Seasonal Eating: Summertime + 10 Simple Dish Ideas and Recipes

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Did you know that fruits and vegetables in season boast greater nutrient density and flavor compared to their out-of-season counterparts? Just as we often decorate our homes to reflect the shifting seasons, you can also curate your meals to match. Shopping for in-season produce is also more likely to be locally sourced, supporting local farmers and minimizing the environmental strain of long-haul transportation. Summertime brings a fresh, colorful harvest with truly endless possibilities. So, let's explore the summer produce in season and discover some extremely easy meal and snack ideas to make the most of them!

Summer Fruits:

  • Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries

  • Melons: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew

  • Stone fruits: peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries

Summer Vegetables:

  • Nightshade vegetables: tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant

  • Cucurbitaceous vegetables: zucchini, cucumbers, summer squash (of course!)

  • Others: green beans, corn

Now, let's dive into some super simple recipes that showcase the deliciousness of these fruits and vegetables!

Strawberry Caprese Skewers: Skewer fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with basil. Enjoy! 

Watermelon Feta Bites: Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Top each with a small cube of feta cheese and a fresh mint leaf. Delightful summer appetizer.

Blueberry Spinach Salad: Toss baby spinach, fresh blueberries, and walnuts. Add salmon or crumbled goat cheese for extra protein. Dress with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush fresh corn with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until charred. Serve with a squeeze of lime.

Tomato Bruschetta: Dice ripe tomatoes, mix with minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a classic appetizer.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Toss with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Top with cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan. Simple and healthy.

Cucumber and Avocado Salad: Start with sliced cucumbers and diced avocado, then add veggies of your choice like cherry tomatoes and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro.

Bell Pepper Nachos: Chop or slice bell peppers and sprinkle over nacho chips. Top with black beans, shredded cheese, and bake until cheese melts. Add avocado or jalapeño peppers for even more flavor.

Peach and Goat Cheese Crostini: Toast baguette slices, spread with goat cheese, and top with sliced peaches and a drizzle of honey. Elegant and delicious.

Raspberry Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, fresh raspberries (or any berry you like), and granola in a glass. Repeat for a beautiful and nutritious breakfast or snack.

 
 

Feel free to experiment with these recipes and enjoy sharing seasonal summer dishes with your friends and family!

xx, Danae