25 Recipes to Make This Summer! Quick, easy and using summer produce, here are 25 recipes to make now. Enjoy fresh flavors and simple preparations.
Summer moves quickly — mornings stretch later, schedules slow down, and there’s more time for family, long bike rides and outdoor evenings. In Madison and many other towns, summer brings a steady lineup of events like outdoor concerts, farmers markets and rooftop gatherings. It’s the perfect season to savor fresh produce and try simple, seasonal recipes.
Visit your local events — outdoor concerts, wine tastings and farm dinners — and don’t miss the farmers market. Farmers markets are full of sweet corn, tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash and berries at their peak. Stock up on seasonal produce and use it in salads, grills, tarts and light desserts. Below are 25 easy recipes to make the most of summer ingredients.
Whether you shop at a farmers market or a grocery store, the bounty of summer makes it easy to create quick dinners and fresh sides. Pick a recipe or try several — from simple salads and grilled mains to easy desserts, these dishes showcase summer produce and uncomplicated techniques.
Enjoy these seasonal ideas and make the most of fresh fruits and vegetables this summer.
25 Recipes to Make This Summer
- Orecchiette with Corn and Spinach — A quick, versatile pasta that highlights sweet summer corn.
- Grilled Pizza with Pesto — Crisp, charred crust topped with fresh pesto and seasonal vegetables.
- Caprese Kabobs — A portable version of the classic salad with tomato, basil and mozzarella.
- Zucchini Fritters — Crispy, savory bites served with a cooling avocado crema.
- Zucchini Bread — A moist loaf that uses extra zucchini and makes a great snack.
- Caprese Pasta Salad — Simple, bright and perfect for picnics or potlucks.
- Heirloom Tomato Tarts — Rustic tarts that showcase sweet, juicy tomatoes.
- Super Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad — Crisp, refreshing and ready in minutes.
- Fruit Salad — A colorful mix of seasonal berries and stone fruit.
- Grill favorite meats and assemble an Ultimate Grilling Platter — Ideal for casual outdoor gatherings.
- Apple, Spinach and Zucchini Salad — A light salad with a mix of textures and bright flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream with Grilled Peaches — Simple, warm-and-cool dessert that celebrates ripe peaches.
- Bacon, Avocado and Corn Salad — Creamy avocado and sweet corn balanced with savory bacon.
- Zucchini and Summer Squash Crostini — Toasted bread topped with sautéed summer squash and herbs.
- BBQ Chicken Burgers — Juicy, smoky burgers that are great off the grill.
- Zucchini, Watermelon and Feta Salad — A refreshing mix of sweet and salty with crisp textures.
- Black Bean Edamame Burgers — A flavorful vegetarian burger option packed with plant protein.
- Seafood Paella — A vibrant pan of rice and shellfish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Grilled Pork Chops on a Stick — Skewered chops with bright pineapple salsa for contrast.
- Strawberry Galette — A rustic tart that highlights sweet summer strawberries.
- Summer-Inspired Cheese and Charcuterie Board — An easy, elegant option for entertaining.
- Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad — Hearty, cheesy and full of fresh vegetables.
- Grilled Cod in Foil — A simple, flaky fish preparation that keeps dinner light.
- Grilled Beer Brats — Classic, tasty sausages that are easy to prepare on the grill.
- Summer Vegetable Galette with Pesto — A savory galette filled with seasonal vegetables and bright pesto.
BONUS RECIPES
Summer Berry Crisp — A warm fruit crisp that’s perfect with a scoop of ice cream.
Summer Pasta Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette — Tangy, herby and ideal for picnics.
Best Chunky Guacamole — A simple, classic guacamole that highlights perfectly ripe avocados.