With summer coming in full force, seasonal produce is returning to the market! Find a list of summer produce here. It looks like it’s going to be a hot one, so this is the perfect *thyme* to try out some of these refreshing recipes!

Watermelon with Chile Powder – Eating watermelon in the summertime is the best feeling! It’s sweet, juicy, and refreshing. But to take it to the next level, try mixing 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of chile powder, and 1 tsp of lime zest in a bowl, and dip the watermelon slices in it. The salt brings out the sweetness of the watermelon, the chile powder adds a kick, and the lime zest cools down the chile powder, making it not as spicy.

Aguas Frescas  – These are light, summer drinks that you can easily mix and match. To make them, blend any kind of fresh fruit and strain. Then, mix with water or juice and serve over ice. For some inspiration, check out these Bon Appetit recipes for Watermelon-Grapefruit and Cantaloupe-Basil aguas frescas.

Caprese Salad Sandwich – Grab two slices of bread (crusty bread such as ciabatta or a baguette is best), slice some soft mozzarella cheese and tomatoes, and layer on one slice of bread. Top with basil, a splash of balsamic vinegar and finish with the other bread slice. If desired, brush with olive oil and grill for 2 minutes per side to melt the cheese.

Gazpacho – Gazpacho is a cold soup, which sounds weird, but it’s delicious. It has many variations and is all about adding ingredients to your taste. The basics are tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, bread, and vinegar. For an easy blender/food processor gazpacho recipe, click here.

Kebabs – Kebabs are great because they cook quickly and you can make them with whatever you’d like. Grab your favorite meat and some veggies. Cut them into large, bite sized pieces, marinate and thread them onto skewers, and then grill or bake until the meat is cooked and the veggies are soft around the edges. For a basic steak and vegetable kebab recipe, check out this link. If you want a more complicated kebab, Bon Appetit has a Greek chicken recipe. Find it here!

Be creative this summer! As we get closer to the end of the year, enjoy time with friends and family, and make some of these delicious meals to enjoy together!