What to Eat in July
Fun and Festive Summer Recipes
Normally, Autumn gets all the glory when you think of a bountiful harvest and satiating the stomach grumbles with at-home cooking fun. However, there are tons of foods that are in season right now, and lots of exciting ways to eat and prepare them. Fresh fruits and veggies have so much flavor, are usually less expensive compared to purchase when they’re in season, and are packed full of nutrients. Read on to explore more of what’s in season and fun ideas to prepare them.
CORN
Sure, this is still delicious on the cob with a little butter and salt – but there are so many other ways to prepare and serve corn. Sweet corn is a versatile food that adds sweetness to savory dishes.
Easy Summer Corn Salad: This recipe is made up of several simple ingredients, you may even have them all in your fridge (or backyard herb garden!). It is a light, fresh, and citrusy side dish for any BBQ.
White Bean & Sweet Corn Gazpacho: Gazpacho is the perfect dinner for when it’s too hot to contemplate turning on the stove or oven. This raw and flavorful dish is vegetarian, but hearty enough to eat alone or pair with a salad for the perfect no-cook dinner.
Corn Fritters: Fritters aren’t just for Southerners anymore! These cheesy little cakes are perfect alongside fish or chicken dishes, though if you put a little lime crema on top instead of sour cream, it really sets off the flavors.
PEACHES
There are over 30 varieties of peaches, but most grocery stores only sell “yellow” or “white” varieties. Peaches scream summer with every juice-dribbling bite.
Fresh Peach Salsa: Making this recipe is a great way to purposefully use the seasonal fruit. This salsa is very ripe and juicy, while also being less acidic than a regular tomato salsa. Eat it with crackers. Or chicken. Or fish. Or pork. Or a spoon.
3-Ingredient Peach Sorbet: You don’t need an ice cream maker to make a super easy and delicious dessert at home. Pull out the food processor and enjoy this sorbet in an ice cream dish, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, use it in a Bellini or punch for a fresh, summery drink.
Peach BBQ Sauce: The natural sugars in fresh peaches caramelize so well on ribs and chicken on the grill. This recipe appeals to everyone as it is paleo-compliant, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan!
BELL PEPPERS
Red, orange, yellow, or green, these sweet peppers are plentiful in the month of July, a versatile ingredient, and full of nutrients.
Creamy Chicken, Spinach, and Rice Stuffed Peppers: This recipe is a fresh take on stuffed peppers, and is sure to become a new family favorite, no matter the season. Great for meal-planning, you can make many variations of stuffed peppers – but we especially love how easy and filling this take is.
Keto-Friendly Bell Pepper Nachos: Nachos are a great snack or meal for any season, but this low-carb version is a wonderful alternative to the “normal” ones, even for those not on a keto diet! In less than 30 minutes you can stack this healthier version of a classic with any toppings you like!
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: Not just a fad, sheet pan dinners are popular for a reason: one pan means less mess! This recipe is easy enough for even the most hurried weeknights, and delicious enough that it will quickly become a year-round staple.
WATERMELON
These ground fruits are sweet, juicy, fresh, and full of vitamins. Whether you salt your watermelon (yes it’s a thing – try it!), sugar it, or are a purist, there is always room for new favorite ways to eat this fruit.
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad: This salad is not only delicious, but simple and eye catching too! The citrusy and minty dressing takes this salad to the next level and balances out heavier summer dishes like steak and fried pork chops.
Grilled Watermelon: Now here is a preparation you may not have thought of or tried with watermelon – grilling it! The main difference between fresh and grilled watermelon is the texture. It’s good on its own, with the sauce, or as a refreshing addition to plain vanilla ice cream.
Watermelon Slush: This fun recipe tastes like summer in a glass. It is kid-friendly, and easy enough that they can even help out making it! Enjoy this super-simple drink frozen, mixed with sprite for a slushie, or add in a little “adult” for a great cocktail.
ONIONS
Sure, onions may not be the most glamorous veggie of the summer, but they add so much flavor – whether eaten raw, grilled, or caramelized. Plus, they are low calorie and contain a decent amount of vitamin C.
Creamy French Onion + Mushroom Soup: This variation puts a twist on the typical classic recipe with all the usual French flavors. The touch of cream in the broth adds a fullness that makes it rich and decadent, plus who doesn’t love a melty, cheesy, crusty piece of bread nestled in their bowl?
Caramelized Balsamic Onion Jam: This sweet and savory caramelized onion jam recipe is a great way dress up sandwiches, chicken, or even a charcuterie board. Plus, it’s a perfect way to preserve onions from your garden or the farmer’s market.
Sweet Vidalia Onion Pie: I can practically hear the sounds of disgust as everyone keeps scrolling. Pie? Made of… onions? Yes. This is a savory pie, similar to a quiche, and it’s DELICIOUS. A great side dish for any meat, but I’m thinking chicken leg quarters grilled with that peach BBQ sauce we talked about above.
There are so many more seasonal goodies and so many more ways to cook each one. Which one was your favorite?
