What to Can, Preserve, and Eat in Summer
Fresh produce in summer is abundant and incredible! You can’t go to the farmer’s market without being overwhelmed by the amazing options. Learn what to can, preserve, and eat in summer, as well as delicious recipes for seasonal produce.
Summer is a gluttonous time if you love fresh produce! It seems like everything is ripe, at its peak, and delicious. Whether you want to can, dry, or freeze, you’ll find amazing tutorials and recipes for using or saving all the goodness this season has to offer.
If you are new to canning, you’ll want to check out this list on Canning Supplies and Equipment to make sure you’re getting started off on the right foot. And head over to our list of What to Can in Winter, What to Can in Spring, and What to Can in Fall.
If canning is not your jam, check out this post on How to Freeze Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.
What to Can, Preserve, and Eat in Summer
Learn what to can and preserve in summer, as well as delicious recipes for seasonal produce.
How to Dry Basil
Learn how to dry basil in a food dehydrator, oven, microwave, or by air-drying. Drying basil is such a simple way to preserve this delicious pantry staple!
Freezing Pesto {How to Freeze Pesto}
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Pesto to save money and prevent food waste. A freezer stash of frozen pesto opens the door to amazing meals packed with flavor.
Canning Beets {How to Can Beets}
Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn how simple Canning Beets can be. Having plain canned beets on hand means healthy side dishes can be ready in a flash.
Hasselback Roasted Beets With Goat Cheese {Vegetarian}
These Hasselback Roasted Beets With Goat Cheese are a fun and new way to enjoy this delicious vegetable! They’re so easy to make, but you’ll love the “wow” factor you get when you set them on the table.
Refrigerator Pickled Beets {Quick Pickled Beets}
Refrigerator Pickled Beets are a fast and easy way to preserve this delicious and healthy vegetable! Quick pickled beets just like grandma used to make but without the canning. These easy pickled beets are an amazing side dish, quick snack, or addition to salads.
Instant Pot Beets {Pressure Cooker Beets}
Make tender and nutritious pressure cooker beets in under 20 minutes. This recipe will teach you how to cook delicious Whole30 and paleo beets in the Instant Pot.
Freezing Blackberries {How to Freeze Blackberries}
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Blackberries to stock your freezer with this amazing seasonal fruit. Learning how to freeze blackberries is a great way to preserve this delicious summertime crop without needing any special equipment.
Blackberry Freezer Jam {Low Sugar Blackberry Jam}
Fresh tasting and delicious, this Blackberry Freezer Jam is so easy to whip up. Just three ingredients and 20 minutes (including clean up!), and you’ll have homemade blackberry jam made by your very own two hands. This blackberry freezer jam recipe is low-sugar and requires no cooking or canning.
Homemade Gluten Free Blackberry Crisp
This is the best homemade Homemade Blackberry Crisp you’ll ever make! Made with oatmeal, this easy and healthy crisp is also gluten-free.
Blackberry Syrup {Canning Blackberry Syrup}
Delicious Homemade Blackberry Syrup is an easy first project for canning. This healthy(ish) recipe is perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or drinks.
Freezing Blueberries {How to Freeze Blueberries}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing blueberries to extend the harvest. Freezing fresh berries is a great way to preserve this wonderful summer fruit without needing to know any special kitchen skills.
Blueberry Freezer Jam
This Blueberry Freezer Jam is beyond simple to make and has an incredibly fresh taste. Just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes (including clean up!), and you’ll have homemade low-sugar blueberry jam in a flash.
Fresh Blueberry Ice Cream With Cardamom
Creamy, luscious, and irresistible homemade Fresh Blueberry Ice Cream With Cardamom. This easy recipe has a bright blueberry flavor and includes machine and no churn instructions.
Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins Recipe
You’ll never believe that these amazing homemade Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins are made with 100% whole grains. Flavored with lemon zest, these blueberry muffins are an easy and healthy make-ahead recipe the whole family will love.
Freezing Cauliflower {How to Freeze Cauliflower}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing cauliflower to stock your freezer with this delicious vegetable. Learning how to freeze cauliflower is a great way to preserve without needing to know any special kitchen skills.
