What to Cook This June & News!
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on June 2, 2025
Hooray for June! I’ve been brainstorming recipes for summer produce (my favorite) and surprise—growing a tiny human! We’re expecting a baby boy in September, soon after Grace’s fourth birthday. We experienced some major scares and stressors during my pregnancy with Grace, but so far, so good, and we hope it stays that way. We’re hopeful, excited, definitely nervous about managing two, and above all, thankful.
This month, seasonal produce options are expanding to include fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries, rhubarb and cherries. Asparagus and spring peas are on their way out, so get your fill of them while you can. You’ll find many seasonal recipes below.
Avocado
Creamy Avocado Dip
Gluten free and vegan
“Another dinner success! This was surprisingly tasty. I honestly passed this up thinking “eh” but then my friends had a fiesta dinner and I was dying for an excuse not to eat their steak or ground beef tacos so I made the refried beans for my tacos. Tonight I made the avocado sauce and pickled onions with it….YUM. And super easy!!” – Erin
Beets
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
Gluten free and vegan
“This could be THE best salad I have ever made. I have a vegan friend who I am always trying to find interesting recipes for and she also loved it. I made it exactly as per your recipe apart from adding a mixture of toasted almond flakes and pumpkins seeds.” – Heather
Blueberries
Blueberry Almond Crisp
Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)
“This was delicious, served with vanilla ice cream and topped leftovers with some plain yogurt. Such a simple dessert!” – Lindsay
Cherries
Cherry Couscous & Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)
“Just had this for dinner and it was just as amazing as it looked!” – Kate
Cucumber
Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“Made this immediately last night and loved it – my daughter as well! Quick and easy for when you get home from work – served alongside pasta.” – Connie
Green Beans
Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds & Feta
Gluten free and easily vegan (skip the feta)
“Incredible! Made this last night and absolutely loved it – it was so fresh, easy to prepare, and satisfying. I served it warm and the combo of tart lemon, crunchy almonds, and salty feta was spot on. This one is definitely going into my weekly rotation – thanks for another winner, Kate!” – Sarah
Greens
Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach and Quinoa Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“Another awesome recipe! I made this the other day and loved it. The next had some left overs so had a avocado I needed to eat so I cut it up and threw it on top and wow! This is going to be on my favorite list for sure.” – Christine
More spinach recipes » (also arugula)
Herbs
Classic Pesto
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Got a big bunch of basil from my farm co-op, so I made this yesterday from your cookbook, and froze it in an ice-cube tray. Now I have delicious little pesto cubes to add to soup, roasted veggies, and probably everything else! Today I’m going to try the same with leftover cilantro, parsley, maybe some arugula, and toasted pepitas.” – Jeanne
More basil recipes » (also cilantro and dill)
Kale
Anything-Goes Kale Salad with Green Tahini Dressing
Gluten free and vegan
“I made your “Everything goes Kale Salad with Green Tahini Dressing” last night for my daughter’s 25th birthday. I have never toasted pepitas before – and my daughters loved them! Both my daughters asked for your recipe -The salad looked beautiful and tasted delicious…” – Peg
Mango
Fresh Mango Salsa
Gluten free and vegan
“This summer brought a bumper crop of mango to our Florida home, and I found this recipe online. Perfect for a women’s luncheon I was invited to. It was simple to make, looked beautiful and was delicious. Nearly every guest asked me for the recipe. I will definitely make this again.” – Vicky
Radishes
Almond-Sesame Soba Zoodles with Quick-Pickled Veggies
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“This was such a quick and easy meal to make! The pickles really balance the sauce and the noodles – and the sauce is so delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe!” – Maya
Rhubarb
Almond Cake with Roasted Strawberries & Rhubarb
Gluten free
“I have made this cake 3 times now. Once with apple, raspberry and rhubarb. Twice with strawberrys and rhubarb. It’s so simple. I have all the ingredients in my cupboard and it whips up in minutes so I can throw it together between preparing the main meal and surprise everyone. A great insight Kate to do the fruit separate. It means I can keep it for a few days and just top it as I like. The flavour is delicate and lovely. I have shared with many of my friends.” – Molly
Strawberries
Colorful Strawberry Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I did not believe it was possible to crave a salad until I ate this! It’s the BEST salad in the whole world, hands down. The dressing is also perfection!” – Rebecca B.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners.
