One thing about summer, you can’t deny how great it is to be able to shop local produce, meats, dairy and more at our local Farmers Markets. Â There’s absolutely nothing like eating fresh foods grown or raised nearby. Â They taste better, are fantastic for our health, and it is always nice to support a local business owner.
Admittedly, I go a bit overboard when I am loose in a farmers market. Â I tend to over stuff my bags, and then I am left with a lot of perishable items that I cannot possible go through before they expire.
If this sounds at all familiar, here are some ways to utilize every last bit of those delicious local foods.
Tomato-Watermelon Salad with Feta and Toasted Almonds
Deviled Eggs with Pickled Onions
Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad
Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Grilled Chili Lime Corn on the Cob
Farmers Market Salad with Creamy Honey Balsamic Dressing
(serves 4)
Ingredients:
4 cups of loosely packed salad greens
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion
1 cup of cherry tomatoes (multicolored)
1/2 cup of fresh cooked or grilled corn (off the cob)
2 ounces of goat cheese, sliced in 1/2-inch thick rounds
1 cup of sliced strawberries
Handful of candied pecans
Directions: Â Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss well. Set aside.
Ingredients (for the dressing):
1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 table of raw honey
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Â Pour the dressing on top of the salad mixture and toss until fully coated.
Looking to shop local?  Try these resources courtesy of  LOCALHARVEST.org:
 Howard Family Farm
harmony, NCÂ Â Â 
We raise strawberries, sweet corn and pumpkins. We also have many vegetables. We are excited about starting a CSA this year, and share farm fresh goodness with others. We have weekly boxes from mid-May to mid-September. Prices are $450 for full share and $350 for half share. The half share portion will be every other week.  more…
 Eden Street Market
Davidson, NCÂ Â Â
THURS 2:00 TO 6:00 FRI 2:00 TO 6:00 SAT 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM NC Seafood from Flying Fish Seafood Mills Family Farm Beef, Pork & Veal Bernice’s Tea And Spice Feeling Groovy Natural Body Care First Level Readiness The Fork & The Key Snicker Pig BBQ and much, much more more…
 Farm Stand @ Kenton Place
Cornelius, NCÂ Â Â
The Know Your Farms Stand @ Kenton Place is a producer-only market for area farmers serving Huntersville and Cornelius residents. You can find local produce, eggs, meats, dairy, flowers, and much more every Saturday from 8am – 12pm in season. We will be open in Fall, Spring, and Summer at this time.  more…
 FARM 430, llc
Troutman, NCÂ Â Â 
FARM 430 is a small family owned farm that offers specialty foods, all natural produce, personal care items, and unique gifts. FARM 430’s specialty items include flavorful salsas, jams & jellies, sauces, wildflower honey, and even human-grade gourmet dog biscuits! FARM 430 also offers a local produce delivery service.  more…
 Hubbard Farm
Huntersville, NCÂ Â Â
We are a family operated farm that has been providing produce to Huntersville and the Lake Norman community for over a decade. Our farm has been in operation for over seventy-years, passed down through three generations of farmers. You can find our produce at our business, The Old Store, which is just across the street from the farm.  more…
 Davidson Farmers Market
Davidson, NCÂ Â Â
The Mission of the Davidson Farmer’s Market is: to provide a vibrant community gathering place with locally grown agricultural and horticultural products, educational materials and programs, and family-friendly activities. ——————————————————————————–Â Â more…
 Huntersville Market
Huntersville, NCÂ Â Â
Come enjoy the Huntersville Market, sponsored by The Town of Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department. The Huntersville Market offers our citizens wonderful local fresh produce, meats, cheeses, delicious baked goods, jewelry, and charming crafts.  more…
 Patriot’s Rest Farm
Huntersville, NCÂ Â Â Â Â Â 
Naturally grown vegetables Buy local, know your farmer, and where your food comes from. Season runs from early spring to late fall. 2010 CSAs Available Now. Fun and Educational for kids knowing where their food comes from and watching it grow. Farm visits are welcome. Shares are limited so call for details.  more…
 Meeting Street Markets
Mooresville, NCÂ Â Â
We are a growers only market so we are all local all the time. This is our second year and we are looking to get the word out. Come see us. Tuesday evenings 5pm til 7:30 pm. Live music and featured veggies on certain nights.  more…
 Big Oak Farm
Denver, NCÂ Â Â
Our family farm has been involved in agriculture in Cabarrus Co for over 150 years. We are true producers of high quality all natural beef. You can find us at Davidson, Denver, and Conover farmers markets, Know Your Farms LLC, and Revolution Pizza in Charlotte. We also sell our beef products from our home. Please call ahead before coming out.  more…
