Pure Michigan Eats – Fresh Recipes for the Season 

Summer in Michigan brings fresh, flavorful ingredients that can make healthy eating simple and satisfying. From juicy peaches and vine-ripened tomatoes to locally caught fish and fragrant herbs, the state’s growing season offers opportunities to build meals around foods harvested at their peak. 

Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that support overall health.  

Whether you’re planning a backyard dinner, heading to the lake for the weekend or looking to make the most of Michigan’s summer harvest, these recipes showcase some of the season’s best ingredients: 

Grilled Fish with Peach Salsa 

Perfect for backyard cookouts, lake weekends or an elevated weeknight dinner, this grilled Michigan fish recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests. 

This recipe has the best of Michigan’s warm-weather harvest: juicy peaches, fresh herbs and locally caught fish. The marinade uses citrus and garlic flavor without overpowering the fish, while the peach salsa brings balance, freshness and color. 

Serves: 4 

Difficulty: Easy 

Prep Time: 20 minutes 

Total time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients:

For the Fish Marinade 

• 4 lake trout, whitefish or another white flaky fish, about 6 oz each 

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil 

• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 

• 1 Tbsp. honey 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 tsp. paprika 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

• 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped 

For the Peach Salsa

• 2 ripe peaches, diced 

• ¼ red onion, finely chopped 

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced 

• 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped 

• Juice of 1 lime 

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil 

• Pinch of salt 

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper and parsley. Place the fish fillets into the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Avoid marinating too long, as the citrus can begin to break down the fish. 

2. While the fish marinates, combine diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil and salt in a bowl. Gently toss everything together and let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld. 

3. Heat a grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. 

4. Remove the fish from the marinade and place skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has light grill marks. 

5. Transfer the grilled fish to a serving platter and spoon the peach salsa generously over the top. 

Tomato Carpaccio Recipe 

Serves 4 

Difficulty: Easy 

Prep time: 10 minutes 

Total time: 15 minutes 

When tomatoes are at their peak, they don’t need much to shine. Thinly sliced ripe tomatoes are elegantly layered with a sprinkle of salt to bring out flavor and accented with fresh basil, olive oil, thinly sliced shallots, grated parmesan and basil.  

Tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, potassium and lycopene, an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their vibrant red color and has been linked to heart health benefits. Paired with heart-healthy olive oil, this recipe not only enhances flavor but also helps your body absorb more of the beneficial compounds found in tomatoes. 

This is perfect as a light appetizer, side dish or a refreshing addition to a summer meal. 

Ingredients:

• 4 beefsteak tomatoes 

• Coarse salt to taste 

• ¼ cup capers 

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil 

• Parmesan, grated, to taste 

• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced 

• 2 Tbsp. balsamic reduction 

• ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped 

• Pepper to taste 

Instructions:

1. Slice the tomatoes as thin as possible. It helps to use a very sharp chef’s knife. 

2. Place the tomatoes across a serving plate, lightly layering them. Sprinkle with coarse salt to taste. This helps bring out the flavor and draw out a bit of moisture.  

3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction and top with fresh basil, capers, shallot and cracked black pepper, evenly spacing out the ingredients. Allow the ingredients to sit for 5 minutes. Keeping in mind that capers are naturally salty, taste to see if any additional salt is needed. 

Focusing on prevention like healthy eating and exercise can lead to lower health care costs and more affordable insurance for all. Learn about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM) commitment to affordability here.  

Shanthi Appelo is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson at BCBSM. For more health and wellness information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.