Freezing Cherries {How to Freeze Cherries}
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Cherries to stock your freezer with this amazing healthy fruit. Learning how to freeze cherries is a great way to preserve this delicious summertime crop without needing any special equipment.
Healthy Cherry Muffins with Dark Chocolate Chunks
Healthy Cherry Muffins made with fresh cherries and dark chocolate chunks! This muffin recipe is easy to make and uses good-for-you ingredients like yoghurt, oatmeal, and wholegrain rye flour. It’s a cherry muffin the whole family will love!
Freezing Corn on the Cob
Freezing corn on the cob is the easiest way to preserve the delicious taste of summer. Learn how to freeze corn on the cob for fast healthy side dishes that you can enjoy all year long.
Canning Corn {How to Can Corn}
Learn all about safely Canning Corn in a pressure canner. You’ll love having jars of home-canned corn to extend the taste of summer all year long.
Dill Pickle Relish - {Canning Relish}
A simple and easy recipe for canning amazing Dill Pickle Relish. This tangy dill pickle relish is perfect for anyone new to canning. Enjoy it on burgers, hot dogs, in potato or chicken salad.
Nana's Cucumber and Onion Salad
This make-ahead Cucumber and Onion Salad is a summertime superstar. Simple and delicious, the fresh ingredients let the garden-fresh produce shine in this easy cucumber salad. From my Nana’s kitchen to yours, be the hit of your next BBQ or potluck with this classic cucumber salad recipe.
Easy Air Fryer Pickles
Crispy, crunchy, and so poppable, these Easy Air Fryer Pickles will be a huge hit! Perfect as a quick appetizer or a healthy game-day snack, homemade fried pickles are sure to become a crowd favorite.
Cucumber Mint Water {Cucumber Infused Water}
This refreshing Cucumber Mint Water is so delicious and is made without any added sweeteners. Perfect for parties, baby or bridal showers, or barbecues, this healthy summer drink has amazing benefits. Infused water recipes are so simple to make and can help you maintain your hydration goals.
How to Freeze Garlic the Easy Way
Learn all the tips and tricks on How to Freeze Garlic to save yourself time and money. A stash of frozen garlic in your freezer can easily be added to main dishes, soups, and sauces for quick meals that the whole family will love.
Dehydrating Garlic
Dehydrating Garlic is such a simple way to preserve this delicious pantry staple! Learn how to make dried garlic in a food dehydrator or in the oven.
Instant Pot Roasted Garlic {Pressure Cooker Garlic}
Every home cook should know how to make roasted garlic for amazing flavorful cloves, soups, dips, and spreads. Learn how easy it is to make Instant Pot Roasted Garlic, or use your toaster oven or oven.
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic is so simple to make and even better, cooking it won’t heat up your house! Packed with flavor, roasted garlic cloves add a delicious and mellow garlic flavor to so many dishes. You’ll love how quickly this roasted garlic recipe comes together!
Freezing Ginger {How to Freeze Ginger}
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Ginger to save money and prevent food waste. A freezer stash of frozen ginger opens the door to amazing meals packed with flavor.
Refrigerator Dilly Beans {Pickled Beans Recipe}
Learn the secrets of how to make amazing Refrigerator Dilly Beans. This easy recipe for pickled beans involves zero canning and will help you “put up” the summer bounty in a delicious and snackable way.
How to Can Green Beans {Canning Green Beans}
Follow this step by step tutorial to learn How to Can Green Beans in a pressure canner safely. One of the easiest canning recipes around, you’ll love having jars of canned green beans to use all year long.
Green Beans in Tomato Sauce {Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-Free}
These healthy Green Beans in Tomato Sauce are outrageously tasty and made in just 10 minutes! This one-pot wonder is a speedy vegan/vegetarian, paleo, Whole30 compliant, or gluten-free dinner.
Blanched Green Beans {Freezing Green Beans}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing blanched green beans to extend the harvest. Learning how to freeze green beans is a great way to preserve this delicious summer veggie. A freezer stash opens the door to amazing and speedy frozen green bean recipes.
Garlic Butter Green Beans {Vegetarian, Whole30}
Made with fresh or frozen produce, these simple Garlic Butter Green Beans are packed with so much flavor! Sure to become a favorite veggie side dish, you’ll make this easy gluten-free, vegetarian, Whole30, and paleo-friendly recipe again and again.
