Simple & Spectacular Recipes from the Garden

Salad for breakfast should be in everyone’s repertoire. I would suggest using this recipe more as a template and be inspired by what is in your garden and at the farmers’ market to customize this salad to what is fresh that day. Summertime tomatoes need little adornment, but I find this preparation makes them brunch worthy.

This dip can be whipped up in a flash and goes perfectly with any array of garden-fresh veggies available this time of year. Try experimenting by replacing some or all the basil with different herbs for a different, but equally delicious, flavour profile. Mint, oregano, or cilantro would all be delicious.

This recipe has an unexpected secret ingredient: cantaloupe. While it may seem a bit out of place among the vegetables, it adds a silkiness and sweetness that plays nicely with the corn and peppers. While I’ve kept the soup simple, feel free to go wild with the garnish. Some crab meat would be a luxurious addition, while some toasted almonds or pecans would give the soup some textural dimension.

This lovely open-faced sandwich is at once earthy, bright, briny, and fruity. Combining garden-fresh carrots and raspberries not only provides a great flavour profile but also delivers a good dose of anti-inflammatory properties. Also, feel free to play around with the herbs in this recipe. Be inspired by the soft herbs growing in your garden to make this recipe your own.

This salad is the ultimate mealtime shape shifter. It’s great as is as a snack, as an appetizer tossed with mixed garden greens, as a side dish to a simple grilled protein, or as a filling entrée served over rice or quinoa with a drizzle of sriracha mayonnaise. It also keeps well for a couple of days in the refrigerator, making it a great make-ahead meal option.

This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.