Our Favorite Summer Staples

Summer is a season for keeping things easy. Fresh vegetables from the garden, sandwiches packed for a picnic, backyard grilling, and simple weeknight dinners leave more time for enjoying the moment and less time spent in the kitchen.

One of the easiest ways to add flavor without adding extra work is by keeping a few homemade condiments on hand. A jar of pesto, Green Goddess dressing, chimichurri, ketchup, or BBQ sauce can transform a meal into something memorable while helping you make the most of seasonal produce and fresh herbs.

Fresh Herb Favorites

Whether you're planning a backyard cookout or looking for ways to simplify summer meal prep, these are a few of the homemade staples we love keeping stocked in the fridge all season long.

Fresh herbs are one of summer's greatest gifts. From basil and parsley to dill and chives, these seasonal ingredients become the foundation for some of our favorite homemade condiments. 

Pesto

Pesto is one of the most versatile sauces you can make. While it's often associated with pasta, it also works beautifully as a sandwich spread, a topping for grilled vegetables, or a flavorful addition to grain bowls.

A jar of pesto is one of those staples that earns a permanent place in the summer refrigerator, ready to add fresh flavor whenever you need it.

Chimichurri

Bright, fresh, and herb-forward, chimichurri is a summer staple for grilling season. Traditionally made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, it pairs well with everything from grilled steak and chicken to roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Its vibrant flavor makes it an easy way to elevate simple summer meals.

Green Goddess Dressing

Part dressing, part dip, and part sandwich spread, Green Goddess is one of those staples you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and a creamy base such as yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise, come together to create a dressing that's both vibrant and refreshing—perfect for summer meals 

Drizzle it over salads, serve it alongside fresh vegetables, or use it as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.

Cookout Classics

No collection of summer condiments would be complete without a few classics.

Homemade Ketchup

If your tomato plants are thriving this summer, homemade ketchup is a delicious way to put some of that harvest to use. It's rich, tangy, and made with simple ingredients, and it's perfect for accompanying your grilling favorites.

Whether you're picking tomatoes from the backyard or bringing home a basket from the farmers' market, summer is the best time to try making your own.

Ready to make a batch? Explore our Homemade Ketchup recipe for step-by-step instructions.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

Sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor, homemade BBQ sauce is a must-have during grilling season. Use it as a marinade, brush it onto grilled meats, or serve it alongside your favorite cookout dishes.

Many recipes start with seasonal ingredients like tomatoes and peppers, making it another great way to put garden produce to good use. Having a jar ready in the refrigerator means you're always prepared for an impromptu backyard dinner.

For a homemade version that's perfect for summer cookouts, visit our Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe.

Keeping It Fresh

Once you've made a batch of homemade condiments, proper storage helps keep them fresh and ready to use throughout the week.

Le Parfait glass jars make it easy to see what's inside, keep ingredients organized, and eliminate the need for single-use containers. They won't absorb colors, flavors, or odors, making them ideal for using and reusing.

Keeping a few homemade staples on hand also makes everyday cooking easier. Instead of starting from scratch each time, you'll have fresh flavor ready for your next cookout, picnic, or a quick weeknight meals.

A spoonful of pesto, a drizzle of chimichurri, or a jar of homemade BBQ sauce waiting in the refrigerator can turn everyday ingredients into an easy summer meal.

This season, make the most of fresh herbs, garden vegetables, and farmers’ market finds by transforming them into homemade condiments you’ll reach for again and again. Store them in Le Parfait jars and enjoy a little extra flavor all summer long.