Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • Cooking 101
  • Healthy Living
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More Next
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More Next
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More Next
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    • New Year, New You
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentines
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

CookingLight diet CookingLight diet
  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Garden-Fresh Recipes

Garden-Fresh Recipes

July 03, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
Put your homegrown herbs and vegetable bounty to good use this summer with these fresh-from-the-garden recipes.
Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Healthy Garden-Fresh Recipes

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry

This time of year there are so many delightfully fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies to choose from. In honor of the best produce the summer has to offer, we've gathered a list of recipes brimming with seasonal flavor. You won't want to miss a bite.

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Zucchini Pesto With Crudités

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Zucchini Pesto With Crudités

Serve this summery zucchini pesto on a platter with colorful veggies. The cooked zucchini is delicious on its own (try it as a spread) and even better blended with almonds, fresh herbs, and cheese. Garnish with a little extra cheese, if desired.

2 of 28

3 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Goat Cheese Crostini with Watermelon-Beet Salsa

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Goat Cheese Crostini with Watermelon-Beet Salsa

You can use any type of beet, or substitute chopped tomato or more watermelon. Juicy produce adds a nice balance to the tangy flavor of the goat cheese, without becoming runny or mushy. These mini crostini make for the perfect appetizer for a crowd, or a fun summertime snack.

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Blueberry Margaritas

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Blueberry Margaritas

To get a half-salted rim, you'll need to start with a tablespoon of salt—but only about 1 teaspoon ends up sticking to the glasses.

4 of 28

5 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spicy Squash Pickles

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Spicy Squash Pickles

These summer squashes offer meatier flavor and texture than traditional cucumber pickles. This recipe was given top marks by readers—and for good reason. You'll love the burst of fresh flavor that you receive with each bite.

5 of 28

6 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Melanie's Garden-Tomato Soup

View Recipe: Melanie's Garden-Tomato Soup

Fresh diced tomatoes and fresh herbs bring the garden to your table with this delicious tomato soup recipe. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil for an extra kick of freshness.

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Honey-Lemon Spritz

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Honey-Lemon Spritz

Slap the verbena leaves lightly between your palms before you garnish to release essential oils. For ease, make the simple syrup a day ahead and mix just before serving. Opt for a floral honey here, like blueberry or orange blossom. The unique qualities of the honey you use will really shine is this refreshing cocktail.

7 of 28

8 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Summer Veggie Rice Bowl

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Summer Veggie Rice Bowl

Fresh tomatoes, zucchini, basil, and toasted pine nuts bring this rice salad to life. Serve it with 1 pound roasted fresh green beans.

8 of 28

9 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caprese "Salsa" Zucchini with Sea Salt

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Caprese "Salsa" Zucchini with Sea Salt

Find all the fresh flavor of a Caprese salad with the addition of pan-grilled zucchini in this superfast side dish. For more tender zucchini, leave slices in the pan an extra 1 minute on each side. When the flesh starts to look translucent, the zucchini is done.

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cucumber-Lime Infused Gin and Tonic

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Cucumber-Lime Infused Gin and Tonic

Make the gin mixture ahead or let stand at room temp 3 hours. When entertaining, keep an ice bucket, extra utensils, and plenty of napkins handy so guests can help themselves—and so you won't have to be in and out of the kitchen.

10 of 28

11 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Garden Harvest Cake

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Garden Harvest Cake

Zucchini, carrot, and apples add moisture and flavor, eliminating the need for excess butter and oil. This simple cake-like bread only takes about 10 minutes to prepare the batter. Prep tip: Grate the apple, carrot, and zucchini using a handheld grater. A food processor releases more water, which will make the bread wet.

11 of 28

12 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spicy Basil-Beef Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Spicy Basil-Beef Salad

If regular Italian—or Genovese—basil is all you have growing in your garden, it'll work fine. However, it's worth searching out a few extra varieties, such as purple, Thai, or lemon basil. Using a mix of varieties improves the salad by adding visual interest and nuanced flavors. If you can't find hanger steak, substitute flank instead.

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Marinated Peppers and Mozzarella

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Marinated Peppers and Mozzarella

Serve this stunning dish solo as a predinner nosh, or spoon over mixed lettuces for a fresh spin on salad. Reserve excess oil, and toss it with steamed brown rice or noodles.

13 of 28

14 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sweet Heat Arnold Palmer

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sweet Heat Arnold Palmer

Mocktails need not be boring: A habanero chile adds welcome kick to a classic layered Arnold Palmer. The trick to layering beverages is to add liquids to the glass in order of most to least dense. We put most of the sugar into the lemonade (the denser liquid), so be sure to swirl before swigging.

14 of 28

15 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Herby Cucumber Salad

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Herby Cucumber Salad

Creamy and tangy, this simple side comes together in a flash. Don't make the salad ahead—the cucumbers will release too much water.

