10 Fun and Tasty Fresh Nectarine Recipes

Peaches and berries usually get the spotlight when it comes to summer fruits, but nectarines are just as fabulous. They’re just as rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, and they’re equally sweet and juicy. Plus, with their thin, smooth skins, you can simply slice them up and add them to all kinds of dishes, from salads to desserts. Grab some at the farmers market and make these healthy, delicious nectarine recipes for any time of day.

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Do nectarines cook like peaches?

Nectarines and peaches are very similar. Botanically, they’re both part of the rose family, which explains why they’re so fragrant. And they’re both stone fruit, with a hard-shelled pit inside that encases a seed. (Apricots, plums, and cherries are also stone fruits.) Because nectarines and peaches have so much in common, they cook very similarly, and are generally interchangeable in recipes. The main difference is that nectarines have smooth skin, unlike fuzzy peaches.

Are nectarines better for you than peaches?

Both are very healthy, good sources of vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium. Nectarines have twice as much vitamin A as peaches. But both are great for you and worth eating.

You asked: What to do with nectarines before they go bad?

Enjoy any of the nectarine recipes below. Also, chop and freeze them and toss into smoothies, or peel, chop and make your own chia jam.

1. Grilled Nectarine Salad with Burrata

The perfect combo of sweet, creamy, and tangy, this salad brings together some of summer’s best: Nectarines, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil, along with peppery arugula and rich burrata. Grilling the nectarines brings out their sweetness and gives them a bit of a smoky edge, and the whole thing is tied together with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. 

Try this recipe from Walder Wellness.

2. Nectarine, Cherry, and Almond Spinach Quinoa Bowl

Packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and almonds, and bursting with a variety of textures and flavors, this bowl is bound to become your new favorite easy summer lunch. It’s loaded with nutrients thanks to the spinach, nectarines, and cherries, and a sprinkling of salty feta makes it truly satisfying. Have it on its own as a vegetarian meal, or top it with a few slices of rotisserie chicken.

Try this recipe from Cait’s Plate.

3. Nectarine and Cucumber Salad

This colorful salad practically jumps off the plate, and it’s so refreshing, it’s perfect for a barbecue. Nectarines and cucumbers are both hydrating, great on a hot day, and their sweetness is a good foil for the red onion, goat cheese, and tangy dressing. Add the optional chili powder to the dressing if you like some heat.

Try this recipe from Feasting at Home.

Related: 10 Healthy Cherry Recipes Perfect for Right Now

4. Nectarine and Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Unfussy bruschetta is a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party, and this one screams summer with its combo of nectarines and heirloom tomatoes. Swap in regular or cherry tomatoes, if that’s what’s most available to you. Toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch to these, but you can swap in almonds or sunflower seeds if you prefer.

Try this recipe from CC’s Table.

5. Yucatan Chicken Skewers with Nectarine Salsa

Forget about boring grilled chicken — these flavorful marinated skewers, which you serve with a zippy nectarine salsa, are so tasty and satisfying. Enjoy them as a protein-rich appetizer for a party, or have them as an entree with a salad or grilled veggies on the side.

Try this recipe from I’m Bored, Let’s Go.

6. Nectarine Salad with Arugula and Cheddar

Cooking sliced nectarines briefly in butter makes them extra rich and sweet, and they’re the center of this unique, elegant salad. Toasted almonds, crisp arugula, and chunks of sharp cheddar fill out the bowl, and it all comes together with a honeyed vinaigrette. 

Try this recipe from Dessert for Two.

7. Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce

A simple fruit dessert in the summer is such a treat, and this one, with just 5 minutes of prep, is as easy as it gets (besides just eating the nectarine plain). The sauce, with just honey, cinnamon, and vanilla, makes these baked nectarines feel special — plus, cinnamon may help to control blood sugar, so that’s a bonus. We’d add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the top before serving.

Try this recipe from Kalefornia Kravings.

Related: 8 Tasty Melon Recipes That Are Super Refreshing

8. Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Nectarine Blueberry Crisp

When it comes to nectarine recipes, there has to be a crisp in the bunch to be complete. This one is plant based, gluten free, and has no refined sugar, so although we think of it as a dessert, you could also enjoy it for breakfast. Swap raspberries or blackberries for the blueberries, if you like.

Try this recipe from Short Girl Tall Order.

9. Baked Oatmeal with Nectarines and Pecans

Baked oatmeal is one of our favorite ways to utilize oats. You’ll want to add this to your rotation of nectarine recipes, and don’t forget the crunchy pecans. It’s delicious warm or cold, and it’s a great meal-prep option for easier mornings.

Try this recipe from Daisy Beet.

10. Nectarine and Blueberry Chia Pudding

Whether you enjoy fiber-rich chia pudding for breakfast or as a snack (or both), you’ll love this one, which incorporates juicy nectarines and blueberries. It’s sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup, and you can use any kind of milk you prefer. Add a pinch of salt to the liquid mixture to brighten up the flavors.

Try this recipe from The Almond Eater.

Read next: 14 Healthy Peach Recipes Perfect for Summer