Quick Plant-Based Dinners for Hot Summer Nights
Summer is the time for salads and fresh, light meals; what better way to balance the heat of the evening than with a plate loaded with greens and juicy, crunchy goodness!
It's the time of year to eat plan plant-based meals - there's a huge abundance of fruit and vegetable produce, and one can readily source protein from legumes (to substitute out animal products).
For the busy body who hasn't got the time and energy to slave away at the stove for multiple sweaty hours, here are a few quick, easy and light meals to fill your summer evenings:
Roasted Summer Vegetable Traybake: Roast eggplant, courgettes, red onions, capsicum and tomatoes. Toss in any other ingredients that tickle your fancy (chickpeas are a great high-protein option here) and enjoy as a salad, side or main. This is a good option for meal prepping too!
Tomato Bruschetta: A fantastic lunch or light dinner option, bruschetta combines toasted ciabatta (or any bread if your choice) with balsamic-infused tomatoes, garlic and red onion - topped off with a freshly torn leaf of basil.
Tomato and Black Bean Taco Salad: Fresh, crunchy and full of flavour - all with zero cooking required! Simply grab a big bowl and throw together capsicum, lettuce leaves, chopped tomatoes and black beans. Drizzle with a dressing of lime juice, olive oil, coriander, cumin and jalapeño for a little kick. Enjoy with taco shells or in a pita bread.
Courgette Fritters: Grated courgette, garlic and parmesan come together to create a crispy, moreish fritter that acts as the perfect lunchtime treat or an easy light dinner.
Tofu Caesar Wraps: Baked marinated tofu, lettuce, fresh tomato and pickled red onion, all wrapped up in a tortilla with mayo, mustard and pickles - it's a recipe for summer evening delight!
Falafel: It's unreasonable how good these balls of blended chickpeas, coriander, parsley, cumin, garlic and onion are. The perfect level of crispiness with none of the nasty ingredients - these are a great option on meat-free burgers or wraps.