Cooking for One: Fresh Ideas for Your Farmers Market Bounty

For many single home cooks, browsing the local farmers market is a lovely way to pass a summer weekend. What's not so lovely? Figuring out what to do with huge bunches of "too-good-to pass-up" in-season vegetables. Help is on the way! Read on for delicious ways to use every bit of your farmers market bounty: chard, zucchini, corn, and cucumber.

Swiss Chard

Start by making a hearty, protein-packed Swiss Chard with Garbanzo Beans and Fresh Tomatoes salad. This recipe takes less than a half hour and serves four, making it perfect for lunch leftovers or a small gathering.

If you bought two bunches of Swiss chard, you can turn the other into bright Swiss Chard and Pecan Pesto. The beauty of pesto? You can pour the extra pesto into ice cube trays and freeze for gloomy winter days when you need a boost of summer.

Find more chard recipes.

Read all about chard.

Zucchini

For a Mediterranean flavored dish that's great as leftovers or to take-along to barbecues, try Orzo and Zucchini Salad. Add chicken or beans for a more protein-rich meal. Bring an Asian flavor to your local zucchini with our Japanese Zucchini and Onions recipe. In less than 30 minutes you can turn seven ingredients into an exciting home-cooked meal.

Still have some leftover? Turn it into a sweet treat for your family, friends, and colleagues. Our moist, Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a unique way to use up this versatile veggie.

Read more about cooking with zucchini.

Make some zoodles!

Corn

Let's begin with a few tips on picking, storing, and cooking corn. Then dive in to this 5-star Fresh Corn and Zucchini Sauté recipe that serves four and uses both your zucchini and your corn. It's a double win! And it only takes 30 minutes to make.

Why not make a fresh salsa with the rest of your fresh corn bounty? Our colorful, summer Corn and Avocado Salsa features avocados and is tasty with both chips or fish or chicken.

Browse hundreds of corn recipes.

Get tips for picking, storing, and cooking corn.

Cool Cucumber Drinks

Cukes aren't just for salads and sammies. If all that farmers market shopping got you beat, whip up a pitcher of one of our favorites cucumber drinks. You'll be glad to have these refreshing sippers on hand.

• Agua Fresca de Pepino (Cucumber Limeade): Agua Fresca de Pepino (Cucumber Limeade)
• Refreshing Cucumber Lemonade: Refreshing Cucumber Lemonade
• Cucumber Cooler: Cucumber Cooler
• Basil-Cucumber Mojito: Basil-Cucumber Mojito

Try your hand at making pickles.

Hungry for more? Check out our farmers market and cooking for one recipes.

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