3 Easy Dinner Recipes With Summer’s Produce

Weeknight recipes are made easy with fresh summer produce. Enjoy summer’s bounty with these recipes that bring farm-to-your-table in 30 minutes.

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There’s something magical about the bounty of summer produce. Farmers’ markets turn into a cornucopia of juicy tomatoes, berries, and stone fruits whose irresistible flavors entice you a mile away. Bursting with color and flavors, seasonal produce is also more nutritious and better for the environment. And they’re easy to incorporate into your weekly rotation of go-to meals.

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Enjoying a delicious meal after a busy summer day doesn’t have to feel like a difficult task where you succumb to the ease of frozen meals or takeout. You can indulge in a homemade meal ripe with seasonal summer produce in less time than it’d take to order takeout. With these recipes you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying long summer evenings. Summer offers a bounty of fresh ingredients like lima beans, basil, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and peas. Let these ingredients inspire simple yet delicious meals perfect for weeknights.

The Benefits Of Eating Seasonally

Eating fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness means you get more vitamins and antioxidants. Fresh produce is packed with nutrients that boost your immune system, improve energy, and support overall health. For example, strawberries provide high levels of vitamin C, while peas are rich in protein and fiber. Because they are in season, these foods are fresher and have a higher concentration of nutrients for your body.

Choosing seasonal produce also helps to reduce the carbon footprint since it doesn’t need extra energy for storage or transportation. Buying from local farmers supports the community and keeps money circulating in your area.

Summer’s ingredients are full of bright, fresh flavors. Cherry tomatoes taste sweeter when they’re in season, and zucchini has a mild, crisp quality that works in many dishes. You can easily adapt these ingredients to different recipes. Think salads, pasta, wraps, or even light grilled dishes.

Must-Have Pantry Staples and Fresh Ingredients

To make weeknight recipes easy, keep staples like olive oil, fresh herbs (basil, parsley), garlic, and lemon on hand. Stock up on summer’s favorite produce, such as cucumbers, zucchini, peas, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes. These give you endless options for easy meals.

Ways to Store Fresh Produce Without Single-Use Plastic

Store strawberries in the fridge in a breathable container and wash just before using. Keep beans in the crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in a paper towel. Peas should be kept in a sealed container and used within a day or two for the best texture. Cucumbers stay fresh when kept in the fridge’s crisper, wrapped in plastic or a damp cloth.

Spend a few minutes chopping and prepping vegetables as soon as you get home. Blanch peas in boiling water for a minute to keep their crunch and bright color. Use pre-washed greens or cherry tomatoes to skip extra prep time. Prepare ingredients in advance during the weekend, so dinners come together fast.