33 Stellar Summer Farmers' Market Recipes To Make The Most Of Fresh Produce

If you're on the hunt for the best way to use seasonal ingredients, these recipes will serve up just the right inspiration.

Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomato Salad
Photo:

GREG DUPREE; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH; FOOD STYLING: ANNA HAMPTON

For some, fresh produce from a local farmers' market can be had almost year-round. In parts of the South, you'll find peaches, tomatoes, okra, corn, squash, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and more. Your dinner table will benefit from the yield that can be found, and farmers' market recipes bursting at the seams with fresh, colorful, and tasty fruits and vegetables are a worthwhile pursuit.

01 of 33

Best-Ever Succotash

Southern Living Best Ever Succotash in the pan ready to serve

Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

It's hard to beat this seasonal medley of all the best summertime ingredients. Packed with fresh okra, corn, tomatoes, lima beans, onion, and basil, you can source almost all the ingredients from the market.

02 of 33

Grilled Peach-And-Arugula Salad With Feta

Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

If you haven't tried grilled peaches before, you're missing out. While delicious enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they're a perfect salad topping paired with crumbled feta and arugula.

03 of 33

Heirloom Tomato Pie

Southern Living Heirloom Tomato Pie finished in the pan and ready to serve

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This tomato pie is stunning, and tastes like summer. If you want to avoid a soggy crust, roast most of the tomatoes in the oven before building your pie. This caramelizes the tomatoes and intensifies their flavor. This dish is the perfect farmers' market recipe, with a flaky pastry and a savory, roasted tomato filling.

04 of 33

Zesty Corn-And-Squash Salad

Southern Living Zesty Corn-and-Squash Salad

Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

It's hard to beat a no-cook dish in the summer, and this loaded salad is just that. Lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of cayenne add plenty of flavor to veggies while smoked almonds lend a finishing crunch.

05 of 33

Cucumber-and-Vidalia Onion Salad

Cucumber and Vidalia Onion Salad

Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Though you can find cucumbers and onions year-round, it's the Vidalia onions which come around in the summertime that really make this three-ingredient (plus a few pantry staples) dish sing.

06 of 33

Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad

Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This is a Southern summer dish if we've ever seen one. Tomatoes, mayo, and saltines come together for a fresh and foolproof side salad.

07 of 33

Peach Jam

peach jam in jars with fresh peaches nearby

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The homemade stuff just doesn't compare to store-bought jam. Using juicy, ripe peaches you can stock up on the good stuff (and even freeze it to make it last longer) to enjoy peach jam all year long.

08 of 33

Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas

Southern Living Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas

Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

If you're a tomato fanatic, you'll love this dressed up tomato salad. Roasted bell pepper slices and crunchy toasted black-eyed peas add flavor and texture.

09 of 33

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters served on a dish with a side of dipping sauce

Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Come home with a haul of fresh squash, but not sure what to do with it? Try these delicious fritters to use up any extra zucchini. Serve the crispy bites with a tangy dipping sauce made from refrigerator door staples.

10 of 33

Roasted Okra

Simple Roasted Okra
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Of the endless ways you can prepare okra, this might be very close to the best. Creating these thin and crispy fries will keep everyone coming back for more, even if they have sworn off okra for life.

11 of 33

Fried Green Tomatoes

fried green tomatoes stacked

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy. Add this recipe to your repetoire for a no-fail crowd pleaser that will be a winner with friends and family no matter what the occasion. When you're looking for a more powerful flavor in the dressing, substitute blue cheese for the feta. Don't skimp when it comes to the dill—you'll love the fresh flavor.

12 of 33

Mexican Street Corn Pizza

Mexican Street Corn Pizza
Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Our Test Kitchen took all of the flavors of Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, to create this satisfying and irresistible pizza. You will encounter the sweet combo of grilled corn on the cob slathered with a salty-tangy mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. This might be the best at-home happy hour snack you've ever paired with a margarita.

13 of 33

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread
Alison Miksch

Ready for the best tomato tip? Always use a serrated knife, which cuts through the tomato's skin without damaging flesh and losing juice. These savory sandwiches are great for a casual summer cocktail party. Just slice in half to make handling just a bit easier—especially if guests are also juggling a cocktail glass.

14 of 33

Farmers' Market Frittata

Southern Living Farmers’ Market Frittata in the pan with a couple of slices cut out on blue plates

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Frittatas are one of the most versatile egg dishes there are—even non-egg lovers can't resist. The ingredient options are truly endless which is half the fun! This recipe takes advantage of seasonal ingredients, but you can easily use whatever fresh toppings you have on hand for a delicious meal.

15 of 33

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Southern Living Watermelon Agua Fresca in glasses to serve garnished with salt and a lime wheel

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Look no further than this refreshing sipper for a summertime cold treat. While you can add any booze of choosing, this watermelon drink is good for all ages as is.

16 of 33

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

It's hard to go wrong with a simple grilled corn on the cob when the yellow stuff is at its peak sweetness during summer months. To amp up the flavor sprinkled with Parmesan, coat in an herb butter, or brush with a hot honey glaze.

