June’s Bounty: Your Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Produce and Fresh Recipes

Welcome to your essential June Produce Guide! As summer truly begins to blossom, June brings an abundant harvest of fresh, delicious, and healthy fruits and vegetables. This guide is your passport to exploring what’s perfectly in season this month, helping you create vibrant and flavorful meals that celebrate the best of summer’s offerings. Eating seasonally not only ensures you get the freshest ingredients at their peak flavor, but it often means you’re supporting local farmers and enjoying produce that’s more nutrient-dense. Get ready to revitalize your cooking with June’s incredible bounty!

Happy June, friends! The arrival of summer produce is truly my favorite time of year, and I’m beyond excited to share this in-season produce guide with you. As the days grow longer and warmer, our kitchens should reflect the bright, fresh flavors that only summer can bring. From juicy fruits perfect for smoothies to crisp vegetables ideal for grilling, June’s harvest offers endless culinary inspiration. Let’s dive into the delicious possibilities that await!

Curious as to what produce is perfectly ripe and ready for your recipes in June? Look no further! Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak this month, along with ideas, tips, and links to inspiring recipes. Whether you’re planning light summer salads, refreshing drinks, or wholesome main courses, this guide will help you make the most of June’s seasonal ingredients.

Navigate Your June Produce Picks:

AVOCADOS | BEETS | CABBAGE |CORN | CITRUS | GREENS | MANGO | PEAS | PINEAPPLE | RADISHES | STRAWBERRIES | WATERMELON | ZUCCHINI

Avocados

Pictured: Nourish Buddha Bowl with Harissa Tahini Dressing. I’ve been on a serious avocado trip recently – I’m completely obsessed with their creamy texture and versatility. Avocados are not only perfect as a healthy fat replacement in baking recipes, adding moisture and richness, but they also provide an incredible creaminess to bowl foods, salads, and wraps. Of course, avocado toast remains a timeless favorite, but don’t limit yourself! Try them mashed into dips, blended into smoothies, or even sliced into summer tacos. To pick a ripe avocado, gently squeeze it; it should yield slightly but not feel mushy.

More Avocado Recipes >>

Beets

Pictured: Roasted Beet Hummus. I’m pretty sure I have an obsession with beets, as it’s one of my most frequently used ingredients on this entire blog! Their versatility is unmatched; they can transform from crunchy when raw to smooth, velvety, and delightfully sweet once roasted. This makes them such a fantastic root vegetable for any season, but especially in June when they’re fresh. That striking, earthy red-purple color is also divine, adding a beautiful pop to any dish. Try them roasted, pickled, grated raw into salads, or blended into vibrant dips and smoothies. Beets are packed with nutrients and a unique earthy sweetness that truly shines.

More Beet Recipes >>

Cabbage

Pictured: Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Ginger Sauce. I absolutely love how bright and beautiful cabbage is, and it’s particularly crisp and fresh in June. Its crunchy texture makes it a fantastic addition to raw salads and slaws, like in the spring rolls pictured, where it adds wonderful bite. Beyond its raw appeal, cabbage is incredibly versatile when cooked. I’ve enjoyed it sautéed down in coconut milk for a tender, flavorful side dish. It’s also excellent in stir-fries, soups, or even roasted until slightly caramelized. Cabbage is a great source of vitamins K and C, making it a healthy and affordable choice for your June meals.

More Cabbage Recipes >>

Corn

Pictured: Quinoa and Corn Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing. There’s nothing quite like the sweet, crisp taste of fresh corn as summer approaches. I’m already preparing for a few new corn recipes for this summer season because they are just so incredibly delicious, especially when grilled! Grilling corn on the cob brings out its natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky char. Beyond the cob, fresh corn kernels are fantastic in salads, salsas, chowders, or simply sautéed with a little butter and herbs. When selecting corn, look for bright green husks, moist silk, and plump, firm kernels. It’s a true taste of summer, making it a June essential.

More Corn Recipes >>

Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Limes and more)

Pictured: Tropical Green Smoothie. I am a huge citrus fan, and while some varieties peak in winter, many are still excellent in June, providing that essential burst of freshness. We constantly stock up on limes, lemons, and oranges because they work so well with everything, from sweet to savory. Their bright, tangy notes are perfect for cutting through richness, enhancing flavors, and providing a refreshing zing in summer dishes. I’ve included recipes where they are the main feature ingredient, like a key lime pie, or serve as the backbone of a delicious sauce, dressing, or marinade. Don’t underestimate the power of citrus to elevate any meal!

More Citrus Recipes >>

Greens (Herbs, Spinach, Kale, and more)

Pictured: Apple Candied Walnuts and Blue Cheese Salad with Honey Apple Dressing. Fresh greens truly begin to flourish everywhere this time of year, making June a prime month for salads and herb-infused dishes. I always try to keep a bag of fresh greens like spinach, kale, or mixed greens in my fridge at all times for spur-of-the-moment salads, pestos, or adding to smoothies and stir-fries. Beyond leafy greens, fresh herbs are a game-changer; you will absolutely taste the difference from dried herbs. My new favorite herb is definitely rosemary! I’ve been using it in EVERYTHING, from roasted vegetables to infused oils. I’m even thinking of growing my own herb garden next to ensure a constant supply of fresh flavors.