Hi Kate,
I’ve happened upon your blog several times while searching for recipes. I have made a few and they are delicious!
I just subscribed and was impressed and encouraged to see that you used this moment in time to point us to Black Lives Matter and important black authors who can educate and enlighten us on inequity in our society! Thank you for using your voice to lift us all up.
Like you, I want to better educate myself and am grateful for books, articles, and podcasts that teach us and will hopefully lead us forward in a fight for change. May I recommend a wonderful podcast series, Scene on Radio: Seeing White. Dr. Ibram Kendi is interviewed along with other black scholars.
Thank you for sharing food that nourishes both our bodies and minds!
Sincerely,
Sharon
Thank you for sharing, Sharon!
Hi Kate – long time listener, first time caller. Thank you for really taking time to care of this community (from easy, pantry staple recipes during the height of the lock down/shortages to how you’re addressing Black lives matter). The number of bloggers/lifestyle sites that I’ve un-followed has grown dramatically over the past few weeks, but I’m happy to still be here.
Are there any Black vegetarian or vegan cookbooks that you recommend? It would be great to see you share the mic
Hi Alison! That’s a great question. I’ve just ordered Bryant Terry’s books, Afro-Vegan and Vegetable Kingdom, as well as Sweet Potato Soul by Jenne Claiborn of sweetpotatosoul.com. I’m really looking forward to those. I also love seeing the beautiful treats made by @grandbabycakes and @chocolateforbasil on Instagram, though I haven’t had to chance to make any yet! @marisamoore’s recipes are definitely on the healthier side, though not entirely vegan/vegetarian. Hope that’s a start! I’m looking for more accounts to follow. :)
Hi, Kate, thanks for acknowledging our country’s racial pain and need for change. You mentioned a couple of books I’ll be adding to my reading list–thank you. And, just wanted to say that my family has been vegetarian for 2 years now, and we love it. A huge part of our success is your blog and cookbook. There are only a few recipes left in your cookbook we haven’t yet tried, and each one has been good. Thanks for sharing your creativity and know-how.
Hi Launa, I’m happy to share where I am at and what I have found helpful! I hope they will be helpful to you as well. I’m so happy you have been enjoying my recipes! I appreciate your support.
Hi Kate, I haven’t been reading much lately, but here are some great interviews by members of the black community. Civil rights veteran Bob Woodson in an interview on American Thought Leaders: https://www.theepochtimes.com/how-the-tragic-killing-of-george-floyd-has-been-exploited-bob-woodson_3379519.html
Larry Elder and Ben Carson on George Floyd’s death on the Larry Elder show: https://www.larryelder.com/video/larry-elder-ben-carson-on-george-floyds-death/
Candace Owens, a political activist, on George Floyd’s death: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtPfoEvNJ74 She also has a book “Blackout”
Hope you find these informative! Thanks for your posts and great recipes!
Thank you for sharing your resources, Lisa! I really appreciate it.
Hey,
I love these recipes and the photos! Thank you. I am a vegetarian and photography enthusiast too, but I am not a fanatic one when it comes to eating animal products. If I am stuck somewhere and have no other option except eating meat, I guess I would do that. I needed at least 15lb to add on after an illness. Your recipes helped me tremendously. Thanks again.
I’m happy you are loving my recipes and are feeling better! I hope you find something new this month you can enjoy, Catlin.
Dear Kate, I go to your site for great recipes and cooking tips which I really appreciate and often use. I am therefore disappointed that in your June issue you have made your blog political. I will thereby take the opportunity to suggest Dave Rubin and Candace Owens, two among the many voices who present a balanced perspective on many issues in the USA and globally. Thank you,and have a wonderful food inspired day. Anne from Montreal, Canada
Hi Anne, my content is generally apolitical. This situation is a matter of human rights, which falls outside of politics in my opinion.
Hi Anne,
What you fail to see is that racism and the choice to be anti-racist is apolitical. ANYONE, regardless of political party, can and SHOULD choose every day to become anti-racist.
This is not a political issue. It Is a question of judgment and JUSTICE.
Please consider listening to this podcast for a fantastic explanation that may clarify the situation. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/
I agree, great suggestions, Anne!