17 of 33

Peach Salsa

peach salsa in a blue bowl with tortilla chips

Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Looking for the just-right dip-able summertime appetizer? Try this salsa made with fresh peaches, red onions, cherry tomatoes, serrano chile, and lime juice for a party-pleaser.

18 of 33

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

air fryer zucchini chips

Caitlin Bensel

These zucchini chips satisfy a craving for fried food without the guilt. When you cook with an air fryer, you can have crispy fried foods without the mess, and often the guilt, of cooking in oil. When served with a bowl of marinara sauce, these zucchini chips make the perfect appetizer for small gatherings, such as weekend brunches or porch parties.

19 of 33

Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes

Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes
Alison Miksch

This recipe makes a flavorful Tomato Vinaigrette for adding to all types of salads. Be sure to serve immediately. We love our Marinated Tomatoes tossed with spaghetti and mozzarella in our Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella recipe or use them as a garnish in a Bloody Mary. Trust us, you won't run out of ways to serve these pretty little tomatoes.

20 of 33

Southern Fried Corn

Southern Fried Corn
Caitlin Bensel

Sometimes you don't need to fuss up a recipe with extra ingredients. In this simple skillet recipe, fresh corn is the star of the show. Just add a little butter and bacon drippings to season and toss with onion and chives.

21 of 33

Tomato Galette

tomato galette on a parchment paper table with knife

Jennifer Causey; Prop Stylist: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Forget fussy pie crust and opt for this simple and equally delicious galette in lieu of tomato pie. Be sure to soak up extra juice from the tomatoes with salt and paper towels prior to assembling to avoid a soggy crust.

22 of 33

Green Tomato Gaspacho

Green Tomato Gazpacho
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

This refreshing chilled soup not only looks pretty, but tastes delicious too. Its vibrant green color comes from cucumbers, green bell peppers, unripe green tomatoes, and a mix of tender fresh herbs. Serve chilled and garnished with jalapeños, cilantro, and a drizzle of yogurt.

23 of 33

Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

The only thing better than a satisfying pasta dinner is one made with fresh, blistered tomatoes bursting with flavor.

24 of 33

Stewed Squash

Southern Living Stewed Squash in a bowl to serve

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Embrace the season's bounty of squash and try this three-ingredient stewed squash recipe as a healthier alternative to your go-to cheese-filled squash casserole.

25 of 33

Peach Custard Pie

Peach Custard Pie

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox

No Southern has ever said no to a homemade peach pie and this one has quickly become a fan favorite with its silky custard bed filled with fresh peach slices. Serve chilled or at room temperature, regardless we can guarantee there won't be leftovers.

26 of 33

Watermelon, Cucumber, And Feta Salad

Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Tangy red wine and lemon vinaigrette is soaked up by fresh watermelon, cucumbers, and feta. Add fresh mint for even more flavor. Be sure to serve immediately so those fresh-from-the-ground herbs hold their bright delivery.

27 of 33

Heirloom-Tomato Salad

Heirloom-Tomato Salad

VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY

Serve this fresh salad with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices. If you can't find heirloom tomatoes near you, don't worry—this salad will be just as delicious with any ripe tomato. You will find that the joining together of fresh herbs, tomatoes, onions, and chicken will leave you satisfied.

28 of 33

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Macaroni and cheese is always a hit, but making it a fresh veggie special by using tomatoes sends it over the top. We don't skimp on cheese in this dish, using four deliciously decadent cheeses to make it crave-worthy. Oregano and dry mustard lend extra seasoning that will ensure there are no leftovers.

29 of 33

Chicken Caprese Pasta

chicken caprese salad on a plate with red rim

Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This recipe couldn't be easier to whip together. Sauté tomatoes, shallots, and garlic then toss in cooked chicken and pasta, and coat with herb pesto. A fresh dinner will be on the table in under 30 minutes.

30 of 33

BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

BLT Salad
Alison Miksch

Bake the croutons and bacon together on the same baking sheet. This rustic salad only take 20 minutes to whip up and, trust us, the results are well worth the effort. You might be tempted to go for the store-bought stuff, but homemade buttermilk dressing will really kick this salad up a notch.

31 of 33

Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
Alison Miksch

The vinaigrette is made with salty soy sauce, but before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to add texture to the fresh tomatoes. This is probably the easiest side dish you'll come across this summer, but don't let its ease fool you—it's absolutely packed with fresh, seasonal flavor.

32 of 33

Old-School Squash Casserole

Southern Living Old School Squash Casserole with a serving scooped out onto a plate with a fork

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

How often do you serve squash? A summer squash casserole in the South can be a year-round side. Squash pairs well at Thanksgiving, is always welcome at the neighborhood potluck, and is seen frequently at Sunday supper. Put this squash recipe on your list of to-do.

33 of 33

Baked Zucchini Fries

Southern Living Baked Zucchini Fries on a platter to serve with marinara sauce

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, no one will be able to resist these zucchini fries. You won't even miss the traditional potato version—not even the kids!

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles