Summertime always brings an abundance of fresh produce and farmers markets that keep us craving creative seasonal dishes. We think it’s wonderful to shop and eat locally not only because it is extremely sustainable, but also because it supports your community.

We have merchants that feel the same way too. Restaurants such as Chef Tony’s, 15 ria, and The Atlas Room strive to provide the freshest seasonal and sustainable ingredients in all of their dishes. Their menus are fantastic too. Seared cobia, cocoa-chili dusted New York steak, and a local Cherry Glen goat cheese sampler plate are among some of the tasty dishes made with local products from the  DC area.

For readers that want to eat local dishes even when not dining out, here is a great fruit salad recipe to get you started. This non-traditional fruit salad is sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine, and it only takes about 15 minutes to make.

Avocado, Strawberry, and Mango Salad Recipe

• 1 Avocado, diced
• A handful of strawberries, husked and diced
• 1 Mango, peeled and diced
• Small handful of cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/4 of a Lime, juiced
• Salt and Pepper

Combine avocado, strawberries, mango, cilantro and lime. Mix together gently. Add salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy.

We hope you get to enjoy this on a warm summer evening!