If you’ve got squash, okra, herbs, or cucumbers on hand, I’ve got a few simple (and seriously good) ideas to help you use them well. Let’s make the most of what’s growing—starting right in your own kitchen.
There’s something special about walking into the garden—or strolling through the farmers market—and seeing all that summer goodness piled high. Whether you’re working with a bumper crop of tomatoes or a handful of zucchini from the neighbor’s porch drop-off, now’s the time to enjoy what’s fresh and in season. I’m sharing some of my go-to recipes, helpful storage tips, and easy ways to bring these summer vegetables to the table without a lot of fuss.
Everything You Need to Know About Using Summer Vegetables
Look for vibrant color, a fresh (not overly soft) feel, and a fragrant smell—especially with tomatoes and herbs. I also trust local farm stands and markets since their produce is often picked that morning. If it looks and smells great, it probably is!
Definitely. I like to chop cucumbers, squash, and okra the day before and store them in airtight containers lined with a paper towel. Just wait to slice tomatoes or dress salads until right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Some veggies freeze better than others. I blanch squash and okra before freezing to help them hold their texture, while herbs do well chopped and frozen in olive oil (ice cube trays work great!). Tomatoes can be frozen whole— this post tells you how.
Trim the stems and place them in a glass of water like a bouquet. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate. Tender herbs like basil prefer room temp—but out of direct sunlight. You can also dry or freeze them to use later.
Tomatoes, Tomatoes Everywhere: Smart Ways To Use Every Last One
Summer tomatoes are pure gold—sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. If you’ve got more than you know what to do with, don’t worry—I’ve got ideas!
Toss together a quick tomato salad with fresh herbs, olive oil, and flaky salt. Roast cherry tomatoes for pasta or grain bowls. Or go all in with a Southern favorite: Tomato Pie, made with layers of ripe tomatoes, cheese, and flaky crust.
Tip: Store tomatoes on the counter—not in the fridge—to keep their texture and flavor just right.
Caprese Pasta Salad (Fresh and Easy)
This fresh and easy salad combines all the classic flavors of a Caprese Salad with pasta! Perfect for a simple family meal or when feeding a crowd this make-ahead recipe for the best Caprese Pasta Salad delivers a burst of flavor everyone will love.
Tomato Cucumber Salad (Fresh And Easy)
Tomato Cucumber Salad is a light, refreshing dish made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a simple herb vinaigrette. It’s full of fresh flavor and comes together in just minutes—perfect for summer meals, picnics, or an easy side any day of the week.
Tomato Pie with Cheese & Pesto
Southern Tomato Pie is a classic summer recipe! Layers of ripe tomatoes, cheese, pesto, herbs and onions all baked in a flaky crust for a savory pie that’s downright scrumptious. Once summer tomatoes start coming in, I make one of these pies almost every week either for us or a gathering we might be attending.
Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and herbs tossed in a light creamy dressing with pasta make a salad that's absolutely irresistible! Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but it's colorful, cool, and does double duty as a side dish or salad.
Super Simple Caprese Salad
Fresh Tomato Relish
Fresh Tomato Relish is full of bright, sweet, and tangy flavors making it irresistible! Serve it as an appetizer with crunchy bread and cheese or as a dip with chips. It's super versatile and makes the best topping for grilled burgers, sausages, chicken, and fish.
Fresh Tomato Salad
Fresh Tomato Salad made with red onions, basil and a simple dressing couldn't be easier to make. It's beautiful, smells heavenly, tastes amazing, and is sure to become a favorite side dish in no time!
Couscous Salad With Tomatoes And Feta
This Couscous Salad recipe combines juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs to create a delicious and refreshing salad. It's a healthy side dish perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or fish, and great as a light main dish for lunch. As a bonus, it couldn't be easier to make in just 15 minutes!
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish that packs a punch of fresh, bright flavor. Serve this salad any time of the year for a burst of summer in every bite!
Spicy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Spicy Cucumber Tomato Salad is refreshing and simple to make in just 15 minutes! It's loaded with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and onions along with creamy Feta cheese then tossed in a bright, spicy herb dressing.
How To Roast And Freeze Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes brings out all of their sweet, fresh flavor that’s perfect in soups, sauces and stews, and this recipe will get you prepared for the long winter.
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish that packs a punch of fresh, bright flavor. Serve this salad any time of the year for a burst of summer in every bite!
Best Salad For A Crowd
When it comes to feeding a crowd, salad is an excellent choice for its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you're hosting a party, potluck, or gathering, serving up a delicious salad has something for everyone.
Broccoli Orzo Pasta Salad
Broccoli Pasta Salad is bright, fresh and, loaded with veggies! This simple to make side dish is also great to enjoy as a light lunch. It's the perfect recipe to serve at your next cookout, picnic, or potluck and will be the first dish to go when you're feeding a crowd.