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bulgur, Mint, and Parsley Salad

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Bulgur, Mint, and Parsley Salad

Light, herby, and vibrantly flavored, this salad makes a great appetizer salad or first course. Make up to two hours ahead so tastes can meld.

16 of 28

17 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mixed Bean-Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Mixed Bean-Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

A bright assemblage of flavors, textures, and colors, this salad can be made early in the day and refrigerated until ready to serve.

17 of 28

18 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Eggplants with Herbs

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Roasted Eggplants with Herbs

A simple preparation yields irresistible results with roasted eggplant. Use very firm, small eggplants; if young and fresh enough, they won't be bitter.

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quick Pickled Dilly Green Beans

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Quick Pickled Dilly Green Beans

A fresh alternative to pickled cukes, these crisp, crunchy treats make a zesty summer snack, garnish for a Bloody Mary, or condiment in a sandwich or salad. They're easy to prepare and will keep up to a week in the refrigerator.

19 of 28

20 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lavender Lemonade

View Recipe: Lavender Lemonade

Lavender adds a delightfully different dimension to this refreshing summer favorite. Garnishing with lavender stems makes for a pretty presenation.

20 of 28

21 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Smoky Tomato Salsa

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Smoky Tomato Salsa

Smoked tomatoes and jalapeño pepper make a world of difference in this salsa and blend beautifully with the garlic and lime. Garnish with a cilantro sprig, if desired.

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Herb-Glazed Carrots

Credit: Photo: David Prince
View Recipe: Herb-Glazed Carrots

This is a delicious, versatile summer side dish for roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak. This recipe is full of garden-to-table freshness.

22 of 28

23 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
View Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

The rich and creamy combination of bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar is a nice foil for the muted spice of grilled jalapeño peppers. This recipe is a healthy, fresh alternative to the popular breaded and fried version. If making these poppers for a party, you can stuff the peppers, cover, and chill. Then grill just before your guests arrive.

23 of 28

24 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spiced Marinated Tomatoes

View Recipe: Spiced Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes are a great choice for summer entertaining because you can marinate up to two days ahead. This spiced-up version features jalapeño pepper, ginger and cumin.

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Summer Squash Pizza

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Summer Squash Pizza

You can use all zucchini or yellow squash for this grilled pie—whatever you have on hand. Serve one slice as an appetizer or two with a salad for a simple supper.

25 of 28

26 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black-Eyed Pea and Tomato Salsa

Credit: Photo: Joseph De Leo
View Recipe: Black-Eyed Pea and Tomato Salsa

Adding the inner veins and seeds from the poblano chile will increase the heat in this salsa. Serve with tortilla chips for a fresh summer appetizer.

26 of 28

27 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Frozen Mint Margaritas

View Recipe: Frozen Mint Margaritas

Fresh mint adds a delicious, refreshing flavor to this drink that's hard to resist. For an appealing presentation, rub the rims of the margarita glasses with lime wedges and dip the rims in a half-and-half mixture of kosher salt and sugar. Serve with fresh lime wedges as a garnish, if desired.

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

What a showcase for garden treasures! Rainbow layers of veggies benefit from extra basil tucked in between for more flavor. Grilling brings out earthy tones that are balanced out by the tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 28 Healthy Garden-Fresh Recipes
2 of 28 Zucchini Pesto With Crudités
3 of 28 Goat Cheese Crostini with Watermelon-Beet Salsa
4 of 28 Blueberry Margaritas
5 of 28 Spicy Squash Pickles
6 of 28 Melanie's Garden-Tomato Soup
7 of 28 Honey-Lemon Spritz
8 of 28 Summer Veggie Rice Bowl
9 of 28 Caprese "Salsa" Zucchini with Sea Salt
10 of 28 Cucumber-Lime Infused Gin and Tonic
11 of 28 Garden Harvest Cake
12 of 28 Spicy Basil-Beef Salad
13 of 28 Marinated Peppers and Mozzarella
14 of 28 Sweet Heat Arnold Palmer
15 of 28 Herby Cucumber Salad
16 of 28 Bulgur, Mint, and Parsley Salad
17 of 28 Mixed Bean-Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
18 of 28 Roasted Eggplants with Herbs
19 of 28 Quick Pickled Dilly Green Beans
20 of 28 Lavender Lemonade
21 of 28 Smoky Tomato Salsa
22 of 28 Herb-Glazed Carrots
23 of 28 Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños
24 of 28 Spiced Marinated Tomatoes
25 of 28 Summer Squash Pizza
26 of 28 Black-Eyed Pea and Tomato Salsa
27 of 28 Frozen Mint Margaritas
28 of 28 Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Cooking Light

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Cooking Light Diet this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Cooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

View image

Garden-Fresh Recipes
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.