Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Lifestyle Diets
  4. Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
  5. 25 Summer Vegetarian Recipes in 20 Minutes or Less

25 Summer Vegetarian Recipes in 20 Minutes or Less

Alex Loh
Alex Loh Jessica Ball, M.S., RD May 17, 2020
Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Cucumber & Avocado Salad

These summer vegetarian recipes take advantage of the season's gorgeous produce. Whether it's a side dish or the main attraction, these recipes highlight fresh vegetables and fruits like zucchini, tomatoes and avocado. You can easily swap produce in these salads and pastas depending on what's available. Recipes like Cucumber & Avocado Salad and Cherry Tomato & Garlic Pasta are healthy, delicious and perfect for summer nights.

Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Gnocchi Pasta with Tomatoes & Leeks

7010804.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These gnocchi are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside because you sauté them in hot oil. Plus, they leave a little fond (crispy brown bits) in the pan that adds toasty flavor to the tomato and leek sauce, which is cooked in the same pan. Since this easy gnocchi recipe calls for store-bought shelf-stable gnocchi, it's quick to prepare--just 20 minutes, start to finish. Opt for whole-wheat gnocchi to get 2 extra grams of fiber per serving compared to white. This easy and healthy dinner is easy to customize too: see Tips for variations with shrimp, pesto instead of butter, and pork chops instead of gnocchi. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mojito Blueberry & Watermelon Salad

Mojito Blueberry & Watermelon Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Inspired by the classic mojito cocktail, this festive and healthy fruit salad gets zing from rum, lime and mint. The optional piment d'Espelette--a sweet, spicy ground pepper from the Basque region of France--adds a hint of heat that's a nice contrast to the sweet fruit. Look for this spice at specialty stores, well-stocked markets or online. You could also swap in chile-lime seasoning blend (such as Tajín) for a similar subtle kick or omit the spice altogether. Feel free to skip the rum if you prefer an alcohol-free salad. With or without the rum, this salad has summertime backyard BBQ written all over it. Source: Eatingwell.com, August 2019

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Cucumber, Radish & Tomato Chopped Salad

Creamy Cucumber, Radish & Tomato Chopped Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A mix of cool, crunchy vegetables gives this healthy salad satisfying bite for a perfect potluck side. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach & Strawberry Pasta Salad

6417949.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple pasta side dish combines sweet strawberries and creamy avocado with a tart balsamic vinaigrette. You can make the dressing ahead iand keep it separately, tossing with the pasta salad just before serving. Make this salad even more special by adding crumbled feta or goat cheese. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2019

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Bean & Avocado Sandwich

6726461.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

White beans mash seamlessly into a creamy protein-packed spread for a satisfying healthy sandwich that makes for an easy lunch or dinner. Mix it up by trying it with canned chickpeas or black beans. This vegetarian sandwich recipe is also a fiber superstar: avocado, beans, greens and whole-wheat bread team up to give it 15 grams of fiber, more than half of what most women should aim for in a day. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad

6551852.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a healthy salad recipe to make at the height of summer when watermelon and cucumbers are at their juiciest and most flavorful. Feta adds the perfect creamy, salty, tangy edge, and mint makes this salad taste even brighter. This is one easy side salad you'll want to serve at all your summer BBQs. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2019

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cucumber & Avocado Salad

a white platter with cucumbers and avocados
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy cucumber-avocado salad takes just five minutes to prep. Lime juice and fresh herbs boost the bright flavors in this crunchy and creamy salad that's a perfect side dish for grilled chicken, fish or steak. This recipe calls for an English cucumber, which doesn't have to be peeled, but regular cucumbers work well too--just peel them before slicing. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2019

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crunchy Summer Salad with Creamy Vegan Avocado Dressing

8054909.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Remember back when dousing some iceberg lettuce with ranch dressing was considered healthy? We know better now, but a lackluster vinaigrette makes us want to skip the salad altogether. Without the buttermilk and mayo, is it even worth it? This dressing, made with creamy avocado and tangy umeboshi vinegar, will show you the possibilities. You can make it as-is or substitute whatever herbs you have on hand: parsley, basil and cilantro are all great options. The salad itself is a colorful, texture-rich antidote to the stereotypical boring salad, and it's also customizable. Here we use a base of romaine because it's crunchy and sturdy enough to stand up to a creamy dressing, but you can use kale, mixed greens or any blend of greens your heart (and fridge) desires. Same for the add-ins: You can sub in green beans for the asparagus, use black beans instead of chickpeas, or mix in additional veggies you have available like cucumber or shredded carrots. If you want to get extra fancy with it, try grilling the corn for an added smoky flavor. While this salad can be eaten as a side, it's strong enough to star as the entree. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegetarian All-American Portobello Burgers

6608261.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Portobello mushrooms stand in for meat patties in this recipe for veggie burgers with all the fixings. Mushrooms are a source of glutamate, a naturally occurring compound that gives the fungi their umami flavor. But to really give these "patties" a savory boost, we brush them with steak sauce. Add a simple side salad or some grilled veggies for a satisfying and easy dinner on the grill. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fresh Tomato Salsa with Marjoram

6725361.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Enjoy this fresh tomato sauce hot or cold. Its bold flavor is delicious in a simple pasta salad or topping any protein just off the grill. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Bell Pepper Salad with Mozzarella & Basil

