Summer produce doesn’t last forever, and these recipes are a great way to use it while it’s still fresh and full of flavor. They're the kind of go-tos you’ll want on hand when you're hungry, short on time, and not in the mood to overthink dinner. Each one is simple, hits the spot, and actually makes you want to eat more vegetables.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
This vegetarian chili simmers slowly in the slow cooker and is loaded with beans and vegetables. It's a dependable option for using up summer tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This creamy mushroom pasta is quick to make on a weeknight, with a garlic-forward flavor and comforting texture. While mushrooms are available year-round, pairing them with summer greens like spinach or basil brings out the season.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Black Bean Quinoa Burger
These black bean quinoa burgers come together easily and are great for meal prep or a simple lunch. They're a practical way to use fresh summer herbs and veggies, and they hold up well on the grill or stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger
No Mayo Coleslaw
This crisp Asian-style slaw features shredded cabbage, carrots, and a peanut dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish that puts crunchy summer produce to good use.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
This slow cooker green bean casserole takes just 10 minutes to prep and cooks on its own, freeing up time during busy meals. It uses fresh green beans, which are at their best during summer.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This quick lemon ricotta pasta comes together in one pot and is ready in about 15 minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings. It’s a smart way to use up summer lemons and fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili
This white bean chili is a quick 30-minute dinner built from pantry staples. Add seasonal summer vegetables like corn and peppers to make it more vibrant and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili
Mexican Fruit Cup
Packed with watermelon, mango, and Tajín, this Mexican fruit cup is quick to assemble and great for snacking. It highlights juicy summer fruit in a bold and refreshing way.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Fruit Cup
Potato Leek Gratin
This potato and leek gratin features layers of thinly sliced vegetables baked until tender. Leeks harvested in summer bring a gentle sweetness to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Gratin
Chicken Vesuvio
Chicken Vesuvio features crisp chicken with potatoes and peas in a lemon garlic sauce. Summer herbs and fresh peas, when available, add great depth.
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Korean Corn Cheese
This Korean corn cheese recipe comes together in 15 minutes and features sweet corn with melty mozzarella. Summer corn brings out the best flavor in this quick dish.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Cheese
Minestrone Verde
Minestrone verde is packed with pasta, beans, and green vegetables, finished with a swirl of pesto. It’s a good way to use up a mix of garden produce during the summer months.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Verde
Easy Cabbage Curry
This cabbage curry is a one-pot dinner ready in 25 minutes, with a light sauce and tender texture. It’s a smart way to cook through summer cabbage in a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry
Salsa Verde Chicken
Salsa verde chicken comes together quickly with minimal prep using a handful of ingredients. Fresh summer tomatillos or peppers add more brightness to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Verde Chicken
Green Beans and Potatoes
This green bean and potato side dish is simple and quick, done in about 25 minutes. It highlights the best of summer produce with a balance of texture and seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes
Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast
This beet and walnut roast bakes up into a dense and flavorful main that’s especially fitting for holidays. Grated summer beets bring natural sweetness and color to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted cabbage steaks take just 35 minutes and use a handful of ingredients. Cabbage is widely available in summer and holds up well to high heat roasting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Sautéed Beet Greens
This beet greens recipe uses everything bagel seasoning for a quick, flavorful side. It's a practical way to make use of beet tops in the summer when beets are at their peak.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
This corn casserole mixes cream cheese, cheddar, and corn into a rich and creamy side dish. Fresh summer corn adds the best texture and sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto
This cavatelli pasta pairs with a bright arugula and basil pesto, ready in minimal time. Fresh greens and herbs from the garden or market make this a smart summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cavatelli with Arugula Pesto
Tofu Lettuce Wraps
These tofu lettuce wraps come together in minutes and are full of crunchy vegetables and protein. Crisp summer lettuce and herbs keep the meal fresh and light.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Pisto Manchego
Pisto is a vegetable stew with rich tomato flavor and tender peppers and zucchini. It’s built around summer’s most abundant vegetables and works well as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Pisto Manchego
Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)
Gomen Wat is a flavorful collard greens side dish cooked with spices and aromatics. Fresh collards, which thrive in warmer months, make this a nutrient-rich addition to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)
Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary
This citrus chicken marinade features grapefruit, oranges, and rosemary in a creamy sauce. It’s an easy way to use fresh summer citrus and adds brightness to grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary
Colcannon
Colcannon combines mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage and green onions for a simple side. Summer green onions add just the right sharpness to balance the richness.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon
Moroccan Couscous Salad
This pearl couscous salad includes feta, roasted peppers, tomatoes, and herbs in a lemon tahini dressing. It's a chilled side that works especially well with peak-season summer vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Couscous Salad
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
With crispy green beans and a cheesy golden topping, this casserole is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple way to use summer beans in a hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Vegetarian Moussaka
This vegetarian moussaka layers roasted eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes with a lentil tomato sauce and creamy topping. It's a great way to use abundant summer vegetables in a baked dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Moussaka
Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Roasted cauliflower soup combines garlic, thyme, and cumin for a smooth and earthy bowl. Cauliflower is in peak condition during summer, making this soup lighter and well-suited for the season.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Fennel Orange Salad
This fennel orange salad is bright and crisp with citrus, arugula, and fennel in a vinaigrette. It’s especially refreshing when oranges and greens are abundant in the warmer months.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Orange Salad
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