Cook Fresh, Eat Simple (And Love It More) – Part 3 of “Spring & Summer Produce Series”
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Welcome to Part 3 of our 3-part “Spring & Summer Produce Series”. In this post you will learn how to make the most of fresh fruits and vegetables with these easy spring and summer recipe ideas. Simple, family-friendly meals using seasonal produce.
There’s something special about cooking in the spring and summer months. Meals feel lighter, fresher, and easier—and that’s because the ingredients are doing most of the work.
When fruits and vegetables are in season, they’re:
✔ More flavorful
✔ Less expensive
✔ Easier to cook with
This collection of recipe ideas is designed to help you turn simple, fresh ingredients into meals your family will actually love.
FRESH & LIGHT MEALS
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Sweet strawberries + crisp greens + creamy feta = the perfect balance.
Cucumber Chickpea Salad
Refreshing, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep.
Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil—simple and classic.
EASY SIDE DISHES
Grilled Corn Salad
Corn + lime + herbs = summer in a bowl.
Honey Roasted Carrots
Sweet, caramelized, and kid-approved.
Garlic Sautéed Greens
Quick, simple, and packed with flavor.
SIMPLE DINNERS
Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan
Light, fresh, and ready in minutes.
Lemon Herb Chicken with Veggies
One-pan meal = less cleanup
Peach Glazed Chicken
Sweet + savory perfection.
QUICK FAMILY FAVORITES
Veggie Wraps
Use whatever produce you have on hand!
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Avocado
Simple upgrade, BIG flavor.
SWEET TREATS
Watermelon Fruit Bowl
Add mint for extra freshness.
Berry Parfaits
Layer yogurt + granola + berries.
Grilled Peaches
Drizzle with honey and serve warm.
Download this FREE Spring & Summer Produce Chart!
HOW TO BUILD EASY MEALS WITH PRODUCE
Use this simple formula:
Protein + Seasonal Produce + Simple Sauce
Examples:
- Chicken + zucchini + garlic butter
- Pasta + tomatoes + olive oil
- Rice + veggies + soy sauce
If you want to elevate your fresh produce meals even more, add a little fresh herb. There’s something about fresh herbs that instantly transforms a meal.
Not sure how to use them? If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering “which herb goes with this?” I have a guide for you. Check out this blog post…How to Use Store and Cook with Seasonal Herbs. You will also find a printable “Herb 101 Chart”!
MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE
Cooking seasonally doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start small:
- Add 1 seasonal fruit per week
- Swap 1 side dish for a veggie
- Try 1 new recipe
That’s it.
If you missed Parts 1 & 2 of our “Spring & Summer Produce Series”, you can check them out here:
