Looking for recipes to make throughout June? Look no farther than this Monthly Meal Plan, which includes 40+ recipes to make! Featuring colorful salads, easy weeknight dinners, Father’s Day brunch and more, this monthly recipe list is sure to offer something for everyone!
2025 Update: This monthly meal plan was originally shared in June 2018. It has been updated to include more information, as well as a larger variety of June recipes. I hope you love it and find it helpful!
Well, the month of May just FLEW by, and I cannot believe it’s time for another Monthly Meal plan… this time for June!
Below, you’ll find grilling recipes, Father’s Day brunch and summertime desserts, scroll on down! You’re bound to find something (or several somethings) that you dig. 😉
If you’re planning ahead for July (specifically, July 4th!), I suggest popping on over to my Patriotic Recipes page, which offers various dishes that are perfect for a patriotic gathering, broken down by course.
Ready for some June goodness? Scroll on!
What should I cook in the month of June?
As always, the answer to this question depends on you and what you plan to do during this month. It also depends on where you live.
I live in the South, so it’s hotter where I am right now than those of you who live elsewhere. And that impacts that’s available at my farmer’s markets, as well as yours.
There is tons of fresh local produce available in the month of June.
No matter what sounds good to you for this month, we have all kinds of recipes for June that include options for all kinds of tastebuds. Many of them emphasize fresh fruits and veggies because that’s what it’s all about.
As always, we focus on seasonal produce and easy recipes that are great to share, so there is PLENTY inspiration for you below.
What is in season in the month of June?
There are so many scrumptious fruits and veggies that are harvested during June, though many of these products are determined by where you live. (Again: if you eat based on the season and what’s being harvested in your area any given month, your plate will look different than mine if you live in Minnesota since I live in Texas.)
Generally speaking, here are some items in season during June:
So many fruits are being harvested and in season this month! Think berries (including strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.), melons (like cantaloupe, honeydew and maybe a few early watermelons) and figs.
It’s also the start of stone fruit season, which includes apricots, cherries, nectarines and peaches. (Pro tip: local stone fruit is far and away better than stone fruit shipped across the country.)
In addition to these fruits, you’ll find lots of summer vegetables available, too.
Tomatoes (including beefsteak, heirloom, cherry and more), cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and more should be available at your local markets. Rhubarb should also be around, if you can get your hands on it.
As always, be on the lookout for fresh local produce at your farmers market. That is the best place to find them!
More monthly meal plans:
If you’re in the market for more seasonal menus and recipes, we’ve got them for you here…
June means summertime, and nothing says SUMMER like a grilled entree! Below are some of our favorite dishes to make on the grill.
1
Grilled Turkey Burgers
Fire up the grill and make the BEST Turkey Burgers today!These grilled turkey burgers are delicious year-round and incredibly easy to make if you know what you’re doing! Top them with lettuce, tomatoes, condiments and more and serve ‘em to your favorite people for any occasion.
Grilled Steaks are the perfect protein for any occasion! All you need are a few simple ingredients and tools, as well as a little time to make the best grilled steak. Come learn how to grill steak at home for any occasion.
This weekend, let’s be adventurous and grill up some Cheeseburger Kebabs! This twist on a cheeseburger offers a unique way to enjoy a summertime classic! And they can be made in advance, too. Mix flavorful, all-beef patties with cheddar cheese, then skewer with bacon, red onion, tomatoes, pickles and burger buns. Grill on both sides until perfectly cooked and serve with burger condiments. Cheeseburger Kebabs will be all the rage this summer!
Ground beef burgers, stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, are the perfect compliment to a summertime celebration. These Juicy Lucy Burgers are a showstopper, whether you're hosting folks for a barbecue or rained out indoors.
Fire up the grill to make garlicky Blackened Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers. This grilled shrimp recipe is cooked and ready in 30 minutes. Learn how to cook shrimp on the grill, how to choose the right shrimp and how to serve this delightful grilling recipe.
