After the renewal of spring comes the warmer and longer days of summer. As the sun stretches its arms across the sky the bountiful offers of summer’s harvest come into their own. The familiar summer tapestry of colors and flavors comes to life. Farmer’s markets are filled with the scent of ripe fruits and vegetables as the stalls overflow with nature’s treasures.
Only during the height of summer can we enjoy so many fresh fruits and vegetables as they are the stars of many recipes. From succulent berries bursting with sweetness to crisp cucumbers and peppers and the juiciest tomatoes, the options are as abundant as they are diverse.
One of the best gifts of the summer is watermelon. Click here to find 28 watermelon recipes you can serve this summer. From ice cream to pie, to salads, drinks and soups, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Peaches are another favorite summer staple. Click here to find 60 different peach recipes you can experiment with this summer. There are options here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so there are plenty to try all summer long.
Just type tomato salad recipe into Google and see what happens! Clicking on just one link can get you more than 150 recipes to enjoy this summer. The Editors of Food and Wine magazine have curated 31 summer vegetable recipes to try. There really is no shortage of options!
How about a strawberry spinach salad filled with juicy strawberries, spinach leaves, creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of your favorite balsamic vinaigrette. Or maybe a fresh Caprese salad piled high with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella.
But summer’s bounty isn’t limited to just fruits and vegetables. You may also notice an array of herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill ready to add a burst of freshness and flavor to your summer soups, salads, and main dishes. What tastes more like summer than taking a bunch of freshly-picked basil and blending it with toasted pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese to create a vibrant pesto for that al dente pasta.
And let’s not forget about the zucchini, a versatile vegetable that can be spiralized into noodles and tossed with cherry tomatoes and fresh feta cheese to a light and refreshing summer “pasta” or grill thick slices and layer them with creamy ricotta cheese and marinara sauce for a vegetarian twist on a classic lasagna.
As you explore the endless possibilities of summer produce, you’ll find new and creative ways to integrate your favorites into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, let your creativity flourish in the kitchen. So, what summertime delights will you surprise your friends and family with this summer?
