41 Summer Vegetable Recipes That'll Add Color to Any Plate
Make the most of your seasonal produce with these simple classics.
Summertime is the season for fresh vegetables. Sure, fall has its harvest, but check any farmers' market table and you'll see there's a wider variety of produce available from June to August than any other time of year.
From tender lettuce to crisp cucumbers, to plump tomatoes and more summer squash than you can shake a celery stalk at, there's practically too many vegetables to know what to do.
We can help. These summer vegetable recipes will help you figure out what you want to get next, or how to manage what you have. But remember, when all else fails: break out the grill.
What's your favorite summer vegetable dish? Tell us in the comments, below.
Open-Faced Tomato and Dill Toasts
The internet may be here to tell you these sweet summer orbs are actually a fruit—but we still wouldn't want them in a fruit salad.
We do love them best on a simple, good piece of toast, with a little mayo.
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
Boiled in salty water, corn is already pretty great. But this classic topping concoction takes it over the top.
Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds
No vegetable embodies summer's overabundance like summer squash and its green cousin, zucchini.
Shaved thin and served raw, this salad is one of the tastiest ways to cut down on your supply.
Spicy Tomato Jam
Keep this recipe in your pocket for over-large garden hauls, or when you get too excited at the farmers' market or a roadside stand. It's easy to make and absolutely fantastic.
Grilled Corn, Three Ways
Summer isn't summer without corn on the cob. These three toppings make it even better.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.
Blistered Snap Peas with Brown Butter and Chives
Snap pea vines can start producing in early spring and, depending on how you treat them, keep going until early winter. This very easy lots-of-butter recipe is one of our favorite ways to eat them.
Get the recipe for Blistered Snap Peas with Brown Butter and Chives.
Toasted Seed Coleslaw
It's true that cabbage is more of a cool-weather veggie. But it just wouldn't be summer without slaw. This crunchy side dish gets a big burst of flavor from a bevy of toasted seeds.
Lemony Cabbage Salad
If mayo isn't your thing, this summery alternative, called “Lahanosalata” in Greek, will freshen up any bbq plate.
Steamed Artichokes with Smoked Paprika Aioli
Early and late summer are the perfect times for these delightful cousin-to-thistles veggie. We love dipping their perfectly steamed leaves in a variety of sauces, or just melted butter!
Get the recipe for Steamed Artichokes with Smoked Paprika Aioli.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are summer's most underrated veggie, but their refreshing, juicy snap is an absolute summer necessity.
Mint and lime juice make this simple mix unbeatable.
Snap Pea Pesto
True story: you can make pesto out of nearly any green veggie. And when we have too many snap peas on hand, we definitely make this!
Charred Tomato Soup
A hot grill and a hefty amount of garden tomatoes are how you start making this lick-the-bowl-clean summer soup.
Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle
Tender gem lettuce is a great summer veggie, and this crunchy, simple salad is a great way to eat it!
Get the recipe for Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle.
Salt-Cured Egg Yolks over Steamed Asparagus
Asparagus is a delicious early summer side, but the garnish of sweet-salty cured egg yolks turns it into an over-the-top dish.
Greek Salad
Some of the best summer sides are the simple classics. Loaded with feta, olives, tomatoes and cucumber, this easy salad is so satisfying.
Get the recipe for Greek Salad.
Charred Baby Peppers with Lime and Cashew Vinaigrette
These simple peppers tossed in vinaigrette make a great side for almost any kind of main.
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Nothing tastes more like summer than a big, flavorful tomato salad. We use several varieties, and then dress it simply, so that the fresh tomatoes really shine through.
White Bean and Broccolini Salad
This hearty salad is great for picnics, as it won't wilt. But it's also simple and delicious enough for any weekday evening.
Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing
Grilled squash turns smoky and silken. Drizzled with a spicy honey-lemon dressing, they're irresistible.
Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
Serve up a plate of fresh heirloom tomatoes with a smoky, homemade bacon vinaigrette for a standout dish.
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