Whole Wheat Couscous with Nectarines and Pistachios
Nectarines have a smooth skin, juicy flesh and delicate aroma. I love them sliced and spooned over toast spread with nut butter and a light sprinkling of cinnamon. And they’re amazing in salads, salsas, grain dishes like Whole Wheat Couscous with Nectarines and Pistachios opens in a new tab, appetizers, desserts, dips, sauces, and thirst-quenching beverages like Smokey Nectarine Punch opens in a new tab.
New to nectarines? Try these varieties — yellow, white and mango. Yellow nectarines have a well-balanced, sweet-tart flavor while white nectarines are sweeter and less acidic. A hybrid of two heirloom nectarines, mango nectarines are juicy and sweet like a mango with a creamy texture and tropical aroma. These recipes are great made with nectarines in place of peaches.
Peaches Poached with Basil opens in a new tab is an elegant easy-to-make dessert. You’ll be surprised at how beautifully basil complements the fruit!
In this delicious Arugula Salad with Peaches and Blue Cheese, opens in a new tabnectarines are wrapped with prosciutto then gently and briefly sautéed.
Peach Coconut Freeze opens in a new tab is a refreshing, creamy dessert that is both healthful and simple. For something a little different, try it with a pinch or two of cardamom, nutmeg or cinnamon.
Chicken with Grilled Peach and Chipotle Salsa opens in a new tab may quickly become your favorite go-to summertime recipe. The nectarines are grilled then chopped and added to chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, green onions, cilantro and seasonings, making a flavorful salsa for grilled chicken.
Peach Cobbler opens in a new tab is always mouth-watering! I have made it often using nectarines; it’s ideal for company or to take along to parties. Hint: This recipe can be made vegan by using coconut oil in place of butter and either almond milk or coconut milk in place of half and half.
Take a trip to the past with this fun gelatin-fruit salad, Minty Blueberry Peach Shiver opens in a new tab.
Gorgeous Grilled Peaches with Dandelion Greens and Ginger Dressing opens in a new tab is lovely served with grilled meats, tofu or tempeh, and a variety of vegetables.
Smoky Nectarine Punch
Nectarines taste best at room temperature but once ripened should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be sliced and frozen in a plastic bag, ready to use when needed. Here are more ideas and recipes for nectarines:
Make smoothies with your favorite non-dairy beverage or yogurt. Add extras like bananas, berries, nut butter, greens, or protein powder.
Make a fruit salad with nectarines, blackberries or raspberries, dried or fresh blueberries, cherries or goji berries and flakes of coconut and dark chocolate.
Take along Dried Fruit Chews opens in a new tab on your next outdoor adventure.
Top cooked or dried cereal, granola, pancakes or waffles with chopped nectarines and toasted almonds.
Mash ripe, juicy nectarines with a dash of cinnamon and a dribble of honey; spread over toast, biscuits or scones.
Baste halved nectarines with balsamic vinegar; grill and serve as a side dish to chicken, fish or pork.
Layer sliced nectarines with ice cream, frozen yogurt or a non-dairy frozen dessert in glassware. Garnish with chopped, roasted macadamia nuts or a grated chocolate. Fresh Fruit and Cream Parfaits opens in a new tab is a vegan recipe made with nectarines, peaches and blueberries.
Top green salads with nectarines and a sprinkling of salty cheese like feta, ricotta salata or pecorino. Spinach Salad with Plums and Goat Cheese opens in a new tab is fantastic made with nectarines in place of plums.
Do you love nectarines, too? Got a good recipe or a favorite tip? Let me know.