More Greens & Herb Recipes >>

Mango

Pictured: Strawberry Mango Smoothie. I love mangoes! This deliciously sweet and incredibly aromatic tropical fruit goes well with basically everything, and the pairing above is the perfect example of a refreshing June-ready smoothie. Mangoes add a sunny sweetness and creamy texture that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. You can’t go wrong with mangoes in fruit salads, salsas for grilled fish, desserts, or simply enjoyed on their own. To select a ripe mango, look for fruit that gives slightly when gently squeezed and has a fruity aroma near the stem. Avoid those with overly soft spots or bruises.

More Mango Recipes >>

Peas

Pictured: Creamy Cashew Pea Pesto. It’s truly pea season in June! These tiny bursts of sweet, tender spring flavor are incredibly versatile and can be added to almost any dish. This pesto recipe is perfect proof of their adaptability – it goes great on appetizers, pasta, in vibrant veggie bowls, or as a spread on sandwiches. Fresh peas are a delightful addition to risottos, stir-fries, and even light summer soups. When shopping, look for pods that are plump and vibrant green. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen peas are an excellent substitute. Don’t miss out on these little green gems this month!

More Pea Recipes >>

Pineapple

Pictured: Strawberry Pineapple Coconut Smoothie. Pineapples are undeniably one of the best tropical fruits to enjoy in June. Their bright, sweet, and sometimes tart flavor profile makes them incredibly refreshing, especially on hot summer days. This juicy fruit is not only delicious but also packed with Vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Enjoy pineapple grilled for a caramelized sweetness, blended into smoothies and cocktails, or diced into fruit salads. When choosing a pineapple, look for one that smells sweet at the base and has a slight give when squeezed. The greener the outside, the less ripe it is likely to be.

More Pineapple Recipes >>

Radishes

Pictured: Quick Pickled Radishes. HOW am I just getting into radishes? Not only are they so undeniably pretty with their vibrant colors and shapes, but their satisfying crunch and subtle spice factor remind me a lot of kohlrabi, which I fell in love with two years ago. Radishes add a delightful peppery kick to salads, tacos, or simply enjoyed sliced with a sprinkle of salt. Be sure to try out all different varieties of radishes, including Easter egg radishes (pictured above), daikon radishes, and any other kinds that you can find at your local market. They’re fantastic raw, roasted to mellow their flavor, or quickly pickled for a tangy, crisp condiment. They bring a fresh zest to any June dish!

More Radishes Recipes >>

Strawberries

Pictured: Strawberry Salsa. June is truly the month to go wild with your strawberries, as they are at their absolute peak! Their sweet, juicy flavor is incomparable when fresh, making them my absolute favorite fruit. I adore them in this unique salsa, roasted to bring out an even deeper sweetness, pureed into sauces or smoothies, or simply eaten by themselves straight from the carton. Strawberries are incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into desserts, salads, breakfast bowls, and refreshing drinks. When selecting strawberries, look for bright red, plump berries with green caps. They’re a quintessential taste of early summer and packed with Vitamin C.

More Strawberry Recipes >>

Watermelon

Pictured: Watermelon Mojitos. There is no denying that watermelon is probably the official summer fruit, and it’s gloriously in season in June! Its high water content makes it incredibly refreshing and hydrating when used in any recipe, and it tastes so deliciously sweet and light. Watermelon is perfect for quenching thirst on a hot day. Beyond being simply sliced and enjoyed, it excels in fruit salads, fresh juices, blended into cooling gazpachos, or as a surprising element in savory salads with feta and mint. To pick a ripe watermelon, look for a dull appearance and a creamy yellow spot on the underside where it rested on the ground. A good thumping sound indicates ripeness.

More Watermelon Recipes >>

Zucchini

Pictured: Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Burst Cherry Tomatoes. Zucchinis are finally coming into season in June, making them a delicious and versatile vegetable that I plan to incorporate frequently this spring and summer! With their mild flavor and tender texture, zucchinis can be transformed in countless ways. They’re fantastic spiralized into “zoodles” as a low-carb pasta alternative, grilled or roasted as a simple side dish, or even grated into baked goods like zucchini bread and muffins for added moisture. Zucchini blossoms are also a delicate seasonal treat! When selecting zucchini, look for firm, unblemished, and relatively small-to-medium sized vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Embrace the zucchini abundance!

More Zucchini Recipes >>

I hope this June Seasonal Produce Guide inspires you to get into the kitchen and experiment with the incredible flavors of early summer! If you try any of these recipes or discover new ways to enjoy June’s bounty, please let me know in the comment section below, or tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #jessicainthekitchen. What delicious dishes do you plan to make this month with your favorite in-season ingredients?

P.S. I’ve completely redone my Pinterest boards to be ingredient-specific, so you can easily find more great seasonal produce ideas and recipes. Head over to check it out for endless culinary inspiration!