A Taste of Transition: Layering Summer Produce into Fall Meals

September is a month of transition, both in our routines and in the produce available at the store. We’re seeing the last of zucchini, green beans and cherries while waving goodbye to late sunsets and long days at the pool. We’re welcoming sweet potatoes, kale and cauliflower while enjoying a campfire and curling up with a new book. This period of being ‘in-between’ may have you feeling stuck choosing between enjoying the last summer salad or first soup of the season, and you’re not alone! 

Instead of picking an all-or-nothing method, why not try layering these summer ingredients into fall flavors? We’ve put together four ideas on how to incorporate your favorite summer ingredients into layered fall meals to give you filling, delicious options for the seasonal transition. These meals combine the best ingredients of both seasons and have an option for every palate and craving. 

Farro Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Cauliflower

This hearty salad is prepared using farro, a whole grain that is cooked in a large pot of water similar to rice. Farro was used to feed the Roman legions in ancient times and is still a great dinner option after an active evening. 

The seasoned chickpeas and cauliflower in this recipe are a call to fall, while the cherries and lemon bring bright summery flavors to round out the meal. This Mediterranean recipe reheats well and is the right balance of flavors that the whole family will enjoy.  

Jalapeño Corn Salmon Patties with Cilantro Lime Sauce 

This Oldways favorite recipe adds a bit of heat and a lot of flavor to a lunchbox or dinner table. We love that this dish comes together in 20 minutes or less using a mix of fresh and shelf-stable ingredients making it perfect for nights when you don’t know what to prepare. 

Fresh corn and jalapeños are classic Latin American ingredients and bring a brightness to this dish that is perfect for the end of summer. Try adding these patties to a bed of your favorite greens or with a mix of roasted vegetables like squash and cabbage to add the flavors of fall to complete your meal. We love combining this protein-rich patty with a lighter mix of vegetables to create a balanced plate. 

Roasted Pineapple and Sweet Potato

Who said sweetness had to be saved for dessert? This vibrant dish celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the African diaspora and while highlighting the versatility of the sweet potato. We love that this recipe offers the perfect combination of summer and fall produce – plus, it’s easy to prepare. 

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and offer a source of fiber when prepared with the skins intact. Pineapples boast their own benefits, providing vitamin C and potassium alongside their tropical tang. This dish is served with yogurt and would be delicious paired with beans or a lean meat like chicken or turkey for a protein boost! 

Indonesian Red Rice Salad with Boiled Eggs and Macadamias

Calling all bold flavor lovers! This rice salad recipe highlights the riot of flavors found within Indonesian cuisine and is the perfect dish if you’re searching for deep fall flavors while using summer’s seasonal produce. The crisp tenderness of the green beans and carrots remind us that this dish is still a salad (but one that packs a flavor punch!). 

We love how this recipe combines the eggs and macadamia nuts to create a feast for the tastebuds and a nice crunch. The recipe calls for red rice, but can be swapped out for brown rice or another preferred whole grain to create an easy, comforting meal. 

No matter if you’re clinging to the summer or ready to fast-forward to fall, heritage diets offer an option for every mood, occasion, and season. These recipes have something for every palate and let you explore a world of flavors at home. Let us know which recipe you’d like to try most! 

By Bri dela Torre MS, RDN, CLC

Community Engagement Dietitian