Sample Summertime Meal Plan for North Iowans
Farmers Markets are in full swing, the tomatoes are toppling, and we’re all looking for easy meals during busy summertime in North Iowa. Here is a sample meal plan to inspire your trips to market this year, or ways to use up your CSA box. Don’t forget to print your farmers market shopping list, which you can customize and generate using our Recipe Database which is tailored to the North Iowa growing season.
Monday
Make it Meatless with some Zucchini or Summer Squash Boats. Have some leftover bread? Try a Summertime Panzanella.
Summertime Panzanella
Traditionally made with stale bread, tomatoes, onions, and basil, summertime is the best time to prepare panzanella. Don’t skip the homemade croutons; they are irreplaceable in this dish. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Spicy Cucumber Salad
Cooling cucumber meets spicy sriracha for a delightful and refreshing summertime snack! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Tuesday
Tacos fit the bill for ANY type of diet. Top them with a homemade Farmers Market Salsa for a boost of YUM. Maybe a Greens and Beans Burrito? Find a collection of local summertime taco night ideas here.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
The sweet corn is here, the sweet corn is here! Traditionally served on a stick and grilled, this recipe is in salad form – perfect for your next barbecue! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Swiss Chard Quesadillas
Cheesy and delicious, this recipe works well with not only swiss chard, but kale, spinach, mustard greens, or beet greens. Bonus: this recipe uses the swiss chard stems as well as the leaves, so those colorful stems aren't going to waste. Eat these for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Wednesday
Choose a night to clean out your veggie drawer (ideally before you head to your farmers market or pick up your CSA the following day) and get creative with your own take on Ratatouille and a big summer salad.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Iowa loves ranch dipping sauce! You'll love it even more when it is made with fresh, local dill! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Thursday
Ready to fire up the grill? Burgers, grilled pork chops, or chicken, anyone? See our local grilling recipes for more ideas!
Friday
Pizza Night! Check your local market for naan bread for an easy crust. Top with local sausage, marinated tomatoes, summer squash, mushrooms, basil, or whatever you like! Got too many tomatoes? How about a quick tomato sauce base?
Quick Tomato Sauce
Local tomatoes are incomparable. So juicy and delicious! When you use fresh tomatoes, you rarely need to add sugar; a benefit you can't get from a can. *No-Waste Idea*: dehydrate the tomato skins to make a Tomato Skin Salt.Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Saturday
Keep Saturday simple with a summery sandwich slathered in a homemade hummus (say that 5 times fast!).
B.L.T Sandwiches
Is there anything more Summer-In-North-Iowa than a crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, cold tomato, and mayonnaise dripping sandwich? Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Spinach Basil Walnut Pesto
A yummy spin on pesto by Sally Pressly. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market.
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Sunday
Brinner, Leftovers, Prep/Plan Day. Choose a simple meal to eat on all day (a slow-cooked pork roast, a refreshing gazpacho) or an easy breakfast-for-dinner so that you can reflect on your week, plan for the next, and enjoy your day of rest.
Avocado Toast with Soft Boiled Eggs
Grab some high quality bread from your farmers market and pile it high with creamy avocado, farm-fresh eggs, microgreens, or whatever suits you! A quick and easy brunch or anytime-snack! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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Lunches, Snacks, and More
Eat leftovers for lunch the next day (if there are any!) or keep a jar of pesto in your fridge for a quick sandwich or for dipping your vegetables into. Turn fresh berries into a delicious smoothie for a quick boost. Don’t forget a summery dessert.
Watermelon Lemonade
What says "summer" more than watermelon and lemonade? This recipe uses local honey instead of cane sugar, making it a healthier option for your whole family. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.
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