Nothing beats good food in the sunshine. Farmers markets are stocked with fresh produce, your grill is perfectly seasoned and dinner somehow feels a little easier when everything is in-season.
One of the best ways to make the most of your summer grocery hauls is pairing fresh, local produce with quality meat. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or packing up for a weekend camping trip, these combinations bring out the best in both.
Here are a few of our favorite summer pairings to inspire your next meal.
Sweet Corn + Ribeye Steak
Fresh Oregon corn and a perfectly grilled ribeye are hard to beat. The sweetness of the corn balances the rich, beefy flavor of a delicious ribeye steak.
Meal Idea:
- Ribeye steak
- Grilled corn brushed with garlic butter
- A simple green salad
- Herb compound butter melted over your steak
Zucchini + Marinated Chicken
Zucchini is a perfect summer vegetable. Slice it lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill it alongside marinated chicken breasts or thighs.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end for a simple, healthy summer meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Peaches + Pork Chops
Grilled peaches become soft, juicy, and slightly caramelized, making them perfect to add some additional flavor to pork chops.
Serve grilled pork chops with:
- Fresh peach slices
- Burrata or goat cheese
- Basil
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze
Asparagus + Beef Kabobs
Fresh asparagus is one of summer’s easiest, most underrated vegetables when it comes to grilling. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then throw them on the grill with your beef kabobs.
The slightly charred asparagus pairs perfectly with our savory marinade and complements the onions and peppers that are already on the kabobs. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an easy side that’s full of flavor.
Pro tip: Our marinated beef kabobs are ready to go, making dinner as simple as firing up the grill and adding a bundle of fresh asparagus.
Tomatoes + Italian Sausage
Fresh summer tomatoes deserve more than just salads.
Grill Italian sausage and serve it with:
- Sliced heirloom tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella
- Basil
- Crusty bread
Or toss grilled sausage into a pasta with cherry tomatoes for an easy summer weeknight dinner.
Green Beans + Flank Steak
A quick sear on flank steak paired with green beans makes for a fast, satisfying dinner.
Finish everything with:
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
Simple ingredients with lots of flavor.
Berries + Grilled Chicken Salad
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries truly stand out in a summer salad.
Top mixed greens with:
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Berries
- Feta cheese
- A light balsamic vinaigrette
It’s fresh enough for a hot day while still being a satisfying meal.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Sweet & Savory
Some of the best summer meals come from pairing fresh fruit with your favorite cuts of meat. Summer produce is only around for a short time, so now’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with these fun seasonal flavors.
Visit Gartner’s Meat Market
Whether you’re grilling steaks, stocking up on burgers, grabbing marinated kabobs, or looking for house-made sausages, we’re here to help make mealtime easy.
Stop by Gartner’s Meat Market and let our team help you choose the perfect options to pair with your favorite summer produce. Fresh ingredients and quality meat are always in season.