As the warmth of summer fills the air, there’s no better time to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients that nourish both the body and the planet. A dish that combines sustainability, flavor, and simplicity is the Vegan Corn Chowder—a hearty, veggie-packed soup that embodies the best of what summer has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week.

This vegan corn chowder is a celebration of summer’s abundance—from sweet, fresh corn to vibrant zucchini and bell peppers. Not only is it a nutritious and delicious option, but it’s also a sustainable recipe that reflects the values of eating seasonally and reducing food waste. At Sustainable Action Now (SAN), we believe that making mindful food choices is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on the environment. With that in mind, we’re excited to share this wholesome recipe with you, along with some tips on how to make it as sustainable as possible.

Why Vegan Corn Chowder is the Perfect Summer Soup

When summer rolls around, we’re all about incorporating fresh, local vegetables into our meals. For me, one of the standout ingredients is sweet corn. During the warmer months, this vegetable is at its peak, bursting with natural sweetness and flavor that can elevate any dish. Sweet corn is not just tasty—it’s also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet. This chowder is a great way to highlight corn and other summer veggies that are abundant during this time of year.

The beauty of this chowder lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pot recipe that doesn’t require hours of prep time, making it a perfect dish for busy days. It also comes together quickly—about 45 minutes total, including the prep and cooking time. Plus, it’s vegan and vegetarian-friendly, making it an excellent choice for anyone who prefers plant-based meals or is trying to reduce their carbon footprint by consuming fewer animal products.

Vegan Corn Chowder Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

The secret to making this vegan corn chowder taste amazing lies in the combination of fresh, seasonal vegetables. You’ll find that each bite is packed with flavor thanks to the sweet corn, zucchini, and bell peppers, along with a mix of aromatic herbs.

The Ingredients You’ll Need:

Fresh Sweet Corn: If possible, use fresh corn on the cob for the sweetest, most flavorful chowder. If fresh corn isn’t available, canned or frozen corn will work just as well.
Zucchini: A true summer staple, zucchini adds a mild sweetness and a subtle texture to the chowder.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds vibrant color and natural sweetness. Feel free to use other colors like yellow or orange if you prefer.
Potato: Potatoes help bulk up the soup, making it more filling and satisfying.
Celery and Carrots: These veggies add crunch and a burst of color to the dish, while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Vegetable Broth: A rich and flavorful vegetable broth is essential for building a savory base. We recommend using a high-quality vegetable broth concentrate like Better Than Bouillon to really deepen the flavors.
Coconut Milk: To give the chowder a rich, creamy texture, we use full-fat coconut milk. It’s also a great dairy-free alternative that keeps the recipe vegan.
Fresh or Dried Herbs: Thyme and chives add a lovely aromatic touch to the dish, making every spoonful more comforting.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil is a healthy fat that adds richness without overpowering the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the fresh flavors of the vegetables.

How to Make Vegan Corn Chowder

This chowder comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can make it:

Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add bell pepper, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced potatoes and thyme sprigs. Bring everything to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
Incorporate the Corn and Zucchini: Add the corn and zucchini, and simmer, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the zucchini to soften and the flavors to meld.
Blend for Creaminess: For a creamy texture, transfer about 2 cups of the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree it. This step is optional, but it gives the soup a rich, creamy consistency without using any cream.
Finish with Coconut Milk: Add the coconut milk, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
Serve and Enjoy: Top your soup with some fresh herbs or chives if desired. Enjoy it hot or chilled, depending on your preference. This recipe is versatile, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment!

Nutritional Information

This recipe provides 269 calories per serving, with 4g of protein, 28g of carbohydrates, and 17g of fat. It’s a fiber-rich meal, packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Best of all, it’s a filling, plant-based meal that will leave you feeling satisfied without compromising on taste.

Sustainable Action: Why This Recipe is Good for the Planet

At Sustainable Action Now, we believe that food choices play a significant role in the health of our planet. By choosing plant-based ingredients and incorporating more vegetables into your meals, you can reduce your carbon footprint and water usage—two major factors that contribute to climate change.

Seasonal Ingredients: This recipe uses seasonal vegetables, which require fewer resources to grow and have a lower environmental impact compared to out-of-season produce that is often transported long distances.
Vegan and Vegetarian: By making this recipe vegan, you’re helping reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Plant-based diets require less land, water, and energy than diets centered around meat and dairy, making them a more sustainable choice.
Minimal Waste: Using fresh or frozen ingredients helps minimize food waste, and the leftovers from this soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a few days, or frozen for future meals.

Join the Sustainable Movement with Vegan Corn Chowder

This Vegan Corn Chowder is more than just a recipe—it’s a chance to contribute to a more sustainable food system while enjoying a delicious and comforting meal. At Sustainable Action Now, we advocate for small, impactful changes that collectively make a significant difference. Whether you’re trying a plant-based diet for the first time or you’re already a seasoned vegan, this recipe is a wonderful way to start incorporating more sustainable meals into your routine.

For more plant-based recipes and sustainability tips, make sure to check out the Sustainable Action Now Recipe Blog. Together, we can take action for a healthier planet—one delicious meal at a time!

Sustainable Action Now Report: A Tropical Piña Colada Smoothie with a Healthy Twist

When you think of a tropical piña colada, your mind likely drifts to a sandy beach, the sound of waves crashing in the background, and a refreshing drink in hand. But what if we told you that a piña colada smoothie could be even better for you than just a delicious drink to enjoy on a warm day? What if it had added health benefits—benefits that could improve everything from your energy levels to your overall well-being?

