36 Stellar Summer Farmers' Market Recipes

Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Photo: Alison Miksch

Summertime is prime time for fresh produce from your local farmers' market, where you'll find peaches, creole tomatoes, okra, corn, summertime squash, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and so much more. In the South, summertime recipes abound from farmers' markets bursting at the seams with fresh, colorful, and tasty fruits and vegetables. With such fresh, local ingredients, there are plenty of easy summer recipes practically begging to be made. To name a few: light and veggie-packed pasta with mouthwatering marinated, homegrown tomatoes, veggie-topped pizza with crunchy fresh flavor, and savory, crispy pan fried zucchini fritters. And that's not even to mention the classic Southern summertime staple, Fried Green Tomatoes. For a light dinner or happy lunch, throw all your farmers' market bounty into one impressive summertime salad. With a few of our best produce tips and freshness-saving tricks, a trip to your local farmers' market will become a weekly occasion. Take advantage of summer's vibrant bounty from farmers' markets, local farm stands, or even your own backyard with these delicious summer dinner recipes that'll last you until the fall harvest.

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Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes

Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Grilled Corn-and-Salmon Salad with Tomatoes

Corn and tomatoes are in season all summer long, making this a winner for your weeknight rotation.

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Shrimp-and-Corn Succotash

Shrimp-and-Corn Succotash
Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Corn Succotash

We added shrimp to this classic Southern side dish to make it filling enough for a meal.

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Curried Okra Shoestring Fries

Curried Okra Shoestring Fries
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Curried Okra Shoestring Fries

These thin and crispy fries will keep everyone coming back for more.

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Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herbs

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herbs
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herbs

Nothing screams summer in the South more than plump, juicy heirloom tomatoes. Although these larger, colorful tomatoes have become more popular and readily available in recent years, they are still at their peak in the summer months.

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Mexican Street Corn Pizza

Mexican Street Corn Pizza
Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pizza

All the flavors of Mexican Street Corn matches with crunchy pizza crust.

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Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Serve these crispy baked chips as a side or an app.

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Heirloom Tomato Pie

Heirloom Tomato Pie Recipe
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pie

This tomato pie is stunning, and tastes like summer.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy. Add this recipe to your repetoire for a no-fail crowd pleaser that will be a winner with friends and family no matter what the occasion. When you're looking for a more powerful flavor in the dressing, substitute blue cheese for the feta. Don't skimp when it comes to the dill—you'll love the fresh flavor.

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Chilled Cucumber Soup

Chilled Cucumber Soup
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Chilled Cucumber Soup

Stay cool as a cucumber this summer with this bright soup.

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Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These peppers are filled with gooey and hearty flavors with a smoky finish.

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Field Pea Fattoush Salad

Field Pea Fattoush Salad
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Field Pea Fattoush Salad

This Middle Eastern dish is made with toasted pita for some crunch.

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Grilled Baby Eggplant Parmesan

Grilled Baby Eggplant Parmesan
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Grilled Baby Eggplant Parmesan

Use fresh eggplant for these cute and convenient Parmesan boats.

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Chilled Sweet Corn Soup

Chilled Sweet Corn Soup
Becky Luigart-Stayner; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Chilled Sweet Corn Soup

Make use of sweet corn in this refreshing summer soup.

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Steak-and-Bell Pepper Salad

Steak-and-Bell Pepper Salad
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Steak-and-Bell Pepper Salad

This main dish salad has all the fixings to keep you full.

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Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad

Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad

Tangy lime-ginger-mint vinaigrette is soaked up by fresh tomatoes and cubed watermelon.

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Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomato Salad

Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomato Salad
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomato Salad

Show off baby zucchini in this take on panzanella salad.

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Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is always a hit, but make it a summertime special by placing tomatoes on top.

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Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella

This recipe couldn't be easier to whip together. Start with 8 ounces of cooked pasta, stir in our Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes with desired amount of vinaigrette, and, as the finishing touch, add 1/2 cup small mozzarella balls. You'll love how quickly this fresh dinner recipe comes together.

