Summer's Bounty: Bold Flavors & Bright Ideas for Seasonal Cooking
Summer cooking is all about embracing abundance. Farmers markets are bursting with color, gardens overflow with herbs and tomatoes, and every meal seems to spill out onto porches, picnic tables, and backyard grills. It’s a season that invites freshness, simplicity, and bold, sun-soaked flavor.
What's In Season?
This time of year, nature shows off. Look for:
Tomatoes: Cherry, heirloom, beefsteak, and everything in between - check out the local farmers market to view different varieties!
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries
Zucchini & Summer Squash: Quick to grow, easy to cook
Corn: Sweet and juicy, perfect grilled on the cob or sliced off in a salad.
Peppers: Bell, poblano, shishito—colorful and versatile
Fresh Herbs: Basil, mint, dill, parsley, chives, and cilantro
Stone Fruit: Peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines
Budget-Friendly Summer Recipes
Seasonal produce means better prices and better flavor. Here are a few easy, cost-effective ideas:
Grilled Veggie Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and corn with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until charred and toss with a dressing of lemon juice, garlic, and chopped herbs.Tomato Toast with Garlic & Basil
Rub toasted sourdough with garlic, top with sliced tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and torn basil. A 5-minute meal that tastes like summer.Peach & Berry Crisp
Use whatever fruit is on hand. Toss with a little sugar and cornstarch, top with oats, brown sugar, butter, and bake. Serve with ice cream if you’re lucky.Cold Pasta with Roasted Veggies
Roast a tray of whatever summer vegetables you have, then toss with cold pasta, olive oil, lemon, and cheese or chickpeas.
How to Elevate It
Add a swipe of whipped feta or goat cheese to your toast or grilled meats
Infuse your lemonade or cocktails with herbs (try basil-strawberry or mint-peach)
Make compound butter with roasted garlic and chopped herbs for corn or bread
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time to cook less, enjoy more, and let the ingredients speak for themselves. When food is this fresh, you don’t have to do much. Keep it simple, stay inspired, and celebrate what’s in season.
Coming soon: Summer on the Grill Featuring: my favorite burger