Fire up the grill and serve Classic Salmon Burgers to the whole family! These simple salmon burgers highlight the freshness and flavor of Alaskan sockeye salmon. Combine bite-sized salmon pieces with an egg, panko breadcrumbs, soy sauce, lemon zest and seasonings to create the patties, then cook on a grill pan (or outside on the grill) for the ultimate fish burger! Serve with fresh avocado slices and lettuce, then enjoy immediately. SO tasty!
Grilled Hamburger Sliders with Bacon Cherry Compote
Fire up the grill this summer and make a twist on a classic: Beef Sliders with homemade Bacon Cherry Compote! Juicy USDA choice beef burgers are topped with a smoky-sweet-tart compote to make the ultimate summertime entertaining finger food!
Fire up the grill to make Grilled Steak Flatbread with Caramelized Onions and Tomatoes! Cook down onions until caramelized, then turn on the grill and cook a NY strip steak to perfection. Next, toast up the flatbread and add the onions, tomatoes and feta cheese. When toasted, remove the flatbread from the grill and add strips of steak. Whether it's for an appetizer or an entree, this flatbread recipe is a perfect for summer entertaining!
Surprise Dad with BRUNCH! Who doesn’t love a good breakfast in bed? Below, we’ve listed several Father’s Day recipes that are fit for a king… and the whole family!
9
Croissant Breakfast Sandwich
Want to make the BEST breakfast? This Croissant Breakfast Sandwich is full of turkey bacon, sharp cheddar cheese and scrambled eggs. This is a simple go-to breakfast that is loved by everyone. It can be meal prepped for a grab-and-go breakfast situation, too.
Hosting an at-home brunch this weekend? No sweat! Praline French Toast feeds a crowd and satisfies the sweetest of sweet teeth. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also dairy free AND refined sugar free! Thick slices of ciabatta soak in an egg mixture, sweetened with maple syrup, then cook in a skillet over high heat. Top with homemade spicy-sweet pralined pecans, whipped coconut cream and strawberries for the ULTIMATE sweet breakfast or brunch!
Once you know how to make Maple Bacon at home, you will never go back to store-bought. With real maple syrup and thick cut bacon, you can control the sweetness and crispiness just how you like it. The end result is melt-in-your-mouth bacon with the perfect crispy edges.
Perfect for any summer morning, these Lemon Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping sing of seasonal flavors. These (surprisingly) dairy-free muffins are easy to make and even easier to consume. Slightly sweet with a pop of lemony goodness and topped with a crunchy crumble, these fruity muffins are sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Bake and serve Gluten Free Broccoli Quiche Lorraine Bites as a quick, easy breakfast this spring! Make a flourless potato crust, and while that bakes, mix eggs, diced ham, broccoli and shredded Swiss cheese with milk and spices to serve as the flavorful filling. When the potato crusts are crispy, pour in the filling, and bake until browned. Serve these tasty quiches to your mom on Mother’s Day, at a springtime brunch or anytime just because!
This overnight Egg Casserole with Green Chiles is an incredible twist on a classic. Calling for 7 ingredients, this breakfast bake could not be easier to make and share. Smoky green chile peppers add a little heat to this cheesy breakfast casserole.
Make any brunch a little fancier by serving decadent Sage Browned Butter Homemade Home Fries! This twist on classic home fries makes for the perfect side dish, can be made in advance and is super delicious for a crowd! Brown butter with fresh sage in a skillet. When the sage has crisped, break it apart, then add diced russet potatoes. Cook until fork tender and crisp on the outside. Serve warm as the perfect holiday (or anytime!) brunch side!
A mimosa is a classic brunch drink that's incredibly easy to make at home. Calling for just two ingredients, this champagne cocktail can easily be adjusted to create different mimosa flavors.
Add some spice to your weekend with the brunch cocktail of choice, the Bloody Mary. This classic cocktail, made with spicy tomato juice, vodka and various accoutrements, is easy to make at home and perfect for any morning gathering, no matter the occasion. Requiring just a few ingredients, this drink can be made in minutes and customized for each individual!
Fresh produce is all around these days. What better way to celebrate the bounty of the season by serving yourself (and the whole fam) a summer salad?
