17 Fresh and Juicy Nectarine Recipes You’ll Want to Make All Summer

If there were to be a flavor for summer, I would swear it would be that of a perfectly ripe nectarine. Sweet, tangy, and so versatile, nectarines are truly a gem in the kitchen. Grilling, baking, throwing into salads-there’s just something about a nectarine that spruces up a dish. Below are 17 nectarine recipe ideas I have tried, loved, and come back to over and over again every nectarines season.

1. Grilled Nectarines with Honey and Mascarpone

This one’s the easiest fancy-looking dessert ever.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe nectarines, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp mascarpone cheese
• 2 tbsp honey
• Pinch of cinnamon

Steps:

1. Brush nectarines with olive oil and place them cut side down on a hot grill.
2. Grill for about 3 minutes until charred and soft.
3. Plate them up, top with a dollop of mascarpone, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

2. Nectarine Caprese Salad

A twist on the classic – sweet and savory in perfect balance.

Ingredients:

• 2 nectarines, sliced thin
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt & pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Alternate slices of nectarine and mozzarella on a plate.
2. Add basil leaves between the layers.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Nectarine Crumble

This cozy dessert is like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 5 nectarines, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the crumble:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, chilled

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss nectarines with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Add to the baking dish.
3. Mix the crumble ingredients and sprinkle them over the fruit.
4. Bake for 30–35 mins until golden and bubbly.

4. Spicy Nectarine Salsa

This salsa is fire—literally and flavor-wise.

Ingredients:

• 2 nectarines, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Handful of cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Mix everything in a bowl.
2. Let sit 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Serve with chips or grilled fish.

5. Nectarine Smoothie

A sunshine smoothie perfect for breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 2 nectarines, pitted
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Steps:

1. Toss all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and savor the moment.

6. Nectarine Chia Jam

Fresh jam in under 20 minutes—no pectin needed.

Ingredients:

• 3 nectarines, chopped
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Steps:

1. Cook nectarines, honey, and lemon juice over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Mash the fruit, then stir in chia seeds.
3. Let cool and thicken in the fridge.

7. Nectarine and Arugula Salad

Peppery, sweet, and sharp – this salad has it all.

Ingredients:

• 2 nectarines, sliced
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Steps:

1. Toss all ingredients gently in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve chilled.

8. Nectarine Tart with Puff Pastry

Looks like it took hours. Takes 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 nectarines, sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange nectarines over puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
3. Sprinkle with sugar and vanilla.
4. Fold the edges, brush with egg wash, and bake for 18–20 minutes.

9. Nectarine Chicken Skewers

Perfect for BBQs – juicy, sweet, and smoky.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 nectarines, cubed
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika

Steps:

1. Toss chicken and nectarines with oil and spices.
2. Thread onto skewers.
3. Grill for 10–12 mins, turning halfway.

10. Nectarine Overnight Oats

Meal-prep magic in a jar.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk
• 1/4 cup chopped nectarines
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp honey

Steps:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a jar and stir well.
2. Chill overnight.
3. Top with more nectarines in the morning.

11. Nectarine Sorbet

Only three ingredients. Yes, really.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe nectarines, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp honey
• Juice of half a lemon

Steps:

1. Freeze nectarine slices.
2. Blend frozen fruit with honey and lemon until smooth.
3. Freeze 1 hour before scooping.

12. Nectarine Bruschetta

A summery bite-sized appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Baguette slices, toasted
• 2 nectarines, diced
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• Fresh basil
• Honey drizzle

Steps:

1. Spread goat cheese on toasted bread.
2. Top with nectarines and basil.
3. Drizzle with honey and serve.

13. Nectarine BBQ Sauce

Yes, you can put nectarines in BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 nectarines, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Simmer all ingredients 15–20 minutes.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Slather on grilled meat or tofu.

14. Nectarine Muffins

Perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 cup chopped nectarines

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.
3. Combine and fold in nectarines.
4. Bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 mins.

15. Nectarine Chicken Salad

A protein-packed lunch with sweet bites on every fork.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 nectarine, diced
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Chill before serving on toast or lettuce.

16. Nectarine Ice Cream (No Churn)

Creamy, dreamy, and no ice cream maker needed.

Ingredients:

• 2 nectarines, chopped
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Whip cream to stiff peaks.
2. Fold in condensed milk, nectarines, and vanilla.
3. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

17. Nectarine Galette

Rustic and gorgeous – like pie without the pressure.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 3 nectarines, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Toss nectarines with sugar and flour.
3. Place the pie crust on the filling, then fold the edges over.
4. Brush the crust with egg wash and bake for 35–40 minutes.

If you’ve got a box of nectarines and don’t know where to start—this list has you covered. From sweet treats to savory meals, nectarines are one of the most underrated fruits out there. Try a couple (or all) of these and thank yourself later.