Get The Most Of Seasonal Produce With These Summer Recipes

Late-Summer Seasonal Drinks

Frozen Watermelon Mint Margaritas

Watermelon is already such a juicy and hydrating fruit that it only makes sense to turn it into a drink. Lime adds a nice citrus edge, and the icy consistency makes it the perfect addition to any hot afternoon. (via Brit + Co)

Peach Frosé Recipe

Peaches and rosé go together wonderfully in this summer recipe. The addition of thyme and honey add some subtle flavor that will make this one of our favorite drinks, ever. Just add everything to a blender and pour into your go-to cocktail glass. (via Brit + Co)

Seasonal Summer Appetizers + Sides

Smoked Tomato Confit

Rosemary and garlic complement the tomatoes in this confit recipe well. You can add red pepper flakes for some spice or sugar for sweetness. Don't worry if you don't have a smoker — just pop the tomatoes in your oven instead. (via Forks & Foliage)

Watermelon-Peach Chilled Soup

If you're ready for soup season but don't want to dive into any hot recipes until the weather cools down, look no further than this recipe. It uses watermelon *and* peach for the ultimate end-of-summer treat. Top with chopped cucumbers, berries, and peaches for some extra texture. (via Brit + Co)

Greek Roasted Eggplant Dip (Melitzanosalata)

Dip pita bread, crackers, and veggies in this eggplant recipe. Vinegar, garlic, and oregano add just the right amount of flavor, and don't forget to add some olives on top for some extra saltiness. (via Salt & Lavender)

Southern Fried Okra

Fried okra is a Southern staple in the summer (try saying that five times fast). Even if you don't like plain okra, this salty, crunchy recipe might become the exception. The lemon aioli is a wonderful addition, but spicy aioli would be good, too. (via Barley & Sage)

Seasonal Lunch + Dinner Ideas

Tomato Basil Orzo

We love that this recipe can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. Tomatoes, basil, and feta are an unbeatable combo, and make each bite complex and textured. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Eggplant and Tomato Caponata

This healthy recipe is chock-full of veggies that will leave you feeling good. The mix of eggplants, onions, tomatoes, and olives tastes good hot and cold and will give you a decent dose of salt. (via Brit + Co)

Watercress Salad Recipe With Grilled Peaches

Salad is always a great way to incorporate fruits and veggies into your diet, and grilling the peaches will bring out a lot of their natural sweetness. You can't go wrong pairing it with feta and nuts or adding the basil vinaigrette. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Stuffed Eggplant

This in-season recipe is a new take on beef and rice, and considering we're huge garlic fans, we are definitely not skimping on the garlic-tomato broth. Mix the uncooked rice into the beef before you stuff the eggplant, then add everything in the broth to finish cooking. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Summer Desserts

Blackberry Lavender Honeycomb Cake

A bit of lavender is the perfect way to accentuate the natural flavors of the blackberry and the honey in this summer recipe, contrasting them in a way that rounds out the flavor. The key is to simmer the lavender buds in milk to mix into the cake batter. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Cherry Heart Pies

Pop tarts just got a makeover with these cherry hand pies. These would taste great on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. While the recipe calls for cherry pie filling, feel free to make your own instead of buying it from the store. (via Brit + Co)

Peaches and Cream Eton Mess

Peaches and cream is a classic combo, and we love this in-season recipe because it tastes amazing without having to look amazing. "Mess" is in the name for a reason! Mint leaves are the perfect topping, and they add a little bit of color too. (via Brit + Co)

Cherry-Chocolate-Covered Donuts

We love chocolate-covered cherries, so this donut recipe is a must. Black cherry preserves (or a homemade reduction) and powdered sugar make a cherry glaze that you'll want to add to all your dessert recipes. (via Brit + Co)