Summer in Switzerland: freshness, pleasure, and lightness on the plate

Summer in Switzerland is not just about sunshine and flip-flops. It's also the season of ultra-gourmet products, impromptu picnics by the water, fresh salads, and dishes that make you want to slow down a bit. After a dynamic spring and a nourishing winter, the body also switches to summer mode. Fewer stews, more colors. Less oven, more freshness.

At bienBon.ch, we like to think that summer is meant for eating simply, locally, but always with pleasure. And since the season doesn't last forever, you might as well make the most of it. So, in this article, we're taking you on a journey to:

• Discover the best Swiss fruits and vegetables of the summer.
• Cook fresh, fast, and well, without sweating too much.
• Learn to stay well hydrated with natural and local drinks.
• Limit waste even under 30°C.
• Enjoy summer without constraints thanks to bienBon.ch prepared dishes.
• Find the right balance between food, movement, and pleasure.

1. Freshness on the plate: summer calls for lightness

1.1. Why do we eat differently when it's hot?

When temperatures rise, the body needs fewer calories to keep warm. Result: we crave more raw dishes, salads, juicy fruits... and less gratins or stews. And that's just as well: summer is the ideal season to explore a colorful, lively, and vitamin-rich cuisine.

1.2. Simple ideas to adopt

• Composed salads: cold lentils with herbs, tabbouleh with crunchy vegetables, tomato and peach salad.
• Cold or warm dishes: vegetable tortilla, homemade gazpacho, sesame soba noodles.
• Aperitif-meal plates: hummus, crunchy vegetables, local cheese, fresh fruits, sourdough bread.

A good summer meal is sometimes just a beautiful plate, some fresh herbs, a fragrant oil... and the laziness to do more.

2. The stars of summer: Swiss fruits and vegetables

2.1. Absolutely put in your basket

• Tomatoes: beefsteak, cherry, Roma... they burst with flavor and lend themselves to a thousand recipes.
• Eggplants and zucchinis: perfect grilled, in ratatouille, or as a spread.
• Peppers: rich in vitamin C, to be consumed raw or cooked.
• Red fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, to snack on or cook.
• Melon and watermelon: water-rich, perfect for refreshing naturally.
• Aromatic herbs: Basil, mint, coriander, chives... the little extra that changes everything.

2.2. Tips to easily enhance them

• Grill your vegetables with a drizzle of Swiss olive oil and a pinch of fleur de Salt.
• Prepare quick sauces: yogurt-lemon, pesto, herb vinaigrette.
• Assemble without cooking: melon-feta-mint, tomato-mozzarella-peaches, gazpacho in a blender.

The watchword: simplicity, freshness, and maximum flavor.

3. Easy but balanced cooking in summer

3.1. Complete and light dishes

The secret? A base of vegetables, a portion of proteins (animal or plant-based), a bit of grains or legumes, a light sauce… and you have a balanced dish without sweating in front of the stove.

• Quinoa-grilled vegetables-feta bowl
• Cold pasta with grated zucchini and Basil pesto
• Lettuce tacos with roasted chicken and raw vegetables

And for days when really, nothing works: a well-chilled gazpacho, good bread, local cheese, and fresh fruits are more than enough.

3.2. Prepare in advance: summer batch-cooking

We often think batch cooking is for winter. In reality, it can be a great ally in the summer too, especially if you adapt the recipes:

• Pre-cooked grains in advance (spelt, brown rice, millet)
• Roasted vegetables to keep fresh for 3 days
• Homemade vinaigrettes ready to use
• Light herb, yogurt, or tahini sauces

In 1 hour of preparation on Sunday, you have enough to compose your meals in 5 minutes flat all week.

3.3. Summer fridge essentials

Want a smart fridge, hassle-free? We share our top 5 summer essentials:

• Jars of chickpeas or lentils
• Sheep cheese or plain quark
• Cut fruits (watermelon, melon, apricot)
• Hard-boiled eggs for snack or salad
• Fresh herbs in a glass of water (or on the balcony!)

3.4. For vegetarians and flexitarians: summer is your ally

Summer is undoubtedly the best season to explore vegetarian or flexitarian cuisine. Why? Because the richness of Swiss vegetables and herbs makes them main ingredients in their own right, not just side dishes. With a bit of imagination and some good products, you quickly forget about meat without even realizing it.

• Thin zucchini tart with local ricotta and fresh herbs
• Spelt Buddha bowl with chickpeas, grated carrots, and lemon vinaigrette
• Cold gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, Basil, and mozzarella

And for those in a hurry (or less motivated), our vegetarian bienBon.ch dishes are here for that.

3.5. Example of a 3-day summer menu

• Day 1: lentil salad with tomatoes / gazpacho + toasts
• Day 2: quinoa with grilled zucchini and chickpeas / tomato tart
• Day 3: cold lettuce wraps with chicken / cold ratatouille + rice

Three days, zero complicated cooking, zero hassle.

