The 31 Best Things to Cook This July
When it comes to picking favorite months, I unabashedly choose July. Maybe it’s because of all the fresh produce coming into season, or that it feels like winter is lightyears away. Whatever the reason, it’s a month I always look forward to.
Despite this particular July feeling different, due to COVID-19, I am still trying my best to celebrate these sunny summer days the best I can. So are my colleagues. We’re planning to grill, eat plenty of ice cream, and load up on too many peaches. We hope you do, too. Here’s what we’re most excited to make.
All the Stone Fruit
Peaches, plums, nectarines, and cherries have finally made their return and we’re ecstatic! Our Lifestyle Editor, Lauren Masur, expects to be overloaded with stone fruit in her weekly produce box this month. “Can I cobbler nectarines?” she asked. Absolutely! Definitely cobbler peaches, too, and maybe make a cherry pie, for good measure.
Summer Veggies on the Grill, on the Plate, and Between Bread
We can hardly think of July without immediately thinking about all the fresh summer vegetables stepping into their prime. Cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, fresh herbs — we’re excited to eat as many fresh vegetables as we can all month long. “We published these pulled mushroom sandwiches last year, but I never got around to making them, so they’re first on my list for July this year!” says our Deputy Food Director, Grace Elkus. While our Managing Editor, Lauren Kodiak, just got a new grill pan and plans to try this pasta salad loaded with zucchini, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Meaty Meals
Studio Food Editor Jesse Szewczyk cross-tested this Szechuan chicken a while back after our Food Editor-at-Large, Christine Gallary, developed it; he’s been wanting to make it again, so it’s at the top of his list. “It’s so, so good!” he says. Grilled foil-packet dinners are at the top of our Food Editor Kelli’s list. “I have a grill for the first time in my adult life and just got acquainted with foil-packet dinners. What a game-changer. This month I plan to keep them in my meal plan rotation a couple nights a week. I’m most excited for steak fajita packets.”
Pizza on the Grill
Our Food Editor-at-Large, Christine Gallary, plans to grill a whole of pizza this month. I can’t blame her because I’d totally be doing the exact same thing if I had a grill. They’re not only easy, but also infinitely customizable and arguably better than anything you’d order for delivery.
Light & Fresh Summer Rolls
I moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, a few months ago, and I am currently missing the awesome Vietnamese restaurants in my neighborhood. I’m taking matters into my own hands and turning to homemade summer rolls, now that it’s so hot outside that I barely want to cook. They’ll probably be much more messy-looking than the ones I liked to order at my favorite spot, but they’re sure to still satisfy my craving.
No-Cook Inspiration
Speaking of sticky July days and the desire for meals that keep the oven off, there are even more great ideas beyond summer rolls. I plan to throw together many panzanellas this month and absolutely lean into the idea of shrimp cocktail for dinner. Especially because it’s a fast and fancy excuse to open my favorite bottle of rosé.
What are you most excited about eating and cooking this month? Tell us in the comments below!