Freezing Onions {How to Freeze Onions}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing onions to save a ton of time and money. Learning how to freeze onions (diced, green, sliced, rings, and whole) is a great way to preserve this delicious staple of so many recipes. A freezer stash of frozen onions opens the door to amazing and speedy meals.
Crispy Fried Onions {Gluten-Free Fried Onions} - Whole30, Paleo, Keto
You’re in for a treat with these Crispy Fried Onions! They’re so good that it’s hard to believe these healthy onion straws are Whole30 compliant, keto-friendly, and vegan. These fried onion strings can be made in the air fryer or baked in the oven.
Instant Pot Caramelized Onions
Instant Pot Caramelized Onions add a ton of flavor to any dish. Making this caramelized onion recipe in your pressure cooker cuts the cooking time in half compared with traditional cooking methods. You’re going to love how simple it is to whip up a batch of these tasty onions!
Canning Potatoes {How to Can Potatoes}
Follow this step by step tutorial to learn how simple Canning Potatoes can be. Having canned potatoes on hand means your favorite soups, stews, side dishes, and roasts can be ready in a flash.
Freezing Potatoes {How to Freeze Potatoes}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing potatoes to save a ton of time and money. Learning how to freeze potatoes for side dishes, soups, and fast meals is a great way to preserve this staple of so many recipes.
Instant Pot Potato Salad {With Mayo Free Options}
This loaded Instant Pot Potato Salad is the dish that everyone will love. This recipe has mayo-free options for a healthier potato salad and is the perfect make-ahead side dish for your next BBQ. No pressure cooker? You’ll also find stovetop instructions include in the post.
Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Potatoes
Crispy and perfect, these roasted Ranch Air Fryer Potatoes are a fast and delicious side dish. You’ll love that they’re Whole30 compliant, vegan, and vegetarian and packed with so much flavor!
Canning Peaches {How to Can Peaches}
An easy step by step tutorial on Canning Peaches. This recipe for how to can peaches is perfect for beginners and experienced canners alike. Instructions include low-sugar and no-sugar options.
Freezing Peaches {How to Freeze Peaches}
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Peaches to stock your freezer with the star of summer fruit. Freezing fresh peaches is so easy and can be done without sugar, which makes them great to use for cobblers, smoothies, or snacks.
Homemade Peach Syrup Recipe
Made with ripe summer peaches, you’re going to love this delicious Peach Syrup. This is a delightful homemade treat for pancakes, ice cream, baked goods, drinks, and more.
The Ultimate Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Peaches to stock your freezer with the star of summer fruit. Freezing fresh peaches is so easy and can be done without sugar, which makes them great to use for cobblers, smoothies, or snacks.
Ginger Beer Mocktail
This Ginger Beer Mocktail is a crisp and refreshing non-alcoholic version of the famous Moscow Mule. Juicy peaches, blackberries, and non-alcoholic ginger beer make this Moscow mule mocktail insanely delicious.
Peach Freezer Jam {Low-Sugar Peach Jam}
An incredibly fresh tasting jam, this Peach Freezer Jam is beyond simple to make. Just four ingredients and 20 minutes, and you’ll have a low-sugar peach jam made by your very own hands. This no-cook and no-can peach jam recipe is perfect for beginners or for anyone without canning equipment.
How to Cut a Peach in Only 15 Seconds
Learn the trick on how to cut a peach into slices in only 15 seconds! Clingstone peaches and nectarines can be a pain to cut; this tutorial will help you life hack stonefruit cutting.
Freezing Peppers {How to Freeze Peppers}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing peppers to save a ton of time and money. Learning how to freeze peppers (diced, sliced, rings, and whole) is a great way to preserve this delicious staple of so many recipes. A freezer stash of frozen peppers opens the door to amazing and speedy meals.
Blistered Shishito Peppers {Whole30, Paleo, Vegan}
Addicting and so poppable, Blistered Shishito Peppers are a cult favorite snack/appetizer. Salty, delicious, and so simple to make, you’ll fall hard for these roasted shishito peppers.