Kathryne, You are on my list of 3 go to’s when looking for colorful meals. Thank you for the article and resources on Black Lives. Thank you for being involved. I love, love, love your site. I’m off to the store to gather items to make one of your delicious meals.
Thank you for your support! I hope you find the resources helpful and can find some recipes to enjoy this month.
I haven’t looked at the recipes, but I want to thank you for your post and the resources you provided for other white people who want to be actively anti-racist.
You’re welcome, Stacy! I hope you find them helpful.
Hey Kate! I really appreciate how you addressed BLM in your blog post. I feel most bloggers tend to shy away from important issues to avoid being seen as “political” so it means a lot to see this! Much love :)
Thank you, Fatima! I hope to do my part, this was a start.
Your note on George Floyd shows so much self awareness and empathy. I am proud to be a frequenter of your recipes, many of which have become staples in my household.
Thank you.
Hi Kate, thanks for lending your voice and for the suggestions! I’m amazed that people find the notion that black lives should be treated equal to white lives to be political. I’ve added your suggestions to my list as I better educate myself. Two podcasts I found particularly eye-opening, though narrower in scope:
1) This episode of the Smithsonian’s podcast Sidedoor on Tulsa – https://www.si.edu/sidedoor/ep-9-confronting-past I’m not from your area and had literally never heard of it; perhaps since you live closer you’re more familiar. I saw photos of people with signs that referred to Tulsa and Rosewood, which reminded me that these events were really not that long ago and are much fresher in the minds of black Americans that they were in mine.
2) The Floodlines series from the Atlantic – https://www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/floodlines/ It’s on Hurricane Katrina, which may seem a little off-topic, but it was really eye-opening, especially episode 3 on misinformation. I happened to listen to it this past weekend (total coincidence) and found the similarities eerie.
I personally benefited a lot from reading the work of Ta-Nehisi Coates for the Atlantic (https://www.theatlantic.com/author/ta-nehisi-coates/). It’s a few years old but was very educational for me. My grade school education really only mentioned race in the context of slavery and then of the Civil Rights Movement, narrowly defined. I knew almost nothing of the Reconstruction era or of issues that have persisted post-1960s, and I’m a better person for knowing now.
Essay aside – per usual, thanks for the excellent recipe ideas! Always winners in my household :)
Thank you for sharing your resources and what you have found helpful, Jordan.
Thank you so much for affirming that black lives matter. I’m so glad you spoke out on your platform with education links. Really proud to own your book today and will definitely look forward to anything you have in the future.
THANK YOU for acknowledging your need to become anti-racist. I’m so so so happy to see one of my favorite recipe authors is willing to PUBLICLY share.
I am also a white woman who is acknowledging her need to move towards anti-racism.
Thank you!!
I am not a cook…it seems that every recipe never turns out like I think it should…I found your blog and I have cooked more this past month than my whole 38 years of marriage! I also bought your cookbook! Oh! I am not a vegetarian but I think I am on my way. I have cooked the veggie Lasagna, black bean and sweet pot enchiladas and poblano pepper ones…the butternut squash chile the banana bread the choc cookies and many more! I love your food! It tastes better than I imagine and easy to prepare.
I love your recipes (both on the blog and in your cookbook) and always appreciate the human-interest element of your posts and monthly round ups. Thank you for affirming that Black Lives Matter,
being honest about your own journey in reckoning with the reality of our country’s history and current injustices, and sharing the resources that are helping you on the way. I have found it helpful to switch up the type of resource (book/article/podcast/documentary, etc.) I’m using to engage in this work, and wanted to recommend The Next Question produced by Austin Channing Brown. It’s a video web series with three co-hosts and different guest contributors having conversations about race and justice, with an emphasis on seeking to expand our imaginations about what racial justice might look like.
We just picked up our first farm-share from our new CSA; I’m looking forward to exploring your June recipe selections!
Thank you for sharing, Taija!
Hello Thank you sharing these recipes…. Thank you for posting about Black lives matter
As an African Anerican I am encouraged when someone wants to change… .. again thank you
It definitely doesn’t show meaningful engagement with the Black Lives Matter movement, let alone this blog, to repost this verbatim from a year ago.
Sorry Nicole, my old post was caching and not showing my edits for this year. A technological error!
