious mango chutney made in 1 pot with simple ingredients. The spicy-sweet sauce is perfect for serving alongside your favorite Indian-inspired dishes. 
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Melon

Close up shot of a glass of our Citrus and Melon Spritzer recipe
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4-Ingredient Citrus & Melon Spritzer
Light and refreshing spritzers made with fresh honeydew melon and lime. Incredibly versatile and made with just 4 simple ingredients.
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Teal bowl filled with our Summer Tomato, Cucumber, and Cantaloupe Salad
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Summer Tomato & Cantaloupe Salad
A summery, 10-ingredient melon salad with cantaloupe and mint tossed in lime juice, paired with cucumber, tomatoes, and onion tossed in a light vinaigrette. Refreshing, fiber-rich, and so delicious.
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Two short glasses of our Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie recipe beside ingredients used to make it
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Strawberry Chia Watermelon Smoothie
Simple, 6-ingredient smoothie with fresh watermelon, frozen strawberries, lime, and chia seeds! Refreshing, hydrating, and the perfect summer breakfast or snack!
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Homemade Watermelon Slushie served in a watermelon rind with fresh limes on top
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Coconut Lime Watermelon Slushie
Super simple, 3-ingredient watermelon slushie with coconut milk and lime juice. The perfect refreshing, naturally sweetened summer treat!
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Tall glass of our Watermelon Limeade Cocktail recipe with a lime wedge on the rim
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Watermelon Limeade Cocktails
Watermelon “ice cubes” and fresh lime juice are the stars of this simple and refreshing cocktail. Perfect for light dinner drinks and sweet enough to be considered dessert.
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Peaches & Nectarines

Top down shot of two glasses filled with our Peach Oat Smoothie recipe
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Peach Oat Smoothie
Vegan smoothie with peaches, rolled oats, chia seeds, and a touch of sweetness from OJ and banana. Creamy, nutritious, and lovely for breakfast or a snack.
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Glasses of our Perfect Peach Iced Tea with peach slices and ice cubes in them
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Perfect Peach Iced Tea
3-ingredient peach iced tea that’s perfectly sweet and mega peachy. Perfect for hot summer days and BBQs.
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Cast-iron skillet filled with our Easy Peach Crisp recipe topped with scoops of ice cream
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Easy Peach Crisp (Vegan + GF)
Simple, 10-ingredient Peach Crisp that's naturally vegan and gluten-free! Butter-free, simple methods, and so delicious with dairy-free ice cream!
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Spoon resting in a pie pan of Peach Blackberry Crisp for a simple raw vegan dessert
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Raw Fruit Crisp (10 Minutes!)
The perfect dish when you’re craving fruit crisp and want it fast! Ready in 10 minutes, grain- and gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and SO delicious!
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Holding a bowl of Gluten-Free Summer Fruit Crisp with Vegan Ice Cream
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Gluten-Free Strawberry Nectarine Crisp
A 7-ingredient, gluten-free crisp made with strawberries and nectarines. Oaty, hearty, flour-free, and perfect alongside vanilla ice cream. Summer dessert at its finest.
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Summer Squash

Sprinkling vegan parmesan cheese onto a skillet of Zucchini Gratin
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Vegan Zucchini Gratin
10-ingredient vegan, gluten-free gratin loaded with zucchini, asparagus, and onion. So easy, quick, and delicious.
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Teal bowl filled with Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
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Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
An amazing, light summer dish: 30-minute Grilled Zucchini & Corn Salad with sun-dried tomato vinaigrette! Top with roasted chickpeas for even more protein.
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Pan and plates of Vegan Gluten-Free Zucchini Lasagna
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8-Ingredient Zucchini Lasagna (GF)
Healthy, 8-ingredient lasagna made with zucchini noodles, organic red sauce, and macadamia nut ricotta "cheese"! Hearty, wholesome, and so delicious.
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Plate of zucchini noodles topped with Vegan Lentil Bolognese
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Zucchini Pasta with Lentil Bolognese
A hearty red sauce with lentils and carrots over zucchini noodles! A flavorful, healthy, 30-minute plant-based meal.
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Frosted Gluten-Free Zucchini Cake on a cutting board with a slice removed
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Gluten-Free Zucchini Cake (Dairy-Free)
1-bowl gluten-free zucchini cake (or bread!) that tastes just like the original! Made with wholesome ingredients and dairy-free cream cheese icing.
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AMAZING Vegan Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread! 1 bowl, naturally sweetened, SO delicious! #chocolate #zucchini #recipe #vegan #glutenfree #minimalistbaker
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1-Bowl Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Fluffy, tender, insanely delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread! Made in just 1 bowl, naturally sweetened, SO delicious!
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Tomatoes

Parchment-lined baking sheet filled with slow roasted yellow and red cherry tomatoes
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How To Roast Tomatoes
A 3-ingredient recipe for perfect slow-roasted tomatoes! The result is tender, intensely flavorful tomatoes perfect for pastas, salads, pizza, and more!
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Plate of Chopped Kale Salad with chickpeas and Adobo Dressing
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Chickpea Chopped Kale Salad with Adobo Dressing
A showstopping kale salad with tandoori masala-roasted chickpeas, massaged kale, candied pecans, and a 5-minute smoky adobo dressing. Just 8 ingredients and 30 minutes required for this plant-based, gluten-free main or side.
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Chopsticks resting on a plate of our Thai Papaya Salad recipe
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Vegan Papaya Salad
A 30-minute INSANELY flavorful Thai Papaya Salad with fresh vegetables and a zingy garlic-peanut sauce! Just as good as takeout and entirely plant-based.
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Platter of Raw Romaine Taco Boats for a refreshing vegan dinner
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Rainbow Raw-maine Taco Boats
Rainbow “Raw-maine” lettuce boats with hummus, fresh veggies, sprouts, and a creamy tahini sauce. Just 15 minutes and no cooking required! Serves 2 as an entrée and 4 as a side / appetizer!
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Plate filled with our Easy Greek Bowl recipe surrounded by tahini sauce, lemon, and sliced vegetables
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Greek Goddess Bowl (30 Minutes!)
30-minute, 10-ingredient Greek- and Mediterranean-inspired bowl with vegetables, tabbouleh, vegan tzatziki, and crispy baked chickpeas! A healthy, satisfying entrée or snack.
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Stacked halves of a Vegan BLT Sandwich on a plate
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Vegan “BLT” Sandwich
6-Ingredient vegan “BLT” sandwich made with vegan mayo and eggplant bacon! Crisp, smoky, flavorful, and so delicious.
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If you try any of these recipes, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

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  1. Elizabeth says

    For the first time in five months? I am entertaining … a family tribe. I am putting so many of these recipes on my menu for the long four-day weekend. Thank you so much!

  2. Rachel Sweet says

    I just wanted to thank you for this thoughtful and helpful post. Your recipes are always a hit in our home. We really appreciate you!!

  3. Dhyan says

    Beloved,
    Thank you for your sharing recipes. I have your book Everyday Cooking. Do you have any more recipe books?