Want fresh ideas for meals this summer? We’ve compiled three plant-based options that are healthy as they are delicious. Bonus! They’re also void of some common dietary constraints. While pasta dishes are a joy all year round, they can be even more special during hot summer months. There are loads of herb and vegetable possibilities that can easily transform your favorite meal into a meatless, gluten and dairy-free option. 

PRO TIP: When gathering your ingredients, try your local market, farm stand, or outdoor garden. Buying fresh and local has several benefits. You’re helping support local businesses and farmers while packing more nutrients into your food. It also makes a huge difference in taste.

White Bean Zucchini Pesto Pasta

Pasta

• 1 lb. farfalle pasta, or favorite gluten-free pasta
• 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 batch vegan pesto
• Fresh basil + vegan parmesan to top

Vegan Pesto

• 3 cups fresh basil, destemmed and rinsed
• ⅓ cup pine nuts, toasted (swap sunflower seeds for nut-free)
• Juice from ½ lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup high-quality olive oil
• 3 tbsp vegan parmesan, grated
• Pinch of sea salt

Read more: White Bean Zucchini Pesto Pasta: Easy Vegan Recipe

Vegan Jackfruit and Vegetable Lo Mein

Pasta:

1⁄2 lb (227 g) uncooked thick Gluten Free Chinese noodles

Jackfruit and Vegetables

• 1 (14-oz [397-g]) can young jackfruit, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sunflower oil
• 1 small onion, cut into half-moons
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tbsp (15 g) grated fresh ginger
• 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) water
• 6 baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 big or 2 baby bok choy, cut into 1⁄4-inch (6-mm) pieces

Sauce

• 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) water
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) tamari
• 2 tbsp (36 g) umeboshi paste
• 2 tsp (10 ml) mellow white miso
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) mirin

Read more: Recipe of the Day: Vegan Jackfruit and Vegetable Lo Mein 

Vegan Portobello Stroganoff

Pasta

½ lb (227 g) Gluten Free Curly Noodles

Stroganoff

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) good olive oil
• 2 tbsp (28 g) vegan butter
• 4 portobello mushrooms, stems and gills chopped into big chunks
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced into quarter moons
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed 2 tsp (5 g) paprika
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) tamari
• 1 tbsp (5 g) nutritional yeast
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegan white wine
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain unsweetened vegan yogurt
• 2 tsp (10 ml) grainy mustard

To Serve

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh chives, chopped

Read more: Our 3 Most Popular Vegan Noodle Recipes of All Time 

Easy Creamy Vegan Mushroom Garlic Pasta

Pasta

Gluten-Free Linguine Pasta

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 2-3 Cloves Crushed Garlic
• 1/4 Cup Raw Cashews
• 1 1/2 Cup Non-Dairy Milk
• 3 Tbsp Nutritional yeast
• 2 Cups Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 Tbsp Tamari
• 1 Tsp Dried Basil
• 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Onions, chopped
• Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish

Read more: Easy “Creamy” Vegan Mushroom Garlic Pasta