Unleash the Flavor: Exciting Recipes to Celebrate This Week's CSA Star Ingredients

Welcome to the second blog of this summer's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program! As the heat of summer sets in, we’re excited to bring you delicious recipes that celebrate this summer’s star ingredients: spinach, broccoli, summer squash, and blueberries. These fresh and vibrant foods don't just add color to your meals; they are also packed with nutrients that can boost your health. Let’s explore these fun recipes that will make your summer cooking enjoyable and easy!

Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Let’s kick things off with a delicious spinach-stuffed chicken breast! This dish is both appealing and rich in nutrients, making it perfect for a summer dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (providing over 20% of your daily vitamin A)

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (a good source of calcium)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil for cooking

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   

2. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

   
   

3. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper.

   
   

4. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally to create a pocket. Stuff each pocket generously with the spinach and feta mixture.

   
   

5. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.

   
   

6. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

   
   

7. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!

   
   

Deliciously baked spinach-stuffed chicken ready to savor.

Broccoli Quinoa Salad

Next, we have a refreshing broccoli quinoa salad! This dish is not only vibrant and fresh, but it also provides a great source of protein and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (provides about 8 grams of protein per cup)

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups broccoli florets (rich in vitamins C and K)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

   
   

2. While the quinoa is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

   
   

3. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly.

   
   

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

   
   

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

   
   

6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy this nutritious and colorful dish!

   
   

A delicious broccoli quinoa salad served in a bowl.

Grilled Summer Squash Skewers

No summer cookout is complete without some delicious grilled summer squash skewers! These are perfect for outdoor gatherings and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 4 medium summer squashes, sliced into rounds

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Wooden skewers (soak in water if grilling)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

   
   

2. In a large bowl, combine sliced summer squash, bell pepper, red onion, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

   
   

3. Thread the veggies onto the skewers, alternating between the squash, bell pepper, and onion.

   
   

4. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

   
   

5. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer during your summer cookouts!

   
   

Colorful skewers of grilled summer squash on the barbecue.

Sweet and Tangy Blueberry Dessert

Let’s wrap up with a sweet treat featuring blueberries! This sweet and tangy blueberry dessert is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blueberries (rich in antioxidants)

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• Juice of half a lemon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (providing probiotics for gut health)

• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

   
   

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the blueberries start to burst and form a sauce, about 5-7 minutes.

   
   

3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

   
   

4. To serve, place a dollop of Greek yogurt in a bowl and spoon the warm blueberry sauce on top.

   
   

5. Garnish with mint leaves if desired. Enjoy this refreshingly delicious dessert!

   
   
   
   
   
   

Pasta Primavera

This easy One Pot Pasta Primavera is a creamy, veggie-loaded meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! With spinach, peas, broccoli, peppers, carrots, zucchini, it’s a vibrant, healthy meal packed with nutrients! Get this delicious recipe here: One Pot Pasta Primavera Recipe - The Recipe Rebel [VIDEO]

Wrapping Up the Flavor

With these delightful recipes featuring spinach, broccoli, summer squash, and blueberries, you can truly celebrate the flavors of your summer CSA! These dishes showcase the best of seasonal produce, allowing you to enjoy meals that are both nutritious and full of taste. So fire up your stove or grill and get ready to impress your family and friends with these easy-to-follow recipes.

This summer, embrace the bounty of fresh ingredients and elevate your culinary creations. Happy cooking!