As gardens burst with a colorful abundance of veggies, it’s time to freshen up your cooking game. Any of these recipes showcasing the best summer produce will help you create unforgettable meals and get your kids to eat all their veggies. Whether searching for a main meal idea or a side dish, these 20 recipes take summer veggies to the next level.
Rustic Farm-Fresh Tomato Soup
“In late summer, when tomatoes are abundant, I love to make this fresh tomato soup with our family farm tomatoes and just a handful of everyday ingredients. Healthy, fresh, and easy… my kind of recipe.” – Family Favorites
Bacon Tomato Pie
“We have so many generous friends with gardens who send fresh vegetables and herbs our way this time of year. I love tomatoes, my husband loves bacon, so I concocted a bacon tomato pie. Served with a salad, it hits the spot on a warm summer day.” – Kim
Roasted Garlic Zucchini and Squash
“A delicious way to use up all the extra zucchini and squash you have during the summer months. Quick to prepare, and a light side to go with those grilled meals.” – Tina
Grilled Fresh Green Beans
“This bean and veggie combination is even more delicious cooked outside on the grill. Leave the bacon out for a healthier/vegetarian dish.” – Lynn
Summer Vegetable Quinoa Burrito Bowls with Corn, Zucchini and Black Beans
“Summer fresh vegetable quinoa burrito bowls that are just packed with fresh vegetables and flavour.” – Kevin
Redneck Ratatouille
“Ever see the movie, Ratatouille? Found a recipe for it but I didn’t have some of the ingredients, so I came up with my own version. This time of year is wonderful because of the abundance of these veggies.” – Paula
Grilled Squash With Balsamic Drizzle
“I love all types of squash and I love to grill. The balsamic reduction adds just the right tanginess.” – Sherri
Polenta With Vegetable Tomato Sauce
“We try to eat vegetarian 3-4 nights a week and I tried this with what I had on hand. Family, especially my husband, loved it.” – Joyce
Bacon Fried Corn
“As a child, I would go to my grandmother’s garden and pick fresh corn for dinner. She would cut it off the cob and fry it. It was so delicious and the natural sweetness from the corn would come out from the heat. I have added a twist to her old recipe and it is delicious.” – Jenny
Grilled Corn and Fresh Pepper Salad
“Very simple to make and simply yummy!” – Angela
Spicy Stewed Eggplant
“I have set a personal goal to add more vegetables to my diet. I have never cooked eggplant before and wanted to try something with it. I looked in my cupboards/fridge and this yummy dish is what I came up with. I’ll be making this a regular edition to my meal planning.” – Jeanne
Basil Tomatoes
“If at all possible, use fresh, homegrown tomatoes – you’ll be in heaven!” – Judy
Fresh Corn Pie
“This is a very old recipe of mine. Just a pretty and delicious way to serve that yummy summer corn!” – Kelly
Zucchini Fingers
“This was my mom’s recipe. She is now passed but has given me the knowledge of cooking, baking, and preparing meals for large amounts of family. This recipe was always a hit at functions.” – Laura
Spicy Gazpacho
“Summertime is such a great opportunity (especially when you live in a cold winter climate!), to take advantage of the bounty and availability of tomatoes and cucumbers. I find this a refreshing change to the usual picnic fare (although I will never give up my cookout dishes!). It’s both tasty and healthy.” – Sandra
Creamy Zucchini Pancakes
“With the bumper crop of zucchini this year I had to get creative. I have been making zucchini pancakes using various combinations for many years, but never have they brought the kind of praise from my son and his college friends like this one. I had to hurry to write this down so I didn’t forget how to make them.” – Deb
Grilled Vegetables with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze
“My mom and grandmother would make this when they had leftover veggies that they couldn’t use, or it wasn’t enough to make a complete dish. It never really makes it to the dinner table! You can swap out the goat cheese for any cheese you prefer and use any vegetables you like.” – Denise
Zucchini and Quinoa Medley
“I threw this together for lunch one day. Brought it to work and it was a big hit! We had it as a side with broiled red snapper. It really complemented the dish.” – Shelly
Garden Chicken Stir-Fry
“I had some eggplant and zucchini fresh-picked from the garden and just had to cook it. This is what I came up with. My chef daughter was impressed and ate heartily.” – Glenda
Chicken and Pasta With Summer Vegetables
“I had a recipe similar to this and lost it. So, I created this one which I think is even better! My husband and friends love it.” – Marcia