Summertime in Colorado bursts forth with long sunny days, breathtaking hikes, and an abundance of fresh, local produce. Support Boulder County’s local farmers by shopping for produce, meat, and dairy products at area farmers markets, each weekend. Eating seasonally is better for the environment, economy, and our bodies. Here are some recipes that highlight Colorado’s summer produce and are sure to delight dinner guests.
This chilled soup from Bon Appetit is a crowd pleaser and won’t heat up the house during summer’s warmest weeks. Juicy, ripe tomatoes enter the farmers market scene late June and can linger through October. From heirloom and vine-ripened to lush little sun golds, Colorado’s tomatoes are refreshing and juicy. Use them for a bright, tasty tomato gazpacho.
Fresh, spicy arugula and zesty mint shine in this picnic-perfect side dish. Greens begin to pop up from warm, fertile garden beds as early as May but may be available year-round from hot houses. Local watermelon patches begin to bear fruit in late August and stick around through October. This refreshing salad is a lovely addition to any barbeque.
A hearty, chilled chicken salad sandwich satisfies the post-hike hunger pains like nothing else. This recipe features colorful bell peppers, refreshing cucumbers, and bright pink radishes – in season all summer long. Purchase farm-raised chicken from local poultry farmers for a healthy, light meal.
Baking a pie will heat the house, but smells of a buttery crust and caramelizing fruit will be totally worth it. Blueberries and strawberries are available starting in July while Palisade peaches fill shelves closer to August. Apricots, plums, raspberries, and apples are readily available August through October, meaning there’s no shortage to baked, fruited desserts that are seasonal and indulgent.
July in Colorado really begins to burst with plenty of fruits, veggies, and everyone’s favorite – sweet corn. Corn’s versatility and ripe, juicy crunch make it the perfect addition to any salsa, salad, taco, and more. This corn salsa recipe is similar to Chipotle’s and is an awesome pool-side snack.
This healthy recipe is quick and convenient. Pick up bright green broccoli starting in late July and add it to any backyard barbeque menu. Tossing thick stalks on the grill makes this mundane vegetable much more interesting and appetizing to even the most finicky of eaters.
Use small new potatoes for a twist on the classic potato salad recipe. This one isn’t full of mayo, but instead showcases creamy avocados, zesty red onion, and crisp cilantro. If you’re planning on taking this potato salad to a potluck, double the recipe – it’s always a crowd favorite.
Colorado summers are unlike any other. Beautiful day hikes are finished off perfectly with Creekside picnics, backyard barbeques, and brewery hangs. Here’s a complete list of seasonal produce from our great state.
Verrawest Apartments in Longmont provide easy access to a variety of local farmers markets. Create beautiful, seasonal dishes and enjoy a better shopping experience at this summer’s bountiful markets. Contact us today to learn more.