Welcome back to my “What To Cook” monthly series! August is for soaking up every last bit of summer with dinners out on the patio, endless grilling days by the pool, and picnics in the park. And of course, all the best late summer fruits and veggies!
Savor Every Last Bit Of Summer With These August Recipes
August is when I’m enjoying every last moment of summer. Between the long, slow days spent outside and all the beautiful seasonal produce, it’s one of my favorite times of year. It’s also my birthday month. 😉
I’m very fortunate that SoCal has great year-round produce. But if you live somewhere with a shorter growing season, here’s my nudge to eat ALL the zucchini while you have it. Make zucchini noodles, bake zucchini fritters, and roast it until it’s golden. Check out my zucchini recipes roundup for more ideas!
August is also peak time for juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, ripe peaches, and fresh herbs. Below are some of my favorite recipes that include those ingredients! I’ll be grilling outdoors whenever I can, keeping summer salads in the fridge for quick lunches, and making fresh, simple dinners the whole family enjoys. Enjoy the sunshine!
When zucchini season is in full swing, I looooove making this zucchini lasagna. Thin slices of zucchini replace the pasta for a lighter twist (and gluten-free option) on the classic, while layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese make it just as satisfying.
Loaded with chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and fresh vegetables, this classic Cobb salad is my favorite when I want a fresh but filling meal. Plus, it's perfect for a healthy meal prep lunch!
This Greek baked cod is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh summer flavors. Tender cod is baked with juicy tomatoes, olives, and herbs for a light, healthy dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for serving a summer dinner party.
Golden and crispy on the outside with a tender center, these zucchini fritters are the perfect way to use up an abundance of summer zucchini! They’re delicious as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch topped with a dollop of yogurt.
Fire up the grill for these Greek chicken kabobs! They're packed with Mediterranean flavor thanks to a simple lemon-herb marinade and threaded with colorful vegetables. A true summer cookout favorite.
I'm always looking for burger alternatives, and this salmon version certainly hits the spot for summer. Especially when I add a layer of the lemon dill yogurt sauce…oh man is it so good!
Don't forget to make summer crumbles for the perfect dessert! This berry crisp is great, but I especially adore this peach crisp with a crumble oat topping and paired with vanilla ice cream.
Speaking of stone fruits, this fruit salad is a must-make while they're in season. It's such a sweet mix of juicy peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries, and the perfect side dish for barbecues or summer entertaining.
This one is perfect for a summer date night dinner for two. My boyfriend loves it! The delicate fish is paired with buttery toasted almonds and bright lemon for a simple meal that lets the fresh ingredients shine.
Fresh sweet corn is one of the best parts of August, and this corn salad lets it shine. Tossed with crisp vegetables, herbs, and a bright dressing, it’s an easy side dish for barbecues, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. You can also use grilled corn on the cob for extra flavor!
If you make any of these August recipes, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.
Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.
