21 Recipes to Cook Before Summer Slips Away

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Summer produce won’t last forever—so now’s the time to make the most of it. Dishes like Honey BBQ Chicken and Charred Corn Polenta practically define the season, bursting with flavor and sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re craving the heat of Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers, the comfort of Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili, or the vibrant pop of Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni, this lineup of 21 recipes with seasonal ingredients is your go-to guide before the freshest flavors fade. Round it out with Tropical Fruit Salad with Toasted Coconut, Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter, or even a skillet dessert like How to Make a Skillet Brownie—because when the days are long and the produce is ripe, the only thing left to do is get cooking.

Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

Sliced roast pork arranged on a white plate, accompanied by a jar of yellow fruit sauce with a spoon placed nearby.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin is a crowd-pleaser—marinated overnight, seared to lock in flavor, then roasted with a fresh herb mixture until juicy and tender. Pair it with a side of sweet-and-spicy Jezebel sauce for the grown-ups and mashed potatoes for the kids, and dinner is done!

To learn more: Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

Easy Shakshuka (with Fresh or Canned Tomatoes)

Skillet of our easy homemade shakshuka
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This easy shakshuka recipe is made in one pot with simple ingredients, making it the perfect quick and satisfying meal. It’s a savory and saucy dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve with toasted bread, grilled cheese, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shakshuka (with Fresh or Canned Tomatoes)

Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili (1 Pot!)

Bowl of white bean chicken chili topped with cilantro and green onion
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Craving both creamy soup and hearty chili? This one-pot white bean chicken chili delivers the best of both worlds. It’s packed with flavor and protein, and naturally gluten- and dairy-free!
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili (1 Pot!)

Mini Granola Tart Cups

These Mini Granola Tart Cups are a cute and delicious way to serve your granola! Fill them with yogurt and fruit for breakfast, no-bake fillings for dessert, or whatever sounds good. | gimmesomeoven.com (Gluten-Free / Vegetarian)
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

Looking for a cute and customizable breakfast or dessert option? These Mini Granola Tart Cups are easy to make and can be filled with yogurt and fruit for a healthy breakfast, or with no-bake dessert fillings for a sweet treat. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Mini Granola Tart Cups

Rice and Beans

Overhead image of Rice and Beans in a bowl ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Looking for a quick and easy vegetarian meal? This Rice and Beans recipe comes together in just 20 minutes! It’s a hearty, filling, one-pan dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rice and Beans

Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter

Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter are the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The airy popovers have a cheesy kick from the cheddar and jalapeño, while the honey butter adds a touch of sweetness that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy them straight from the oven for the ultimate treat!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Cheddar Popovers with Honey Butter

Daal (Immune Boosting Lentils!)

Overhead image of Daal in a bowl
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This flavorful Daal recipe is packed with immune-boosting spices and anti-inflammatory benefits. Made with red lentils, coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic spices, this vegetarian dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s also great for meal prep and can be made in one pan for easy cleanup!
Get the Recipe: Daal (Immune Boosting Lentils!)

Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni

tomato basil chicken rigatoni in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy, spicy, and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It features juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni, all simmered in a burst cherry tomato sauce. Plus, it’s easy to customize with gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream!
Get the Recipe: Burst Cherry Tomato Basil Chicken Rigatoni

How to Make a Skillet Brownie

skillet brownie in cast iron skillet with vanilla ice cream.
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

This skillet brownie recipe is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover! Made with cocoa powder, chocolate, and chocolate chips, it’s rich, fudgy, and perfect for serving warm with a scoop of ice cream. Plus, it’s nut-free, making it a great option for those with allergies.
Get the Recipe: How to Make a Skillet Brownie

Spring Quinoa Salad

Photo of Spring Quinoa Salad with side of Grilled Steak.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Spring Quinoa Salad is a fresh and healthy meal that’s quick and easy to make. Packed with good-for-you ingredients like quinoa, sugar snap peas, and goat cheese, it’s dressed with a zippy lemon vinaigrette and topped with perfectly seasoned steak.
Get the Recipe: Spring Quinoa Salad

Tropical Fruit Salad with Toasted Coconut

A Tropical Fruit Salad with toasted coconut, fresh grated turmeric root, poppy seeds, orange zest and any of your favorite tropical fruits. 
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This vibrant Tropical Fruit Salad is a celebration of fresh, healthy flavors! Combining pineapple, mango, kiwi, and berries with toasted coconut, turmeric and a citrusy dressing, it’s a delightful dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Fruit Salad with Toasted Coconut

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers, a delicious summertime meal. #peaches #jerkchicken #chickenskewers #peach
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

These Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers bring a taste of the Caribbean to your grill! Flavorful jerk-marinated chicken is skewered with fresh summer peaches and red onion, creating a mouthwatering sweet and spicy combination that’s perfect for a summer BBQ. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Peach Skewers

Honey BBQ Chicken and Charred Corn Polenta

A bowl containing grilled chicken skewers, sliced avocado, corn, fresh cilantro, chives, and creamy yellow polenta.
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Honey BBQ Chicken and Charred Corn Polenta recipe by Half Baked Harvest is the perfect way to kick off BBQ season! This quick and easy gluten-free meal is made with fresh ingredients like sweet corn, peaches, and avocado. It’s a healthy and fun dish the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Honey BBQ Chicken and Charred Corn Polenta

Mini Meatloaf

Meatloaf Muffins on a plate with vegetables in the background
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These mini meatloaves are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Made with lean ground beef and topped with a sweet brown sugar glaze, they’re ready in under an hour. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Creamy Sesame Noodle Salad (30 Minutes!)

Fork picking up a bite of an Asian-inspired sesame noodle salad from a bowl
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

This Creamy Sesame Noodle Salad is the perfect dish for a hot day! Ready in just 30 minutes, this vegan and gluten-free salad features brown rice noodles tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing with fresh veggies and crunchy peanuts. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sesame Noodle Salad (30 Minutes!)

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeno popper dip crock pot transferred to a serving dish and garnished with fresh jalapenos.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

This creamy, cheesy jalapeno popper dip is the perfect appetizer for any party! It’s served hot with a crispy, crunchy topping that everyone will love. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Dip

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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