Last month we discussed five benefits of eating seasonal produce, so now we’re making use of that information by showcasing some recipes that feature the summer season’s freshest fruits and vegetables. We’ve rounded up recipes that will appeal to a wide variety of food and diet preferences, so make sure to check them out below. Whether vegan, gluten-free, keto, chocolate-lover, or something else, there’s something here for everyone. Just click the bold, underlined recipe titles below to get the full recipes. And, if you missed last month’s post, make sure to check it out HERE. You’ll feel that much better about making use of the season’s bounty!
First up, a chocolate lover’s delight:
Chocolate Zucchini Bread from Two Peas and Their Pod
If you’ve ever grown zucchini, you know that it’s overflowing the garden and your home by the end of summer. This Chocolate Zucchini Bread is the perfect way to make use of the abundance. It’s rich like a chocolate cake, and you’d never know it’s full of zucchini. It keeps well in the fridge, and the recipe can be doubled; store the additional loaf in the freezer for future snacking.
Tomatoes also have a tendency to take over kitchen countertops, and while BLTs and tomato sauce are great, this recipe offers something different that you’re sure to love. BONUS: it includes summer’s favorite herb, basil!
Authentic Tomato Bruschetta from Yummy Mummy Kitchen
Skip the bread if you’re not into it, and instead eat with a fork or spooned over your favorite protein. Kristen’s tips: add a clove of minced garlic for more flavor, and for quicker preparation, throw all ingredients into a food processor to pulse.
Now, before you get upset by this next one, hear me out: I’m a purist when it comes to watermelon. Adding salt is blasphemy, and there’s no better summer experience than a eating southern grown, fresh cut watermelon. That said, I’ve made this recipe before, and it was a total crowd-pleaser. It pairs with another of summer’s abundant herbs–mint, which is cooling, refreshing, and all the more perfect for hot summer days.
Watermelon Salad with Mint and Lime from Food & Wine
This recipe does call for salt, but I leave it out (because, blasphemy); I recommend tasting before adding salt, and then starting with a sprinkle to taste, if desired. The above photo also incorporates feta cheese, so if you’re feeling extra fancy, that’s an option. Otherwise, the simplicity of watermelon, lime, and mint is a match made in summertime heaven all its own.
Next, you may have observed that Mexican Street Corn is all the rage these days, and this dish is no exception. It includes quite a few ingredients and does take a bit of time to prepare them all, but the end result is worth it. It’s rich and flavorful and, of course, highlights summer’s darling: sweet corn.
Mexican Sweet Corn Salad from Jo Cooks
Smoky, spicy, and tangy, if you love Mexican corn on the cob, you’re sure to love this version, too. BONUS health benefit: sour cream is a probiotic, so you might be giving your gut a little boost with this one.
Finally, if you’ve never grilled fruit before, peaches are a great place to start. Grilling them is simple and easy, and their rich flavor lends itself well to either a sweet treat or a savory side dish. Here are a couple links to grilled peach perfection:
How To Grill Peaches: The Easiest, Simplest Method from The Kitchn
Peach & Chicken Kabobs from Gimme Some Oven
Make sure to let us know if you try any of these! And definitely let us know if you have your own favorite recipe that feature’s a summer favorite fruit or vegetable.