When it comes to getting the most out of a food, coconuts are at the top of the versatility list. We can use pretty much every part of the coconut. We can make all types of recipes, both sweet and savory, using coconut flour, coconut oil, coconut sugar, coconut milk, coconut butter, coconut water and the meat of the coconut itself. Learn How to Make Homemade Unsweetened Coconut Milk that you can use in so many different recipes, learn how to make your own Coconut Yogurt, Coconut Kefir, Homemade Coconut Sour Cream, Vegan Soy-Free, Gluten-Free Whipped Cream, and Vegan Coconut Gouda Cheese. Learn all about Coconut Flour: The Grain-Free Superfood, 5 Food Hacks With Coconut: From Butter, to Flour, and Beyond, and How to Use Coconuts to Make Vegan Desserts.
This tropical fruit that is actually a prehistoric plant is not only versatile but it’s highly nutritious. Coconuts can help immunity, they contain lots of fiber, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. Coconut water contains a good amount of electrolytes making it perfect for athletes rehydrating after a workout. Coconuts are also a good source of protein and fatty acids. Read more about The Amazing Health Benefits of Coconuts, The Other White Meat: Why You Should Eat Coconut for Strong Muscles and More and how Coconut Benefits the Brain, Liver, and Digestive System.
Of course, coconuts are also delicious. From appetizers to entrees to desserts, there are so many ways to use coconuts in recipes. So grab a bottle of coconut water, sit back and enjoy these 21 summer recipes with the incredible, edible coconut.
1. Chocolate Pudding Bowls With Coconut Cream and Cherries
This recipe is everything you want chocolate pudding to be. These Chocolate Pudding Bowls have creamy avocado pudding mixed with luscious coconut cream and topped with sweet cherries and cacao nibs. Perfection.
2. Chocolate Coconut Cake
This Chocolate Coconut Cake is actually super easy to throw together, provided you have a can of coconut milk stashed in the fridge. After tasting this cake, you’ll be sure to have one in the fridge at all times just in case!
3. Healthy Piña Colada (Hallelujah!)
If you like pina coladas…and getting caught in the rain…then you totally need to make this Healthy Piña Colada. Say no to pre-made mixes and make this much tastier drink with coconut water and coconut cream.
4. Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun
A rustic sweet from the Bengali kitchen, these Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun are sweet potato doughnuts stuffed with coconut, fried and soaked in cardamom scented syrup.
5. Healthy Matcha Coconut Pops
Coconut and matcha are a match made in heaven. These Healthy Matcha Coconut Pops have the rich taste of coconut plus the healthy benefits of matcha. Perfect for a cool treat in the summer heat.
6. Chai Spiced Oatmeal Tart With Warm Coconut Vanilla Sauce
Who says you can’t have pie for breakfast? Combine your love of chai tea with oatmeal, sprinkle in some dessert and make a Chai Spiced Oatmeal Tart you can’t wait to wake up to. The best part is the warm vanilla coconut sauce spooned on top.
7. Appam – Lace Rimmed Rice and Coconut Pancakes
These Rice and Coconut Pancakes are variations of those enjoyed across South India, and even Sri Lanka where they are called hoppers. Made with fresh grated coconut, these are traditionally cooked in a special appam pan but a regular pan works fine.
8. Strawberry Rhubarb and Coconut Panna Cotta
You’ll love the tart taste of rhubarb combined with the sweetness of strawberries and smoothness of coconut in this Strawberry Rhubarb and Coconut Panna Cotta. This is a very easy and fairly simple dessert with a beautiful presentation.
9. Mint Biryani With Garden Peas
Shredded coconut, ginger, cumin, chiles and mint make this Mint Biryani with Garden Peas flavorful and delicious. Rather than having plain rice, add some flavor to it and enjoy with a curry.
10. Carrot Flatbreads With Coconut ‘Chèvre’
These Carrot Flatbreads are mostly composed of flax seeds, with some protein powder to give them a protein boost. They are topped with a creamy tangy coconut chèvre, flavorful seeds, lemon-dressed carrots, and baby kale. These are delicious!
11. Macadamia Crusted Tofu
Crunchy and nutritious macadamia nuts and toasted coconut encrust marinated tofu without any grains or gluten, but plenty of flavor and protein. Serve this Macadamia Crusted Tofu alongside some simple steamed greens or a bed of rice for a perfect, satisfying meal.
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12. Coconut Ice Cream Cheesecake With Lime and Avocado
This Coconut Ice Cream Cheesecake is dense and rich and absolutely delicious. The lime, nuts and avocado blend so well with the sweetness of the agave, the dates and the coconut. Top it off with fresh strawberries – real food love and a perfect summer dessert.
13. 7 Ingredient Lemon Coconut Squares
Traditional lemon bars usually have too much sugar and not enough lemon. These Lemon Coconut Squares fix that problem. They only have 7 ingredients, are deliciously creamy and have a zesty lemon touch!
14. South Indian-Style Kurma
South Indian-Style Kurma is a curry with heaps of vegetables and flavored with fresh coconut and fennel seeds. The homemade kurma masala makes this dish packed with flavorful spices.
15. Mango Coconut Basil Wraps
These Mango Coconut Basil Wraps are so simple and probably the best raw wrap you’ve ever had. Fill them with julienned cucumber and carrot, sliced green onions, fresh lettuce, and a couple slices of avocado for a perfect summer lunch.
16. Coconut Cream Pie With Blackberry Chia Jam
Silken tofu, coconut milk and coconut shreds make this Coconut Cream Pie light and delicious. Coconut oil helps make the crust flaky and the blackberry chia jam adds delectable sweetness.
17. Polenta Benedict (Vegan Eggs Benedict)
There is zero, zilch, nada, no egg in this Polenta Benedict but it sure looks like Eggs Benedict. Topped with a luscious coconut cream, your taste buds will do a happy dance with this one!
18. Homemade Twinkies With Coconut Whipped Cream Filling
Here’s your childhood favorite made vegan and much healthier. The sweet cake and whipped coconut cream filling in these Homemade Twinkies are easy to make and so so good.
19. Lemon, Coconut and Vanilla Tart
This Lemon, Coconut and Vanilla Tart is really simple and its creamy yet zesty filling is a crowd pleaser every time! Coconut nectar, coconut meat and coconut oil are a trifecta of goodness in this dessert.
20. Macaroons With Beet, Chocolate and Coconut Cream
What can’t the plant kingdom give us!? These Macaroons have nuts, fruits, and veggies all rolled into yummy bites. You’ll go nuts for the amazing way fresh coconut and beets go together.
21. Strawberry Coconut Granola
This Strawberry Coconut Granola has a lot of big clumps that make it perfect for munching. Strawberries add flavor as well as moisture and work wonderfully when paired with coconut.
Whether you use coconut oil, butter, nectar, flour, milk, water or the coconut meat, you need to start adding coconut to your recipes. Start with these amazing recipes for delicious summer dishes.
Lead image source: Lemon Coconut Vanilla Tart
