3 Easy Summer Recipes for Babies with Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

It’s the season of sunhats, splash pads, and sticky cheeks. For many parents, summer brings both joy and... a desire to keep things simple, and enjoy the longer days and better weather.

Good news? Summer produce is perfect for this. It’s vibrant, soft, and packed with water. Meaning you can nourish baby with minimal cooking, zero fuss, and maximum flavor. Plus eating in season introduces babies to fruits and veggies when they’re at peak flavor, nutrition and affordability.

Let’s simplify your warm-weather feeding game with three baby-friendly recipes that lean on nature’s bounty.

Why summer fruits and vegetables are perfect for babies

Hydrating summer produce for little ones

Hydrating foods are in season. Melons, cucumbers, peaches, and nectarines are an easy way to naturally boost your baby’s fluid needs, and since they need more fluid in hotter months, this is a win-win. If you are curious about hydration recommendations, learn all about when babies can start having water (hint: you can start when you start solids).

Mashable fruits and veggies for any stage

Many fruits and veggies grown in the summer months are soft and mashable, which lend themselves to easy finger foods or quick mashable purées. Think ripe nectarines, peaches, strawberries, and melon.

Simple no-cook options for stress-free summer meals

Spend time outside with baby, not sweating over a pan. Many fruits and vegetables can be eaten uncooked or require little cooking. Plus, just as you maybe don’t want a hot dish in the summer, your baby may also enjoy dishes meant to be served cold, like a baby salad.

Bébé Foodie Tip: Let baby eat outdoors in just a diaper. A little mess is part of the sensory magic.

Baby-friendly summer produce to try this season

Here’s what’s in season (and great for tiny taste buds)

There’s no better time to explore new flavors with your baby than summer. With so many fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness, it’s a great opportunity to offer variety without overthinking it. I love summer for the variety of produce. And when I had babies, it was a really fun time to explore and expose them to new flavors and textures.

What Summer Fruits and Vegetables Can I Introduce to My Baby?

Here are some foods to consider, if you have yet to introduce them. All of these are ideal for baby-led weaning or spoon feeding:

• Soft stone fruits: peaches, plums, nectarines
  

• Berries: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries
  

• Veggies: cucumbers, zucchini, corn, green beans, tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers
  

• Herbs: basil and mint
  

Fresh summer recipes to keep mealtime easy and fun

These recipes are created with babies in mind; simple, nutrient-rich, and full of seasonal goodness. You can adjust textures based on your baby’s age and comfort level. These seasonal baby meals are perfect for warmer weather!

1. 🍑 Nectarine & avocado baby salad: A quick, no-cook summer favorite

Best for: 6 months+ (mashed or soft-diced)

Why it works

Sweet juicy nectarines + buttery avocado = a dreamy duo rich in fiber, potassium, and healthy fats. This is a great recipe that requires no cooking and is ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• ½ ripe nectarine, peeled and diced into small baby-friendly pieces
  

• ¼ ripe avocado, peeled and diced

• 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for added softness)
  

Directions

1. Peel and dice the nectarine into small, baby-friendly pieces.
   

2. Peel and dice the avocado, making sure the pieces are soft and manageable for your baby.
   

3. Gently toss the nectarine and avocado together. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil.
   

4. Serve immediately.
   

📝 Add finely chopped mint or basil for a sensory twist.

2. 🌽 Corn and red pepper velouté: A creamy summer purée for babies 

Best for: 5 months+

Why it works

Velouté literally means velvety in French. It is typically a soup or sauce made with cream and butter. This recipe with sweet corn, red peppers, and potatoes combines for a naturally creamy, velvety purée—no dairy required.

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
  

• ½ cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  

• 1 small potato, peeled and diced (optional, for creaminess)
  

• 1½ cups water
  

Directions

1. Steam the veggies: In a small pot, add the chopped red pepper, corn kernels, and diced potato (if using). Add water, just enough to cover the vegetables. Simmer on medium heat for 15–20 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
   

2. Blend: Once everything is cooked and soft, let it cool slightly, then transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée the vegetables until smooth and velvety.
   

3. Strain (optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the purée through a fine sieve to remove any remaining corn husks or bits.
   

4. Serve: Let the velouté cool to room temperature, and serve in small portions.
   

📝 Great spoon practice for babies just starting to dip and taste.

3. 🥧 Mini plum tartes: A baby-friendly summer dessert

Best for: 6 months+

Why it works

Ripe plums soften beautifully and bring natural sweetness. Use a whole grain base or oat crust and skip added sugar for baby-friendly baking. Bake a bigger batch of baby-safe tartes and freeze some for later.

Ingredients

• 1 small ripe plum, thinly sliced
  

• ½ cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil, softened
  

• 1 tbsp water, breast milk, formula, or regular milk
  

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
  

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   

2. In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and softened butter or coconut oil. Add water, breast milk, formula, or regular milk to bring the dough together. Mix until it forms a soft dough.
   

3. Divide the dough into 4 small portions and press each portion into the bottom of a mini muffin tin or small baking dish, creating a little base for the tartes.

4. Top each mini dough base with a few slices of the plum.
   

5. Optionally, sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon on top for added flavor.
   

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the plums are soft.
   

7. Let the mini tartes cool to a baby-safe temperature before serving.
   

More summer recipes for babies on the Bébé Foodie app

There are so many foods and flavors to introduce babies to at this time of year. Here are some of our other favorites available on the app:

• “Baba Ganoush” eggplant purée
  

• Cantaloupe and basil soup
  

• Peach and basil baby salad
  

• Strawberry & rhubarb muffins
  

• Cherry tomato mousseline
  

Savor the sweetness of summer, one tiny bite at a time

These early tastes of summer—sweet plums, juicy nectarines, tender corn—aren’t just about feeding your baby. They’re about introducing your little one to the joy of seasonal food, the ease of no-fuss meals, and the magic of sharing them together.

Whether you're spoon-feeding a velvety purée in the shade or letting your baby squish cantaloupe with delight, you're building a positive food foundation that starts with love and curiosity.

So skip the stress. Embrace the sticky fingers. And enjoy the sweetness of summer, one tiny bite at a time.

Written by Jenny Janov, RD
Pediatric Dietitian & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

Jenny is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in pediatrics. She studied nutrition at UNC Chapel Hill and worked in hospitals and clinics across California, including UCSF and Stanford. Passionate about helping families, she guides them in making positive nutrition choices and setting achievable goals. As Bébé Foodie’s pediatric dietitian, she helps create expert-backed guidance for parents navigating their child's food journey. Now based in Bend, OR, she enjoys the outdoors, running, snowboarding, paddleboarding, cooking, and time with her husband and two boys.