Top 5 Food Recipes for July 2025: Fresh & Flavorful Summer Favorites

1. Oven-Seared Salmon with Corn and Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
  
  
• ½ cup mayonnaise
  
  
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
  
• 1 tsp lemon zest
  
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears)
  
  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
  
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
   
   
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
   
   
3. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin side down. Bake for 10–12 minutes until salmon is cooked through and mayo crust is golden.
   
   
4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add corn and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and scallions, cooking another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
   
   
5. Serve salmon over the corn and tomato mixture with lemon wedges.

2. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Lemongrass Pork Noodle Bowls)

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork shoulder or pork chops, thinly sliced
  
  
• 3 tbsp lemongrass, finely minced
  
  
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
  
  
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
  
  
• 1 tbsp sugar
  
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
  
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  
  
• 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
  
  
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
  
  
• Pickled carrots and daikon (optional)
  
  
• Sliced cucumber and shredded lettuce
  
  
• Crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and oil. Marinate pork for at least 1 hour.
   
   
2. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
   
   
3. Grill or pan-fry pork slices over medium-high heat until caramelized and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
   
   
4. Assemble bowls with noodles, lettuce, cucumber, pickled veggies, grilled pork, and fresh herbs.
   
   
5. Garnish with crushed peanuts and serve with nuoc cham dipping sauce.

3. Classic Southern Fried Catfish

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups fine yellow cornmeal
  
  
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
  
  
• 2 ½ tsp seasoned salt
  
  
• 1 tsp black pepper
  
  
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
  
• 1 tsp lemon pepper
  
  
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  
  
• 2 large eggs
  
  
• 2 tsp hot sauce
  
  
• 1 lb catfish fillets, patted dry
  
  
• Vegetable oil, for frying
  
  
• Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, hot sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Combine cornmeal, flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, and cayenne in a large bag.
   
   
2. Whisk eggs and hot sauce in a bowl. Dip catfish in egg wash, then coat in cornmeal mixture. Refrigerate 10–15 minutes.
   
   
3. Heat oil to 350–375°F in a deep pot. Fry catfish in batches 2–5 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Drain on paper towels.
   
   
4. Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and hot sauce.

4. Ultimate Cowboy Caviar

Ingredients

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  
  
• 1 cup black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
  
  
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels
  
  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  
  
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
  
  
• ½ red onion, finely diced
  
  
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  
  
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  
  
• Juice of 2 limes
  
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
  
• 1 tsp cumin
  
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine beans, peas, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
   
   
2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently.
   
   
3. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish.

5. Patriotic-Themed Charcuterie Board

Ingredients & Ideas

• Red: Strawberries, raspberries, cherry tomatoes, red grapes
  
  
• White: Mozzarella balls, white cheddar, almonds, cauliflower florets
  
  
• Blue: Blueberries, blue corn tortilla chips, blue cheese crumbles
  
  
• Meats: Sliced salami, prosciutto, pepperoni
  
  
• Extras: Honey, fig jam, crackers, fresh herbs

Assembly Tips

1. Choose a large wooden board or platter. Arrange cheeses spaced evenly.
   
   
2. Fill in gaps with clusters of red, white, and blue fruits and veggies.
   
   
3. Add meats folded or rolled in small piles.
   
   
4. Place small bowls with honey, jams, or dips.
   
   
5. Garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers.

Why These Recipes Are Perfect for July in Alabama

• They celebrate fresh, seasonal produce like corn, tomatoes, and berries.
  
  
• They balance light, refreshing dishes with hearty Southern classics.
  
  
• They are ideal for outdoor dining, cookouts, and festive gatherings.
  
  
• They offer a mix of no-cook, quick-cook, and grill-friendly options.

Ready to Try These Recipes?