At long last, we are finally inching into one of our favorite seasons. Between beach days, camping trips, and picnics galore, we have plenty of things to get excited about this month. But if you think whole grains are only for hearty winter porridge, think again!

Whole grains and summer go hand in hand. Here are 5 recipe tips and tricks to add to your summer bucket list:

• Toss together a bulgur or farro salad for a picnic at the park.
• For a fun backyard pizza party, cook a whole wheat pizza in a cast iron skillet over the grill.
• Make a stir fry with quinoa next time you go camping. (And don't forget the whole grain s'mores!)
• Pack a cooler full of whole grain sandwiches for a day at the lake.
• Perfect your homemade granola recipe, then make a parfait with seasonal summer fruits.

There are many types of recipes that actually work much better when you swap in some whole grains, and not just in our opinion.

Learn which recipes get the biggest flavor boost here.

Although whole grains have about the same amount of calories as their refined counterparts, they pack a much greater nutrient punch, with 4x the fiber, 2x the calcium, and 3x the potassium!

Learn more here.

Berry Sorghum Breakfast Porridge
This fruity porridge, which features June's Whole Grain of the Month, is made overnight in the slow cooker, so that you don't have to worry about heating the stove up on hot summer days.


Burrito Bowls with Chicken
This quinoa burrito bowl is made using ingredients from the Oldways Cart, grocery list and recipe plan that helps people shop healthier.


Mediterranean Eggplant and Barley Salad
Serve cold or at room temperature, with spicy greens such as arugula.