Yahoo Lifestyle Simple Farmer's Market Recipes to Make the Most of Your Fresh Produce
One of the best parts about summer is the farmer’s market. There is something so wonderful about drinking a coffee and moseying around the different stands on a weekend morning, picking up fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more along the way. And let’s not forget about the samples! We’ll take toothpick-skewered small bites any time. But the question that follows, once you get home from the market with a tote bag full of goodies, is, "What do I do with my new fresh produce?"
We have an answer — or 40, to be exact. We put together a list of farmer’s market recipe ideas to make use of your weekend bounty. Recipes range from refreshing summer drinks to light dinner ideas, each with a focus on one or more fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs. We’re talking strawberry desserts, easy green bean recipes, delicious potato recipes, and more.
These seasonal bites are perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and more. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, you can bet these warm-weather recipes are flavorful, refreshing, and real crowd-pleasers.
For more summer recipes, make sure to check out our list of grilling ideas, summer soup recipes, and easy summer dinner ideas after you're done browsing this list.
Arugula, Melon, and Prosciutto Salad
Sweet and salty join forces in this prosciutto and cantaloupe salad. Choose between red wine or sherry vinegar to amplify the dish's sweet, tangy flavor.
Get the Arugula, Melon, and Prosciutto Salad recipe.
Fresh Berry Lemonade
Elevate the classic summer drink of lemonade with strawberry simple syrup, sliced strawberries, and lemons. Tailor the amount of simple syrup to your sweetness preferences.
Get the Fresh Berry Lemonade recipe.
RELATED: Best Refreshing Summer Drinks to Enjoy on a Hot Day
Corn and Herb-Stuffed Zucchini
Summer is all about bright, colorful dishes. This stuffed zucchini recipe combines vibrant green, yellow, and red for a showstopping summer appetizer.
Get the Corn and Herb-Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
Strawberry Pizza
This refreshing summer treat calls for fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and a touch of cinnamon. Together, they make a sweet slice of heaven—or at least, we think so!
Get the Strawberry Pizza recipe.
Apple and Potato Gratin
This creamy side dish is a great way to transition summer into fall. It will use up your farmer's market haul of apples, potatoes, onions, and thyme.
Get the Apple and Potato Gratin recipe.
Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots
Glaze peeled carrots in a blanket of maple syrup, then roast in the oven for a bright, comforting vegetable side dish. If they go over well with the family, consider making them for Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots recipe.
RELATED: Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes, From Classic to Kid-Friendly
Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini
These spiralized zucchini strips look good and taste good! They're roasted with salt and pepper and accompanied by a tender tilapia topped with lemon and capers.
Get the Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini recipe.
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Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
Perfect for a picnic or summer potluck, this lightly tossed pasta salad will make the most of your farmer's market fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onions.
Get the Tomato Basil Pasta Salad recipe.
RELATED: Easy Picnic Food Ideas Perfect for Outdoor Gatherings
Icy Watermelon Granita
Cool down in the summer heat with this satisfying watermelon drink. It's surprisingly tangy, thanks to the addition of lemon juice and zest.
Get the Icy Watermelon Granita recipe.
Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter
Dress up this summer favorite meal with homemade parsley butter, made with garlic, lemon, parsley, unsalted butter, parmesan, and table seasoning.
Get the Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter recipe.
Salami-Wrapped Melon with Basil
Pre-make these salami, canteloupe, and basil kebabs for an easy, mid-afternoon snack that's also kid-friendly! Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to dress them up even further.
Get the Salami-Wrapped Melon with Basil recipe.
RELATED: Healthy Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas Even Picky Eaters Will Love
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumbles
If your home includes picky eaters, this strawberry-rhubarb crumble could be a great way to introduce the tart, celery-like vegetable. The sugary crumble balances out the rhubarb's sour taste.
Get the Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumbles recipe.
Bell Pepper Nachos
Use bell peppers as the "chips" in this reimagining of the popular appetizer. Spice things up with sliced jalapenos for a trio of peppers in this sheet-pan dish.
Get the Bell Pepper Nachos recipe.
RELATED: Easy Sheet Pan Dinners That You'll Want to Whip Up Nightly
Fire-Cooked Salmon with Lemon, Red Onion, and Tarragon
This salmon-centered meal features red onion, lemon, and fresh tarragon as accents. If you don't have tarragon, substitute any fresh herb for the finishing touch.
Get the Fire-Cooked Salmon with Lemon, Red Onion, and Tarragon recipe.
Leek and Lemon Linguine
Greens on greens on greens — this leek, pea, and parsley pasta is jazzed up with garlic and lemon for a flavor-filled, veggie linguine.
Get the Leek and Lemon Linguine recipe.
RELATED: 100+ Light Dinner Ideas That Are Easy and Delicious
Rhubarb Twists with Rhubarb Compote
Simmer peeled rhubarb with strawberries, sugar, and thyme to subdue and sweeten the vegetable's tart flavor. Then wrap the rhubarb with pizza dough, bake, and enjoy with a ricotta dip.
Get the Rhubarb Twists with Rhubarb Compote recipe.
Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts see a burst of flavor thanks to the addition of shallots, red chile, honey, and vinegar in this simple yet flavorful appetizer.
Get the Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts recipe.
RELATED: Healthy Appetizers That You and Your Guests Will Love
Ginger-Peach Soda
Enjoy peach season (May- late September) with an ice-cold seltzer made with ginger and peach simple syrup. For a happy hour drink, add a splash of rum.
Get the Ginger-Peach Soda recipe.
Tomato & Watermelon Salad
Combine the farmer's market staple, tomatoes, with the fruit of summer, watermelon, for an easy afternoon salad. Top with crumbled feta to balance salt and acid with fat.
