Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen! One of our favorite ingredients for warm-weather cooking is the sweet and tangy apricot. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack or a show-stopping dessert, apricots are the perfect addition to your summer recipe repertoire.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delicious apricot recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From savory dishes like Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs and Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Ribs, to sweet treats like Fresh Apricot and Almond Tart and Apricot and Dark Chocolate Scones, there’s something for everyone.
So why not get started on your apricot adventure today? In the next section, we’ll dive into some of our favorite recipes that are perfect for incorporating into your summer meal planning.
Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apricots with the richness of chicken thighs, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and aromatic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the apricot glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fresh Apricot and Almond Tart
Brighten up your dessert table with this sweet and tangy tart, featuring fresh apricots and crunchy almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 4-6 fresh apricots, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a large bowl, mix together sliced apricots, granulated sugar, and honey until well combined.
4. Arrange the apricot mixture on the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the apricots.
6. Drizzle lemon juice over the tart to bring out the flavors.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apricots are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Apricot Chutney
Add a tangy twist to your meals with this flavorful and aromatic chutney made with sweet apricots, warm spices, and a hint of heat. Perfect for serving alongside grilled meats, naan bread, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apricots, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, grated ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chutney has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apricot and Brie Stuffed Phyllo Cups
These bite-sized treats combine the flaky texture of phyllo dough with the creamy richness of brie cheese, the sweetness of apricots, and a hint of savory flavor. Perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1/2 cup of brie cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh apricots
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut into squares, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) per side.
3. Place a spoonful of softened brie cheese in the center of each square.
4. Add a few chopped apricots on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the phyllo squares into triangles or cups, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with honey and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Apricot and Halloumi Salad
Savor the sweetness of grilled apricots and the creaminess of halloumi cheese in this refreshing summer salad.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe apricots, sliced
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, cut into cubes
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush apricot slices with olive oil and season with salt. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, cube halloumi cheese and grill for 1-2 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, grilled apricots, and halloumi cheese.
5. Sprinkle chopped fresh mint leaves on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apricot and Coconut Energy Balls
Apricot and Coconut Energy Balls are a delicious and healthy snack that combines the natural sweetness of apricots with the creamy richness of coconut. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a post-workout treat, these no-bake energy balls are easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats, chopped apricots, and shredded coconut.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter and honey until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake energy balls are ready in just a few minutes.
Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Ribs
Slow Cooker Apricot BBQ Ribs Recipe
Summary: Sweet and tangy apricots add a new dimension to classic BBQ ribs, while the slow cooker does all the work for you. Perfect for a stress-free Sunday dinner!
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs; cut into smaller pieces if needed.
4. Place ribs in the slow cooker; pour apricot mixture over the top.
5. Add sliced onion on top of ribs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Apricot and Pistachio Biscotti
A sweet and crunchy Italian classic gets a fruity twist with the addition of dried apricots and chopped pistachios. Perfect for dipping in coffee, tea, or wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– Optional: flavorings like vanilla or almond extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and eggs until smooth. Add chopped apricots and pistachios; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide dough into two logs; shape each log into an 8-inch (20cm) long rope.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
7. Slice into 1/2-inch (1.3cm) thick pieces and bake again for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Roasted Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini
Roasted Apricot and Goat Cheese Crostini is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for any gathering. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 pint apricots, halved and pitted
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place apricot halves on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with salt.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices by baking for 10-12 minutes or grill until lightly browned.
6. Spread goat cheese on toasted baguette slices.
7. Top with roasted apricots and a drizzle of olive oil.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apricot and Ginger Glazed Salmon
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory glazed salmon recipe, perfectly balanced by the warmth of ginger and the natural sweetness of apricots.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup apricot jam
– 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together apricot jam, grated ginger, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the salmon.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Apricot and Vanilla Bean Jam
This jam combines the natural sweetness of apricots with the warm, creamy flavor of vanilla bean for a delicious spread perfect for toast, yogurt, or using as a filling. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this unique and tasty jam in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or dried apricots
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apricots, sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the apricots are soft and the mixture has thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean and lemon juice.
4. Let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apricot and Cardamom Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a burst of sunshine in this vibrant apricot and cardamom smoothie bowl. The sweetness of the apricots pairs perfectly with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom, creating a deliciously unique breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen apricots
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tsp ground cardamom
– 1 tbsp honey
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings: sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine apricots, yogurt, milk, cardamom, and honey in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Top with desired toppings (if using) and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy your refreshing Apricot and Cardamom Smoothie Bowl!
Apricot and Rosemary Focaccia
This recipe combines the sweetness of apricots with the earthy flavor of rosemary, creating a unique and delicious focaccia perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Punch down the dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle rosemary leaves, apricots, and honey on top of the dough.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apricot and Dark Chocolate Scones
Moist apricots and rich dark chocolate come together to create a sweet and satisfying breakfast or snack. These scones are perfect for a quick indulgence or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and chopped apricots. Pour into the dry mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
6. Pat dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges.
7. Place scones on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Apricot and Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory stuffed pork tenderloin, featuring apricots and walnuts. A perfect combination of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh apricots
– 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together apricots, walnuts, and garlic.
3. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the pork tenderloin with the apricot-walnut mixture, spreading it evenly throughout.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed tenderloin.
6. Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apricot and Lavender Lemonade
This refreshing drink combines the warmth of apricots with the subtle charm of lavender, creating a unique and soothing lemonade perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 tsp dried lavender buds
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the chopped apricots and dried lavender buds to the pitcher. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
4. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
5. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with additional apricot slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Apricot and Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of apricot and cinnamon infused oats, perfectly cooked to soak up the sweet flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large jar or container, combine the oats, almond milk, chopped apricots, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the oats are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours.
4. In the morning, give the oats a good stir to redistribute the flavors.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional chopped apricots if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours (overnight)
Apricot and Thyme Roasted Carrots
Elevate your roasted carrots with the sweet and savory combination of apricots and thyme. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, honey, apricots, and thyme until coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the carrot mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until carrots are tender and caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Summer has arrived, and with it, a season of sweet and tangy apricots! In this article, we’re sharing 18 delicious apricot recipes that are perfect for warm weather. From savory dishes like Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs and Grilled Apricot and Halloumi Salad, to sweet treats like Fresh Apricot and Almond Tart and Apricot and Dark Chocolate Scones, there’s something for everyone. Plus, get creative with breakfast options like Apricot and Coconut Energy Balls and Apricot and Cinnamon Overnight Oats. Dive in and discover the endless possibilities of apricots this summer!