10 Recipes Starring Summer’s Best Produce

If this epic heat wave has you heading straight to the grocery store’s freezer aisles, where you’re seriously considering crawling inside the ice cream case and shacking it up next to the Turkey Hill pints, I have just one thing to say: Snap out of it people!

Although you can’t cool down in the freezer (I’m sorry!), shopping for seasonal produce and making delicious, cool-you-off recipes is a good alternative. while you still can, take advantage of the gorgeous assortment of berries, melons and other only-in-summer items available right now that make for myriad fresh-ingredient match-ups in the kitchen.

Here are 10 summer superstars available during this scorching season along with some killer recipe ideas. I’ve made sure to include recipes that can help cool you down (mojito or granita, anyone?), and most of these recipes don’t require heat. Win!

Summer Squash

Yellow squash, zucchini squash, pattypan squash (real thing!)—there are so many variations to try, you can’t possibly get bored.

Try: Dara’s Baked Eggs with Summer Vegetables and Capers via The Kitchn

Tomato

Roast them, kebab them, throw them in a salad, eat ’em like an apple … Really, guys, tomatoes are absolute summer perfection.

Try: Roasted Tomato Basil Pesto via Oh She Glows

Broccoli

Sure, you can get broccoli year round, but it’s best in the summer when it’s in season. To pick out the best of the best, look for firm stalks and tightly closed florets that are blue-green or purplish-green in color.

Try: Broccoli Feta Pasta Salad via The Kitchn

Okra

This southern cooking staple packs many nutrients, including vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as calcium. It’s also delicious spicy!

Try: Okra, Avocado and Tomato Salad with Chili and Lime Juice via New York Times

Watermelon

This quintessential summer fruit that’s packed with antioxidants is very versatile. And, hey, did you know it can help you hydrate?

Try: Chopped Watermelon and Feta Salad via Fetch My Recipe

Figs

Calcium, fiber, antioxidants—plus, they make for pretty tasty desserts.

Try: Fig and Peach Kuchen via Honest Cooking

Cantaloupe

Sweet, juicy, vitamin A powerhouses that are too good to be true. I love cantaloupe.

Try: Cantaloupe with Honey, Mint and Lime via Food 52

Beet

Usually associated with winter, this root veggie is actually at its best in summer. Go figure. Don’t forget—the leaves are edible, too!

Try: Beet and Beet Green Gratin via New York Times

Raspberry

Sassier than strawberries, these berries in red or gold variations are in.

Try: Raspberry Mint Mojitos via Eat Yourself Skinny

Plum

Enjoy these tart and juicy drupe fruits alone or as a frozen dessert.

Try: Basil Plum Granita via My Recipes