white bean dip DAVID LEBOVITZ above

If you’ve been toying with the idea of “going” vegetarian, summer is the ideal season to do so. Produce is at it’s best and farmer’s markets across the country are displaying their finest flavors and colors. Plan a trip to your local market this week and work your menu around all this amazing inspiration.

The biggest challenge I personally experienced as a vegetarian wasn’t in giving up meat (that was a cinch), but in going outside my comfort zones in choosing new and unfamiliar vegetables, grains and beans. And since the key to successful vegetarianism is in a wide, cross selection of plants, summer is a great time to stretch your palate’s “comfort zone”.

fresh corn cakes above DAVID LEBOVITZ

summer corn salad via ANDWHATIATE.com

grilled eggplant stacks with goat cheese via FOOD.com

quinoa salad via DAMNDELICIOUS.net

HISPANICKITCHEN.com above southwestern salad with cilantro-jalapeno dressing

watermelon salad with feta and mint, JACQUES PEPIN via FOODANDWINE.com

fresh guacamole salad via KEEPITSKINNY.wordpress

caprese sandwich via OHHOMESWEETHOME.tumblr

three homemade veggie dips via SAYYES.com

classic salade nicoise above DAVID LEBOVITZ

watermelon salsa THEPIONEERWOMAN.com

above and below FOOD AND WINE AUGUST 2013

above summer vegetable “ceviche”, GREATKITCHENSTORIES.com via FOOD AND WINE


My favorite dishes have lots of color and flavor which come from produce like red bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, avocados, citrus, citrus juices and zest, flat leaf parsley and cilantro. Various types of organic beans, brown rice, brown rice pasta and Quinoa provide bulk, protein and fiber. Walnuts, olive oil and avocados are our sources of Omega 3 fats.  

After switching to a plant based diet I realized there are entire cuisines dedicated to the philosophy, either by necessity or culture or both. I had no idea vegetarian dishes were so flavorful. Knowing what we know about the beef, pork and poultry industries, it surprises me that people in our culture rely on them so heavily.

grilled eggplant with goat cheese via GRILLEDVEGETABLERECIPES.com

asparagus and goat cheese pizzettas via KUCHARNIA

grilled kale salad with beets, figs and ricotta via WITWHIMSY.com


For links to more vegetarian dishes, see my Vegetarian Dishes Pinterest board.