You know it’s summertime when you bite into your first ripe peach and taste that unmistakable sweet nectar that only this fruit delivers. From peaches and homemade ice cream to spicy peach salsa paired with savory pork, these juicy jewels are always something to look forward to year after year. So while they’re bursting from the bins at the farmer’s market or fresh for the taking at a roadside fruit stand, grab them while you can and savor them at their peak in these delicious recipes we’ve gathered just for you. But first, whip up a batch of Frozen Peach Bellinis to celebrate in style—sip and enjoy.
Sweet & Savory
For a sweet start to your lakeside happy hour, serve up this delicious appetizer featuring the long-awaited summer peach. This Peach Bruschetta with Prosciutto and Burrata offers the perfect blend of sweet and salty with crunchy and creamy. Just brush your favorite bread with olive and toast in the oven. When it’s golden brown, simply spread bread slices with burrata and top with a slice of prosciutto, some fresh peach slices, sea salt, and honey. Garnish with baby arugula or fresh basil, and pair with a crisp pinot grigio, chardonnay, or rosé. For the recipe and some creative variations, visit Lively Table.
Savory & Succulent
The very thought of pairing peaches with onions might have less adventurous palates making a run for it. But not if you use sweet and juicy Vidalia onions—that’s the trick. This innovative recipe—Grilled Peach, Onion, and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Dressing—combines the bold flavor of bacon caramelized with brown sugar and cayenne pepper with grilled sweet onions and peaches brushed with olive oil. Toss this aromatic concoction with a creamy buttermilk dressing seasoned with mint and chives, and you get a summer salad sensation like no other. It’s delicious and surprisingly filling. For the recipe, visit Food & Wine.
Jewels of July
For a hearty starter or an eye-catching meal unto itself, try this refreshing Tomato-Peach Salad with Tofu Cream made with all the colorful fruits of summer. Mix a vibrant toss of fresh peaches, heirloom tomato wedges, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh corn kernels, and plate over an innovative and incredibly creamy tofu—yes, tofu—dressing. Made with olive oil, soy sauce, Sherry vinegar, salt, and pepper, it delivers a wonderful umami flavor that no one will ever suspect is tofu. Top with chopped chervil, plus the sprigs, and serve with thick grilled or toasted country-style bread. For this quick and easy recipe, visit Epicurious.
Sweet Heat
An all-time fav, tacos are the perfect summer fare for any lakeside get-together. Put a fresh and fruity spin on this iconic dish with these Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa. There’s nothing more delectable than a savory and tender slow-cooked meat—beef brisket or pork—topped with a colorful, crunchy salsa made with fresh peaches, jalapenos, cucumbers, garlic, cilantro, salt, and lime. Your tortillas never had it so good, and you can’t beat the unexpected, spicy punch of sweet peaches with adobo chile. Visit Southern Living for their creative take on a classic. Enjoy!
Peaches with a Punch
Margaritas, anyone? Yes, please. There’s nothing better on a hot summer day at the lake than imbibing in a frosty and fruity homemade margarita. These thirst-quenching Peach Margaritas take a classic cocktail to the next level with a power punch of peach schnapps and peach puree. The dynamic duo brings an intense peach flavor that satisfyingly tempers the tequila without overpowering it. Visit Delish for this quick and breezy 5-minute recipe.
Burger Bliss
Grilled burgers are an iconic summer fav—especially at the lake. So, when fresh peaches make their seasonal debut, why not amp up your grilling game with these savory Bacon, Peach, and Basil burgers. This recipe calls for lean ground sirloin, which will help prevent charring flare-ups while you’re grilling. Pickled jalapenos, tangy peach chutney, and fresh peach slices bring a juicy kick, while savory bacon and creamy goat cheese help temper the heat. Top with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic just-picked-from-the-garden flavor burst. For instructions on how to create this creative dish, visit My Recipes.
Summer in a Glass
The best thirst-quencher on a hot summer day? This Perfect Peach Iced Tea is made with an intensely flavored peach simple syrup that tastes like liquid candy. Southern-inspired, the recipe calls for loose-leaf black tea, organic cane sugar, and ripe peaches for an amazingly full-bodied iced drink that’s also simple to make. Check out Minimalist Baker for the recipe.
Cold Creamy Goodness
Who doesn’t love homemade ice cream on a hot summer day? If you have the patience and the time to make it, this one is worthy. A quintessential summer classic, this Peach-Maple Ice Cream is brought to you by celebrity chef Bobby Flay. Aside from fresh ripe peaches at their peak, its flavor secret lies in the addition of pure maple syrup, vanilla bean, and a kick of bourbon. Serve this delectable dessert alone or as a topping over pancakes, cobbler, shortcakes, or anything your heart desires. For the recipe, visit Food & Wine.
Pie Perfection
This Peach Melba Ice-Cream Pie will undoubtedly become an instant hit after a summer dinner with its festive colors and knock-out fruit flavors. A crisp, press-in crust made with almond cookies and roasted almonds creates an irresistible sweet and salty combo that mingles perfectly with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sorbet. Top with fresh peaches and raspberries for a cool treat that’s soon to become a summer classic. Visit My Recipes for the recipe.
Here’s to a delicious—and peachy—summer at the lake. Cheers!