Savoring Summer

August 6, 2026

By Gretchen Westdal Centers

After the Fourth of July, summer days seem to slip by a little faster, or perhaps we just pay a little less attention. In the waning days of July and August, when the humidity tends to hang heavy and the cicadas sound a little louder, it can be easy to long for crisp autumn days. But take some time to appreciate the richness and vibrancy that this time of year brings: picture gardens bursting with produce, the first brisk morning after a storm or the late-evening laughter of kids still relishing their break. As Iowans, we embrace the seasons at their start but can be quick to wish for the next. Try to savor these fleeting moments and fresh flavors — because come February, we’ll all be longing for the warmth.

 

Pork Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki | Iowa Pork

Sometimes a meal is an elaborate, multi-step labor of love. And sometimes, it's as simple as throwing some meat on a stick with garden veggies and putting it on the grill. Both are wonderful, especially when shared with family or friends! These Pork Souvlaki Skewers are the latter and a perfect al fresco dinner option. Cubed pork loin is bathed overnight in a bright marinade of olive oil, white wine, lemon juice and spices. Once it soaks up all that flavor, it's skewered with red onion and then quickly grilled to retain its juiciness. Enjoy with homemade or store-bought pita bread and tzatziki for a filling, delectable meal without being heavy.

Get the recipe here: Pork Souvlaki Skewers with Tzatziki

 

 

 

Watermelon Summer Salad | Soy Connection 

Perhaps you need a full menu for an impromptu dinner party? Serve the pork souvlaki skewers along with this Watermelon Summer Salad. Watermelon, in all its refreshing, vivid glory, is teamed up with mellow baby spinach and shelled edamame for a nutrient-rich side dish that may just steal the show. The dressing, featuring miso, Dijon mustard, sherry vinegar, honey and soybean oil, creates a sweet, zingy, and creamy flavor profile that highlights the salad's other unique components. It’s an easy, cool dish that brings vibrant color and texture to the dinner table.

Get the recipe here: Watermelon Summer Salad

 

 

 

Summer Berry Pavlova | The Incredible Egg

Need a sweet treat to round out that impromptu dinner party? This Summer Berry Pavlova is a showstopper, featuring a bounty of sweet, fresh berries set atop an impressively light and crispy meringue shell. Wow your guests not only with this beautiful dessert, but also with its origin story. Created in the 1920s to celebrate Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova during her tour of Australia and New Zealand, it’s still a beloved favorite a century later. The crisp yet airy meringue — made from egg whites whipped to stiff peaks — is adorned with tart, freshly made lemon curd and homemade whipped cream for a delightfully sweet, bright treat.

Get the recipe here: Summer Berry Pavlova 

 

 

 

Mediterranean Grilled Chuck Steak with Garden Grilled Vegetables | Iowa Beef  

If you're lucky enough to have a summer garden overflowing with bounty, you’re probably looking for ways to incorporate vegetables into every meal, baked good or batch of preserves. Luckily, there is a plethora of recipes that call for that end-of-summer harvest. Try this Mediterranean Grilled Chuck Steak with Garden Vegetables for a balanced, filling and delicious meal. The chuck steak is marinated in balsamic vinegar and Mediterranean spices to create a savory, vibrant flavor profile that cuts through the beef's richness. You can use any vegetable you have on hand, but this specific recipe calls for tender zucchini and bell pepper. Everything is thrown on the grill for an easy, satisfying feast celebrating the home garden and Iowa-grown beef.

Get the recipe here:  Mediterranean Grilled Chuck Steak with Garden Grilled Vegetables

 

Grilled Halloumi and Veggie Skewers | U.S. Dairy

When most people think of grilled cheese, they think of the quintessential sandwich — perfect on its own or dipped in warm tomato soup. And while that’s a classic for a reason, we’re thinking outside the box with these Grilled Halloumi and Veggie Skewers. Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese believed to have originated in Cyprus. Famous for its signature squeaky texture, this cheese is traditionally made from a mixture of goat and sheep’s milk and has a high melting point, allowing it to develop a crisp exterior and a creamy, indulgent interior. In this recipe, the marinated Halloumi and vegetables are grilled on skewers, then laid atop a bed of greens for a mouthwatering salad.

Get the recipe here: Grilled Halloumi and Veggie Skewers

 

 

 

Turkey Collard Green Wraps | National Turkey Federation

There are two camps: those who love leftovers and those who hate them. But with a little creativity, leftover ingredients can be transformed into an entirely new creation that will have both camps happily reducing food waste. This Turkey Collard Green Wrap recipe is the perfect template for turning old into new. With crisp, garden-fresh collard greens as your wrap base, fill it with whatever extras you have left from last night’s dinner. This recipe uses lean, protein-filled grilled turkey kebabs, tabbouleh and hummus for an easy yet filling lunch option. The beauty of meals like this is that they can be customized based on what you have in the garden or in the fridge.

Get the recipe here: Turkey Collard Green Wraps