The end of summer is near but, thankfully, it's not quite the end of summer fun and festivities. If you're going to a holiday barbecue, share some vegan plant-based love with friends and family and don't be surprised if they ask you for your recipe! If you're hosting a cookout, we have you covered with refreshing salads, yummy apps, grillable veggie burgers, and tasty desserts — all made from plants! If you're hanging solo and looking forward to some rest and restoration this weekend (that sounds lovely, by the way), then select a few recipes to enjoy this weekend and save extra to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week.
As always, if you try any of the recipes, please share your experience in the comments below!
Tasty Appetizers
Easy to make and teeming with flavor, these cauliflower bites might become a go-to for you!
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This cooling, hydrating dish is bursting with flavor through the combination of melon, shallots, lime, cucumber and herbs. Enjoy it as often as you can while watermelon is in season!
The smokiness of the marinade and umami flavor of the mushrooms, along with the natural sweetness of the pineapple make this a fun and festive dish for summertime.
These samosa-flavored bites taste very similar to the samosa appetizer, however, they're much healthier since they're baked and don't have the fiberless pastry dough wrapped around the veggies inside. They're delicious with herbaceous Mint Chutney or Cooling Cucumber Raita!
Summer Salads
This satisfying salad is simple to make and a real crowd-pleaser!
Silken tofu makes the perfect salad dressing base with its plant-based fat and protein content. Pour this slightly tangy and very creamy dressing over top of apples, carrots, and cabbage to create a crunchy yet creamy delicious summer salad!
This is not your everyday slaw. It's comforting from the whole-grain black rice, sustaining from the protein-rich edamame and energizing from the nutrient-packed crunchy veggies. Also, it looks so pretty when it's all put together, making it the perfect addition to any picnic or holiday gathering.
Grillable Veggie Burgers
These burgers are so easy, tasty and nutritious that you may never buy a frozen veggie patty again!
Preparation time for this burger goodness is only ten minutes (after you've scrubbed down those beet beauties). They hold together really well (perfect for summertime grilling!) and are super satisfying with textures and flavors galore.
Hearty, healthy, satisfying and delicious—that explains these nutrition-packed burgers that keep on giving back with leftovers for days ahead!
Satiating Sides
Transform traditional nachos into a healthy treat or side for your holiday picnic. Customize the toppings with whatever veggies you have on hand!
This mac 'n cheese is super creamy from the cashew cheese and crunchy from the tofu croutons. The tofu croutons bake at the same time as the Mac n Cheese — pretty convenient!
Desserts
If you want something decadent but also want it to be nourishing and energizing (i.e. does not deplete your energy!) then look no further than these brownies. They are oh-so-decadent and yummy.
This ooey-gooey strawberry crumble is good for the whole family and passes the kids' test!
The Warm Cherry Cobbler below takes only ten minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake. But, trust us, that 40 minutes of baking is blissful when the aromas fill up your home.
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