Summer’s ever present warmth and sunshine brings an abundance of fresh and vibrant produce to our markets. It’s the perfect season to get creative in the kitchen without spending your precious time slaving over the stove.

If you’re a busy moms looking to add a touch of magic to your weeknight dinners (without breaking a sweat!), incorporating seasonal summer produce is key. 

Read on to learn what to look for when purchasing your produce.Discover how to store produce to maintain its optimal ripeness and flavor. There’s also flavorful recipe ideas packed with wholesome goodness as an added bonus. It’s time to bring on the summer yum!

Juicy Tomatoes

Selection & Storage:

Look for plump, firm, and brightly colored tomatoes without any bruises or blemishes. Store them at room temperature until fully ripe, then transfer to the refrigerator to extend their freshness without sacrificing flavor.

Recipes:

• Caprese Stuffed Avocados: Creamy avocado halves filled with diced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
• Bruschetta Chicken: Tender grilled chicken breasts topped with a zesty mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.

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Succulent Corn

Selection & Storage:

Choose ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. To retain their natural sweetness, corn is best eaten the same day it’s purchased. If that isn’t possible, store unhusked ears of corn loose in the refrigerator – don’t bunch them together in a plastic bag.

Recipes:

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: Grilled corn kernels tossed with creamy cotija cheese, lime juice, mayo, and chili powder.
• Corn and Zucchini Fritters: A delightful combination of corn, grated zucchini, eggs, and herbs, pan-fried until golden brown.

Flavorful Basil

Selection & Storage:

Opt for fresh basil leaves that are vibrant green and aromatic. To preserve their freshness, store them in a glass of water on the counter, much like a bouquet of flowers.

Recipes:

• Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes: A classic pesto sauce made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, tossed with cherry tomatoes and al dente pasta.
• Grilled Peach and Basil Salad: Sliced grilled peaches served with a mix of basil leaves, arugula, goat cheese, and a honey-lemon dressing.

Sweet and Tangy Berries

Selection & Storage:

Choose plump, brightly colored berries without any mold or mushy spots. Refrigerate them in a shallow container, lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture (berries need their space, too!).

Recipes:

• Mixed Berry Spinach Salad: A refreshing combination of baby spinach, mixed berries, goat cheese, and candied pecans, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette (who said salads can’t be sweet and savory?).
• Berry Quinoa Parfait: Layered quinoa, Greek yogurt, and a medley of berries, topped with a sprinkle of granola (parfait, the fancy way to say “dessert for dinner”!).

Zesty Zucchinis

Selection & Storage:

Opt for small to medium-sized zucchinis with smooth skin and no soft spots. Keep them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a week.

Recipes:

• Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: Spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in basil pesto with cherry tomatoes and pine nuts.
• Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Zucchini halves filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, tomatoes, and spices, baked to perfection.

Refreshing Cucumbers

Selection & Storage:

Choose firm and unwrinkled cucumbers without yellowing ends. Store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in a dry paper towel within a plastic bag.

Recipes:

• Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho: A chilled soup made with blended cucumbers, ripe avocados, yogurt, and lime juice.
• Greek Tzatziki Sauce: A classic dip prepared with grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or pita bread.

Nutrient-Rich Kale

Selection & Storage:

Look for kale leaves that are crisp and vibrant, without any signs of wilting or yellowing. Store kale in a plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a week.

Recipes:

• Kale and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: Roasted bell peppers filled with a hearty mixture of sautéed kale, cooked quinoa, black beans, and spices.
• Lemon Garlic Kale Chips: Crispy baked kale leaves seasoned with lemon zest, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt.

Versatile Asparagus

Selection & Storage:

Choose firm and bright green asparagus spears with closed tips. To keep them fresh, trim the ends and stand them upright in a jar with an inch of water, loosely covered with a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

Recipes:

• Grilled Asparagus and Feta Salad: Grilled asparagus served with crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic glaze.
• Lemon Butter Asparagus Pasta: Asparagus sautéed in lemon butter sauce and tossed with linguine and Parmesan cheese.

Fresh Salad Greens

Selection & Storage:

Opt for a variety of salad greens like spinach, arugula, and mixed lettuces. Check for crispness and avoid wilted or discolored leaves. Store them in a container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator.

Recipes:

• Strawberry Spinach Salad: A delightful combination of baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and a honey-poppy seed dressing.
• Grilled Chicken and Mixed Greens Wrap: Grilled chicken strips, avocado slices, and mixed greens wrapped in a whole-grain tortilla with a creamy ranch dressing.

Luscious Peaches

Selection & Storage:

Select peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure near the stem. Ripen them at room temperature, and once ripe, keep them in the refrigerator.

Recipes:

• Grilled Peach and Shrimp Skewers: Juicy grilled peaches and succulent shrimp seasoned with a honey-lime glaze.
• Peach and Arugula Flatbread: A delightful flatbread topped with sliced peaches, prosciutto, arugula, and crumbled feta cheese.

This summer, let the seasonal produce inspire your weeknight dinners with its bountiful flavors and vibrant colors.

Remember to handle each ingredient with care, from selection to storage, to ensure their freshness and taste. With the additional recipe ideas provided, you now have a diverse array of dishes to explore, making your weeknight dinners a celebration of delicious, wholesome summer produce.

Enjoy the culinary journey and the joy of creating memorable meals for your family!

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Looking for some quick and easy food prep hacks to go make your summer produce prep even quicker? You’ll find them HERE

Tired Of Your Tomatoes Tasting Like More Like Potatoes?

Are your vegetables turning into science experiements before you get a chance to eat them?

🤔 We all know how hard it is to constantly come up with healthy meal ideas, let alone finding a vegetable to go with dinner that even your pickiest eater will enjoy!

Don’t waste your good intentions on produce that has gone bad.

If you want to learn how to pick a melon that won’t taste like a potato or how to prevent your veggies from turning into overripe science experiments, grab a copy of my “Guide for Selecting and Storing Fruits and Vegetables for Peak Flavor and Freshness.”