20 Foods You Need to Eat Before Summer Ends
By Nancy Chen and Dyan Khor
There’s no doubt that you’re trying to take advantage of the last days of summer. But in between fitting in last-minute summer activities like going to the lake house or having that last bonfire, make sure to fit in these summer foods. These include super easy recipes for in-season or foods you can find at local restaurants. Because seriously, you will have so much regret if you miss out on these — just take a look at the drool-worthy insta pics to come.
From seasonal fruits to traditional summer eats, we’ve got you covered. We’ve picked the best of the best on Insta for your “eat this ASAP before summer ends” bucket list.
Because let’s be real, food bucket lists are the best type of bucket lists.
MORE: 12 Summer Drinks for Every Mood
1. Arugula
We’re over kale (at least for now). Summer’s all about arugula, because it’s fresh, peppery and not bitter like kale is. Try arugula as a base for your salad — it’ll leave you feeling refreshed.
2. Avocado
Though we eat avocado toast year-round (call us basic, we don’t care), our avocado intake definitely increases during the summer because they’re cheaper. Try putting bacon and a poached egg on your avo toast for maximum #foodporn and #yolkporn.
MORE: 15 Creative New Ways to Prepare Avocado
3. Basil
Instagram.com/halfbakedharvest
If anyone tells you that basil can’t be the star of a dish, this fresh basil salad with proscuitto and cantaloupe proves them wrong.
4. Blackberries
Blackberry picking is worth the thorns — and worth eating those fresh blackberries. If you have extra, pack them into a dessert, like this mixed berry torte.
5. Cantaloupe
This is the easiest smoothie ever. Cantaloupe + ice = the perfect end-of-summer drink.
6. Cherries
Galettes are perfect for when you’re too lazy to make a pie (because you know, summer’s all about that laziness). Grab a pint of ice cream and sit down with this galette full of peaches and cherries.
7. Corn
You’ve probably had corn on the cob a million times this summer, but there’s so much more you can do with corn (and so much more you should do before it goes out of season). This corn gnocchi is the perfect summer comfort food — and is super simple to make.
8. Cucumber
Veggie noodles are all the craze nowadays — and for good reason. They’re cooling, low carb and way prettier than real noodles.
9. Figs
Hawaiian pizza is so last summer. Sub pineapples for figs, which are everywhere in farmers’ markets right now. So try this ham, fig and onion pizza to get your sweet and salty fix.
MORE: 19 Creative Desserts to Start Summer Off Right
10. Kiwis
Instagram.com/gordana_des_recettes_a_gogo
Sometimes, simplicity is best. Instead of overwhelming your taste buds with a bunch of different fruits, try this kiwi tart that just gives you the basics — custard and kiwi.
11. Limes
Limes aren’t just for tequila anymore. Add some zing to your mason jar breakfast with some fresh lime to take advantage of the ripe summer citrus.
12. Lemons
You know the drill — when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Add a twist with some other seasonal fruit like these strawberries for the ultimate summer refreshment.
13. Mangoes
(photographed at top of page; Instagram.com/earthyandy)
Stuck in a rut for lunch (especially if you’re bringing lunch for your summer internship)? Make these mango summer rolls, which you can make and transport with ease.
14. Nectarines
Switch up the classic Tuscan “prosciutto with cantaloupe” by using seasonal nectarines instead.
15. Peaches
Instagram.com/halfbakedharvest
It’s always a good time for pizza. Change up your traditional cheese pizza and take advantage of all the fresh peaches with this BLT and grilled peach pizza. And a bonus for spicy food lovers? There’s also a recipe for jalapeño honey.
MORE: 24 Pasta Recipes That Are Perfect For Summer
16. Pineapple
Seriously, this is pineapple-ception — what more do we need to say? Enjoy the uber tropical vibes poolside before you have to hit the books in the library again this fall.
17. Raspberries
Instagram.com/sidecardoughnuts
This doughnut is topped with summer-fresh peaches and raspberries, which kind of justifies you having it as breakfast, right?
MORE: The Ultimate Raspberry And Mango Poolside Super Smoothie Sipper
18. Rhubarb
Vegetables in pie are still vegetables right? Rhubarb and strawberry make for an amazing pie mixture and totally count towards your daily veggie goals.
19. Strawberries
Instagram.com/beyondsweetandsavory
Let’s be honest — it’s way too hot to turn on your oven right now. This strawberry basil cheesecake is no-bake, aka super easy. It’s an unique flavor combo that takes advantage of the crazy amount of strawberries you probably have.
20. Tomatoes
Instagram.com/halfbakedharvest
Summer’s full of gorgeous fruits and veggies, and heirloom tomatoes are one of the prettiest of all. Try them in a new flavor combination with this tomato and honey toast.
For the rest of the foods you need to eat before summer ends, click here.
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