I very much enjoy your recipes, though I had to chuckle when I read the fancy font, and kept trying to figure out what, “Fune,” was, as there is a line through what is supposed to be the “J”. A giggle for a teacher. The quinoa salad looks amazing!
Haha! That made me chuckle, too. I just double-checked my font file and it’s a very abstract “J” indeed.
I love these round-ups, Kate! Looking forward to trying these out.
Another bundle of mouthwatering recipes – the salads look so yummy! I feel for you worrying about Cookie: I lost my dalmation when my little boy was a toddler and he missed her as much as I did. Bifg hugs for Cookie.
Thank you, Diane. I really appreciate your kind words.
As a long-time blog reader, I’m sorry to hear about Cookie. She has has always been your sidekick—and ours—through your cooking endeavors. I know you’ll seek out the best care possible for her. She’s been a real tough Cookie despite fluctuating health conditions and she’s brought so much happiness to a lot of people. I wish her and you all the best as you navigate these next steps!♥
Thank you, Mel. I appreciate your kind words.
I am not going to comment on the food. Your food is always amazing and I love it. I am going to comment about Cookie. I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. We have two small dogs, one 14 1/2 and one 14. It is so hard. Mose almost died last year and we spent a fortune giving him another year. I wish you strength and courage as you go through this journey with Cookie and wish all of you the best. Thanks for all the positivity you put into the world.
I’m sorry to hear about your dogs. It’s so hard and to know what is best for them at times. Thank you for sharing, Janelle!
My warmest thoughts go out to you and Cookie – I know exactly what you’re going through. Our toy poodle was 15 when we had to let her go. Was the very hardest thing I ever have had to do. I will never regret staying with her until the end – she deserved my devotion and love. Stay strong for Cookie…
I’m sorry to hear that, Chris. I appreciate you sharing.
Sending lots of love to Cookie…I can’t imagine spending time in my own kitchen without my furry sous-chef ready to scoop up all my messes!
Thank you, Carla!
Recipes – yay! So many look delicious and I can’t wait to try.
But the even more important stuff…
Baby – the time FLIES! I wish you more sleep soon, but I trust there are many smiles and laughs and triumphs (however small) each day that may overshadow the sleep part. Babies can be difficult, but little humans are a treasure so worth the work! (My 3rd and final son just graduated from high school last week – time literally evaporates, I swear!)
And dog – sweet Cookie. Thoughts of love for her – and for her human family as can be hard to watch our pups age and struggle. Our oldest pup is also 14 and having a hard time, so I can definitely relate to your situation there. I hope Cookie is comfortably enjoying all the naps and pets and scratches she wants.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Suzi. I really appreciate it!
Awwww Cookie! Sending you some virtual love, hugs and pets XOXOXO
Thank you, Julia! I appreciate it.
Dear Kate,
Sending much love to you and your dear family and of course Cookie! As a fellow dog mom I have had to cross this bridge more than once – and it’s never easy – although it is one of the more nobler decisions you’ll ever make. Take heart in all the good you have shared –
Lots of love from a big fan,
Bonne
Thank you, Bonne. We really appreciate it!
Hi Kate. Your comments about Cookie really resonated with me. We are at the same place with our beloved kitty, who turns 15 in September. The realization that she’s getting older and won’t be with us forever feels unbearable. I’m just trying to focus on loving her as much as possible and continuing to give her the very best life we can. Thinking about quality of life issues and the future is so hard. I am right there with you. Sending much love to Cookie, and to you.
I’m so sorry to hear you are going through something similar, Deborah. It isn’t easy to know what to do and hard to see them like this. Sending thoughts to you too!
Watching our four legged family members age is one of the most difficult times in our lives. Because they are huge part of our daily companionship and joy, we grieve for the day they no longer will be with us. I’ve always believed that the day we choose them (or they choose us), we choose to care for them and give them the best life possible. On that day, we also choose to make their last days the best days possible. It’s never easy to watch, but they have always given us everything they have in every moment of the day, and we need to give it back to them. Tears are on my cheeks as I write this; my young rescue dog has his chin on my leg, while I still grieve the loss of our 17 year old “Sweet Pea” a few years ago. We enjoyed every day with her, traveled with her, walked slower with her, became her eyes and ears, and she trusted us to help her age. You are doing the same for Cookie, and she trusts you because of the love and care you give her. Be strong. Find joy. Curl up on the floor with your furry friend. She’ll love it!