18
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette is the perfect dinner salad or side for the warmer months of the year! This salad has a spinach base and features fresh strawberries, diced apple, walnuts AND feta, as well as a sweet, tangy homemade strawberry vinaigrette. This spinach salad recipe is especially satisfying when you can find juicy strawberries.
Oven Poached Salmon Caesar Salads are a household favorite easy dinner or show-stopping lunch! Poach salmon in the oven, then serve it on top of a quick homemade Caesar salad. This quick entree is prepped, poached and ready to eat in less than an hour.
Topped with lots of veggies, ultra-crispy chicken and a succulent honey mustard dressing, this Chicken Cobb Salad is going to transform mealtime. This recipe is great for a healthy lunch or dinner, or you can make all the parts in advance for easy meal prep.
Enjoy the fruits of the season by making a Blueberry Salad with Feta, Chicken and Pecans. Tossed in a homemade blueberry vinaigrette, this spinach salad is a filling lunch, side dish or light dinner. All you need are a handful of ingredients and a bunch of fresh blueberries to make this fresh salad for any occasion.
Meet the ultimate summer side dish: Orzo Pasta Salad. This bright, fresh and lemony pasta salad works as an easy dish to bring to a potluck or serve at a cookout, but you could also enjoy it as a whole meal because it includes chicken.
Looking for an entree or appetizer to wow the crowd this summer? Whole30 Steak Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is the way to go! This Whole30-compliant, Paleo, and Gluten Free recipe will impress guests and family alike. Perfectly cooked New York Strip Steak sits atop a bed of romaine lettuce, studded with navel oranges, English cucumbers and avocado. Finish with a drizzle of homemade Orange Vinaigrette, and this salad is the perfect summer meal!
Looking for the best cucumber recipe to make and share this season? Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fun twist on the classic summertime appetizer and side. All you need are four ingredients and about 10 minutes to make Caprese Salad with Cucumber!
A twist on the French classic, Salmon Niçoise Salad makes a perfect summertime dinner! Fresh sockeye salmon serves as the centerpiece of this entree salad in place of traditional tuna. Romaine lettuce, steamed green beans, baby potatoes and red onion are tossed together to create the rest of the salad, then topped with a tangy olive oil-Dijon vinaigrette. Flavorful for lunch or dinner, this Salmon Niçoise Salad sings of summertime flavors.
Lunchtime shouldn't be a struggle, and this Cajun Cobb Salad makes a flavorful meal that will carry you through the afternoon! On a bed of shredded romaine, layer diced Jennie-O Hickory Smoked Cajun Style Turkey Breast, hardboiled eggs, bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. Drizzle with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette before tossing and enjoying. This Cajun Cobb Salad can be made ahead for a quick lunch, too!
Baby, it’s hot outside! Cool down by NOT turning on the oven this coming month and instead, make dinner in the slow cooker or an electric pressure cooker. You’ll be happy you did!
27
Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Cabbage Slaw
Pork and apples are an age-old combination… and this Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Coleslaw is the perfect fall entree. Pork cooks in the slow cooker or Instant Pot with apple cider before being served over bread with a homemade apple coleslaw. No matter what you serve it for, these pulled pork sandwiches make a lovely meal.
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is a quick, easy twist on the traditional Creole recipe. Unsoaked, dried red beans cook with sausage, onion, bell pepper and garlic in the electric pressure cooker until the beans are soft and creamy. Serve over fluffy white rice for the perfect weeknight dinner. Makes 4-6 servings.
Vibrant, creamy and a little bit spicy, Chicken Enchilada Bruschetta is the appetizer to make this season! This dish comes together in no time, too, thanks to the Instant Pot! Cook the chicken and enchilada sauce on high pressure before shredding and adding cream cheese. Serve over toasted garlic bread, garnished with parsley and cotija cheese! Perfect for entertaining, this Chicken Enchilada Bruschetta adds a creamy, spicy kick to any event!
