10 Ways to Cook With Summer Vegetables

Farmer’s Market image via shutterstock

The farmer’s markets are open, and its time to plan dinner based the delicious, summer vegetables you just picked up. When buying from the local market, be sure to take the time to go through the containers and make sure there are no gashes in the flesh and every piece is firm to the touch. Below, we selected 10 unique recipes, perfect for summer produce.

1. Cilantro-Lime Grilled Watermelon
via The Stay at Home Chef

The main ingredients of this dish are all in season and will make for a great twist on a classic summertime side dish. The grilled, sweet flavor will be even more intense.

2. Mexican Grilled Corn
via The Cookie Rookie

Corn is one of the best parts of summer. This recipes gives a little Mexican flair with creamy Greek yogurt, lime, cilantro, and a sprinkling of cheese. If you don’t like pre-made spice blends, then try using paprika, a little cayenne, and ground coriander.

3. Summer Eggplant Parmigiana
via Yes, More Please!

Instead of drowning eggplant in sauce and smothering it with cheese, this version roasts eggplant halves with panko breadcrumbs and tops it with a fresh tomato salad. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner and fancy enough for company.

4. Corn Chowder with Pepper Jack Cheese
via Once Upon a Cutting Board

The easiest way to ruin a corn chowder is to drown the sweet vegetables in a bunch of heavy cream. Why not try more veggies, less cream, and a little light cheese instead? Use Yukon gold potatoes to make the soup silky and delicious.

5. Stuffed Pattypan Squash
via Katrina Runs for Food

Pattypan squash is Mother Nature’s way of portion control. Perfect little vegetables just asking to be stuffed and baked. This recipe uses brown rice, mushrooms, carrots, and herbs. Skip the sausage seasoning and use fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano.

6. Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
via Wisconsin from Scratch

Buy too many tomatoes? Make a soup! If you don’t want to use whole milk, try stirring in a couple spoonfuls of Greek yogurt instead.

7. Roasted Ratatouille
via Dine & Dash

Ratatouille is a classic French dish that’s simply roasted vegetables. This recipe includes brown sugar, but if you’re using tomatoes at the peak of ripeness, then you won’t need the added sweetness.

8. Roasted Green Beans with Vinegary Dill Sauce
via Our Four Forks

Turn simple green beans into a nice side dish with the addition of an apple cider and dill sauce. Be sure to trim any large stems from the beans because it can be tough and chewy. If you want to make this ahead time, don’t dress the beans until right before serving.

9. Tomato, Peach and Burrata Salad
via Two Peas and Their Pod

Sweet peaches and tomatoes, creamy cheese and an acidic flair from the balsamic will make this salad a hit on any dummy night. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella will also work. You can also make extra and top a bed of greens for a summery lunch the next day.

10. Grilled Nectarine and Chèvre Salad with Honey Fig Dressing
via Simple Healthy Kitchen

You can dress up any salad with grilled fruit. Grilling will add a slightly smoky flavor to the fruit which will pair well with the honey dressing. Chèvre is a type of goat cheese but you can use any creamy cheese in this recipe. Try a bleu cheese or stilton for a punch of flavor.