Hydration, fresh produce, and joyful movement.

Summer is the season to say “ja!” to color, sunshine, and life outdoors. In the Swede Dish world, that means filling your plate with the freshest seasonal produce, staying hydrated with cooling drinks, and finding joy in movement that feels like play—not a chore.

Summer is a reminder to savor the now—fresh, bright, and abundant—while creating little rituals that keep you feeling strong and joyful long after the season fades.

This is the time for juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, and sun-ripened stone fruits—nature’s perfect fuel for long, light-filled days. Grilled fish drizzled with fresh dill sauce, chilled cucumber salads, and vibrant berry desserts keep the table fresh, satisfying, and full of energy.

Eat the Season

Summer’s bounty is vibrant, juicy, and full of life. Tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs, stone fruits, and grilled fish bring brightness to the table while keeping meals light, hydrating, and packed with antioxidants. These fresh flavors energize the body, support skin health, and keep you feeling your best through sunny days and long evenings.

Try:

• Plum, basil, sweet corn & zucchini ribbon sheet pan salmon with fresh plum-cardamom sauce
• Tomato, basil & sweet corn sea scallops and bacon with herbed yogurt sauce
• Cucumber-dill skyr salad
• Peach elderflower overnight oats
• Stone fruit & almond tartlets for fika

Summer – Move for Energy & Joy

Summer is all about staying active in ways that feel playful, refreshing, and connected to the outdoors. Focus on movements that keep you cool, boost your mood, and make the most of the long, sunny days.

Seasonal Movement Ideas:

• Outdoor Rowing: Energize your whole body while soaking in the summer scenery—perfect for sunrise or sunset sessions.

• Swimming: Low-impact, cooling, and cardio-friendly—whether in a pool, lake, or the sea.

• Hiking or Nature Walks: Hit local trails or coastal paths, enjoying nature’s soundtrack while you move.

• Quick HIIT Sessions: 15–20 minutes of high-intensity intervals keep energy up without overheating.

Movement should match the season—playful and freeing. Think outdoor rowing on still morning waters, swimming in the nearest lake or beach, hiking along shady trails, or quick, energizing HIIT sessions in the park before the day warms up. It’s all about engaging your body while soaking up nature.

Live Lagom This Season

To live lagom this season, try:

• Hosting al fresco dinners and summer smörgåsbords with friends and family

• Preparing seasonal drinks like elderflower spritzes or cardamom-ginger coolers

• Stocking up on summer produce and making preserves to carry these flavors into the colder months

The Swede Dish Summer Garden

Swede Dish cooking starts in the garden—whether it’s a sprawling backyard bed or a few pots on the patio. A summer garden is the perfect way to ensure your table is always filled with seasonal color, flavor, and nutrition.

Plant now for peak summer enjoyment:

• Tomatoes & Cucumbers – Perfect for crisp summer salads and pickling projects

• Fresh Herbs – Dill, parsley, basil, and chives to garnish every dish

• Stone Fruits – Peaches or plums in warm climates, perfect for summer desserts and savory boards

• Leafy Greens – Fast-growing varieties like arugula, baby spinach, and Nordic-friendly lettuces for light lunches

Water deeply in the early morning, harvest regularly to keep plants productive, and dry or freeze excess herbs for later.

August: Transitioning to a Fall Garden

In Sweden, seasonal eating is about thinking ahead—and in August, that means preparing for the cozy months to come. While the summer sun is still strong, sow cool-weather crops that will keep you in fresh produce well into the holidays.

Plant now for autumn harvests and holiday meals:

• Hearty Greens – Kale, Swiss chard, and spinach for soups, stews, and festive sides

• Root Vegetables – Beets, carrots, and parsnips for roasting and sheet pan dinners

• Late-Season Herbs – Sage, thyme, and rosemary to flavor fall roasts and winter casseroles

• Salad Essentials – Radishes, mache, and mixed lettuces for fresh, crisp salads into early winter

Think of it as your holiday prep garden—providing flavorful, nutrient-rich ingredients for warming autumn menus, seasonal smörgåsbords, and family gatherings.

Lagom Tips for the Summer-to-Fall Shift

• Host a “Harvest Fika” using garden berries, herbs, and early root veg

• Preserve summer’s bounty—freeze fresh dill, pickle cucumbers, and make berry compotes

• Pair your garden harvest with seasonal Swede Dish recipes like Four Seasons Sheet Pan Salmon or Fall Crêpe Boards

• Keep movement seasonal—combine gardening days with gentle stretching, rowing, or autumn walks to stay grounded and energized

Summer is a reminder to savor the now—fresh, bright, and abundant—while planting the seeds, quite literally, for a nourishing fall and winter ahead.

Summer Wellness Checklist: