Healthy Eating with the Seasons: 13 Recipes for June
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Eating foods when they are in season is the best way to get the most from your produce. Fruits and vegetables are at their nutritional peak when they are picked in season. They don’t have to travel as far to get to you (thus requiring fewer resources and less fuel). They are also more affordable and eating in-season foods is a great way to support your local farmers.
In my backyard, June is the month when I have lots of lettuce and salad greens. I’m seeing tons of beets and all sorts of hearty greens (kale, collards, chard, etc). Also in season in June are herbs, broccoli, new potatoes, rhubarb, cherries, and boysenberries. My raspberries haven’t appeared yet but I expect to see them in the next week or two. June is always a really good month for raspberries in my garden.
I’ve compiled here a list of 13 incredible recipes that make seasonal eating in June a breeze. You can eat healthy seasonal food without compromising flavor or convenience.
Roasted Beet and Walnut Dip
When I have a big harvest of beets, this is the first thing I make! This Roasted Beet and Walnut Dip is easy to make, healthy and super colorful! It is the perfect dip to serve with store bought or homemade crackers and raw veggies. I also like to put it on sandwiches and veggie burgers.
Saag Aloo
This Saag Aloo Recipe from Vegan Punks is great for June. Made with spinach and potatoes (use new potatoes to keep it seasonal), it’s a great way to eat with the seasons. Plus, it’s great for all the family as it’s wonderfully flavorful without being too spicy.
Grilled Broccoli
Summer is grilling season! This Grilled Broccoli from In the Kitch proves that summer grilling is about much more than meat. The broccoli needs only a quick dip in a balsamic marinade and then 10 minutes on the grill.
Instant Pot Beet Rice Pilaf
This Beet Rice Pulao from Piping Pot Curry is a great way to sneak some beets into your diet. Quickly made in the Instant Pot, this is an easy, vegan & gluten-free meal that is perfect for busy days.
Cilantro Lime Spinach Rice
This healthy Spinach Rice with Lime and Cilantro from Tao of Spice is a simple and delicious way to get in an extra serving of greens. It works great as a side or served up in a burrito or wrap. If your garden looks anything like mine right now, it is full of both spinach and cilantro. This is a great recipe that utilizes both.
Basil-Kale Pesto
June is the best month for both basil and kale! This Vegan Pesto is made with pumpkin seeds. It can be served as a dip with crackers and vegetables or as a sauce with pasta, steamed veggies or just about anything.
Russian Vinegret Salad
Vinegret salad is a traditional Russian beet salad that is naturally vegan, healthy, and filling. The main ingredient in this Russian Vinegret Salad from Little Sunny Kitchen is beets, so it has a distinctive vibrant pink color. It’s simple and easy to make and the dressing is made with basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Berry Beet Smoothie
As soon as summer weather hits, I am all about the smoothies. This Berry Beet Smoothie from The Soccer Mom Blog is a great way to get extra nutrients when it’s too hot to cook.
Cherry Limeade
It’s cherry Season! Nothing screams “summer!” like fresh squeezed lemonade or limeade. This Cherry Limeade from Happy Mothering is refreshing and easy to make on a hot day.
Rhubarb Sauce
June is the perfect month for fresh rhubarb! This Rhubarb Sauce from Masala Herb is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. The best part of this recipe? It can be made in under 10 minutes!
Fruity Sugar Free Flapjacks (Oat Bars)
These healthy and delicious sugar-free Flapjacks from Nutriciously are made with a fruity raspberry filling and perfect oat crumble topping. Sweet, soft and chewy, they are lovely portable treats and convenient vegan snacks that the whole family can enjoy!
Raspberry Syrup
This Homemade Raspberry Syrup from Heavenly Home Cooking is delicious and takes only minutes to make. It’s a great alternative to store bought syrup. Serve it with your favorite gluten free pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It also makes a fabulous dessert topping!
Homemade Raspberry Chocolate
Raspberries and chocolate go so well together. These Raspberry Chocolates from Living Healthy With Chocolate prove that anyone can make chocolate at home. They can be made in just minutes and they are rich, creamy, and they melt in your mouth.