Ever notice how fruits and veggies just taste better when they’re in season? That’s the whole idea behind these 15 recipes. They’re all about making the most of what’s fresh and fully ripe right now. It’s not just about flavor, though that’s a huge part of it. Cooking with seasonal ingredients is also a great way to support local farmers and do a bit of good for the planet at the same time.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Experience the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a hint of seasoning. Using an air fryer brings out their creamy inside and crispy outside without much oil. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes is perfect for those looking for a healthier side that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
This salad twists the classic Caesar with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Fresh, crunchy greens are paired with dressings and seasonings, making it anything but your average salad. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is a vibrant, flavorful option for anyone wanting to spice up their salad routine.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Combine the tanginess of sauerkraut with the sweet crispness of apples and the savory depth of bacon for a truly unique dish. This Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon celebrates the autumn harvest, bringing together flavors that might surprise you. A great side dish that pairs well with hearty meats.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Fried Tomatillos
Offering a tangy and crispy experience that’s hard to resist is Fried Tomatillos. This dish is a great way to enjoy this underappreciated seasonal vegetable, bringing a burst of flavor to your palate. It’s an excellent appetizer or side dish that introduces a refreshing acidity to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
German Kohlrabi
A lesser-known veggie takes the spotlight in this simple German Kohlrabi. Its mild, sweet flavor is enhanced with a touch of butter and herbs, making it a delicious side. This dish is a celebration of seasonal eating, putting a spotlight on produce you might not try otherwise.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
When spring rolls around, asparagus becomes a star, and this dish highlights its freshness and natural flavors. Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone is a side dish that feels decadent yet light. This recipe turns a simple vegetable into an elegant addition to large spread.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Looking for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite? Smoked Sweet Potatoes are a must-try. The smoking process infuses these root veggies with a deep, complex flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that makes the most of fall’s bounty. Perfect if you want to enjoy seasonal produce in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Add a luxurious creaminess to your meals with Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. It’s a rich, flavorful side that pairs well with just about everything. Using fresh spinach, it’s a leafy, nutritious dish that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. A great example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Garlic and rosemary come together to turn potatoes into a fragrant, irresistible side dish. This Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes brings out the earthy goodness of potatoes. It’s a cozy, comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with meats or as a hearty vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Beans with Bacon
Searching for a timeless combination? Beans with Bacon brings smoky, savory flavors to the forefront. This dish uses fresh beans, upgrading a simple ingredient into something extraordinary. It’s a versatile side that complements a wide range of main courses. It’s proof of the magic of simple, seasonal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Beans with Bacon
Grilled Veggies
The ultimate way to celebrate the season’s produce is Grilled Veggies. This dish brings together a variety of vegetables, each grilled to perfection to highlight their unique flavors. It’s a colorful, healthy, and delicious addition to any BBQ or dinner table. It’s an easy, versatile recipe you should keep.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Level up a classic side dish with the addition of savory bacon. The green beans retain their crisp freshness while the almonds add a crunch. This Green Beans Almondine with Bacon strikes the perfect balance between savory and earthy flavors. It’s a sophisticated yet easy-to-make side.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Bring a fun twist to traditional corn on the cob, inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn. The grill marks add a smoky flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the corn. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs is an innovative, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for any outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Southern Green Beans
Slow-cooked to perfection, Southern Green Beans absorbs a wealth of flavors along the way. This dish emphasizes the depth of flavors that can be achieved with patience and the right seasonings. It’s a comforting, hearty side that brings a taste of the South to any table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans
Bacon Fried Corn
Bacon Fried Corn combines sweet, fresh corn with crispy bacon for a side dish that’s hard to resist. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors, capturing the essence of summer. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for picnics, BBQs, or a casual family dinner. Enjoy two of the season’s favorites together!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn