Introduction: A Season of Flavor
Summer is here—and so is the most colorful, flavorful, and fresh time of year for fruits and vegetables! Whether you’re strolling through a local farmers market or picking ripe tomatoes from your backyard garden, there’s something undeniably joyful about cooking with summer’s best produce. Think juicy peaches, sun-ripened berries, crisp cucumbers, vine-ripe tomatoes, and sweet corn fresh off the cob—these seasonal stars aren’t just tasty, they’re the heart of summertime cuisine.
To celebrate the bounty of the season, we’ve rounded up 16 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the very best of summer fruits and veggies—each one made extra special with the help of Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. From light and refreshing salads to inventive burgers and sweet, fruit-filled desserts, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to savor summer’s peak flavors.
And here’s a fun foodie fact: June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, and July is National Blueberry Month—so now is the perfect time to dive into a delicious lineup of produce-packed dishes!
Let’s kick off the countdown to your most flavorful summer yet…
1. Fruit Pizza
Featuring: Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Kiwis, Grapes, Mandarin Oranges
This colorful dessert is as delightful to make as it is to eat. A light and airy base made from Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls is toasted to golden perfection, then topped with a smooth layer of cream cheese icing and an eye-catching array of fresh summer fruits. Think bold berries, juicy grapes, sweet citrus, and tart kiwis—each bite bursting with color and flavor. It’s the perfect way to cool down and sweeten up your summer celebrations.
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2. Zucchini Fritters
Featuring: Zucchini
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these zucchini fritters are a savory summer staple. Made with freshly grated zucchini and homemade breadcrumbs crafted from Martin’s Potato Bread, these little patties are pan-fried until golden and served with a refreshing dill yogurt sauce. They’re packed with green onion, garlic, lemon zest, and herbs—bringing out the very best of in-season zucchini. Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or light vegetarian lunch!
3. Summer Corn Bruschetta
Featuring: Sweet Corn, Cherry Tomatoes
This vibrant bruschetta celebrates sweet summer corn in all its golden glory. Fresh kernels are sautéed and lightly caramelized, then mixed with juicy cherry tomatoes, lime zest, and spices for a punchy, flavorful topping. Spoon it over grilled slices of Martin’s Butter Bread, slathered with creamy ricotta and finished with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. It’s the ideal bite-sized appetizer for cookouts and garden parties alike.
More summer corn inspiration: Check out our full corn recipe roundup here!
4. Brie Stuffed Burger
Featuring: Corn, Peaches, Cherries
Ready to level up your summer grilling game? This gourmet burger packs major flavor in every bite. A juicy beef patty is stuffed with creamy brie, grilled to perfection, and served on a soft Martin’s Sandwich Potato Roll. It’s topped with crispy bacon, a zesty Sweet Chili Mayo, and grilled corn salsa bursting with seasonal sweetness from peaches and cherries. Sweet, savory, spicy, and fresh—this flavor-packed creation is a backyard BBQ showstopper.
5. Gourmet Tomato Sandwich
Featuring: Tomatoes, Fresh Herbs
Tomatoes are at their absolute best in summer—juicy, fragrant, and full of flavor. This elevated twist on the classic tomato sandwich layers thick-sliced vine-ripe tomatoes with a creamy feta cheese spread mixed with fresh dill and chives, all served on lightly toasted Martin’s Butter Bread. It’s a simple yet elegant vegetarian option that lets the quality of the ingredients shine, making it ideal for lunch al fresco or a mid-afternoon snack.
Want to dive deeper into tomato season? Check out our Tomatoes 101 blog for tips and recipes!
6. Zucchini Panzanella
Featuring: Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Pepper
This rustic Italian bread salad gets a fresh summer upgrade with tender sautéed zucchini and colorful seasonal veggies. Toasted cubes of Martin’s Hoagie Rolls are seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil. A zippy balsamic dressing ties it all together, making this dish a hearty yet refreshing vegetarian option that’s perfect for warm-weather dining.
Looking for more zucchini ideas? Check out our late-summer veggie recipe collection!
7. Green Goddess Sandwich
Featuring: Cucumber, Avocado, Spinach, Sprouts
Looking for a sandwich that’s as awe-inspiring as the season itself? This veggie-packed option layers delicate cucumber ribbons, creamy avocado, baby spinach, and alfalfa sprouts between slices of Martin’s Potato Bread. A homemade Green Goddess dressing made with Greek yogurt, herbs, lemon, and capers adds a bright and tangy finish that ties everything together. It’s a fresh, feel-good lunch that celebrates the green bounty of summer.
8. Chopped Salad with Chicken
Featuring: Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado
Nothing says summer like a crisp, colorful chopped salad—and this one is hearty enough to be the main course. Loaded with vibrant veggies, tender rotisserie chicken, and fresh mozzarella, it’s topped with crunchy homemade croutons made from Martin’s Big Marty’s Rolls, toasted with olive oil and a touch of sea salt. A zesty vinaigrette made with lemon juice, herbs, and shallots pulls it all together for a refreshing, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for picnics or weekday lunches.
9. Whipped Ricotta Toast with Citrus and Thyme Honey
Featuring: Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Navel Orange
Bright, bold, and beautifully balanced, this toast is a citrus lover’s dream. Creamy whipped ricotta and thyme-infused honey are layered over slices of toasted Martin’s Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread, then topped with vibrant citrus segments like blood orange, grapefruit, and navel orange. A final drizzle of honey and a pinch of sea salt enhance the sweet-tart flavors, making this dish a refreshing choice for brunch or a light summer snack.
10. Lemon Chess Bread Pudding
Featuring: Lemon
This sunny twist on a Southern classic brings another burst of citrus to your summer dessert table. Made with lightly dried cubes of Martin’s Butter Bread, this bread pudding bakes up soft and golden with a rich, custardy filling infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Topped with a cloud of lemon whipped cream, it’s a bright and comforting treat that pairs beautifully with warm evenings and fresh berries on the side.
11. Watermelon Panzanella with Arugula, Feta, & Mint
Featuring: Watermelon
Cool, crisp, and just a little bit unexpected—this summery take on panzanella swaps traditional tomatoes for juicy cubes of watermelon. Lightly toasted Martin’s Sweet Party Potato Rolls add a soft crunch, while peppery arugula, creamy feta, and a lemon-mint vinaigrette bring balance and brightness. It’s a refreshing salad that feels just right for backyard gatherings, cookouts, or any warm-weather meal.
12. Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole
Featuring: Strawberries
This decadent dish doubles as a sweet brunch centerpiece or a dreamy summer dessert. Martin’s Hoagie Rolls are sliced Hasselback-style and filled with a rich blend of whipped cream cheese, honey, and fresh strawberries. Soaked in a custard made from melted ice cream and baked until golden, it’s served warm with extra strawberries, a scoop of ice cream, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup or fresh mint. Comforting, creative, and bursting with berry goodness!
13. Berry French Toast Skewers
Featuring: Strawberries, Blackberries
These playful skewers are perfect for brunch buffets, picnics, or snacking on the go. Cubes of Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls are transformed into mini French toast bites, then threaded onto wooden skewers with fresh strawberries and blackberries for a colorful, kid-friendly treat. Drizzle with a vanilla yogurt glaze or serve with a dipping sauce for an extra-special touch—no fork required!
Want more berry-packed ideas? Check out our Summer Berry French Toast Bar!
14. Peach Bread Pudding
Featuring: Peaches
Juicy summer peaches take center stage in this warm and comforting dessert. Slices of Martin’s Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread are arranged vertically in a casserole dish, layered with fresh peach slices, then soaked in a vanilla custard and baked until golden and fragrant. A drizzle of warm brown sugar sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s sweet, rich, and packed with peak-season flavor.
Looking for more peach-perfect recipes? Make it peachy with this roundup!
15. Tilapia Fish Taco Boats with Tropical Salsa
Featuring: Mango, Pineapple, Papaya
Bring bold island flavor to your table with these tropical-inspired taco boats. Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls are gently pressed into boat shapes, then toasted until crisp and golden. Each one is filled with seasoned, pan-seared tilapia and topped with a vibrant salsa made from diced mango, pineapple, papaya, red bell pepper, cilantro, and lime juice. Finished with shredded cabbage and creamy avocado slices, they’re a refreshing twist on the classic fish taco—no tortillas needed!
16. Hawaiian Hot Dog
Featuring: Pineapple
This tropical twist on a summer classic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Served on a fluffy Martin’s Long Potato Roll, each hot dog is topped with grilled pineapple slices (lightly spiced with cayenne), crisp red onions, and fresh jalapeños. A drizzle of sweet teriyaki mayo ties it all together, bringing just the right balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy. It’s everything you love about summer grilling—with a little island flair.
Wrapping Up: Savor the Season
From juicy berries and garden-fresh zucchini to sweet corn and tropical fruits, summer’s bounty is too good not to celebrate. Whether you’re firing up the grill, hosting a weekend brunch, or just looking for a light, refreshing meal, these recipes bring out the best in seasonal produce—with a little help from Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. Don’t forget to support local farms and markets while these ingredients are at their peak—and when you try one of these recipes, be sure to tag us on social media so we can see your fresh creations!
Hungry for more? Check out our past blog posts linked throughout for even more produce-packed inspiration.
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