22 Plant-Based Recipes to Make the Most of Tomato Season

Tomatoes do double duty in this chewy bulgur wheat and mixed bean salad with juicy, quartered cherry tomatoes taking center stage. An out-of-this-world tomato vinaigrette delivers a sweet, acidic kick to tie all the flavors together. Serve over a bed of greens, and don't hold back!

In this colorful summery salad, the sweet flavor of corn works well with the rustic tang of in-season tomatoes. Peppery scallions, fresh cilantro, and tart lemon juice brighten the earthy flavors, while chopped jalapeño lends heat. This refreshing corn and tomato salad is excellent eaten on its own or spooned over tortilla chips, plant-based tacos, or whole grain toasts.

The intense flavors of peak-season produce make these stuffed tomatoes tastier than ever. Filled with brown rice, currants, roasted pine nuts, and a choice selection of herbs, they make a scrumptious side dish fit for any occasion.

In this incredibly satisfying, robust family meal, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms are served over mashed sweet potato and polenta. Mathematically speaking, this is comfort food squared!

This vibrant summertime soup features chickpeas in a blended base made from tomato, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, topped with pumpkin seeds, quartered cherry tomatoes, and parsley.

In this oil-free take on a Southern classic, unripe green tomatoes are coated in subtly spiced breadcrumbs and fried in an air-fryer to delicious effect: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tasty treats are stealthily healthy. Serve with Creamy Dairy-Free Dill Ranch Dip. Notes a reader, “Totally awesome recipe!”

Smarten up your toast-topping repertoire with these delectable sprouted whole grain toasts. Just add a slather of a creamy cannellini bean spread and top with tangy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber slices, a few beans, and fresh basil to create a nourishing meal or snack. Shares one fan, “A hit in our household!”

Having chutney on hand is an easy way to boost the flavor of curries, grain bowls, or sandwiches, and making your own is easier than you’d think. Here, the grassy aroma of fresh tomato mingles with the sweet tang of tamarind paste in this flavor-packed homemade chutney. A few toasted cumin seeds and black mustard seeds add complex flavor to tie it all together.

This saucy vegan ratatouille—fragrant with fresh herbs and loaded with veggies, kidney beans, and whole grain pasta—is one for the whole family!

Fresh asparagus and cherry tomatoes take center stage in this scrumptious pasta dish, which also features a palate-pleasing kale-and-avocado sauce. Writes a reviewer, “This dish is so delicious! I have made it for my family, and they all loved it. If you have a toddler, this dish works very well as they can grab the pasta with their hands and they get a good serving of veggies even if they don’t eat the asparagus and/or tomatoes.”

Equal parts cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and watermelon, this chilled summer soup has a tangy flavor and crunch that’s instantly refreshing. Cumin powder and chipotle chile powder add an earthiness and a pop of heat, while lemon zest, lemon juice, and cilantro give it a zesty lift.

You’ll savor every bite of these vegan sushi. Wrapped in toasted nori sheets, riced butternut squash adds extra sweetness to sticky brown rice and perfectly pairs with the spicy tomato-vegetable filling. Notes a commenter, “These are delicious and the tomatoes make for a wonderful mouth feel instead of meat or fish.”

Whether you’re entertaining or looking for a movie night snack, this smoky salsa and a batch of homemade baked tortilla chips will have everyone munching happily. And it’s ready in only 20 minutes!

These fabulous oven-baked fritters, served with a dollop of homemade tomato and corn chutney, have that going-out-to-brunch feel. The chutney, which features tomato, corn, apples, and sweet onion, needs to be simmered for 10 minutes; it can be prepared while you’re waiting for the fritters to bake.

Golden heirloom tomatoes give this refreshing gazpacho a gorgeous golden hue, while fresh apple gives it a fruity kick. Other tomato varieties would also work, but expect the color to change accordingly. Notes a fan, “Refreshing and delicious. What a creative way to enjoy fresh raw veggies and gazpacho!”

Homemade marinara sauce is incredibly handy to have around and a great vehicle for capturing the sweet, sweet fragrance of in-season tomatoes. “We love it! I use it wherever marinara sauce is used.”—Christine

For a simple summertime meal, take your favorite whole grain spaghetti, toss through garlicky-roasted tomatoes, chickpeas, and fresh basil, and watch as friends and family wonder who the gourmet chef is.

Bruschetta isn’t just for bread: Sweet potatoes serve as a flavorful base in this plant-packed appetizer. A refreshing mix of veggies and creamy avocado top things off.

This luscious bowl gets twice the tomato goodness, with roasted cherry tomatoes and marinara sauce.

Tomato plays beautifully with another MVP of summer produce—red bell pepper—in this satisfying soup.