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BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

BLT Salad
Alison Miksch

Recipe: BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

Bake the croutons and bacon together on the same baking sheet. This rustic salad only take 20 minutes to whip up and, trust us, the results are well worth the effort. You might be tempted to go for the store-bought stuff, but homemade buttermilk dressing will really kick this salad up a notch.

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Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss
Greg DuPree

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

Serve this fresh summer salad with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices. If you can't find heirloom tomatoes near you, don't worry—this salad will be just as delicious with any ripe tomato.

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Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

Always use a serrated knife, which cuts through the tomato's skin without damaging flesh and losing juice. These savory sandwiches are great for a casual summer cocktail party. Just slice in half to make handling just a bit easier—especially if guests are also juggling a cocktail glass.

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Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

The vinaigrette is made with salty soy sauce, but before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to add texture to the fresh tomatoes. This is probably the easiest side dish you'll come across this summer, but don't let its ease fool you—it's absolutely packed with fresh, seasonal flavor.

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Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes

Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes

This recipe makes a flavorful Tomato Vinaigrette for adding to all types of salads. Be sure to serve immediately. We love our Marinated Tomatoes tossed with spaghetti and mozzarella in our Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella recipe or use them as a garnish in a Bloody Mary. Trust us, you won't run out of ways to serve these pretty little tomatoes.

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Lady Pea-and-Corn Patties

Lady Pea and Corn Patties
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Lady Pea-and-Corn Patties

These meat-free patties have the perfect amount of crunch thanks to the crispy edges.

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Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone

Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone

Blister and burst tomatoes under the broiler to hide imperfections and concentrate flavor. Use extras to fill omelets or sandwiches.

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Zucchini-Potato Casserole

Zucchini-Potato Casserole
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Zucchini-Potato Casserole

This elegant tian, a French dish of layered vegetables, is delicious warm or at room temp.

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Cucumber-Basil Dressing

Cucumber-Basil Dressing
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cucumber-Basil Dressing

Tomatoes, meet a new best friend.

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Fried Zucchini Straws

Fried Zucchini Straws
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Fried Zucchini Straws

One bite of these Fried Zucchini Straws and you'll be hooked.

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Summer Squash Casserole

Summer Squash Casserole
Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole

Summer squash casserole is the most versatile Southern side dish. It pairs well with everything from fried chicken at a summertime Sunday lunch to roast turkey at Thanksgiving.

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Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Farmers' Market Pasta Salad
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta al dente (1 or 2 minutes shorter than package directions specify) so it holds its shape when tossed with the vegetables and vinaigrette. Ripe for riffs, this pasta salad recipe is also delicious with cheese-filled tortellini.

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Squash Frittata

Squash Frittata
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Squash Frittata

This frittata makes a stunning presentation when plated. Fresh summer squash flavor abounds in every bite.

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Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

Two Southern favorites come together to create one delicious recipe.

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Mint-Champagne Shrub

Mint-Champagne Shrub
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Mint-Champagne Shrub

Shrub cocktails get their tart pucker from vinegar.

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Salted Caramel Strawberries

Salted Caramel Strawberries
Jennifer Davick; Styling: Leigh Anne Montgomery

Recipe: Salted Caramel Strawberries

Simple yet elegant, these sweet and salty confections are sure to impress your guests at a party. A hint of salt added to melted caramel creates a wonderful flavor combination on top of one of summer's best fruits. Cover with chopped mixed nuts for an extra crunch and beautiful presentation.

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Strawberry Caprese Salad

Strawberry Caprese Salad
IAIN BAGWELL

Recipe: Strawberry Caprese Salad

Strawberry, basil, and mini mozzarella balls make this salad pretty and tasty.

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Mexican Grilled-Corn Salad with Citrus Aioli

Mexican Grilled-Corn Salad with Citrus Aioli
Rick Poon

Recipe: Mexican Grilled-Corn Salad with Citrus Aioli

This sweet and salty corn salad can be made the night before for easy prep.

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