4. Stay hydrated (without sugary juices)

4.1. Local and natural drinks

When it's hot, staying hydrated is essential. But no need to flood yourself with sodas or overly sugary juices. There are plenty of simple, natural, and often local alternatives:

• Infused waters: cucumber-mint, strawberry-Basil, lemon-rosemary
• Iced herbal teas: verbena, lemon balm, hibiscus, cold-infused
• Homemade juices: carrot-strawberry-lemon, watermelon-mint, apple-cucumber

4.2. Tip

Drink in small sips throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty. And avoid very sugary or alcoholic drinks when temperatures exceed 30°C – they dehydrate more than they refresh.

5. Managing your fridge under 30°C

5.1. Good anti-waste habits in summer

When it's hot, the cold chain is more fragile, fruits ripen faster, and we often feel less like cooking. Result: more waste, more wastage. A few simple actions can make all the difference:

• Store smart: tomatoes at room temperature, herbs in a glass of water, bread in a clean cloth
• Transform overripe fruits and vegetables: into coulis, compote, smoothie, or quick ratatouille
• Flash freezing: slices of bread, chopped herbs, leftovers… in time, it's zero waste

In summer, the fridge becomes your best ally – but only if you optimize it a bit.

5.2. And bienBon.ch in all this?

Our dishes are cooked, pasteurized, and keep for several months in the fridge. No risk of losing your groceries – everything is ready to enjoy, even after a few weeks. Perfect for a summer without pressure, without waste, and with more taste than ever.

6. bienBon.ch: summer to taste, not to cook

6.1. Seasonal dishes, delivered to your home

No time or desire to cook in the summer? We cook for you. Fresh, light, flavorful recipes, ready to enjoy in 5 minutes:

• Local products: Swiss vegetables, fresh local herbs, whole grains
• Summer recipes: cold zucchini risotto, lentil-chicken-mint salad, blueberry cake
• Ultra convenient: everything is ready, balanced, and delivered to your home throughout Switzerland

The idea? Let you have time to enjoy your evenings, your picnics, your aperitifs… without sacrificing quality or nutrition.

6.2. Three summer bienBon.ch dishes to discover

• 🥗 Mexican salad with seitan flakes (organic): crunchy, fresh, and a spicy touch, 100% plant-based
• 🍆 Eggplant confit with Garlic: perfect on toast, in Side, or to spice up a cold meal
• 🍓 Blueberry cake: light, fruity, without preservatives. To take everywhere

Prepared with seasonal Swiss ingredients, they are ready to enjoy in a few minutes. And as our menu evolves every month, there is always a good surprise to try.

7. Move, breathe, savor: the right summer rhythm

7.1. Eat well, but not only

Summer is not a total break, but it is a time to release some pressure. Slow down. Take the time to cook just enough. To eat mindfully. To listen to your desires.

No need to follow a miracle diet or a complicated routine. Balance comes from a few simple good habits:

• Eat outside whenever possible (balcony, garden, park, lakeside…)
• Walk after meals
• Drink water regularly, even without thirst
• Take advantage of the holidays to explore new local recipes

7.2. Summer, a perfect time to establish gentle routines

We often believe that September is the month of change. But in reality, summer is an excellent time to establish new habits... because we have a bit more time, energy, and availability. It's the ideal time to:

• Try a more plant-based, more local cuisine
• Lighten up evening meals
• Reduce waste (batch-cooking, jars, bulk...)
• Change your shopping rhythm (markets, weekly baskets, local producers)

The goal? Nothing mandatory. Just small gestures that feel good, without overthinking.

8. Conclusion: summer, a season to savor simply

Summer is made for slowing down, breathing, eating well, enjoying. No need to complicate life in the kitchen. A few fresh products, a bit of herbs, a lot of desire... and sometimes an order bienBon.ch 😉

Keep eating well, healthy, and local - even when it's hot.

9. FAQ – Summer & food: answers to your questions

What are the star vegetables of summer in Switzerland?

Tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, aromatic herbs. Ultra tasty, ultra local, and available in most markets and grocery stores in Switzerland between June and September.

How to eat light but nourishing?

Combine raw or cooked vegetables with a portion of protein (eggs, lentils, cheese, tofu...) and a bit of good fat (olive oil, seeds, Nuts). Complete with whole grains or sourdough bread for a satiating effect. No need for big dishes to eat well.

I don't feel like cooking, any alternatives?

Yes! Think of composed salads, tartines, gazpacho, cold bowls. And if you really want zero effort, bienBon.ch is here: our dishes are ready, balanced, and made with seasonal ingredients. Just take them out of the fridge, enjoy, and that's it.

Can you eat well even on vacation?

Absolutely. Just plan simple things: some local fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, pre-prepared dishes... or ordered from bienBon.ch. Many of our clients have their selection delivered before leaving on vacation to have good food without relying on restaurants or industrial snacks.

Can the bienBon.ch dishes be frozen?

Our jars can be kept for 6 months in the refrigerator, but some can also be frozen if needed. We recommend storing them in the fridge to preserve texture, but in case of extended absence, freezing is still possible. Thawing should then be done slowly in the fridge or gently in a water bath.