Virgin Mojito Recipe {Mojito Mocktail}
A refreshing mix of lime and mint, this Virgin Mojito Recipe will be your new favorite drink! This non-alcoholic mojito recipe will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Mint Chocolate Ice Cream {Mint Chocolate Chip}
Ditch the industrial green store-bought ice cream and learn to make your own Mint Chocolate Ice Cream. A fresh mint taste and all-natural ingredients mean this mint chip will be the best ice cream you’ll ever make.
Homemade Peppermint Extract
Learn how easy and affordable it is to make your own Homemade Peppermint Extract! Homemade mint extract makes wonderful Christmas and holiday gifts.
Freezing Mint {How to Freeze Mint 4 Ways}
Learn all the tips and tricks for how to freeze mint to build a freezer stash of this incredible herb. Freezing mint is a great way to preserve without needing to know any special kitchen skills.
Freezing Raspberries {How to Freeze Raspberries}
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Raspberries to stock your freezer with this amazing seasonal fruit. Learning how to freeze raspberries is a great way to preserve this delicious summertime crop without needing any special equipment.
No Cook Raspberry Freezer Jam {Low-Sugar}
Super fresh tasting, this Raspberry Freezer Jam is beyond simple to make. Just three ingredients and 20 minutes (including clean up!), and you’ll have homemade raspberry jam in a flash. This raspberry freezer jam recipe is low-sugar and requires no canning skills.
Raspberry Lemon Creme Brulee
A rich and decadent dessert, this Raspberry Lemon Creme Brulee is surprisingly simple to make. Step by step instructions includes no torch and make-ahead options for this easy creme brulee recipe. This make-ahead dessert is a total crowd-pleaser so get ready to impress your friends!
Freezing Rhubarb {How to Freeze Rhubarb}
Learn all about freezing rhubarb to preserve this delicious short-season vegetable. A freezer stash of frozen rhubarb is great for creating amazing desserts and other dishes all year long.
Freezing Spinach {How to Freeze Spinach}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing spinach to save a ton of time and money. Learning how to freeze spinach for smoothies, soups, and sauces is a great way to preserve this healthy staple of so many recipes.
Freezing Strawberries {How to Freeze Strawberries}
Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing strawberries to extend the harvest. Freezing fresh strawberries is a great way to preserve this wonderful summer fruit without needing to know any special kitchen skills (like canning). If you have a freezer and a knife, you too can learn the best way to freeze strawberries!
Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam {Canning Strawberry Jam}
Canning strawberry jam is so much easier than you think! Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam is a delicious and fresh-tasting spread for yogurt, toast, or dessert recipes. Homemade strawberry jam is a treat for the whole family and is an amazing way to preserve the harvest.
Frozen Strawberries in Syrup
A batch of Frozen Strawberries in Syrup is a wonderful thing to have in your freezer stash. You can enjoy them all year long on desserts, pancakes, waffles, and so much more.
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam {Low-Sugar}
Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jam is a delicious spread for toast, yogurt, or dessert recipes. Thanks to the low-sugar recipe, this jam tastes fresh and bright, just like real fruit.
Strawberry Puree {Homemade Strawberry Sauce}
Fresh flavorful Strawberry Puree is a great recipe to showcase this wonderful summer fruit without needing to know any special kitchen skills (like canning). It’s incredible on baked goods, pancakes, yogurt, and so much more. You’re going to love this bright and delicious fruit sauce.
Sugared Strawberries {Macerated Strawberries}
Delicious Sugared Strawberries is a simple recipe to showcase this wonderful summer fruit. Macerated strawberries are incredible on baked goods, pancakes, yogurt, and so much more.
Gluten-Free Crisp {Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp}
This gluten-free crisp is the best Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp you’ll ever eat! So easy to make, this rhubarb crisp captures all the amazing flavors of summer in one delicious dish. Made with a to die for gluten-free crumble topping, this crisp can also be made dairy-free or vegan.
Strawberry Syrup {+canning options}
Made with fresh summer berries, you’re going to love this delicious Strawberry Syrup. This is a delightful homemade treat for pancakes, waffles, baked goods, drinks, and more.
Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe
The freshest tasting jam you’ve ever had, this Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe is so simple to make. Just three ingredients and 20 minutes, and you’ll have homemade strawberry jam made by your very own two hands. Like a boss.
