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Opinion Vibrant vegan breakfast recipes perfect for summer
From chia puddings and fruit parfaits to granola bowls, smoothies, and brekky on the go, here are some of our fave fresh-yet-nourishing vegan breakfast ideas to fuel you through the rest of summer.
Nothing says summer like juicy, seasonal fruits for breakfast!
Even if you tend to favour savoury, hearty breakfasts most of the time — like scrambles, fry-ups, ‘eggs’ benny, and burritos — you may find yourself gravitating towards lighter, more refreshing breakfasts as the hot weather stretches on.
But don’t confuse ‘lighter’ for insubstantial: There are plenty of wholesome, nourishing vegan breakfast recipes that are fresh, easy to digest, and packed with energy and nutrients — perfect for keeping you fuelled throughout those active summer months.
We’re talking blueberry-topped acai bowls, tropical chia puddings, loaded granola bowls, and high-protein smoothies. And the best thing about all of these summer breakfast ideas? They’re easy to throw together and infinitely customisable.
You can make these plant-based breakfasts exactly as the recipes suggest, or just use whatever happens to be ripe in your fruit bowl. As for toppings, you can’t go wrong with a dollop of vegan yoghurt, a scattering of chopped nuts and seeds, or an artful drizzle of maple syrup.
Feeling hungry? Let’s dive into our favourite recipes to start those bright summer mornings off right!
Chia Puddings & Parfaits
Honestly, we could write a whole love letter to chia puddings, but we’ll keep it short and sweet: They’re packed to the brim with fibre, protein, and omega-3s, making them a highly nutritious (not to mention, delicious) vegan breakfast option.
You can customise chia puddings in all sorts of delightful ways, from tropical parfaits to decadent, chocoltey treats that feel more like dessert than breakfast! Have fun experimenting with which flavour combos and toppings are most likely to entice you out of bed in the morning — in the meantime, though, here are some delicious ideas to get you started:
*Not technically a chia pudding, but it has a similar spirit! Try mixing chia seeds into the custard or biscuit base of this recipe for extra texture and nutrients.
Granola Bowls
Ah, granola bowls — the crunchy summer equivalent of the cosy bowl of porridge we love curling up with in the cooler months. Loaded with nutrient-dense oats, nuts, seeds, seasonal fruit, and the optional dollop of vegan yoghurt, this simple vegan breakfast is perfect for sustaining you right through to lunch.
Best of all, they require minimal prep and are endlessly adaptable to whatever plant-based staples you have in the pantry. Cacao nibs? Sure! Pepita seeds? Why not! Granola bowls are the ultimate plant-based playground — and perfect for throwing together while half asleep.
Satisfying Smoothies
As one of the easiest vegan breakfast options out there, there are no rules when it comes to blitzing up a summer smoothie — apart from maybe “the more fruit the better”. Frozen fruit works a treat, but smoothies are also a great way to use up any over-ripe fruit that’s on its way out. (If you do end up using fresh fruit instead of frozen, just throw in a handful of ice cubes for frostiness.)
Other go-to ingredients include plant-based milk, coconut water, or fruit juice to adjust the consistency, rolled oats or vegan protein powder for a nutritional boost, peanut butter or a pinch of cinnamon for flavour, and dates or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Neutral-tasting veggies like spinach, zucchini, and cauliflower can also bulk up the fibre while (miraculously) flying under the radar!
Here are some of our favourite plant-powered breakfast smoothies to try:
Even more quick & easy vegan breakfast ideas
Poor for time but rich in appetite? If you get stuck wondering what to eat in the morning, pop a few of these simple ideas on the fridge for easy inspiration:
- Nutrigrain High Protein Crunch with plant-based milk
- Weetbix with plant-based milk & fresh fruit
- Vegan yoghurt with soy protein crisps, fresh fruit & peanut butter
- Protein pancakes with vegan yoghurt & fresh fruit
- Toasted fruit loaf with vegan butter
- Golden Crumpets with vegan butter & jam (or Vegemite for savoury palettes)
- Overnight oats
These plant-based grab-and-go options can also be lifesavers if you’re rushing out the door:
- Dairy-Free UP&GO
- Bliss balls
- Muesli bars
- Vegan yoghurt pots
- Fresh fruit & trail mix
More of a savoury breakfast person?
Sourdough or wholegrain toast is an effortless win. Here are some ideas for vegan-friendly spreads and toppings, ranging from the super basic to the slightly more involved:
- Vegemite (again!)
- Peanut butter, banana slices & pepita seeds
- Avocado, lemon & vegan feta
- Hummus, spinach, tomato & balsamic glaze
- Herbed mushrooms
- Smoky beans
And if it’s not too hot to fire up the frying pan on a slow Sunday, these hearty vegan brunch recipes are absolutely divine:
- ‘Eggy’ tofu scramble
- Breakfast burritos
- Seeded potato rösti with portobello mushrooms
- Spinach pancakes with tomato & rocket
- Potato & chive waffles
Whether you love the simplicity of eating the same meal each morning, or you’re already plotting to somehow try to make all of these ideas before summer’s through, one thing’s for sure — you’re bound to find a new vegan breakfast staple on this list!
Sometimes a small seasonal switch can be all it takes to feel fresher, brighter, and more energised throughout the day. And adding more plants to your plate is always a delicious place to start! 
The finishing touch on your morning routine? The perfect plant-based milk for your iced coffee or matcha! From froth factor to flavour, these handy tips can help you find your perfect pour.
Meet Liv!
Having grown up in a “meat and 3 veg” kind of household, Liv’s embarrassed to admit that she was a bit of a one-note chef until she began exploring the world of plant-based food. Vegan cooking has given her a whole new appreciation for the symphonies of flavours that simple, nourishing wholefood ingredients can create. (Even eggplant, once her greatest nemesis, is now — in a delicious, miso-glazed redemption arc — her all-time favourite veg.)
