25+ Recipes to Turn Your Farmers Market Haul into Dinner

updated Aug 23, 2019

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Credit: Christine Han/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn

Unlike the grocery store, I typically show up to the farmers market without a list in hand. While I have an idea of what’s in season and what vegetables to expect, I stick with buying what’s fresh and looks good at the moment. Then comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming, tbh!) part of deciding how to turn it into dinner. From pasta and stir-fries, to salads and casseroles, here are 25 easy recipes to turn your produce into dinner.

Veggie-Heavy Pastas

No matter what kind of veggies you bring home, there is a way to work them into a pasta dinner. Everything from spaghetti with buttery white wine sauce and pesto, to mac and cheese and lasagna is fair game. Most pasta recipes are super versatile and adaptable, so even if what you have on hand isn’t included in a recipe, there’s usually a way to work it in.

Beef and Tomato Stir-Fry (Image credit: Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Stir-Fries

Any time you have a lot of vegetables to use up, it’s a good idea to slot a stir-fry into your meal plan. It’ll help you work your way through that pile of zucchini and use up the medley of vegetables and herbs lingering around. Just remember to start by cooking the most-firm vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, then work your way down to soft vegetables and leafy greens.

Farmers Market Frittata (Image credit: Guy Ambrosino)

All the Eggs

Vegetables are a natural partner to eggs. It can be as simple as making a quick garlicky sauté as a base for a fried egg or making a veggie-packed scramble, frittata, breakfast casserole, or quiche.

The Ultimate Grilled Zucchini Salad (Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Salads

It’s nearly impossible to think about using up your farmers market or CSA haul without considering salad. Whether your goal is to make a single ingredient like tomatoes, zucchini, or snap peas shine, or you prefer a loaded mix of ingredients, this lineup has it all.

Summer Vegetable Gratin (Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Casseroles, Gratins, and Other Summer Favorites

Now’s the time to use your fresh produce for a light, bright summer-inspired casserole or gratin. Reach for that package of pie crust in the freezer for a tomato and cheese galette that’s totally doable on a weeknight. You can also swap summer squash for the tomatoes.

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