Berries aren’t just for pie and ice cream anymore— check out these super delicious and creative ways to include berries in all kinds of meals this summer. In New York (BUST headquarters!), strawberries come into season in June, blackberries and raspberries in July, and blueberries in August. Check out this handy crop availability calendar to see which berries come into season when in your hometown— and enjoy cooking!
1. Grilled Fontina and Blackberry Basil Smash Sandwiches
Step one, cheese; step two, fruit. Any combination of the two is a win-win. Recipe here.
2. Raspberry, Avocado, and Mango Salad
Fresh and simple, this salad is a great way to utilize those bright summer flavors. Recipe here.
3. Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Go ahead, have cake for breakfast. (And lunch. And dinner.) Recipe here.
4. Grilled Chicken and Polenta with Nectarine-Blackberry Salsa
Easy to prepare, this crowd-pleasing dish makes for a delicious dinner outside. Recipe here.
5. Berry Strata
Is this for brunch? For dessert? Does it matter? (The answer is no, enjoy it any time.) Recipe here.
6. Pickled Strawberry with Roasted Beet Salad
Get your greens and your berries all in one go. The ricotta-honey-couscous combination is killer. Recipe here.
7. Blueberry Almond French Toast Bake
A super sweet way to showcase those blueberries. Recipe here.
8. Blackberry Fennel Pizza
Is there anything pizza can’t do? Recipe here.
Images via howsweeteats, eatingwell.com, bakeorbreak, the food network, foodiecrush.com, scalingback blog