Get the Tomato & Watermelon Salad recipe.
Creamy Corn Pasta with Bacon and Scallions
Corn is an unlikely yet tasty addition to a creamy pasta dish. Pick up six ears of sweet corn to add to this bacon and scallion orecchiette.
Get the Creamy Corn Pasta with Bacon and Scallions recipe.
Watermelon Limeade and Keg
Utility is the name of the game with this limeade recipe. Hollow the watermelon and pour the sweet and sour drink mixture inside, for a homemade dispenser — ideal for outdoor parties and gatherings. Just don't forget the spigot.
Get the Watermelon Limeade and Keg recipe.
Charred Scallion Dip
Prepare this dip ahead of time, and pack it alongside carrots and celery sticks for a pool or beachside snack. Sear scallions in a skillet, then chop and combine with sour cream and mayonnaise to enjoy.
Get the Charred Scallion Dip recipe.
Celery Snails & Caterpillars
With these cute critters on the table, it's all but encouraged to play with your food. The celery, fruit, and peanut butter snacks are a play on the popular "ants on a log" snack that's great for kids.
Get the Celery Snails & Caterpillars recipe.
Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad
This vegetable salad mix features green beans, corn, and radishes. The latter are boiled, dried, and tossed in crème fraîche for a tangy touch.
Get the Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad recipe.
RELATED: Easy Green Bean Recipes That Are Packed With Flavor
Roasted Jerk Corn
Make this at your next backyard BBQ for a flavor-filled take on corn on the cob. The summer dish is topped with jerk butter and ranch breadcrumbs.
Get the Roasted Jerk Corn recipe.
Strawberry Tamales
You may have had bean, meat, and cheese tamales, but what about strawberry tamales? These sweet treats are filled with strawberries (fresh and preserved), mesa flour, and brown sugar, among other ingredients.
Get the Strawberry Tamales recipe.
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
As if garlic bread could get any better? Top toasted ciabatta bread with fresh garlic, ricotta cheese, and grilled zucchini, squash, and scallions in this pre-dinner bite. Then drizzle with lemon for the finishing touch.
Get the Grilled Squash Garlic Bread recipe.
Blueberry-Oatmeal Blondies
With blueberries and oatmeal involved, we'd call this a sweet breakfast treat. Make these bars on a weekend to enjoy for days to come.
Get the Blueberry-Oatmeal Blondies recipe.
Creamy Layered Pea Dip
Maximize your use of peas by adding them to dip! This snack-friendly recipe calls for three cheeses, scallions, herbs, and, of course, peas. Enjoy with pita chips for a filling light bite.
Get the Creamy Layered Pea Dip recipe.
Watercress Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
This green-forward salad is packed with fiber and flavor! It includes lime juice, jalapenos, kiwis, granny smith apples, scallions, and more.
Get the Watercress Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette recipe.
RELATED: Easy Summer Salads That Are Full of Seasonal Produce
Cheesy Bell Pepper and Herb Quiche
Enjoy for breakfast or dinner, this colorful egg dish utilizes bell pepper, onion, garlic, and fresh parsley. Add the egg mixture to a premade pie crust for easy preparation.
Get the Cheesy Bell Pepper and Herb Quiche recipe.
Green Bean and Asparagus Casserole
Green beans and asparagus meet cheesy French béchamel in this hearty casserole — ideal for a summer potluck. Cook in a cast iron skillet or casserole dish, depending on what's on hand.
Get the Green Bean and Asparagus Casserole recipe.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza
Grill your favorite veggie toppings for pizza night, and add them to pre-made dough. We suggest using eggplants and tomatoes but feel free to mix and match them with your choice of vegetables.
Get the Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza recipe.
RELATED: 100 Easy Grilling Recipes to Ring in the Warmer Months
Apple and Pear Tart
Perfect for late summer and fall, this warm tart incorporates four fruits — apple, pear, lemon, and apricot. Arrange slices in a fun pattern for a great-looking and great-tasting dessert.
Get the Apple and Pear Tart recipe.
Asparagus, Mint, and Parmesan Scramble
Use your farmer's market haul for a quick and easy breakfast meal. This recipe idea takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Simply add chopped asparagus, mint, and parmesan to your scrambled eggs.
Get the Asparagus, Mint, and Parmesan Scramble recipe.
Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn
Coat meat in an apricot jam and lime juice glaze for sweet-and-sour, grilled chicken at home. Best of all? This summer dish only takes 30 minutes to make.
Get the Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn recipe.
RELATED: Easy Summer Dinner Ideas to Keep Meals Fun and Fresh
Lemon Mint Slushie
Fresh mint leaves brighten up the taste of lemonade. To make this summer drink, add lemonade, ice, and mint to a blender and mix until well combined.
Get the Lemon Mint Slushie recipe.
Peach, Red Onion, and Basil Salsa
Add diced peaches to homemade salsa for a slightly sweet addition. Scoop the fruit and veggie mix with tortilla chips, pita chips, or cinnamon crisps, depending on your preference.
Get the Peach, Red Onion, and Basil Salsa recipe.
Summer Squash, Mint, and Pecorino Pasta
Throw a few seasonal vegetables in your rigatoni for a fresh summer pasta. This one calls for summer squash, shallots, and mint — all of which can be found at your local farmer's market.
Get the Summer Squash, Mint, and Pecorino Pasta recipe.
Stone Fruit and Berry Galette
For a showstopping dessert to wow at a summer party, opt for this star-themed fruit galette that's filled with mixed berries, peaches, apricot jam, and lemon juice.
Get the Stone Fruit and Berry Galette recipe.
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