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As Memorial Day approaches, and we edge into post-pandemic life, we are starting to entertain again (safely! Following CDC guidelines!). What a joy to think about big batch cooking again, and of course what a joy to fire up those grills for the summer.
We can also think about colorful summer cocktails, big salads, portable dishes for picnics and perhaps potlucks. We can lean into dishes heavy on the gorgeous produce that is flooding the markets, and can make use of loads of fresh herbs.
In short, this month is the beginning of the summer bounty that makes cooking such a pleasure. Not all that much work is required if we take our cue from what’s in season. We just need to shine the light on what is available, and remind ourselves that more time spent in the kitchen isn’t the point of summer.
21 Seasonal Recipes to Make This June
Tiny rice shaped pasta is surrounded with chopped herbs and vegetables in this colorful, cheerful, portable orzo salad.
Beautiful, easy, inexpensive, vegetarian, satisfying…Cowboy Caviar is a win-win.
Pretty, inexpensive, satisfying, colorful, and portable – we all need a perfect carrot salad recipe in our repertoire!
Sweet, buttery, plump, briny sea scallops cooked on the grill are a luxurious summer treat.
Capers, shallots, Dijon, olives, sherry vinegar, fresh herbs – it’s really a vinaigrette on steroids.
Thick ribeye steaks get a dusting of a robust Mexican seasoning blend before being fired up on the grill.
Sangria is one of the most deliciously fun ways to make the most of summer fruit.
Ramps are a clever Spring stand in for both the parsley and the garlic in this classic Argentinian sauce.
This is a perfect potato salad, all-American and old-fashioned in the best sense of the word.
A fabulous, pretty, simple warm-weather side. Make sure to serve with grains or crusty bread to sop up all of the tangy vinaigrette.
A pretty and fresh salad that takes minutes to put together, and brightens up any meal.
Nuggets of tender but chewy tofu and a slew of vegetables become a perfect vegetarian stir-fry.
If you are into teriyaki-like flavors, then this super simple pork chop recipe will be a hit in your house.
Farro, or whatever grain you choose, is mixed with a whole bunch of vegetables — plenty of texture and chew, super satisfying, and gorgeous to boot.
This gorgeous ruby red drink is refreshingly sweet-tart, and the perfect pitcher staple for summer.
Just a few vegetables turn quickly cooked couscous into a beautiful salad that rounds out any meal perfectly.
This amazingly flavorful yet refreshing summer salad is perfect for brunch, picnics, buffets, you name it.
Summer nestled under a crunchy topping with a touch of cinnamon.
Whatever rice you like, whatever spring vegetables you have on hand add up to a perfect light rice salad.
This refreshing and perennially popular rum and fresh mint cocktail is a perfect summer sipper.
Bursting with fresh flavor, you won't believe how quick and easy homemade strawberry jam is to make!
