16 Flavorful Recipes to Make During the Peak of Summer
Don’t miss out on all that fresh produce!
During the blistering dog days of summer, you might look forward to the cozy fall season around the corner. But don’t wish it all away just yet! Because there are so many summer flavors that only come around once a year, you’ll want to take advantage of them while you can. Think: fresh summer veggies like corn, tomatoes, and zucchini, and fresh fruits like blackberries and watermelon.
These peak summer recipes make the most of that freshness. You’ll find easy summer dinners that have maximum flavor, like sheet pan sausage with mixed summer veggies. Just throw everything in one pan and let the oven do the work! Or toss together a craveable side dish that will have everyone at the cookout asking for the recipe. (Just wait until you try Ree Drummond’s latest twist on Caprese salad using watermelon!)
You’ll also find a few desserts on this list that highlight the sweetness of fresh fruit. Because let’s be honest, while you can get peaches all year round, they are at their absolute juiciest and ripest in summertime. So, before you even think about apple picking or cozy sweaters, these peak summer recipes will have you savoring every last moment of the warm weather. Pumpkin spice, who?
Sheet Pan Sausage and Summer Vegetables
This seasonal all-in-one meal comes together in under an hour. Just throw sausage, zucchini, eggplant, and red bell peppers on a sheet pan with some seasonings, and pop it in the oven. Sprinkle with some fresh basil and serve!
Watermelon, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad
“Caprese salad is just about my favorite thing on earth,” Ree admits. This twist makes it even more summery with sweet watermelon added to fresh tomatoes, basil, mint, red onion, and a drizzle of white balsamic.
Tomato Pie
When juicy summer tomatoes are in season, there is nothing better. Make a savory pie and let them shine! You can make the crust from scratch or just use a store-bought one to speed things along.
Get the Tomato Pie recipe.
Lobster Rolls
There might not be a seasonal veggie here, but you have to admit that lobster rolls taste like summertime on the beach. Make them at home for a taste of the coast in just 20 minutes. Serve them up with potato chips for an easy dinner.
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
Blackberry Cobbler
When it’s blackberry season, there’s no easier way to highlight their sweet juiciness than an old-fashioned cobbler. This version is from Ree’s stepmother and comes together with just five simple ingredients. Don’t forget a scoop of ice cream!
Get Ree’s Blackberry Cobbler recipe.
Fresh Corn Casserole
There are only five ingredients in this dish, including fresh corn on the cob. Ree says it’s a “crunchy, fresh summer side dish that’s always, always a crowd pleaser. It’s nothing short of heavenly.”
Get Ree's Fresh Corn Casserole recipe.
Pesto Chicken with Chopped Caprese Salad
Ree says, “If I could, I would slather pesto on everything!” And if you’ve got basil coming out of your ears, take advantage and put it both on the chicken and in a simple Caprese salad on the side.
Big Grilled Veggie Salad
Ree made this on her show years ago and admits, “I crave it constantly.” It has seasonal zucchini, squash, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, tossed in a simple lemon and olive oil dressing with some fresh herbs.
Get Ree’s Big Grilled Veggie Salad recipe.
Blueberry Crumble Sundaes
You could easily make a blueberry crumble and be thrilled. But why not make it even better with layers of blueberry syrup, berry-flavored ice cream, and a crumbly oat topping. It’s refreshing, sweet, and so berry flavorful.
Get Ree's Blueberry Crumble Sundaes recipe.
Balsamic Pork Chops
Marinate pork chops in a sweet, tangy, and savory vinaigrette before popping them on the grill. Save some for the dressing on a perfect summer salad featuring fresh peach slices and peppery arugula.
Get Ree’s Balsamic Pork Chops recipe.
Ratatouille
There's no tastier or prettier way to consume summer veggies than with this French classic! It looks elegant but it's surprisingly easy to make with slices of eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes with fresh herbs to brighten up each bite.
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
Corn and Zucchini Pasta
Why choose between corn and zucchini when you can toss them together in a cheesy pasta dish? Serve topped with parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh chives. Some garlic bread on the side ain’t a bad idea either.
Get Ree’s Corn and Zucchini Pasta recipe.
Peach-Raspberry Crisp
Don’t stop at just peaches when raspberries are in season, too! They make a classic pairing a la peach Melba and just beg for a scoop of ice cream on top. Make it in a sheet pan to serve a crowd.
Get the Peach-Raspberry Crisp recipe.
Blackened Catfish with Succotash
Succotash is the ultimate summer veggie dish. Sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, lima beans, and okra create a rich and flavorful side. Pair it with spicy catfish or anything you feel like throwing on the grill.
Get Ree’s Blackened Catfish with Succotash recipe.
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Here’s another unexpected combination for sweet watermelon! Combine it with refreshing cucumber and tangy feta for a one-of-a-kind salad that only really works in summer. Don't forget the mint for added freshness.
Get Ree's Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint recipe.
Zucchini Bread
Zucchini can be sweet just like watermelon can be savory! Use up your excess with this not-too-sweet but still chocolatey enough loaf. Your afternoon coffee will thank you.
Get the Zucchini Bread recipe.
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