6725355.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet peppers like red, orange and yellow bells stand in for tomatoes in this caprese-style salad and pair deliciously with the fresh mozzarella and acidic balsamic drizzle. Try green bell peppers if you prefer less sweetness. This easy, healthy recipe takes just 20 minutes to make. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mexican Corn (Esquites)

7968948.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This street corn dish, known as esquites, is served in cups instead of on the cob for all the flavor of elote without the mess. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chickpeas with Peppers & Eggs

8115945.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy vegetarian recipe incorporates a vibrant array of spices, including cumin seeds, turmeric, and smoked paprika. If you can't find an Anaheim chile, substitute a half to a whole jalapeño pepper, depending on your spice tolerance. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blistered 3-Bean Salad

6725374.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Haricots verts are thinner than regular green beans, but you can use any bean with an edible pod (ask the vendor at your local farmers' market) in their place in this easy side dish recipe. Serve this healthy 3-bean salad with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying summer meal. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mexican Quinoa Salad

7690836.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Enjoy this Mexican quinoa salad as a delicious and quick vegetarian main dish or as a side for grilled chicken or steak. And don't forget the leftovers! They make an easy lunch on the go. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cherry Tomato & Garlic Pasta

6535785.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy and healthy pasta recipe takes just 20 minutes to prep so it's a perfect weeknight dinner. Cooking garlic cloves whole and then mashing them into the sauce not only saves time, it creates a mellow garlic flavor that melds seamlessly into the silky burst cherry tomatoes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2019

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Honeydew & Cucumber Salad with Burrata

6955427.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We doubled down--deliciously--on the green in this summer salad with melon, cucumber, basil, arugula and pepitas. Creamy burrata makes this easy salad extra luxurious, so it's perfect for summer parties. It would be lovely with grilled chicken or as part of a cold buffet spread. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2019

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Avocado Egg Salad

7575315.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This quick recipe takes classic egg salad to the next level with the addition of creamy avocado. Serve it on a piece of toasted whole-grain bread or inside a tender lettuce leaf. Avocados brown quickly, so plan on making it no more than two hours before you plan to serve it. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Feta Penne Pasta

7855735.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this quick 20-minute dinner recipe, tender penne pasta is combined with garlic, roasted red peppers and spinach and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a fast and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal. This recipe was graciously shared by EatingWell reader Dottie Carpenter, who states, "Recipes are no good if they're not shared!" Source: EatingWell.com, March 2020

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Massaged Kale Salad with Grapes & Cheddar

7784889.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The kids participating in the California Farm to School Network who inspired this salad knew that they could make kale more tender and appealing to fellow students by massaging it first to break down tough cells in the plant. You probably won't find crumbled Cheddar at your market, but all you have to do is buy the cheese as a brick and then slice before breaking it into little chunks. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2020

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini Noodle Primavera

Zucchini Noodle Primavera
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This primavera recipe cuts carbs by swapping out the pasta for zucchini "noodles." This quick vegetarian dinner is chock-full of colorful vegetables smothered in a light, creamy sauce. We like using prepackaged spiralized zucchini noodles to keep this recipe ultra-fast, but if you have a spiralizer and zucchini on hand, you can easily make your own. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata

6910453.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For a gorgeous take on a classic caprese, make this healthy salad recipe with heirloom tomatoes in various colors, shapes and sizes. Swapping regular mozzarella for creamy burrata makes this summer salad even more special--but it's still incredibly easy to make. Source: Eatingwell.com, August 2019

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Macaroni Salad

7690846.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You don't have to be vegan to enjoy this vegan macaroni salad! The colorful array of veggies give it texture and flavor and help make it lighter than traditional pasta salads. It's perfect to bring along to your next picnic or potluck. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peach & Cucumber Salad with Pepita Pesto

6599203.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cilantro and pumpkin seeds stand in for traditional pesto ingredients in this easy salad recipe. Look for peaches in July and August, when they are at their peak. Serve the salad along with grilled chicken or fish for a healthy dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2019

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & Edamame

8110978.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame, and goat cheese. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alex Loh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Crispy Gnocchi Pasta with Tomatoes & Leeks
    2 of 25 Mojito Blueberry & Watermelon Salad
    3 of 25 Creamy Cucumber, Radish & Tomato Chopped Salad
    4 of 25 Spinach & Strawberry Pasta Salad
    5 of 25 White Bean & Avocado Sandwich
    6 of 25 Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad
    7 of 25 Cucumber & Avocado Salad
    8 of 25 Crunchy Summer Salad with Creamy Vegan Avocado Dressing
    9 of 25 Vegetarian All-American Portobello Burgers
    10 of 25 Fresh Tomato Salsa with Marjoram
    11 of 25 Roasted Bell Pepper Salad with Mozzarella & Basil
    12 of 25 Mexican Corn (Esquites)
    13 of 25 Chickpeas with Peppers & Eggs
    14 of 25 Blistered 3-Bean Salad
    15 of 25 Mexican Quinoa Salad
    16 of 25 Cherry Tomato & Garlic Pasta
    17 of 25 Honeydew & Cucumber Salad with Burrata
    18 of 25 Avocado Egg Salad
    19 of 25 Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Feta Penne Pasta
    20 of 25 Massaged Kale Salad with Grapes & Cheddar
    21 of 25 Zucchini Noodle Primavera
    22 of 25 Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata
    23 of 25 Vegan Macaroni Salad
    24 of 25 Peach & Cucumber Salad with Pepita Pesto
    25 of 25 Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & Edamame

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    25 Summer Vegetarian Recipes in 20 Minutes or Less
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.