At Deliciously Ella, we love to make the most of seasonal ingredients, so each summer we develop recipes that use fresh, vibrant summer produce. This collection includes recipes with juicy berries, stone fruits, tropical fruits, leafy greens, green legumes, and flavourful nightshades like tomatoes, aubergines, and red peppers. These ingredients taste their very best when they’re in season as they can be more locally sourced, so as a result they’ll also be more affordable at this time. This range of easy, plant-based dishes are perfect to see you through summer. There’s something for every occasion or mealtime, allowing you to take full advantage of summer flavours every day this season.
Although you can buy berries all year round, they’re at their very best in summer when they can be locally sourced. Bursting with sweetness and a whole host of nutrients (including vitamin C, fibre and prebiotics), a professor from Harvard School of Public Health has claimed they are one of the healthiest foods you can eat (1).
Full of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon, this simple loaf celebrates the best of summer flavours. Perfect as a delicious afternoon treat (when you need to switch up your banana bread!) or pack it up for a picnic. The best part, it only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time to make, meaning it’s a no faff recipe. Feel free to swap the strawberries for whatever summer berries you have in the house.
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If you’re looking for a summery sweet treat that's super easy to make, requires only 4 ingredients, and is completely moreish — these raspberry, chocolate and peanut butter bites are the perfect option. Combining raspberries, chocolate and peanut butter, they provide fibre, protein and protective antioxidants; teamed with delicious creamy yoghurt, they'll satisfy your sweet cravings while also being good for you.
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These blueberry overnight oats are the perfect mix of textures and flavours. The banana and almond milk soak into the oats overnight to give them a wonderfully creamy texture, while the pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and the raisins make add a natural sweetness. Topped with fresh blueberries and almond butter this makes a delicious breakfast, plus it’s really easy to make.
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A delicious 5-minute wonder. This smoothie isn’t too sweet and is packed with nutrition and flavour. A blend of blueberries, banana, coconut yoghurt and almond butter, with the addition of frozen cauliflower for extra creaminess, to up your daily veg intake! It may sound strange, but trust us, you won’t taste it and it’s a surprisingly great source of vitamin C.
View RecipeStone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, plums and cherries are also at their prime in summer months. High in antioxidants, as well as fibre and vitamin C, these fruits can support your immunity and digestion, and reduce inflammation (2).
Impress at summer barbecues with this vibrant main meal salad. The quinoa and lentils are both excellent sources of plant-based protein and fibre; teamed with bright leafy greens, juicy nectarines, sweet blueberries and crunchy spiced walnuts, this salad is a thing of joy.
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Serve this gorgeous galette at summer gatherings. To tailor it to your taste — use any stone fruit for the filling (nectarines or plums also work equally well); and add a handful of berries or cherries for an extra burst of colour and flavour. The layer of almond butter on the pastry is optional but we love the added richness it brings to this rustic dessert.
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This summer-in-a-bowl salad is full of fresh flavours and makes a great weekday lunch. Pickling the peaches helps preserve a taste of summer, whatever the weather — add to salads, sandwiches and wraps for an extra dose of sunshine.
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An upside-down cake is a household classic, we’re giving it a seasonal twist by using the dreamy bright flavour combinations of plum and lemon. This sponge screams summertime; enjoy it with a cup of tea in the sunshine.
View RecipeBring a touch of summer sunshine to your table by incorporating tropical fruits like mango and pineapple into your diet. Mango works brilliantly in salads, adding a refreshing sweetness that pairs deliciously with savoury flavours - if you haven’t tried it before, these recipes are a great place to start!
We're obsessed with the mix of flavours and textures in this salad. The way the sweet chunks of mango come together with the refreshing little pieces of cucumber, creamy bites of avocado, spicy slices of fresh chilli, crunchy toasted hazelnuts is a dream and sesame dressing is heavenly.
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Made up of only 4 ingredients, this sorbet couldn't be simpler or more delicious. The pineapple tastes zesty and fresh, while the coconut yoghurt adds a fantastic creamy texture. We love to serve this on its own with some grated lime zest but it would also be delicious served on the side of fresh fruit or dessert.
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Need a nutritious meal in a hurry? This super simple savoury-sweet quinoa salad comes together in under 20 minutes and it’s packed with flavour.
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Dreaming of fresh summery flavours? This smoothie will transport you to that holiday feeling. Loaded with pineapple, lime, and coconut – it's a perfect way to start the day. We use cashew butter here for its smooth, neutral flavour.
View RecipeFrom refreshing salads to vibrant smoothies, these recipes are perfect for adding a burst of green goodness to your summer meals. The Kale Caesar is one of our most popular recipes for good reason, putting a delicious twist on a classic favourite.
This simple, seasonal recipe for super veg with lemony butter bean mash is perfect for low-waste living. The veggies are interchangeable, meaning you can make this anytime you have leftovers in the fridge to use up. Likewise the butter beans can be swapped for any white bean, they all turn into a beautifully smooth, creamy, nutrition-filled mash in no time.
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Caesar salad is such a classic dish, made even more delicious here by the use of kale in place of lettuce. The baked chickpeas give amazing crunch and texture, whilst the cashews make such an incredibly creamy sauce.
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Few things beat a refreshing smoothie for breakfast after an energetic workout, or busy mornings on the go. Loaded with nutrient-packed fruit and leafy vegetables, this smoothie combines fibre, protein and healthy fats to energise and help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
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As delicious as they are vibrant, these beans will take your toast up a level. With a super easy sauce of spinach, cavolo nero and basil, it's a great one to make a batch of at the start of the week for quick lunches. Plus, it's incredibly versatile — it works just as well on top of a jacket potato or some rice.
View RecipeFor even more fresh, delicious greens, add some legumes such as green beans, broad beans or peas into your summer meals. You can add these to pretty much anything - salads, pastas, or even dips - but these are some of our favourite recipes.
With just 6 ingredients and 4 steps, you’ll have this sharing dish on the table in under 20 minutes. Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly delicious; it’s been a massive hit in the DE office, dubbed the “the green version” of last year’s favourite, our Creamy Bruschetta-Style Salad. There’s something about piling grilled summery veg on a bed of zesty yoghurt with crispy garlic and mint that just hits the spot every time.
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Need a simple midweek dinner? Ready in only 30 minutes, our green gnocchi is hearty and satisfying, and makes the most of seasonal veg. The courgettes are the hero here, but you could swap the green beans for whatever green vegetables you have in the fridge — try tenderstem broccoli, spinach, or sugar snap peas.
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This is a light and summery salad. The soft peas and beans taste delicious with the zesty lemon and mustard dressing. It's a perfect lunch to have on its own, or as a side to any main meal.
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No time to cook? Make this vibrant pasta dish with peas, asparagus, pistachios and rocket. Quick, easy and brimming with flavour, it will be on the table in just 15 minutes.
View RecipeTomatoes, bell peppers and aubergines are staples of a plant-based diet all year round, but they’re at their very best in summer, when they’re in season. They carry some delicious, rich flavours which transform simple sandwiches, soups, or pastas to be so much more than the sum of their parts.
Whether for a summer picnic or tasty lunchbox, this hearty, satisfying sandwich makes the perfect lunch — use our no-knead sandwich flats or any bread you like.
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A go-to for hot summer days, this refreshing gazpacho is full of flavour and is healthy too — it’s packed with vitamin C and delivers two of your five-a-day. Enjoy it chilled, topped with creamy avocado salsa.
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When it comes to easy comfort food for busy days, this pasta dish is a weeknight winner — the sweet roasted peppers combined with soft orzo, make it supremely satisfying, plus it's packed full of flavour. If you don't have orzo, simply swap for risotto rice or pearl barley.
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Impress friends and family with this simple rustic galette. Topped with sweet cherry tomatoes, seasonal courgettes and a layer of pesto, it makes for the perfect summer lunch.
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