5 Minute Fresh Salsa
This quick and easy homemade salsa comes together in just five minutes using fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples. It’s zesty, bright, and totally customizable—perfect for dipping, topping tacos, or adding a burst of flavor to any meal. Once you make it, you’ll never reach for the jarred kind again!
BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Inspired by a classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad is outrageously good with the addition of cheese tortellini and a light creamy dressing! This easy to make recipe is just the thing for any cookout, potluck, or family gathering.
Don’t Forget the Green Beans!
Green beans are always in my summer kitchen. Whether I’m cooking a weeknight dinner or setting out a big Southern-style family meal, they’re one of those sides I can count on to work with just about anything.
Tip: Fresh green beans retain their freshness well in the refrigerator for several days. I like to go ahead and snap the ends when I bring them home so they’re ready to use when I need a quick side dish.
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
My classic Southern Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is all about cozy, down-home goodness. It’s got fresh string beans, tender red potatoes, and just the right touch of savory bacon, all cooked in butter and a rich broth. This comfort food side dish is a can’t-miss favorite at any holiday or Sunday supper table.
Southern Style Green Beans
Savory, and full of Southern flavor, these green beans are a classic side I turn to again and again. Simmered with bacon and simple seasonings, they’re easy to make and always a hit at the table—whether it’s Sunday supper or a holiday meal.
How To Blanch Green Beans
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to blanch green beans at home, step-by-step. I’m also sharing tips for freezing, storing, and using blanched beans in your everyday cooking. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Skillet Green Beans
Fresh, crisp Skillet Green Beans made in just 15 minutes is one of life's simple pleasures! Made in just one pan and infused with garlic and lemon with just the right amount of red pepper, these green beans are sure to be at the top of your side dish list in no time.
Air Fryer Green Beans (Quick And Easy)
Learn the secret to making the best Air Fryer Green Beans. This quick and easy recipe using fresh green beans is easy to master and is the perfect way to add a delicious side dish to any meal.
Crock Pot Maple Bacon Green Beans
Green beans are a classic side dish now made even easier thanks to the Crock Pot. Tender green beans, with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, and a bit of smokiness from bacon, are so good that this recipe is sure to become a favorite for years to come.
Zucchini and Squash: Easy Recipes You’ll Want on Repeat
Zucchini and yellow squash are true kitchen workhorses in summer. They’re mild, versatile, and cook up in minutes. Try them grilled, sautéed with garlic and onions, or baked into a cheesy casserole like Easy Squash Casserole—a longtime reader favorite.
Tip: Store squash unwashed in a breathable produce bag in your fridge’s crisper drawer. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Zucchini Cheese Quick Bread
Easy, cheesy, and made with fresh zucchini—this savory quick bread comes together in one bowl with no yeast needed. It’s soft, flavorful, and extra good served warm with butter
Zucchini Squash Casserole with Crispy Topping
Squash Casserole is a classic Southern side dish that's pure perfection! Beautiful yellow squash is layered into a cast iron, topped with a crunchy, cheesy crust, and then drizzled with a light butter sauce to create an irresistibly flavorful dish everyone will love.
Southern Fried Squash
Beautiful, yellow squash, lightly battered and fried, is easy to make and excellent as a side dish or as an appetizer. This tender vegetable is abundant in summer, making it a classic southern dish that shows what seasonal eating is all about. Fried Squash is easy to make and it's always a hit!
Easy Sauteed Squash and Onions
This simple and delicious squash dish makes the perfect complement to any main course.
Morning Glory Muffins Recipe
Morning Glory Muffins are loaded with carrots, coconut, walnuts, apples, and zucchini, along with just the right amount of spice and are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Grilled Yellow Squash with Lemon & Chive Vinaigrette
Tender, Grilled yellow squash, grilled to perfection and drizzled with a bright lemon chive vinaigrette is side dish that you'll make all summer long! Fresh vegetables are easy to grill and once you taste the flavor, you'll be hooked.
Easy Zucchini Bread
Goodness gracious, this bread is so moist has rich flavor from the cinnamon & vanilla and just the right amount of crunchy texture from the zucchini & pistachios.
Cucumbers, Slaws & Simple Salads
Nothing cools you down faster than a chilled cucumber salad. I love using them in Creamy Cucumber Salad or tossing with vinegar and onion for a quick pickled version. Southern slaws also shine this time of year—try Southern Vinegar Slaw for a bright, tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or pulled pork.
Tip: Keep cucumbers crisp by wrapping them in a paper towel and storing in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a cool, refreshing side dish that can be made in minutes! Fresh veggies and dill tossed in a light dressing make this salad perfect for any summer party, weeknight meal, or backyard BBQ.
Southern Vinegar Slaw
This Southern vinegar slaw is crisp, tangy, and mayo-free—just the way I like it. Made with cabbage, red onion, and a simple sweet-and-sour dressing, it’s the perfect side for BBQ, on a veggie plate or any warm-weather meal.
