Go Nuts: Coconut Recipes for Every Meal

We're already well into spring, so it's no wonder we're dreaming of summer. One of our favorite tastes of summer is coconut. But there's more to sipping a pina colada poolside, or rehydrating with coconut water after playing a round of beach volleyball. Coconut is a versatile ingredient that has a place in every meal.

If you're dreaming about summer too, why not start cooking like it's summer? Check out these coconut recipes that will take you from breakfast to dessert. No coconut cream pie or coconut shrimp either; we searched for new and different ideas to add to your virtual recipe box.

Coconut for Breakfast

This recipe for coconut-chia pudding is ideal for warmer weather. Mix the chia seeds with coconut milk the night before, then top the pudding with fruit, nuts, and shredded coconut before eating it the next morning. Perfect for days when you need a solid breakfast, but it's already too hot outside to even think about cooking oatmeal. Plus, you can change up the fruit toppings based on what's in season. That way it doesn't feel like you're eating the same old breakfast, day in and day out.

Coconut for Lunch

This coconut corn salad is unlike any other we've seen. It's great for summer because fresh corn is essential. Cut the corn off the cob before cooking it, and then sauté it with butter on the stovetop. The only other ingredient that goes into the saute pan is fresh thyme; everything else gets mixed together in the serving bowl. We think this salad would make a convenient portable lunch for work or to bring to a summer get-together.

Coconut for Dinner

Coconut is a key ingredient in Thai and Indian cooking, but those dishes may seem too labor-intensive for weeknight meals. Not this curry from Serious Eats though. This savory coconut recipe comes together in half an hour, which makes it ideal in a time-crunch. Use store-bought garam masala if you don't feel like tackling the spice mix from scratch. Adjust the heat based on personal taste, and feel free to omit the cashews if allergies are a concern. Serve with basmati rice and naan.

Coconut for Dessert

It might be too warm during the day to make these coconut banana fritters, but save it for a cool summer evening. Use a Dutch oven for frying, and a spring release scoop to drop batter into the oil. Serve these fritters for dessert, sprinkled with powdered sugar and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.