At Sustainable Action Now (SAN), we believe that food choices should not only nourish the body, but also contribute positively to the environment and your health. While indulging in a tropical piña colada smoothie might sound like a treat, it can also be part of your journey to a more sustainable, plant-based lifestyle.

But before you pour yourself a glass, let’s dive into how this smoothie can be both delicious and beneficial, not just for your taste buds, but for your health and lifestyle too.

The Power of a Piña Colada Smoothie

A piña colada smoothie is not just your typical sweet treat. Pineapple, coconut, and other tropical fruits come together in this refreshing drink, giving you an instant taste of paradise. However, there’s more to this smoothie than meets the eye. Its ingredients not only provide a delightful burst of flavor, but also offer an impressive list of health benefits.

Pineapple: A Powerhouse of Nutrition

The star ingredient in a piña colada smoothie is pineapple, and for good reason. Pineapple is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for boosting your immune system, fighting off infections, and keeping your skin healthy. But that’s not all! Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion, reduces inflammation, and may even support heart health. So, while this smoothie is undeniably delicious, it’s also a nutritious powerhouse.

Coconut: A Healthy Fat for Energy

Next up is coconut, which brings the signature creamy texture to a piña colada smoothie. Coconut, especially in its natural forms like coconut milk or coconut water, is a great source of healthy fats. These fats, known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), are easily digested and used by the body for quick energy. In addition, coconut can help support your brain health and improve your metabolism. Whether you use coconut milk, coconut yogurt, or just coconut water, this tropical ingredient gives your smoothie the perfect balance of creamy and refreshing.

Banana: A Natural Energy Booster

Another key ingredient in this smoothie is banana—a fruit many of us already know for its ability to provide quick energy. Bananas are high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support muscle function. This makes them a great addition to your smoothie if you’re looking to stay energized throughout the day, especially after a workout or a busy morning.

Sustainability in Every Sip

At Sustainable Action Now, we’re all about making choices that benefit both your body and the planet. The ingredients in this piña colada smoothie can be part of your commitment to sustainable living. Here’s how:

Plant-Based and Vegan: The ingredients in this smoothie are entirely plant-based, making it an eco-friendly choice. Vegan diets are linked to a lower carbon footprint since they require fewer resources, such as water and land, than animal-based diets. Choosing plant-based foods also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which is critical in combating climate change.
Seasonal and Local Ingredients: When possible, buy organic and locally grown produce to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and packaging. Supporting local farms and markets not only ensures that your ingredients are fresh but also contributes to a more sustainable food system.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Opt for products with minimal packaging, or buy from companies that prioritize sustainable packaging. For example, coconut milk often comes in cans, but you can look for brands that use recycled materials or biodegradable packaging. This helps cut down on single-use plastics, which are a significant contributor to ocean pollution.

Can This Smoothie Improve Your Bedroom Performance?

Now, here’s the fun part: what if we told you that a tropical piña colada smoothie might also help you last longer in bed? No, this isn’t just a playful gimmick—it’s based on some solid facts.

The health benefits of plant-based foods, especially those rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, have been linked to improved overall well-being, including sexual health. Some ingredients in your piña colada smoothie, like pineapple, bananas, and even coconut, can contribute to better blood circulation and hormonal balance—two factors essential for sexual health. There are even studies that suggest a plant-based diet, rich in whole foods, can have positive effects on libido and endurance.

You can learn more about how certain foods can influence sexual health and endurance in the article, “Men: The Secret to Better Performance in Bed Starts in the Kitchen” here. The connection between a plant-based diet and improved physical performance isn’t just a trend—it’s backed by science. The compounds in these fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients that support circulation, hormone regulation, and overall vitality—all of which contribute to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

A Sustainable and Delicious Treat for Everyone

Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, boost your energy, or improve your overall health, a tropical piña colada smoothie is the perfect choice. It’s a drink that not only delivers amazing taste but also supports a sustainable lifestyle. By choosing plant-based, whole-food ingredients and considering their environmental impact, you can enjoy your smoothies knowing you’re making a positive difference in the world.

How to Make Your Piña Colada Smoothie:

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients and steps to make your own:

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana (for natural sweetness and potassium)
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (loaded with vitamin C and bromelain)
1/2 cup coconut milk (for healthy fats and creaminess)
1/2 cup coconut water (for extra hydration)
1/2 cup ice cubes (optional, for added chill)
1 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds (optional, for extra fiber)

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a glass, garnish with a small pineapple wedge or coconut flakes, and enjoy!

This smoothie is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of the tropics while supporting your sustainable lifestyle. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients that help you feel your best—whether you’re enjoying it as a refreshing treat or incorporating it into your daily routine for added benefits.

Conclusion: Drink Up for a Better You and a Better Planet

When it comes to making a positive impact on your health and the environment, every choice counts. By opting for plant-based, sustainable foods like the ingredients in this tropical piña colada smoothie, you’re not only benefiting your body, but you’re also contributing to a healthier planet. At Sustainable Action Now, we believe that small actions lead to big changes, and even something as simple as swapping out your regular smoothie for a vegan-friendly version can make a difference.

For more plant-based recipes and tips for living sustainably, be sure to check out our recipe collection. Join us in taking meaningful steps toward a greener future—one refreshing smoothie at a time!