With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to whip up meals using ingredients from your garden. 

Living in Southern California comes with a colorful variety of perks: proximity to the ocean, unbeatable weather, and easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you have your own garden or enjoy shopping at the farmer’s market, here are five of the best vegan meals to make with your family. 

1. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Summertime is perfect for barbecue, and—with this recipe—you can still enjoy a vegan version of this classic American staple! You can easily find canned jackfruit at your local Trader Joe’s and create a tasty and flavorful sauce by using this recipe. If you are looking to elevate your sandwich, consider whipping up a crisp cabbage slaw or adding pickles for more crunch or texture. 

2. Bok Choy Stir Fry

Traveling might be out of the question, but you can still enjoy diverse and authentic flavors with this mouth-watering recipe. Using baby bok choy, broccoli stems, and shiitake mushrooms, this light dish is perfect for summer. The sauce—made with rice vinegar, fresh lime, sesame oil, ginger, and other ingredients—is the perfect addition to this recipe.

3. Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Za’atar Spice and Tahini Sauce

This Mediterranean-inspired recipe will transport you to the beaches of Santorini. With fresh herbs and international spices, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

4. Vegan Alfredo 

This vegan alfredo recipe is so delicious you won’t realize it doesn’t have dairy. The creaminess of the sauce comes from cashews, and the flavor comes from sauteed onions and garlic. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, grab a pasta machine and make your own noodles! Although more time-consuming, preparing this timeless dish is guaranteed to engage the whole family and create some unforgettable memories. 

5. Vegan Butternut Squash Curry

This delicious recipe is filled with a variety of spices, flavors, and ingredients—and it only takes around 45 minutes to prepare! While the recipe calls for brown rice, you can easily substitute quinoa or millet. Feel free to incorporate ingredients from your garden to elevate the recipe, including tomatoes or spinach.

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