Summer is hands-down one of my favorite seasons to cook for my family. Everything just feels lighter, fresher, and honestly easier. And yes, even when my girls were younger, I could get them to happily eat their veggies. The trick? It’s all about how you prep them!
When you slice, dice, and dress up those fresh summer vegetables (especially when they’re at their peak), it becomes so much easier to get those good-for-you nutrients onto everyone’s plate, without the dinnertime struggle.
One of my go-to meals this time of year is this Healthy Summer Vegetable Curry. It’s flavorful, simple to throw together, and totally flexible so I can use whatever veggies I’ve got hanging out in the fridge or grab a few extras from the farmer’s market. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and nourishing but still light enough for a hot summer evening.
So, if you’re staring down a pile of produce (I’m looking at you yellow squash…) and wondering what to make this week, give this curry a spot on your menu. You’ll be glad you did!
Healthy Summer Curry Recipe
This healthy summer curry is one of those home recipes that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, super simple to make, and honestly, so darn delicious!
Just imagine fresh summer veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots simmered in a warm, flavorful curry sauce that comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor, but still light enough for those unusually warm summer evenings. And bonus, it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand this time of year.
It’s one of those meals I can make on repeat (twice a week, easy!), and my family still gets excited about it. Definitely a recipe worth saving for those nights when you want something healthy, easy, and full of seasonal goodness.
What is a Summer Curry?
As a busy mom juggling errands, keeping the kids fed and happy, and trying to stay on top of the house (or at least keep it from total chaos), there’s nothing I appreciate more than a good one-pan meal. And this summer veggie curry totally delivers!
It’s easy to throw together, made with budget-friendly ingredients, and the cleanup is minimal. A total win!
One of the best things about this dish is how flexible it is. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand think carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, green beans and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swap the curry powder for a red or green curry paste. It’s super forgiving and still turns out delicious every time.
And let’s be real, the colorful mix of veggies may excite your kids, or turn them off. I have one of each and while all those rainbow colors on their plate can make this creamy, aromatic curry exciting for H, serving a smaller portion over a heap of hot buttered rice will help make it more enticing to the less adventurous eaters (K).
From the first bite, you’ll get a perfect mix of light spices, cozy coconut milk creaminess, and the naturally sweet, earthy flavor of in-season summer veggies. And if you serve it with warm naan on the side? Oh my goodness it’s next level delicious!
Why Is It Good to Eat Curry in the Summer?
Meals should do more than just fill you up they should nourish you, too. And this healthy summer curry recipe checks both boxes beautifully.
Thanks to all those fresh summer veggies, this dish is loaded with feel-good nutrients. You’ve got fiber to support digestion and help you feel full, antioxidants like vitamins A and C to give your immune system a boost, and anti-inflammatory spices that can be soothing for everything from digestion to achy joints.
Oh, and don’t forget the healthy fats from the coconut milk they’re great for brain function and keeping blood sugar levels steady.
So yeah… you could definitely say this curry is a one-pot health kick. And the best part? It tastes just as good as it makes you feel.
How to Make Healthy Curry for Summer
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt, to taste
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Optional: ½ tsp maple syrup or honey for sweetness
Serve with
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Naan or flatbread
- Optional Toppings: chopped cilantro, a spoonful of yogurt, lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics.
In a large skillet or pot, warm a little coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it starts to look soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger and let it cook for another minute as your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 2: Add the spices.
Sprinkle in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and a good pinch of salt. Stir it all together for about 30 seconds to let the spices bloom and bring out all that cozy flavor.
Step 3: Add the veggies.
Toss in your chopped carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Stir occasionally and let everything cook for about 4-5 minutes so the veggies can soften up a bit.
Step 4: Simmer it all together.
Add the cherry tomatoes, coconut milk, and veggie broth to the pan. Give it a good stir, bring it to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still hold their shape no mushy carrots here!
Step 5: Add the leafy greens.
Add in a few handfuls of spinach or kale and a splash of lime juice. Let the greens wilt for 1-2 minutes, then give it a taste. Need a little more salt? Season with salt and pepper to taste. Want it sweeter? A drizzle of maple syrup can balance it out beautifully.
Step 6: Dish it up!
Spoon your healthy summer vegetable curry over rice, quinoa, or whatever grain you love. Top with fresh cilantro if that’s your thing, and maybe serve it with warm naan or flatbread on the side. Total comfort food with a healthy twist for summer!
Grab your favorite veggies and curry powder it’s time to whip up a healthy, flavorful one-pot summer meal!
I totally get how easy it is to fall into a dinner rut, making the same few meals on repeat. But with all the fresh, in-season produce popping up (and often at a great price!), it’s the perfect time to switch things up in the kitchen. This summer veggie curry is one of my go-to ways to do just that. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of flavor and a fun change from the usual weeknight routine.
Looking for more easy, fresh meals to make this summer? Check out these posts next for my favorite summer pasta meals and quick, tasty summer lunch ideas to keep things feeling new and inspired!
If you’re on a curry kick, make sure to check out my other recipes:
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