Spicy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Spicy Cucumber Tomato Salad is refreshing and simple to make in just 15 minutes! It's loaded with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and onions along with creamy Feta cheese then tossed in a bright, spicy herb dressing.
Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe
Pineapple Slaw is sweet and crunchy with a light dressing that will have you feeling like it's summertime with every single bite! This quick and easy recipe is great to serve as a side dish, take to a covered dish supper and is a must at any backyard BBQ.
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish that packs a punch of fresh, bright flavor. Serve this salad any time of the year for a burst of summer in every bite!
Cranberry Pecan Slaw
Take your coleslaw to a whole new level with sweet, tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans. Mix in an apple and some savory, green onions then toss them all in a creamy dressing for a dish that will be a favorite at any gathering!
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Extra creamy with a healthy crunch, this coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish for any cookout, summer lunch, or dinner. Creamy Coleslaw also makes a terrific topping for hot dogs and hamburgers!
Southern Refrigerator Pickles – Quick Cucumber and Onion Recipe
These quick and easy refrigerator pickles with cucumbers and onions are a Southern summer classic—sweet, tangy, and ready in just a few hours. No canning required!
Carolina BBQ Red Slaw
Carolina BBQ Red Slaw is a tangy, no-mayo cabbage slaw recipe perfect for BBQs! It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for pulled pork and ribs and makes a delicious make-ahead side dish.
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
The perfect cole slaw with an added kick of blue cheese for all of your grilled burgers.
Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and herbs tossed in a light creamy dressing with pasta make a salad that's absolutely irresistible! Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but it's colorful, cool, and does double duty as a side dish or salad.
What To Do With Fresh Herbs (Before They Wilt!)
Fresh herbs can make any dish feel special—but they don’t last long. Use basil in tomato salads or homemade vinaigrettes, sprinkle thyme or rosemary on grilled veggies, or chop up dill for dips and dressings. And don’t toss those leftover sprigs—freeze herbs in olive oil in an ice cube tray for later!
Tip: Store herbs like a bouquet—in a glass of water in the fridge. Cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag to keep them vibrant longer.
Antipasto Skewers: The Ultimate Appetizer or Side Dish
These Antipasto Skewers are a fun, make-ahead appetizer packed with bold Italian flavors. Great for parties, easy dinners, or serving alongside soup or grilled meats—this is finger food done right.
Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery
Celery sticks stuffed with cream cheese, bacon, herbs and cheddar cheese are outrageously good! Served as an appetizer or snack, this is a recipe that's sure to become a favorite at parties, cookouts and family gatherings.
Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing
In just 5 minutes, you can make Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing, perfect for salad greens, a party platter with veggies, or drizzled over chicken or fish. This restaurant-quality homemade dressing is better than anything you can find in a store and it's made with simple, flavorful pantry ingredients.
Dill Pickle Herb Dip
Fresh herbs and dill pickles mixed with cream cheese make a dip that's loaded with tangy, savory flavors with a pop of freshness. Served with veggies, chips, or crackers, it's an appetizer that pickle lovers will go crazy over, and even the "I don't like pickles" crowd will dig into!
Strawberry And Herb Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Fresh strawberries and herbs combined with creamy goat cheese on perfectly toasted bread with a sweet tangy balsamic reduction make an appetizer that's as delicious as it is beautiful!
Cheddar & Chive Cheese Ball
It's just not a party without a cheese ball, right? Whether you're having a small gathering or a large get-together, this Cheddar and Chive Cheese Ball is sure to be hit. Serve it with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies for an appetizer that is sure to impress your guests!
Green Goddess Dressing
Made with fresh herbs, this creamy Green Goddess Dressing is a classic recipe for salads, fish, and pasta. With a pretty green tint, this tangy dressing has a robust flavor from fresh garlic, salty anchovy paste, and sour lemon juice.
Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Potatoes
Chicken, slathered in butter flavored with herbs, then perfectly roasted on a bed of potatoes is something totally fantastic. This simple recipe doesn’t have any fancy tricks and once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s something to brag about! I’ve been roasting chicken for years. I have several different recipes in my collection and
6 Ingredient Garlic Herb Tahini Dressing and Dip
Easy to make with just 6 ingredients, this Garlic Herb Tahini recipe is a homemade dressing and dip all in one!
Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice
Garlic and Herb Rice is full of amazing flavor and is a terrific side dish that can be served any time of year.
Tips for Storing Summer Produce So It Lasts
When your kitchen counter starts to overflow, it’s time to get smart about storage. Most summer produce is best left out until ripe—then moved to the fridge. Use breathable bags or paper towels to manage moisture and prevent spoilage.
Quick Storage Guide:
- Tomatoes – counter (never fridge!)
- Squash/Zucchini – fridge crisper drawer
- Cucumbers – wrapped in a paper towel, in a plastic bag
- Okra – paper bag in the fridge
- Herbs – in water, loosely covered in the fridge
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