Summertime brings a bounty of fruit and vegetables. Whether it’s from your local farmers’ market, neighborhood produce stand, or your backyard – nothing tastes better than fresh summer produce. A handful of fruits and vegetables are ripe and ready to make their debut on your dinner plate. Below are five fresh summer recipes or meal options to take advantage of nature’s bounty – and help with any confusion about how to combine the cornucopia in front of your eyes.

Zucchini & Cherry Tomatoes

This time of year, just about everyone is trying to give away the abundance of zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Combined, the two can become the base for a healthy summer “pasta” dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 large zucchini
• A handful of cherry tomatoes
• Basil
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Cooked shrimp or chicken breast (optional)

Directions:

• Wash and then spiralize the zucchini
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the zucchini noodles for 1-2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute
• Toss in sliced cherry tomatoes
• Place in a bowl and top with basil, parmesan, and red pepper flakes
• Add in protein if desired

Bell Peppers and Onions

As you stroll by the stands at your farmers’ market, you’re likely to see a collection of gorgeous bell peppers and probably some red, white, or yellow onions. Combined, these vegetables can create several delicious dishes. There’s one easy dish you can easily create on your grill – fajitas!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank or rib-eye steak thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet of fajita seasoning mix
• 3 bell peppers (any color) thinly sliced
• 1 small red or yellow onion thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 package of small flour or corn tortillas
• Lime wedges and fresh cilantro

Directions:

• Preheat the grill to medium heat
• Lay out 8 foil sheets (24 inches long) – you will use 2 sheets of foil for each packet
• In a medium bowl combine sliced steak, peppers, onions, fajita mix, and olive oil, and stir to combine
• Grab 2 sheets of foil and place ¼ of the mixture in the center of each
• Fold all edges of the two layers of foil over the fajitas, seal, and close up packets
• Grill foil packets for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway
• Also, place foil tortilla packets into onto for a couple of minutes to warm through
• Remove from grill and let cool 5 minutes before serving
• Serve fajitas with warmed tortillas, lime wedges, and cilantro

Basil and Heirloom Tomatoes

Fresh heirloom tomatoes and basil are half the ingredients for a simple and refreshing Caprese salad. This simple side dish, or light lunch, can be made in just minutes.

Ingredients:

• Basil
• 1 heirloom tomato
• Sliced mozzarella
• Balsamic vinegar

Directions:

• Wash and dry basil and heirloom tomato
• Slice tomato
• Arrange a slice of tomato, mozzarella slice, and basil leaves on top of each other. Repeat around your plate until all is used up
• Lightly drizzle with balsamic vinegar

Kale, Cucumber & Roma Tomatoes

These three abundant vegetables can create a simple yet hardy salad to accompany any grilled dinner.

Ingredients:

• Kale
• Cucumber
• Roma tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Vinaigrette dressing of choice

Directions:

• Wash and dry produce
• Dice cucumbers, slice tomatoes, and finely chop kale
• Combine in a salad bowl with feta and gently mix
• Serve and top lightly with your favorite vinaigrette dressing
• Compliments any grilled fish or chicken

Blueberries & Basil

Mid-summer brings a harvest of fresh blueberries. Also, by this time, bunches of aromatic basil are available. Combined, the two can provide a refreshing twist on a summer classic – lemonade.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup lemon juice
• 2 cups blueberries
• ¼ cup torn basil leaves
• 6 T sugar
• 4 cups water
• Ice

Directions:

• Add lemon juice, blueberries, basil, and sugar to a pitcher
• Use a large stirring spoon and muddle the ingredients together
• Add the water and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes
• Grab a large bowl and sieve. Pour the muddled water mixture through the sieve into the bowl and discard the solid remains
• Return the mixture to the pitcher and pour it into glasses filled with ice

The sights of any farmers’ market can be overwhelming and enticing. Grabbing any number of fresh produce can help create healthy, colorful, and tasty summer dishes. Not only are you supporting local growers, but you’re eating seasonal, fresh, and providing your body with a variety of nutrients necessary for recovery from training sessions. So grab your tote bag and explore your neighborhood farmers’ market, stand, or backyard garden.

For other fresh recipes, CLICK HERE!