Summer Recipes
Celebrate the bounty of summer with these fresh, vibrant recipes that showcase the season's most delicious ingredients.
My Heirloom Tomato & Goat Cheese Galette
"This is my signature summer dish that I've perfected over 10 years of farmers' market cooking. The key is using at least 3 different varieties of heirloom tomatoes for complex flavor and visual appeal."
Chef's Notes:
- Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally for the flakiest crust
- Salt the tomatoes and let them drain for 30 minutes to prevent a soggy bottom
- For the best flavor, use a mix of fresh herbs - I prefer thyme, basil, and chives
- Room temperature goat cheese spreads more easily than cold
Make the Most of Summer's Bounty
From juicy tomatoes to sweet corn, from ripe berries to fragrant herbs, summer offers an abundance of fresh ingredients to inspire your cooking.
Summer Recipe Collections
Grilling & BBQ
Master the grill with recipes for burgers, skewers, veggies and more perfect for outdoor cooking.
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Summer Salads
Refreshing, vibrant salads featuring the best of summer produce, perfect for hot days.
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Berry Desserts
Sweet treats showcasing summer's bounty of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more.
View Recipes →Featured Summer Recipes
Summer SaladGrilled Peach & Burrata Salad
Sweet grilled peaches paired with creamy burrata cheese, arugula, and a honey balsamic glaze.
Summer SaladWatermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
A refreshing summer salad with sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and cooling mint.
Summer SideGrilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Charred corn on the cob topped with creamy sauce, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.
Cold SoupClassic Spanish Gazpacho
A refreshing cold soup made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and herbs - perfect for hot summer days.
GrillingGrilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri
Juicy grilled skirt steak topped with fresh, herbaceous chimichurri sauce - a perfect summer grilling recipe.
DessertSummer Berry Pavlova
Light and airy meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh summer berries - an elegant and refreshing dessert.
What's in Season: Summer
Vegetables
Fruits
Herbs
Summer Cooking Tips
- Keep your kitchen cool by using the grill or slow cooker
- Shop at farmers' markets for the freshest produce
- Preserve summer fruits by freezing or making jams
- Prepare cold soups and salads for hot days
- Use herbs generously while they're fresh and abundant
Summer Meal Planning
BBQ & Grilling
Perfect for weekend gatherings and outdoor dining
Picnic Ideas
Portable, delicious foods for outdoor adventures
Light Summer Dinners
Quick and easy meals for hot summer evenings
Frozen Treats
Cool down with homemade ice creams and sorbets
Refreshing Drinks
Stay hydrated with fruity infusions and mocktails
Summer Cooking Guide
Essential Summer Cooking Techniques
- •Grilling: The quintessential summer cooking method that adds smoky flavor to everything from meats to vegetables and even fruits.
- •No-Cook Methods: Prepare raw dishes like gazpacho, ceviche, and fresh salads to keep your kitchen cool.
- •Quick Pickling: Preserve the bounty of summer produce and add tangy zip to your meals.
- •Cold Infusions: Create flavorful oils, vinegars, and beverages by infusing with herbs and fruits.
Making the Most of Summer Produce
Summer produce is at its peak flavor and often doesn't need much preparation or cooking. Here's how to make the most of it:
- •Let perfectly ripe tomatoes shine in simple preparations like bruschetta or caprese salad.
- •Grill corn on the cob and serve with flavored butters or as elote (Mexican street corn).
- •Use abundant zucchini in quick breads, fritters, carpaccio, or spiralized "noodles."
- •Showcase berries in simple desserts, smoothies, or enjoy them fresh with a touch of cream.
My Essential Summer Technique: Perfect Quick Pickling
Quick-pickling is my go-to technique for preserving summer's abundance and adding brightness to any dish. Unlike traditional canning, this method requires no special equipment and can be done in under 30 minutes.
Basic Brine Ratio
1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp sugar
Best Vegetables
Cucumbers, radishes, red onions, carrots, green beans
Flavor Boosters
Garlic, dill, peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander
"I always keep a jar of quick-pickled red onions in my refrigerator during summer. They brighten up everything from tacos to salads to burgers, and they're the perfect way to use up excess produce."
Summer Recipe Community
Share Your Summer Cooking
Our seasonal recipe collection grows with contributions from home cooks like you! Share your favorite summer recipes, cooking tips, or market finds. Selected submissions will be featured on our site and may win cooking prizes.
Recipe Comments
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Photo Submissions
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