Canning Whole Tomatoes {How to Can Tomatoes}
A step-by-step tutorial on Canning Whole Tomatoes. This easy to follow process is perfect for beginners and covers preserving tomatoes in both water bath and pressure canning methods. One of the easiest canning tomatoes recipes, you’ll love having jars of whole peeled tomatoes to use all year long.
Dehydrating Tomatoes
Dehydrating tomatoes is such a delicious and simple way to preserve this tasty summer crop! Learn how to dehydrate tomatoes in a food dehydrator or in the oven.
How to Make Tomato Powder
Learn How to Make Tomato Powder to preserve a delicious summer crop! Homemade Tomato Powder is an incredible zero-waste addition to your spice cabinet.
Air Fryer Green Tomatoes
Crispy, crunchy, and delicious, these Air Fryer Green Tomatoes will be a huge hit! Perfect as a fast appetizer or a side dish, healthy fried green tomatoes are sure to become a family favorite.
Canning Stewed Tomatoes {Canning Crushed Tomatoes}
Follow this step by step tutorial to learn how simple Canning Stewed Tomatoes can be. A key ingredient for so many comfort foods, canning crushed tomatoes is a recipe that can be pressure canned or done via water bath canning.
Canning Tomato Soup {Homemade Canned Tomato Soup}
Follow this step by step tutorial to learn how easy Canning Tomato Soup can be. The ultimate comfort food, this tomato soup base recipe can be pressure canned or done via water bath canning. You’ll love how quickly you can whip up this easy soup recipe when you’re short on time.
Freezer Spaghetti Sauce
This delicious homemade Freezer Spaghetti Sauce is so simple to make and is made with common pantry staple ingredients. You can simmer it on the stove, or set it and forget it in a slow cooker.
Freezing Tomatoes the Easy Way
Learn all about freezing tomatoes to preserve this incredibly versatile kitchen staple. A freezer stash of frozen produce opens the door to amazing and speedy meals.
How to Blanch and Peel Tomatoes
This easy-to-follow tutorial will teach you how to blanch and peel tomatoes like a pro. Peeling tomatoes is simple and makes for amazing homemade marinara and salsas, and even makes canning easier.
Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
This fresh, homemade Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is a delicious meatless sauce made from scratch. This sugar-free spaghetti sauce creates magic from fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Whole30 Tomato Soup (Gluten-Free Whole30, Paleo, Vegan)
Fresh and healthy, this Whole30 Tomato Soup tastes like a bowl full of summer! Use fresh or roasted canned tomatoes with dried basil for a creamy and delicious gluten-free soup. This creamy Whole30 soup is perfect for anyone looking for a dairy-free or vegan tomato soup recipe.
Addicting Feta Stuffed Grilled Tomatoes
Full of summer flavor, these Addicting Feta Stuffed Grilled Tomatoes will be your new favorite healthy recipe. Whole tomatoes and cheese are grilled on the BBQ or roasted in the oven.
Freezing Zucchini {How to Freeze Zucchini}
Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Zucchini to extend the harvest. Learning how to freeze zucchini using multiple methods, is a great way to preserve this delicious summer veggie. Find out how to stock your freezer with frozen zucchini with or without blanching. And for my friends outside the states, I’ll teach you how to freeze courgettes!
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Make amazing Air Fryer Zucchini Chips for your family with this simple recipe! A crunchy coating of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese make these healthier fried zucchini chips poppable and irresistible. No air fryer? You’ll also find alternative cooking methods in the post.
Double-Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
These Double-Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the best muffins you’ll ever try! Moist and easy to make, your kids will never even know they are healthy.
MORE RECIPES/TUTORIALS YOU’LL LOVE
- Check out all my Canning Recipes
- How to Can Water
- Canning Pears
- Canning Applesauce
- How to Can Pumpkin
- Canning Apple Butter
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Not just one recipe to think about….56 IDEAS!!!! My head is spinning! Where to start???
Can’t wait to figure it out. Probably the easy pickled beets. F.I.L. just harvested “ours” so going to give it a try. Thanks Sarah!
Ha, I bet he’ll be so excited to try them!! 🙂