Speed breeding is an emerging innovative technique that significantly accelerates the breeding process in vegetable crops by shortening the life cycle, enhancing genetic gains, and increasing productivity in a sustainable manner. By optimizing environmental conditions, such as light intensity, temperature, and photoperiod, speed breeding allows for the rapid generation of crops with desired traits, making it a promising solution to meet the increasing global food demands and address challenges posed by climate change. This article delves into the principles, techniques, applications, and potential future directions of speed breeding in vegetable crops. We explore how it is being applied to a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers, and how the integration of CRISPR/Cas9 and other advanced technologies further enhances its potential. Recent developments in genomic tools, phenotyping, and automation are also discussed as key enablers for the successful implementation of speed breeding programs. The article highlights its promise for improving the efficiency and sustainability of vegetable crop production, which is critical to ensuring food security in the 21st century.