Summer is gently coming to an end, but market stalls are still overflowing with ripe tomatoes, zucchini, colorful peppers, and eggplants. So before saying goodbye to sun-kissed vegetables for good, now is the perfect time to cook them in simple and quick recipes.
What to do with the last summer vegetables?
Ratatouille, tart, clafoutis, fresh salad, pasta or even stuffed mini peppers… The possibilities to enjoy summer dishes are numerous! To fully enjoy these seasonal vegetables without spending hours at the stove, we offer you 15 easy recipes to remake at home. Some are ready in just a few minutes, while others can easily be prepared in advance and eaten cold. Plenty of ways to vary the pleasures while enjoying one last time the flavors of summer!
And if you still have tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants or peppers in the refrigerator, even better. Several of the following recipes allow you to cook these summer vegetables together in the same dish. All that remains is to choose your favorite recipe and extend the vacation a little longer on your plate!
Express Ratatouille
Ratatouille is undoubtedly one of the best recipes to enjoy the last summer vegetables. In this express version, eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers simmer together with plenty of aromatics for an ultra-tasty result! Easy, family-friendly, and economical, this recipe freezes perfectly so you can enjoy it even when it’s a bit cooler outside.
Summer vegetable clafoutis
Want to mix things up from the traditional gratin? This savory clafoutis features zucchini, peppers, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy and indulgent preparation. Easy to make, it can be enjoyed hot or cold and it’s perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends at the end of summer.
Rigatoni with eggplants and cherry tomatoes
The season’s last eggplants make their way into a generous plate of pasta! Paired with cherry tomatoes and a flavorful tomato sauce, they form a simple and indulgent dish perfect for a carefree lunch or dinner. The ideal recipe to soak up Mediterranean flavors (and colors)!
Roasted tomato and pepper soup
Soups aren’t reserved for winter! Proof with this roasted tomato and pepper soup, which lets you enjoy summer vegetables a little longer while varying the pleasures. The vegetables are simply roasted in the oven before being blended. Enjoy hot or cold; this soup will make you blush with indulgence!
Oriental tabbouleh with raisins
For a fresh and colorful meal, opt for this oriental tabbouleh with raisins. Bulgur is paired here with tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs, then brightened with lemon and olive oil. An easy summer recipe to prepare in advance, perfect for one last picnic or a convivial barbecue.
Eggplant and pepper spread
For the appetizer, the last summer vegetables transform into a sunshine-filled spread! Roasted eggplants and peppers are blended with garlic to obtain a flavorful preparation to serve with toasted bread or crackers. A simple idea to switch from the classic hummus or tapenade.
Summer lasagna with peppers and chicken
A family-friendly and indulgent dish to delight every palate without fuss? These summer lasagna with peppers and chicken are lighter than the traditional ones because they are without béchamel, but promise you’ll be full of sunny flavors with this colorful dish.
Ratatouille crumble
What if you transformed the sun-kissed vegetables into a crumble? Ratatouille takes on a completely different flavor (and texture) with this parmesan-crumble version! An easy and comforting recipe that allows you to cook summer vegetables differently.
Eggplant stuffed with tomato and mozzarella
The eggplant is transformed here into a pretty indulgent dish with slices of tomato and mozzarella, all gratinéed in the oven with a touch of parmesan. A simple and inexpensive recipe that lets you enjoy the last eggplants of the season in an original way.
Healthy bowl with grilled vegetables and quinoa
For a complete, balanced, and colorful plate, this bowl combines quinoa with grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplants, peppers, and cherry tomatoes). With feta, sunflower seeds, and a homemade vinaigrette, this easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and can be enjoyed warm or even cold.
Easy and quick gazpacho
Star of summer recipes, gazpacho lets you enjoy the last ripe tomatoes without turning on the stove. Served very chilled, this cold soup is especially pleasant when it’s still very hot at the end of summer. A simple and refreshing recipe to prepare in advance for dinner or for an appetizer.
Meatballs in tomato sauce with peppers
For a generous family dish, these meatballs simmered in a tomato and pepper sauce are just ideal! Easy to prepare, this recipe simply pairs with rice, pasta, or vegetables to make a complete and comforting plate.
Summer vegetables and feta tart
The savory tart is always a good solution to easily cook seasonal vegetables. With its eggplants, zucchini, peppers, cherry tomatoes and feta, this colorful version concentrates all the flavors of summer in a crispy pastry. Serve it simply with a green salad for a dinner that is simple but indulgent.
Cherry tomato focaccia
With a little patience, discover the irresistibly soft texture of cherry tomato and rosemary focaccia! An airy crumb, a slightly crispy exterior, and tomatoes that stay tender and juicy inside; this focaccia has everything to please your taste buds during a final summertime aperitif.
Stuffed peppers with meat and rice
Stuffed peppers are a great way to end the sunny vegetables season on a generous note. Stuffed with rice, minced meat, tomatoes, herbs de Provence, and grated cheese, they are perfect for a family meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
