July might just be one of the best months for produce! With fresh berries and stone fruits, tons of veggies and fresh herbs, tomatoes, and SO much more—this guide will highlight what’s in season, along with July recipe ideas you can make using your fresh produce.
There are so many reasons to eat seasonally, and just to name a few: it helps you get the most flavorful, budget-friendly, nutrient-dense foods. But even bigger than that, it positively impacts the environment by contributing fewer carbon emissions in food transportation, while also supporting your local community of growers. When I signed up for my first CSA years ago, I fully adopted the mindset of eating seasonally and locally when possible, and I honestly still eat this way as much as I can! And it's totally doable for everyday families with approachable recipes like the ones below.
If you're ready to start eating seasonally (or already are!), read on for some more details around July seasonal produce and recipe inspiration to get you started.
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What's in Season in July?
In July, be sure to stock up on:
- Vegetables: bell peppers, jalapeños, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, corn, cabbage, leafy greens (chard, leaf lettuce, spinach), summer squash
- Fruits: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sweet cherries, tart cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon
- Herbs: dill, cilantro, basil, mint, tarragon, chives
Eat Local Tip: If you can, head to your local co-op or farmers market, or sign up for a CSA or community garden plot (or your own garden at home!). Eating locally grown food is an easy way to have a more sustainable kitchen. If it's not possible or accessible, select seasonal produce from your usual grocery store based on this guide!
How to eat seasonally where YOU are: Fruit and veggie seasons will vary across climates and hemispheres, so "seasonal" might mean something slightly depending on where you live. The best (and most fun!) way to know exactly what's in season near you? Experience it for yourself! This is how I learned to embrace seasonal eating—going to local farmers markets, shopping at local food co-ops, and signing up for CSAs. Notice what is local and available. Maybe even join a community garden or start your own, even if it's small!
Seasonal Recipes to Make In July
Berries & Stone Fruits
In July, all the blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are popping off! Also, stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, cherries, and plums are at their peak. All of these fruits are excellent for salads, pies, crisps, overnight oats, and baked oatmeal.
Peach Pie Yogurt Bowls
Peach pie yogurt bowls are are a quick, easy, and high protein breakfast to enjoy in summer with juicy, peak season peaches! Complete with warming cinnamon and crunchy granola, the flavors and textures of these yogurt bowls almost taste like dessert.
Very Cherry Vinaigrette
This simple cherry vinaigrette comes together with just four ingredients! Use on all your favorite salads, especially in summer with all the fresh greens, as well as hearty grain salads.
Summertime Blackberry Baked Oatmeal (Meal-Prep Friendly!)
This blackberry baked oatmeal recipe is a cozy, nutrient-packed breakfast with juicy blackberries, bright lemon, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for meal prep or a weekend brunch, it’s wholesome, delicious, and easy to make!
Ridiculously Good Blueberry Lemon Overnight Oats
These blueberry lemon overnight oats are a healthy and filling breakfast recipe! They're extra creamy, high in protein, and bursting with bright lemon and juicy blueberries. Prepare them the night before, and breakfast will be ready when you wake up!
Peach Blueberry Salad with Goat Cheese
This peach blueberry salad is everything summer demands: simple, juicy, refreshing! Greens, juicy peaches, peak season blueberries, tangy goat cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
Incredible Fresh Peach Crisp (So Jammy!)
This wholesome peach crisp is full of jammy fresh peaches baked in cinnamon beneath a crisp topping that resembles an oatmeal cookie! It's a simple, delicious way to enjoy the best fresh peaches of the year.
Make ahead tips: Make the blackberry baked oatmeal recipe in advance for easy reheat breakfasts all week! Perfect for a naturally sweetened, nourishing breakfasts that kids will love.
Cucumbers
If you have a garden and cucumbers are coming out of your ears, these recipes are perfect for using up a bunch of cukes at once! No matter where you get your cucumbers, July is definitely the time to grab them and whip up an easy and refreshing barbecue side dish.
Tomatoes
My love for tomatoes knows no bounds! From smaller varieties to big, juicy heirloom tomatoes, we've got tomatoes recipes that'll help you use fresh summer tomatoes.
Zucchini and Peppers
Roasting up zucchinis and peppers make them SO delicious! The recipes below feature both.
How to Roast Bell Peppers (Oven Method)
Roasting bell peppers is one of the easiest ways to elevate any dish! You can make sauces and spreads, add them to pasta salads and sandwiches, top pizza, or put them out as an appetizer.
Late Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
A late summer veggie pasta salad with late summer seasonal produce, creamy and tangy goat cheese, and a light and bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for holding on to summer while also prepping for back-to-school!
Leafy Greens & Green Beans
Get ready for some salads!
Roasted Beet and Avocado Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette
This roasted beet and avocado salad has a variety of flavors and textures that come together in one big, hearty, delicious salad. Shake up your lunch routine!
Everyday Leafy Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
For those times when you need one more side dish to round out the meal! This simple leafy green salad will go with any meal and comes together quickly.
Simple Citrusy Greens Salad with Beets and Carrots
This simple citrusy salad with beets and carrots is fresh, vibrant, and packed with winter flavors. Featuring leafy greens, crisp raw beets, crunchy carrots, and a bright citrus vinaigrette, it comes together in just 15 minutes. Enjoy it as a refreshing side or add protein for a hearty, nourishing meal!
Simple 15-Minute Air Fryer Green Beans
These air fryer green beans are the perfect way to get a simple, healthy veggie side dish on the table in 15 minutes or less! Finish with a touch of flaky salt and squeeze of lemon for the ultimate flavor bomb.
Quick Tips for Cooking with Seasonal Produce
- Storing berries: Berries spoil quickly when washed and then stored, so I recommend not washing them until just before you're ready to eat. Sometimes I'll ever place a paper towel (I love my reusable ones!) in the container with the berries so that it absorbs any excess moisture.
- For greens: If you have a garden, CSA share, or farmers market haul, salads are about to become your best friend! But absolutely no boring salads around here. Make a batch of sourdough croutons, and get you some homemade Greek yogurt Caesar dressing or an easy lemon vinaigrette.
- Storing fresh herbs: Herbs have a brief shelf life as it is, and it can be even shorter when not stored properly! I recommend storing tender herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, dill) upright in a jar of water, like flowers, in the fridge. You can cover them lightly with a zip-top bag or bees wrap, if desired. For hardier herbs (like rosemary or thyme), wrap them in a damp cloth or paper towel and store in an airtight container in the fridge. For a complete guide to storing herbs (including freezing and drying), take a look at my free herb storage guide!
Eat Seasonal Challenge!
Ready to start eating seasonally with budget-friendly and flavorful produce? All it takes is one recipe to get started!
- Consider taking a trip to a local farmers market (better yet, combine it with social time with a friend or family!).
- Pick up one or more of the ingredients featured here.
- Make one of the recipes listed above!
- Sign up for my newsletter for more seasonal recipe guidance and inspiration.
Recipes That Make Veggies Taste Amazing
Having a few good sauces, dressings, and toppings on hand to help you eat up veggies is a simple way to make seasonal eating fun and easy.