3 healthy vegan recipes to make this summer

Barbecued veggie burgers, cider, ice cream, mum’s delicious potato salad… there are so many amazing foods we associate with summertime. Unfortunately these dishes come with a lot of extra calories that may not agree with the beach body you’ve been working on for the holidays!

Fortunately, there are many vegan recipes to make this summer that are not only delicious, but extremely healthy. It’s okay to spring for those greasy barbequed burgers once in a while, but for the rest of the time, here are a few great recipes to keep you at your healthiest this summer.

1. Grilled pineapple tofu

This recipe is perfect for the kitchen or outdoors on the grill. You can even bake it in the oven or sizzle the tofu in a frying pan for that perfect crispy outer layer! You’ll need:

1 pineapple
1 extra firm slab of tofu, drained and pressed
½ cup soy sauce
splash of water
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika

Take everything, except your pineapple and tofu, and mix together well. This will be your marinade.

Soak the tofu in this for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, cut your pineapple into rings and grill together, basting with the excess marinade.

Cook to your liking, and enjoy with fresh greens!

If you don’t eat soy then you can replace the tofu with seitan and the soy sauce with coconut aminos.

2. Vegan summer spring rolls

If you’re craving sushi but haven’t yet mastered the art, there is a healthy way to create simple summertime rolls that are completely vegan and easy to make! Plus, they’re easy to meal prep and are convenient for taking along on a picnic or while running errands like looking at Vancouver houses for sale! You’ll need:

rice papers wrappers
rice noodles
spiralized or matchstick carrots
spiralized or thinly cut zucchini
avocado
bell pepper
handful of beansprouts

Cook your rice noodles according to the package. Prepare veggies by thinly chopping or spiralizing them.

Dip your rice paper wrappers into hot water for 15 to 20 seconds, until it begins to soften.

Fill with all the ingredients, or alter to include any of your favourites!

Wrap, and enjoy with soy sauce, coconut aminos, or your favourite sushi dipping sauce.

You can cut them to resemble sushi, or eat with your hands like a regular spring roll.

3. Vegan shrimp packets

The best recipes include the easiest clean up. These vegan shrimp packets can be grilled or baked in the oven for ultimate versatility, and the only clean up you’ll need is washing and recycling the foil! You’ll need: