In-season Summer Eats

One of the best things about summer is access to local fresh produce. We’ve compiled our top five fresh and healthy summer recipes! Our farm stand , every Friday from 3- 6 pm at the Discovery Centre, is the perfect stop to stock up on fresh, local produce for your week ahead. Need some additional staple items to supplement your Farm Stand stop? Save-On-Foods is just south of the Discovery Centre for you to finish checking items off your list.

YYC Growers is a cooperative that prides itself on being sustainable and regenerative. Regenerative agriculture ensures the earth and soil is even better than it was before. Farmers who practice regenerative farming aim to reverse climate change by rebuilding and restoring soil biodiversity. 

While the YYC Growers Stand is just a temporary addition to U/D, YYC Growers is a year-round operation. In the summer months you can expect tons of fresh produce, while in the winter, YYC Growers focuses on selling preserves, stored root crops and greenhouse vegetables such as microgreens. 

Using seasonal produce in your meal planning is key for supporting local and managing your budget. We’ve collected five spectacular summer meals using fresh in-season local produce. 

Ahi Tuna and Quinoa Poke Bowl

This refreshing summer meal is ideal for showcasing your favourite summer vegetables. Packed with fibre, omegas and vitamins, you will feel good serving this one to family and friends. 

Shopping list:

• Green onions
• Cherry tomatoes
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Limes
• Avocados
• Mixed greens
• Cooked Western Family organic white quinoa
• Western Family reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Roasted sesame seeds
• Ahi tuna
• Sesame oil 

Mediterranean Chicken

This perfect blend of Mediterranean vegetables and savoury chicken is a great meal to make for a big crowd. With the YYC Grower stand changing their offering as the seasons change, you can easily adapt the recipe to in-season vegetables. 

Shopping list:

• Eggplants
• Zucchinis
• Peppers
• Red onion
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic
• Chicken breasts
• Western Family vegetable oil
• Olive oil & vinegar salad dressing
• Crumbled feta cheese

Baby Potatoes with Pesto

Alberta soil is known for producing mineral-rich potatoes. A show stopping side dish like this one will definitely be a hit at your next family gathering. Looking for a quick and easy way to fast track this recipe? Try it with the YYC Growers 8 ingredient pesto!

Shopping list:

• Nugget potatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Western Family pine nuts
• Western Family light olive oil
• Western Family shredded parmesan cheese

The California Dog

YYC Growers recently added bison hot dogs and smokies to their offering. Step up your hotdog game with this unique twist on a campfire favourite: 

Shopping list:

• Bison smokies
• Brioche buns – Stop by Cobs Bread in U/D for these! 
• Avocado 
• Alfalfa sprouts 
• Pico de gallo salsa
• Cucumber 
• Chili mayo 

Pork Tenderloin on a Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad 

Hello summer! Arugula is one of YYC Grower’s most popular vegetables in July and August. Showcase this peppery leafy green with savoury pork and sweet grilled peaches. 

Shopping list:

• Large peaches
• Baby arugula
• Shallots
• Pork tenderloin
• Western Family pure canola oil
• Chinese five spice
• Balsamic vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil