There’s no better season than summer for going vegan–even if it’s just for one meal! With all the amazing fruits and vegetables in season, eating healthy actually tastes like indulging.
Here are three super simple recipes that will leave you feeling full and make you completely forget about meat.
Breakfast
What I call the healthiest meal of our day is also one of the easiest. The breakfast smoothie is perfect for those days when you’re already starting to “glisten” at 8 a.m.
My recipe includes about a cup of almond milk, a splash of orange juice, and your choice of frozen and fresh fruits and veggies. (We typically use strawberries, bananas, and spinach, but I’ve not yet found a combination that doesn’t work.) Toss in a few chia seeds for an extra health boost.
Easy vegan substitute: Almond milk is higher in calcium than regular milk and a crowd-pleaser in terms of taste (especially the vanilla and chocolate varieties)!
Lunch
Rivaling the breakfast smoothie for its simplicity, the “dump” salad is perfect when you’re due a trip to the grocery store but don’t want to go through the drive-thru again.
I call them “dump” salads because I basically just dump everything I can find in the fridge into a bowl. Spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, of course, but also throw in leftover beans from last night’s enchiladas, avocado, and those almonds in the back of the pantry. Or try strawberries, walnuts, black beans, and raisins. Toss it all in a vinaigrette, and you’re good to go.
Easy vegan substitute: Missing cheese in your salad? Try grating the outside of a lemon (seriously). Same texture as shredded cheese with a nice punch of flavor.
Supper
Grilling out? Go for a veggie burger!
There are several different brands out there, but the toppings make all the difference. Add barbecue sauce and onions for a southwestern taste or a slice of grilled pineapple and a splash of soy sauce. Splurge on some good vegan cheese, and you’ll never notice the difference.
Easy vegan substitute: Let Fort Worth’s Spiral Diner do the grilling. With three different types of veggie burgers in a variety of styles, you can’t go wrong.
It’s easier than you might think to give up meat and dairy, and there’s no quicker way to feel a bit lighter. With triple-digit weather looming, why not give it a try, even if just for a day? You’ve already got a meal plan!
What are your favorite vegan recipes?
