For me, summer isn't complete without a couple of weekend trips to my local farmers market. Not only are you supporting local farms, but eating local food cuts down on pollution caused by food transportation, and a lot of the food you'll find is organic. The farmers market can also be a fun place to get together with your friends, catch up and eat more free samples than you could at any Costco. Below are some fun, healthy summer recipes that, depending where you live, can be made using some ingredients from your local farmers market.

1. Homemade strawberry lemonade.

Strawberry lemonade has always been a summer staple for me. It's the perfect drink to have whether you're relaxing by the pool or hosting a get-together with all your friends. It is no secret that lemonade has a sizable amount of sugar, and when you drink as much lemonade as I do in the summer, a healthier option is nice to have on hand.

Here's what you'll need:

- 5 cups of filtered water

- 1/4-1/2 cup of honey

- 10-15 fresh strawberries

- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions:

Combine the water and honey in a saucepan. Heat until the honey is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a blender and add your strawberries and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour it over ice, or let it chill in the fridge for an hour or two.

2. Homemade refreshing green juice.

I'm typically not the person that will go for a green juice. However, I have finally figured out a recipe that doesn't make drinking a vegetable juice feel like a chore. This green juice is nothing too crazy, and is perfect for those times when you get home from a party, after eating way too many ribs or cake, and just need something healthy in your system.

Here's what you'll need:

- 2 handfuls of spinach

- 1/2 a cucumber

- 4 leaves of kale

- 1 apple

- 2-4 Tablespoons of lemon juice

- 1-2 teaspoons of ginger

- 1-2 Tablespoons of chia seeds

- 1 Cup water

- Ice cubes

Directions:

In a blender add cucumber, spinach, kale, lemon juice, ginger and water. Blend until liquified. Add in the apple (sliced and peeled) and blend until liquified. Run mixture through a strainer into your glass (this is an optional step). Mix in chia seeds and ice cubes. Enjoy!

3. Homemade watermelon mint slushies.

When I was a kid, the optimal summer day would be spent swimming all day at the neighborhood pool. The day would not be complete without stopping at the slush-puppy stand. This watermelon mint slushie is a great alternative to the poolside combination of syrup, sugar and ice. Plus, it's super easy to make.

Here's what you'll need:

- 1 watermelon

- some mint leaves

Directions:

Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the inside into a large plastic bag. Freeze the watermelon until hard. Place the watermelon scoops into a blender along with the mint leaves and blend until there is a slushy consistency. Serve from a pitcher or out of the hollowed watermelon rind (this is super cute for a party).

4. Homemade rainbow popsicles.

I saw this recipe on The First Year blog and thought it was such a cute idea for the summertime. If you don't have popsicle molds, I like to use Dixie Cups as an alternative. For the list of ingredients and instructions on how to make these, click here!

5. Colorful mixed berry smoothie.

This smoothie recipe is one of my favorites during the summer months. This smoothie makes for the perfect breakfast treat and it's super easy to make. I also like to use this smoothie as the base to a smoothie bowl because it has a thick enough consistency to be eaten with a spoon.

Here's what you'll need:

- 1 banana

- 1 cup of frozen mixed berries

- 3 ice cubes

- 1 cup of orange juice

- honey to taste

Directions:

In a blender combine the banana, orange juice and mixed berries and honey until blended. If the consistency is not thick enough, add ice cubes one by one until you get the right consistency.

6. Healthy banana pancakes.

I was on YouTube procrastinating as one does and I came across this Pancake Recipe from Karlie Kloss's channel, Klossy. Of course, I instantly had to try them out, and have been eating them nonstop ever since. Not only are they insanely easy to make, but they're super healthy and equally delicious.

Here's what you'll need:

- 1 banana

- 1 egg

- 1 handful of oatmeal

- a dash of vanilla (optional)

- a dash of cinnamon (optional)

- your choice of toppings to decorate!

Directions:

Peel your banana and smash it with a fork until it forms a paste. Add in your egg and whisk until fully combined. Next, add your oats and dash of vanilla and mix again. Grease a pan, heat, and pour batter in 4-5 inch circles. Cook fully and enjoy!

7. Homemade guacamole.

I swear there isn't a day that goes by that I am not craving guacamole. It holds a special place in my heart. There are many different styles and types of guacamole that you can get in the store, but nothing will beat fresh homemade guacamole. Here's my recipe for the perfect homemade guacamole!

Here's what you'll need:

- 2 avocados

- 1/2 of a red onion (finely chopped)

- 1-2 chopped jalapeno peppers (or red pepper flakes added to taste)

- 1 head of chopped cilanto

- 1-2 teaspoons of lime or lemon juice

- 1-2 cloves of chopped garlic

- some salt and pepper

- 2 chopped tomatoes

Directions:

In a bowl, scoop out the avocados and set aside the pits. Add your chopped red onion, jalapenos, chopped cilantro, garlic, and salt and pepper. Mix together, smashing avocados in the process. Add chopped tomatoes and lemon juice. Fold in lightly making sure guacamole is still chunky. Taste and adjust to your preference. Enjoy!

P.S. Put the pits back in to keep your guacamole fresh.