We love going to the farmer’s market during the summer. The fruits and vegetables are some of our absolute favorites. At your local August farmer’s market, you’ll find zucchini, watermelon, tomatoes, peaches, corn, mango, avocado, and other favorite in-season produce. Here’s a list of recipe ideas to use these seasonal ingredients for fresh, delicious and (mostly) healthy recipes.
Crispy Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Chips with Basil Aioli
“Crispy zucchini chips crusted in panko breadcrumbs with parmesan and lemon zest that are fried or baked until nice and crispy served with a basil aioli.” - Kevin
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
“Full of flavor, these super-easy grilled chicken kabobs are delicious. The Italian dressing marinates and makes the chicken breasts tender and juicy. With just the right amount of seasonings, after the kabobs are assembled and grilled they're quite tasty. We used the suggested veggies but you could easily substitute with what's in season or what your family enjoys. A nice option for summer lunch or dinner.” - Kitchen Crew
Fresh Peach Pie
“Growing up I rarely had fresh fruit pies unless I was staying with my grandmother or aunt. My mother hated messing with pie dough. We had plenty of peach cobblers since that is fairly easy and no pie crust to mess with. Seriously though, there is nothing like a good old-fashioned peach pie. SO GOOD!” - Debbie
Zucchini Tomato Pie
“This was really good! Very fresh-tasting, and easy to make. I didn't have any oregano, so I substituted 2 Tbsp fresh basil. Next time, I will add more herbs and garlic, otherwise it was a perfect recipe for a summer dinner!” - Joan
Summer Salad with Mango Ginger Dressing
“Loaded with the goodness of fresh summer bounty and topped with an amazingly refreshing mango ginger dressing, this salad stays crisp and fresh and travels well. I like to pack mine in a mason jar or cooler and bring the dressing on the side so it doesn’t get soggy.” - Shikha
Blueberry Cobbler
“My family loves blueberries very much and they are so delicious and moist and tasty. I make this cobbler for our home and parties.” - Lisa
Cod in a Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce
“There is something just magical about the lemon, butter and garlic flavour combo and it’s the perfect way to enjoy fish! This cod in a tomato lemon butter sauce is a slightly different take on that with the addition of blistered tomatoes and plenty of fresh herbs.” - Kevin
Loaded Summer Squash Casserole
“We fell in love with this creamy, cheesy summer squash casserole. It has pop of sweetness from the onions and a smoky flavor thanks to the crispy bacon. Cutting the summer squash into chunks addsa a nice crunchy texture. This is a very versatile summer squash casserole that you can really customize and make your own.” - Kitchen Crew
Mango Black Bean Salad
“If a season had a salad in it’s honor this Mango Black Bean Salad would be the salad for the summer. This is a refreshing and fruity salad to throw together in 15 minutes or less on a hot summer day. This fresh sweet salad is perfect for your next BBQ and is great for a picnic.” - Debbie
Watermelon, Tomato, Feta And Arugula Salad With Balsamic Glaze
“Wow, this is a flavorful summer salad. The blend of sweet watermelon, peppery arugula, and creamy Feta cheese are all brought together with a tangy balsamic glaze. Serve this alongside the grilled chicken for a fabulous summer side dish. We found balsamic glaze with vinegar at our store. But, if you can't find it, it's very easy to make at home.” - Kitchen Crew
Fresh Basil Corn And Tomato Salad
“Fresh is the key. Don't be tempted to use frozen corn in this salad, or dried basil - it's not the same.” - Kathy
Southern Peach Cobbler
“This is one of the best of the best fresh peach cobblers. There is nothing better.” - Patsy
Zucchini With Corn And Cheese
“If you like zucchini, fresh corn, and cheese, you will love this dish. It is low in calories and can even be fat-free if you do not use the cheese or you can use low-fat cheese. This is an old family recipe. It can be used as a side dish with any kind of meat or even eaten as a main dish if you are a vegetarian.” - Trina
Bountiful Summer Squash Bread
“This is a great quick bread that utilizes the bounty of summer squash that accumulates in the garden! These leaves freeze well and are great for snacking.” - Liz
Rainbow Grilled Vegetable Medley Pilaf
“This colorful dish can be served as a main dish or a side and is great hot or cold! If you are watching your fat intake, you can skip the olive oil mixture and just toss the vegetables with extra Italian dressing. If you or a guest has a gluten sensitivity, you can substitute gluten-free spaghetti for the orzo, just break it into small pieces before boiling, or use long grain or brown rice instead of the pasta.” - Crystal
Fresh Peach Crisp
“Mine is in the oven right now! I did add blueberries to the peaches, mostly because I was a peach short and I like the combination of peaches and blueberries. I baked mine in a 7 X 11 inch dish. Looks like it will be delicious!”- Pam
Ciao Bella Cucumber Tomato And Corn Salad
“I wanted a change of pace from corn on the cob for my BBQ tomorrow so I decided on a salad. No mayo to spoil on a hot day either. Very simple with just a few ingredients. It's refreshing and crisp. Enjoy!” - Anna
Quick Sauteed Summer Squash
“If you want a quick, flavorful, yellow squash side dish, this is it! Takes a few minutes and is not your momma's mushy stewed squash! Everyone who complains about summer squash LOVES this!” - Jennifer