These are the best vegan summer recipes for hot days, backyard barbecues, and poolside parties. Desserts, sides, and full-meal ideas. All oil-free & plant-based!
When the temps hit "lava," the last thing I want to do is cook meals over a hot oven. That's why I put together this roundup of easy vegan summer recipes that are light, sweet, and most importantly, cool.
From frozen ice cream to fruity crisps and creamy puddings, these recipes are all plant-based, oil-free, and made with simple ingredients. And just to keep it fun, I snuck in a few savory sidekicks because, well, summer isn't just about dessert (though I wish it were).
So whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, poolside party, or just looking for a quick lunch or light summer dinner, I've got you covered. Grab your spoons, forks, and napkins. It's go time.
Frozen Treats To Beat The Summer Heat
Vegan Peach Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dairy-free frozen dessert, you’ll love this Vegan Peach Ice Cream recipe. You only need four ingredients. Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with fresh summer produce. No ice cream maker required.
Chocolate Banana Nice Cream
Chocolate Banana Nice Cream is a healthy and delicious dessert made almost completely from bananas. It’s super simple and comes together in minutes! Frozen ripe bananas + cocoa = instant chocolate bliss.
Vegan Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
This Vegan Frozen Yogurt is made in 5 minutes without an ice cream maker or animal products. It’s the best healthy snack or sweet treat to help you cool down in the summer months. Cool off with this refreshing twist on a classic made with plant-based ingredients.
Mango Banana Popsicles
Two ingredients. One freezer. Zero regrets.
Cherry Coconut Popsicles
These Vegan Cherry Coconut Popsicles are such a delicious and refreshing frozen treat. Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with fresh summer produce.
Fresh Fruit & Berry-Loaded Favorites
Best Vegan Blueberry Crisp (Easy, Gluten-Free)
The best Vegan Blueberry Crisp made with frozen blueberries and covered in a chewy, crunchy oat topping. Easy to make, gluten-free, and delicious. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Berry Chia Seed Parfait
This berry chia seed parfait is not just impressive and guilt-free, it's packed full of nutrients from the chia seeds and berries! Quick to prep and perfect for meal prep or a perfect picnic.
Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
This Vegan Strawberry Shortcake with oil-free shortcake biscuits and cashew cream is a perfect dessert recipe to welcome in summer! The best vegan summer recipe for your next picnic. Fluffy, sweet, and fruity.
No-bake & easy vegan sweet treats
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Easy Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. Made with non-dairy chocolate chips, natural peanut butter, and resting in a delicious nut crust. Rich, dark, creamy, smooth and absolutely delicious. 8 simple ingredients and no baking.
Tofu Chocolate Mousse Recipe (Vegan)
This Vegan Chocolate Mousse is amazing! It’s rich, creamy, silky, and absolutely delicious. Gluten free, dairy free, and completely vegan.
Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
These 3-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, crumbly, chewy, and so easy to make! Made in 1 bowl and with only 3 ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas (Vegan, Gluten-free)
Chocolate-covered frozen bananas are a delicious no-bake healthy treat the whole family will love. Easy to make, vegan, and gluten-free, they’re the perfect summer dessert.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (No Bake)
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are so easy to make and require only 3 wholesome ingredients with no baking. Kid-friendly, healthy, and the perfect dessert or snack. Vegan and gluten-free.
Puddings, Creams & Breakfasts That Feel Like Dessert
Coconut Lime Chia Pudding (Paleo & Vegan!)
Change things up with this Coconut Lime Chia Pudding. Simple, delicious, and make-ahead!
Healthy Avocado Chocolate Mousse
This Avocado Chocolate Pudding is so easy to make, requires FIVE ingredients, and only 5 minutes. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly decadent. You’ll never taste the avocado and its kid approved!
Grab and Go Maple Vanilla Overnight Oats!
If you, like most people, are rushed in the morning, overnight oats are a fabulous option for a quick healthy breakfast. Instead of cooking you simply soak the oats overnight and they are ready to eat the next morning. Just grab and go!
This recipe for Maple Vanilla Overnight Oats is brought to you
Bonus: Savory Vegan Summer Recipes (Because Balance)
Homemade Vegan Pasta Salad (oil-free)
Creamy, light, savory, flavorful classic homemade vegan pasta salad is 100% plant-based, oil-free and beyond delicious. Takes less than 20-minutes!
The Best Classic Vegan Potato Salad (Oil-Free)
This classic vegan potato salad recipe is healthy and so easy to make! Made with creamy cashew mayo, it’s a must for any potluck or gathering. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and oil-free!
Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This chickpea salad sandwich recipe is bright, flavorful, and loaded with plant-based protein. It’s sure to become your new go-to recipe for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
These Vietnamese spring rolls are fresh, not fried! This veggie-packed recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step photos. Vegan and easily gluten-free.
Barbecue Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers (Vegan)
Barbecue Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers are flavorful, healthy, and so easy to make! Great on a bun or eaten alone with avocado slices. Oil-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta (Vegan & Oil-Free)
Bright tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic glaze, garlic, & onions make this simple and elegant Cherry Tomato & Basil Pasta really shine. Ready in 20 minutes. Vegan & oil-free! #veganrecipes #veganpasta
Vegan Buddha Bowl Ideas (oil-free + gluten-free) – simplyceecee.co
The big bold flavors of this vegan buddha bowl w/ crispy tofu, mango salsa, avocado, and beans is 100% better with the yummy Dragon Dressing.
Tomato Basil Salad (Vegan, Whole30)
This fresh tomato basil salad is the perfect light summer meals! This recipe is low fat, vegan, paleo and whole30 approved!
Final Thoughts: Summer, Simplified
This summer season, give yourself a break from the heat, the pressure, and the expectations.
These best vegan recipes were made for real life: family dinners, easy meal prep, last-minute summer potlucks, and that sweet sigh of relief when you sit down at the dinner table with something simple and delicious.
Whether you're team sweet tooth, team savory, or like me, team "both and always"- this roundup is full of different options to make summer cooking (and not cooking) feel effortless.
Now go enjoy a popsicle, toss together a salad, or maybe just scroll through these again while standing in front of your fridge. No judgment.
47