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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.

Plate of Tomato Panzanella.

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

Herb Orzo Salad

Herb Orzo Salad

Tiny rice shaped pasta is surrounded with chopped herbs and vegetables in this colorful, cheerful, portable orzo salad.

Southwest Black Bean and Corn Salad

Cowboy Caviar

Beautiful, easy, inexpensive, vegetarian, satisfying…Cowboy Caviar is a win-win.

Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

Pretty, inexpensive, satisfying, colorful, and portable – we all need a perfect carrot salad recipe in our repertoire!

Scallops with grill marks.

Grilled Scallops

Sweet, buttery, plump, briny sea scallops cooked on the grill are a luxurious summer treat.

Green Bean Nicoise Salad

Green Bean Nicoise Salad

Capers, shallots, Dijon, olives, sherry vinegar, fresh herbs –  it’s really a vinaigrette on steroids.

Grilled Mexican Rib-Eye Steaks / Katie Workman / themom100.com / Photo by Cheyenne Cohen

Grilled Mexican Rib-Eye Steaks

Thick ribeye steaks get a dusting of a robust Mexican seasoning blend before being fired up on the grill.

Summer Fruit and Berry Sangria

Summer Fruit and Berry Sangria

Sangria is one of the most deliciously fun ways to make the most of summer fruit.

Ramp Chimichurri Sauce / Photo by Kerri Brewer / Katie Workman / themom100.com

Ramp Chimichurri Sauce

Ramps are a clever Spring stand in for both the parsley and the garlic in this classic Argentinian sauce.

Easy Classic Potato Salad

Easy Classic Potato Salad

This is a perfect potato salad, all-American and old-fashioned in the best sense of the word.

Grilled Asparagus with Vinaigrette

Grilled Asparagus with Vinaigrette

A fabulous, pretty, simple warm-weather side. Make sure to serve with grains or crusty bread to sop up all of the tangy vinaigrette.

Sugar Snap Pea Salad

Sugar Snap Pea Salad

A pretty and fresh salad that takes minutes to put together, and brightens up any meal.

White bowl of Stir Fried Crispy Tofu and Vegetables and rice.

Simple Stir-Fried Crispy Tofu and Vegetables

Nuggets of tender but chewy tofu and a slew of vegetables become a perfect vegetarian stir-fry.

Grilled Soy-Ginger Pork Chops

Grilled Soy-Ginger Pork Chops

If you are into teriyaki-like flavors, then this super simple pork chop recipe will be a hit in your house.

Summer Whole Grain and Vegetable Salad

Summer Whole Grain and Vegetable Salad

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.

Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica)

Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica)

This gorgeous ruby red drink is refreshingly sweet-tart, and the perfect pitcher staple for summer.

Simple Couscous Salad

Simple Couscous Salad

Just a few vegetables turn quickly cooked couscous into a beautiful salad that rounds out any meal perfectly.

Melon-Cucumber Salad with Feta

Melon-Cucumber Salad with Feta

This amazingly flavorful yet refreshing summer salad is perfect for brunch, picnics, buffets, you name it.

Plum and Nectarine Crisp in a Dutch oven and on a plate.

Plum and Nectarine Crisp

Summer nestled under a crunchy topping with a touch of cinnamon.

Spring Vegetable and Rice Salad

Spring Vegetable and Rice Salad

Whatever rice you like, whatever spring vegetables you have on hand add up to a perfect light rice salad.

Woman holding a Mojito in a tall glass.

Mojito

This refreshing and perennially popular rum and fresh mint cocktail is a perfect summer sipper.

How to Make Strawberry Jam

Strawberry Jam

Bursting with fresh flavor, you won't believe how quick and easy homemade strawberry jam is to make!

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