Thank you for your kind words, Janice. I really appreciate it!
Much love to Cookie.
Thank you, Leslie!
Hi Kate,
Just to let you know, I am a huge fan of you and Cookie and your recipes. I also am a cook, and have loved every delicious, healthy and creative one of them!!! I bought your cookbook and have bought it for presents, and always recommend you.
It breaks my heart that Cookie is getting old. I send you and her my love.
Thank you, Deb!
I am sending you a hug and Cookie too. It is so hard when our fur babies get older. Thank you for keeping us informed on how she is doing.
Thank you, Lin! I appreciate it.
I’m sorry to hear about your Dog, Cookie. That is the sad thing about dogs they do not live that long. My own dog is turning 7 and the vet told me that she has arthritis. This was a wake call for me that she will not be around forever and to love her more.
I recently bought your cookbook and my family has really been enjoying the garnola.
Best wishes
Thank you, Chris. I’m sorry to hear about your dog as well. It is hard!
Ooh I’m going to have to try out many of these recipes! Sending my love and well wishes to you and Cookie. It’s such a treat seeing her beautiful face as I flip through the pages of your cookbook I think she and my Corgi would get along :) Have been following you for years, and all of your recipes are hits! Have a lovely June
Thank you, Amber!
So sad to hear about Cookie, but I know she’s had a wonderful time with you! Decisions about our pets are often so hard to make. I do send love & pats to Cookie, and a hug for you too!
Thank you, Molly!
Thinking of you and Cookie, and sending lots of love and best wishes to you both. XX
Sending lots of <3 <3 <3 to you and your family, Kate. Especially dear Cookie.
Thank you, CR!
Dear Kate and Cookie
I don’t “so” social media of any kind but I wanted to make sure you knew that J read your message about Cookie, and I am sending big love to both of you. . Quality of life is everything, and you are both so lucky to have found each other Enjoy as long as you are able, and know that when you say goodbye, hopefully not yet, that it will be with tears in your eyes but not with a heavy heart.
Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate it.
Drooling!
Hi Kate. I’m having the same issues with our 14-year-old puggle, Arthur, as you’re having with Cookie. Re hearing loss, believe it or not, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. He now knows hand signals for come, eat, walk and (I hope) good boy. He also seems able to hear certain pitches. So, if he’s outside in the yard in a place I can’t see him, to get him to come, I blow a whistle which he can hear. When he comes back inside, I give him the tiniest sliver of cheese. Works every time.
His walks are slower and he’s often carried up the stairs. He has good days and bad and when he has a bad day, it’s bad for both of us. Still, the little bugger carries on, thank goodness and seems happy enough.
Tell you what, I’ll send love to Cookie if you send love to Arthur. Deal?
I’m sorry to hear you are going through something similar, Rose. I appreciate your kind words and sharing your story.
Cannot wait to make this Avocado Dip! Your recipes are always AMAZING. So sorry to hear about Cookie. Our pets hold such a special place in our hearts. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Hi Kate,
I’m dying to try some of these yummy looking recipes! I can’t decide which one to start with!
I’m so sorry to hear about Cookie! It is so hard when your pup gets older. I hope you have many more days with her.
Jody
Thank you, Jody!
Hi Kate!
Thankyou for your fresh ideas for June foods. You always inspire my culinary practice!
My thoughts of love and support go to you and your family on your journey with Cookie.
Carolyn from Canada
Thank you, Carolyn!
Sending all best wishes to your family and Cookie!
I’m sorry to hear that Cookie isn’t feeling well. Sending my love and cuddles to her!
Thank you, Myrto!
Sending positive and loving thoughts to Cookie!
Thank you, Emily! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it.
All my love to Cookie. You’ve given her a beautiful life Kate.
Thank you, Jennifer!
Sending Cookie my love!!! The way you wrote about her in your cookbook made me instantly a fan of your brand. I wish you both many more happy and healthy days spent together <3
Thank you, Alyssa!
Quinoa is fantastic in salads! I hope you like it.
Hello Cookie and Kate,
Cookie,
Saber and Blaze (2 tiger-cats that love dogs) are sending their love and warm paw touches. I am also sending heartfelt thoughts to you.
Love to you both,
Dee