There’s something special about stepping into your garden and gathering fresh ingredients for dinner, dessert, or even a refreshing drink.
Whether you’re growing herbs on your patio or harvesting fruit from the backyard, homegrown ingredients add incredible flavor with very little effort.
This summer, make the most of the season with these simple recipes featuring some of our favorite edible plants.
Fresh Basil Tomato Bruschetta
Perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish.
Ingredients
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toasted baguette slices
Directions
Mix tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes so the flavors can meld. Spoon onto toasted baguette slices and serve.
Garden Tip: Fresh-picked basil makes all the difference—its sweet aroma is one of summer’s best flavors.
Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes
A simple side dish that pairs with almost any meal.
Ingredients
• 2 pounds baby potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Lemon Thyme Grilled Chicken
Fresh herbs make everyday dinners feel gourmet.
Ingredients
• 4 chicken breasts
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper
Directions
Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling until fully cooked.
Blueberry Basil Lemonade
A refreshing drink for summer afternoons.
Ingredients
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 6–8 basil leaves
• Fresh lemonade
• Ice
• Sparkling water (optional)
Directions
Lightly muddle the blueberries and basil together. Add to a glass filled with ice, pour in lemonade, and top with sparkling water if desired.
Banana Blueberry Smoothie
Quick, healthy, and perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
• 1 banana
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup milk
• Honey to taste
• Ice
Directions
Blend until smooth and creamy. Garnish with a few fresh blueberries.
Lavender Honey Lemonade
A beautiful summer drink that’s both refreshing and relaxing.
Ingredients
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon culinary lavender
• 4 cups water
Directions
Simmer one cup of water with the lavender for 5 minutes. Strain, then stir in honey while warm. Combine with lemon juice and remaining cold water. Serve over ice.
Tip: Be sure to use culinary lavender for cooking and beverages.
Fresh Herb Butter
Use it on bread, grilled vegetables, steak, or corn on the cob.
Ingredients
• 1 stick softened butter
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon oregano, chopped
• Pinch of salt
Directions
Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Summer Kitchen Garden Checklist
Inspired to bring fresh flavor straight from your backyard? These easy-to-grow staple herbs and fruits are perfect for adding to your summer recipes.
Plant this season:
• Basil
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Papayas
Whether you have a large backyard or just a sunny patio, growing a few culinary herbs and fruiting plants makes it easy to enjoy fresh, homegrown ingredients all season long.
Visit your local Calloway’s or Cornelius Nursery to find everything you need to start your own edible garden and enjoy garden-to-table cooking all summer long!