With summer finally here, that means the arrival of a ton of exciting things: no school, lots of sunshine, fun family vacays, and (most importantly, of course) the peak of berry season. You can finally kiss buying containers of mushy, subpar berries at the grocery store goodbye, as the summer time gives us all of nature’s candy at its very best.
Us too! Explore our ultimate guide to traveling with kids—from destination ideas and hotel recs to flying tips and more.
Obviously, we can’t let this precious window of opportunity go to waste, right? So, it’s time to use those delicious strawberries, blueberries, and every other berry in between to spice up all of your summer dishes—and we mean all of them.
We’ve whipped up a list of more than 20 summer berry recipes for appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts so you can get creative in the kitchen with the best fruit of the season. From classic berry salads to strawberry guacamole (yes, you read that right), read on for seasonal recipe inspo that you won’t want to miss.
Appetizers
Strawberry Guacamole
This isn’t your typical summer guac recipe… but don’t knock it until you try it for yourself and experience its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Source: Closet Cooking
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberries aren’t just for Thanksgiving time, people! Use them at their prime to try out these delicious brie puff pastries that are perfect for a quick bite.
Source: Garnish with Lemon
Greek Yogurt Berry Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for something super simple, classic, and refreshing, this berry and yogurt salad is the recipe for you.
Source: Savory Nothings
Spicy Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa
Sweet, spicy, and savory all at once? Sign us up! This unique and delicious dip is bound to be an unexpected fan favorite at your next summer get together.
Source: A Saucy Kitchen
Sweet & Salty Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is a great way to use all of the different types of berries you want, and this recipe gives you the low-down on how to nail that sweet to salty ratio you’re looking for.
Source: Precious Core
Main Dishes
Blackberry Balsamic Trout
Berries and fish may not be your run-of-the-mill dinner combo, but once you try this light-yet-tangy trout recipe, it’ll easily become one of your new staples.
Source: Closet Cooking
Berry with Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza
You can’t go wrong with a pizza, you know? Try out this tasty recipe to up your game from a typical plain cheese or pepperoni moment.
Source: Foodie Crush
Brie Cheese Quesadillas with Strawberry Salsa
This is definitely another “don’t knock it ’til you try it” recipe! This is a fun and different recipe that’s easy to throw together and that your kiddos will love, too.
Source: She Likes Food
Blackberry Brie Sandwich
Brie and arugula on a sandwich is always good, but brie, arugula, and blackberries on a sandwich? Now that’s the dream summer entree.
Source: Basil and Bubbly
Raspberry Balsamic Grilled Pork Chops
The sweetness of the berries and balsamic paired with the heartiness of the pork chop makes for the tastiest summer dinner perfect to serve at your next BBQ.
Source: Closet Cooking
Side Dishes
Berry Avocado Salad with Matcha Dressing
This recipe’s creamy matcha dressing perfectly compliments the light and refreshing spinach and berry salad—and is a lot easier to make than you think!
Source: Eat The Gains
Cranberry Pecan Roasted Vegetables
This is a great side dish to toss together if you want something a little more warm and savory that still has that summer berry sweetness you’re looking for.
Source: The Salty Marshmallow
Farro, Kale, and Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese
This salad is made up of just a couple of ingredients and is a great universal side dish to lean on all summer long.
Source: Family Food On The Table
Blueberry Basil Quinoa Salad
Who would’ve thought to pair blueberries and quinoa together? Not me, but it works so well! If you want to step up your side salad game to be a little more out of the box, this is the recipe for you.
Source: Family Food On The Table
Berry Caprese Salad
We all love a classic Caprese salad made with tomatoes, but once you try out this one made with berries instead, you’ll have a hard time going back to the original—it’s just that good.
Source: Two Peas & Their Pod
Desserts
Raspberry Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Cookies
You can never go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie, and you especially can’t go wrong with a chocolate and raspberry combo, so this is pretty much the perfect dessert.
Source: Baker By Nature
Strawberry Tiramisu Trifle
The sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the chocolate and espresso makes for a decadent dessert that you won’t be able to put down.
Source: Jo Cooks
Vegan Raspberry Cheesecake
Just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s hard to make! This super simple cheesecake is completely animal product-free and ridiculous tasty.
Source: The Movement Menu
Triple Berry Crisp
This tasty berry crisp is an awesome option for a big potluck BBQ or dinner party where you need to make something in bulk but still want to keep things as easy as possible in the kitchen.
Source: Cooking Classy
Blueberry Coconut Cupcakes
While these are the definitely the perfect treat to enjoy all summer long, you can throw some red sprinkles on top of these guys and serve them as a cute and delicious Fourth of July treat!
Source: Life Love & Sugar
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
This is the perfect healthier option for those hot summer days when all you and your kiddos want is something cold and refreshing to help you cool off.
Source: A Night Owl
Lemon Raspberry Cake
Lemon and raspberry is yet another match-made-in-heaven flavor combination, so you already know this crumb cake is absolutely to-die-for.
Source: Plated Cravings