Who doesn’t love a simple, delicious meal that’s ready when they arrive home? This Slow Cooker Italian Meatloaf is a home-y meal that requires little work.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Mustard Coleslaw
Prepare for the big game by whipping up this easy and delicious entree. These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Mustard Coleslaw are sure to wow your guests without causing additional stress as you prepare for the party.
Looking for a comforting meal for the whole family? Instant Pot French Onion Meatloaf adds a flavorful kick to any dinner! Made entirely in the electric pressure cooker, this easy-to-make meatloaf is done and on the table in an hour and a half. Bursting with French onion flavors, the meatloaf is topped with a Gruyere Onion Gravy, made out of the pan drippings and cheese. So comforting and delicious, this recipe will become a family favorite!
Summertime means entertaining to me, and I always have dessert on hand for visitors who drop by. Below are some of my all-time favorite summer desserts that are perfect for a crowd (or just yourself. No judgment here!)
34
Mint Smores Bars
Love chocolate, mint and marshmallow together? These Mint Smores Bars are going to be your new favorite sweet! This twist on a classic recipe starts with a homemade graham cracker base. Mix up a decadently rich, gooey, minty chocolate filling, then finish the bars with marshmallows. Bake to ooey gooey smore bar perfection. Perfect for summer get togethers and chilly winter evenings, Mint Smores Bars make a unique minty dessert for all seasons!
Strawberry and Blueberry Hand Pies make the PERFECT summer dessert. Bursting with fresh blueberries and strawberries, these naturally sweet, handheld pies sing of seasonal flavors. Not only do they taste of the season, but they’re wrapped in a decadent buttery crust. Perfect for a Memorial Day weekend picnic, July 4th or any other summertime get together, these Strawberry and Blueberry Hand Pies can be made in advance and will be adored by all!
Looking for a show stopping dairy free dessert? Look no farther than Dairy Free Peach Cobbler! This cobbler is the perfect dairy free dessert to serve family or a crowd during the summer. Toss fresh peach slices with corn starch, a little sugar and pecans before dropping nutty, slightly sweet biscuits on top and baking until golden. Served with a scoop of dairy free ice cream, Dairy Free Peach Cobbler makes the ultimate summertime dessert.
These tangy, naturally sweet Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Pops make a refreshing sweet treat for a hot summer day. Roast strawberries in the oven with maple syrup, then toss with lemon zest, cream cheese, yogurt and maple syrup. When combined, pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight. Once frozen, sprinkle with Graham cracker crumbs, and enjoy! These naturally sweetened Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Pops are the perfect summer dessert!
Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars are chocolate cheesecake dessert perfection. These brownie cheesecake bars make an amazing treat and are excellent for sharing. Baked to ooey gooey perfection, these decadent cheesecake brownies are ready to enjoy in less than an hour. Makes 24 bars.
This ooey gooey Oreo Skillet Brownie is the ULTIMATE chocolate dessert! Homemade brownie mix is studded with Oreos, baked until gooey, and then topped with ice cream, hot fudge sauce and a maraschino cherry! Ready in less than 45 minutes, this rich, impressive dessert is perfect for sharing!
Dairy Free Blackberry Cobbler is the ultimate summertime dessert. Blackberries are tossed in sugar and lemon zest, then roast beneath a cobbler topping. Serve with a scoop of your favorite (dairy free) ice cream to top off this scrumptious treat.
Celebrate seasonal produce by baking Blackberry Peach Hand Pies! These made-from-scratch individual desserts combine summer flavors with a decadent Bourbon Whipped Cream.
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
Did you make the recipe as directed? If you didn’t or made an ingredient swap, please do not leave a rating. Recipe results are not guaranteed when changes have been made.
Is your comment helpful to others? Rude or hateful comments will not be approved. Please remember that this website is run by a real person.
Are you complaining about ads? I develop these recipes and provide them to you for free. Advertising allows me to continue to do so at not cost to you. It is also unavoidable on the internet and in everyday life. If you want recipes without ads, please purchase a cookbook or borrow one from your local library.
Before leaving a comment or rating, ask yourself: