15 Sizzling Summer Flavors Perfect for Any Time of Year

Love the sunshine and warm weather? Me too! I love summertime and I'm sure I'm not alone here. School is out, days are spent at the beach and everyone seems more relaxed. There's nothing like sweet summertime. If you love to shop seasonally, you have to check out our list of the 15 ultimate flavors of summer. From tropical to refreshing to fruity, summer flavors are truly the best!

15 Summer Flavors We Love

1. Ice Cream

How could I not start with one of the best summer treats? Ice cream, whatever the flavor may be, is the perfect way to end a hot summer day. From creamy vanilla ice cream to chocolate chip, ice cream can seriously save the day!

2. Gelato

If you're feeling something a little creamier, gelato is the way to go and truly a favorite frozen treat. Like ice cream, the number of delicious gelato flavors are endless and it's a great way to complete the perfect summer day. Gelato is often offered in several fruit flavors, like raspberry, strawberry, peach, and mango.

3. Watermelon

I always look forward to slicing into the first watermelon of the season. Super refreshing and sweet, watermelon is the best treat to keep you hydrated on hot summer days. A summer salad staple is watermelon and feta cheese. The saltiness of the feta makes a great flavor combination with the sweetness of the melon. Try adding some mint to tie it all together.

4. Pineapple

I have a hard time eating pineapple during any other season. It's obviously not as sweet and flavorful, so it's best to enjoy it during the summertime. Fresh pineapple is delicious on its own, but next cookout, try grilling it. You could also drizzle some caramel or balsamic for an extra decadent dessert.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are a staple in a summertime fruit salad. And while they're not available at the store for only a limited time, they seem to taste even better during the warm, summer months.

It also turns out there are a number of tasty recipes to use up all of those delicious berries.

6. Mango

A super flavorful tropical fruit, mangoes are a popular seasonal flavor. Slice into one and enjoy this juicy fruit and let the flavor take you back to the islands. If you're into margaritas, frozen mango makes a great addition. All you do is blend the mango with your other ingredients and voila, the perfect summer drink.

7. Key Lime Pie

A fresh slice of key lime pie is the ultimate summer comfort food. If you can't find key limes, don't stress. This recipe calls for using regular limes and still gets the wonderful tangy flavor.

8. Citrus

Citrus like lemon, lime, tangerine, and grapefruit are reminders of why we love summertime so much. Tart and acidic, these ingredients can make a killer bubbly drink for a warm day. Just add your fruits, alcohol of choice, and some seltzer, and you're ready to go.

9. Passion Fruit

I can't get enough of passion fruit during the summer season. This exotic fruit is slightly tart, but the yellow flesh is super flavorful. Try it out this season!

10. Raspberry

Are you ready for raspberry season? I know I am. These delicious and nutritious berries are perfect to eat on their own or in a chocolatey dessert. You could even toss them into your next pitcher of sangria for a pop of color.

11. Cucumber

Like watermelon, cucumber is hydrating and refreshing for those insanely hot days. During the summertime, I like to fill up a pitcher of water, slice up a few cucumbers along with lemons for the perfect flavored water.

12. Strawberry

Sure strawberries are available year-round, but there's something special about strawberries during the summertime. Toss them into a fruit salad, bake them and toss with balsamic vinegar, or use them to brighten up a cheesecake.

13. S'mores

There's nothing like sitting around the campfire with graham crackers, marshmallows, and of course, chocolate for some s'mores. That's what summer is about, right?

14. Tomato

Another flavor of summer that only seems to taste right during this season is tomatoes. Juicy and plump, fresh tomatoes are another reason why we appreciate summertime.

15. Corn

The sweet, summer flavor of fresh corn on the cob is something to look forward to as the warm months approach. Grill the cobs and serve with plenty of butter or slice off the kernels and toss into a summertime pasta salad for your next BBQ.

This post was originally published on March 11, 2020