15 Plant-Based Lemon Garlic Recipes for the Summer

Lemon and garlic is not only an amazing flavor combination, but it also has many health benefits as well. The duo works well in a variety of dishes, from pasta to tacos to hummus, and even makes a delicious dressing on its own. Enjoy!

1. Vegan Scampi in Lemon Garlic White Wine Sauce

Source: Vegan Scampi in Lemon Garlic White Wine Sauce

This Vegan Scampi by Jenn Sebestyen is a really simple dish that tastes elegant. Hearts of palm are the perfect stand-in for scallops. They have a similar look when sliced and a briny quality reminiscent of seafood—great for those with a shellfish allergy.

2. Roasted Vegetable Tacos with Lemon Garlic Aioli

Source: Roasted Vegetable Tacos with Lemon Garlic Aioli

These Roasted Vegetable Tacos by Kayla Cappiello are bursting with flavor!

Copyright © 2023 by Kayla Cappiello. (If applicable, please also include Photos copyright © Jen Costa, Fox & Hare Photography, on pages v, vi, viii, 4, 5, 6, 14, 18, 180, 181.) Excerpted by permission of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.

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3. Lemon Garlic No-Oil Tofu

Source: Lemon Garlic No-Oil Tofu

This Lemon Garlic No-Oil Tofu by Robin is perfect to make on the weekend and have as a meal-prepped idea for lunch or dinner all week long and it’s super easy to make.

4. Lemon Garlic Hummus

Source: Lemon Garlic Hummus

This delicious Lemon Garlic Hummus by Daniela Modesto will tantalize your taste buds!

5. Lemon Garlic Zoodles

Source: Lemon Garlic Zoodles

If your summer harvest is exploding with zucchinis, these Lemon Garlic Zoodles by Holly Bertone are going to be your favorite go-to recipe. The lemon and garlic make the flavor pop.

6. Quinoa Tabbouleh With Lemon Garlic Dressing

Source: Quinoa Tabbouleh With Lemon Garlic Dressing

This Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad by Jessica Gavin is a flavor melting pot. It’s got super ripe mini cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers for crunch, and aromatic chopped parsley, mint, and green onions. The combination makes for a wonderfully flavorful and fresh salad. Don’t forget the dressing! All you need is some minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

7. Easy and Zesty Lemon Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Source: Easy and Zesty Lemon Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

These Herb Roasted Potatoes by Amrita Levan are easy to make, with only a handful of ingredients, and are ready in under an hour. A perfect side dish for your holiday feast!

8. Lemon Garlic Habanero Sauerkraut

Source: Lemon Garlic Habanero Sauerkraut

Though you may associate it with fatty sausages and hot dogs, sauerkraut is more nutritious than you might think. The fermented veggie is immune-boosting gold in addition to making almost everything taste better. This Lemon Garlic Habanero Sauerkraut by Chantelle Zakariasen is pleasantly spicy, sour, and super savory. Make a huge batch and eat some at every meal!

9. Roasted Beet Salad With Pumpkin Seed Dukkah and Lemon Garlic Dressing

Source: Roasted Beet Salad With Pumpkin Seed Dukkah and Lemon Garlic Dressing

Each component of this Roasted Beet Salad by Jodi Kay is delicious on its own and even tastier when layered together. Roasted beets lend some sweetness to the dish, the quinoa is fluffy and filling, and the creamy dressing is very caesar-esque. The dukkah is also a great way to sneak some seeds into your diet and we suggest making more than you need for the recipe to have on hand for other salads and sandwiches.

10. Delicata Squash Fries with Lemon-Garlic Aioli

Source: Delicata Squash Fries with Lemon-Garlic Aioli

Move over potatoes, there’s a new fry in town! These Delicata Squash Fries by Kate Friedman are a tasty twist on one of America’s food darlings. Baking the squash instead of frying makes it much healthier. Salting the squash before roasting it draws out the moisture, allowing the fries to crisp up in the oven. These squash fries are wonderful on their own— especially if you add plenty of pepper (yes, I am a pepper-your-fries person)—but they’re especially good paired with lemon-garlic aioli.

Reprinted with permission from 5-Ingredient Vegan Cooking by Kate Friedman, Page Street Publishing Co. 2021. Photo credit: Kate Friedman

11. Lemon-Roasted Artichoke With Garlic and Fennel

Source: Lemon-Roasted Artichoke With Garlic and Fennel

Artichokes can be tricky to take on, but not when you follow this recipe! A whole artichoke is roasted with garlic cloves and fennel adding subtle flavor. This oil-free roasting method substitutes fats with lemon juice, but it also adds a tanginess that’s perfect for spring. You have to try this Lemon-Roasted Artichoke With Garlic and Fennel by Susan Edelman.

12. Lemon and Garlic Oyster Mushroom Scallops

Source: Lemon and Garlic Oyster Mushroom Scallops

Mushrooms are usually served as a side dish, but they are also a great substitute for meat in a lot of plant-based recipes. Their meaty texture makes them great to use as a base for the scallops, like in this Lemon and Garlic Scallops recipe by Desiree Rodriguez.

13. Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Asparagus

Source: Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Asparagus

These Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Asparagus by Tori Cooper make a great side for your spring meals. They’re light, refreshing, citrusy, and good for you! Leave them as tall and tender stalks, or slice them up and throw them in a quinoa salad.

14. Lemon Thyme and Roasted Garlic Flatbreads

Source: Lemon Thyme and Roasted Garlic Flatbreads

If you’re intimidated by the idea of making bread, then this flatbread is a good place to get started. These Lemon Thyme and Roasted Garlic Flatbreads by Cassidy Payne are pretty low fuss and great to serve up with soup or on a platter of food, not to mention, pretty fun to make, and require little kneading. The rich roasted garlic works perfectly with the lemon thyme and olive oil, forming a delicious combination.

15. Gnocchi With Lemon Chili Garlic Sauce

Source: Gnocchi With Lemon Chili Garlic Sauce

This Gnocchi With Lemon Chili Garlic Sauce by Kyra Howearth is tasty and easy to make. Light and fluffy gnocchi are coated in a tangy and garlicky lemon chili sauce that’s light enough to enjoy in warmer weather. Chopped kale is added to the sauce, bringing some greens to the table, and adding color to your bowl.

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