What to Cook This August
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 30, 2024
This month, farmers’ markets are exploding with goodness. Fortunately, much of the produce growing now doesn’t need much cooking, if at all. I’m enjoying as many Caprese salads as I can right now—even better when they’re made with burrata.
We’ve been traveling quite a bit and I’m excited to share more summer recipes with you soon. You’ll find an abundance of fresh seasonal recipes below.
Avocado
Erin’s Peach & Avocado Green Salad
Gluten free
“I made this salad exactly as written last night and it was good I dreamed about it! We are suffering a severe heat wave in the PNW right now so eating many of your salads! Thanks for sharing.” – Debbie
Berries! Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries & Strawberries
Mixed Berry Crisp (Gluten Free)
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this berry crisp today with blueberries and strawberries and it was so yummy!! It was a big hit and at your insistence we had it with vanilla ice cream!! Everything I’ve made from your recipes has been awesome thanks” – Nicole
More blueberry recipes » (also blackberries, raspberries and strawberries)
Carrots
Mega Crunchy Romaine Salad with Quinoa
Gluten free and vegan
“I love this salad! Made it just like the recipe and it turned out great. I even reserved half of the recipe and dressing(separately) for lunches, and it lasted well in the fridge. Thanks for another delicious salad recipe! I feel like this is going to be another go-to :)” – Stacy
Cherries
Cherry Couscous & Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
See notes for gluten free and vegan suggestions
“Oh how I love how you help me use my produce! I would like to praise the celery in this one–perfect addition of crunch and that “green” flavor. Everything else in it was great, too, but celery so rarely gets praised so I want to give it a shout out.” – Anne
Corn
Fresh Corn Salsa
Gluten free and vegan
“Just happened to get 4 ears of corn and a couple of tomatoes in my CSA share, so I made this and some pico de gallo (also your recipe). Delicious! Plan on making this all through the summer.” – Jeanne
Cucumber
Greek Wedge Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this last night and it was SO good- loved the dressing especially. I skipped the shallot and marinating part because I was short on time and it was fine without. Used fresh tomatoes and cucumber from my deck pots. You give The Mixx a run for their money. Definitely will be making again :)” – Emily
Eggplant
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Roasted Summer Vegetables
Gluten free and vegan
“Bright, summery and delicious! My husband ate so much of it that next time I might double the recipe. ;)” – Karen
Green Beans
Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds & Feta
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This was DELICIOUS! Making green beans this way forever, loved the tangy dressing.” – Nicky
Greens
Colorful Strawberry Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This was delish! I thought it wouldn’t be filling enough for a whole meal, but it was!” – Kathryn
Herbs
Creamy Cherry Tomato & Summer Squash Pasta
Vegetarian and tasty
“I’ve been cooking nothing but your recipes for the past few weeks and this one was one of my favorites so far (tied with pickled radishes and your potato salad). It was super tasty and so easy. Will definitely be making it a few more times this summer. Thank you!” – Kayla
More basil recipes » (also cilantro and dill)
Kale
Kale, Black Bean and Avocado Burrito Bowl
Gluten free and vegan
“I am an old vegetarian and a new vegan, and have really been enjoying expanding my repertoire with yummy new recipes, but *this* is one of my top two. I made it Sunday and we had it Monday for dinner, and it is so, so good. My omnivore partner said he was “prepared to choke it down,” but he actually loved it, and raved about it all night. This was also my first foray into a raw kale dish (other than smoothies, of course), and I am officially hooked. Thank you so much for this absolutely glorious recipe!” – Julie
Mango
Thai Mango Salad with Peanut Dressing
Gluten free and vegan (see notes)
“Another great recipe! Just the right amount of sweet, heat, and crunch! We live in Cape Coral FL and have been looking for some new mango recipes. The trees are full of ripe mangoes now. Thanks for the recipe!” – Ann
Melons
Watermelon White Sangria
Gluten free and vegan
“This sangria is the best! I used John DeKuyper & Sons Fleur and it turned out wonderful. Will make this again for sure. Thanks so much for the receipe.” – Kathy
More watermelon recipes » (also cantaloupe and these honeydew margaritas)
Peaches
Fresh Bellinis
Gluten free and vegan
“Made these last night for my husband and I after the kids went to bed. My husband isn’t really a fan of sweet drinks, nor wine for that matter, but we both really enjoyed these. Real, whole peaches definitely make the difference between a light, fresh sweetness and that sickly sweet syrup in most standard cocktails.” – Eva
Peppers
Favorite Breakfast Tacos
Gluten free
“We just finished eating this as our dinner. It was yummy and I am saving it to make again. It was incredibly easy! My husband said it will make for a great breakfast. Thank you again for a great recipe!” – Erin
More bell pepper recipes » (also jalapeños)
Plums
Balsamic Stone Fruit Sundae
Gluten free and vegan if you use vegan ice cream
“I made this for a cooking class I taught and everyone loved it!! Hopefully you get some more readership, because I tell so many of my patients about your blog :)” – Tricia
Potatoes
Southwestern Corn Chowder
Gluten-free and easily vegan
“Delicious!! An easy 5/5. Family loved it!! I’m back again to make it a week later :) Last week I used Greek yogurt, and this week I’m going to try sour cream. Thanks!!” – Kelly
Radishes
Fattoush Salad with Mint Dressing
Easily vegan
“Absolutely delicious. Light, tasty and easy to make. Made it for 15 as part of a barbecue. Definitely making again. Everyone wanted the recipe. Thank you for sharing.” – Chrissie
Summer Squash
Double Tomato Pesto Spaghetti with Zucchini Noodles
Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)
“Hi Kate, I’m cutting down on meat, cheese and pasta for health reasons and I’m so happy to have found your site! I had tons of cherry tomatoes from my garden so I just made a double batch of this pesto and it is incredibly delicious! I’ll use on zucchini noodles but am also thinking of putting it on some toasted italian bread for my husband. He’ll love it. Thank you! (ps – looking forward to your cookbook.)” – Alicia
More zucchini recipes » (also yellow squash)
Tomatoes
Simple Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Dipping Sauce
Gluten free
“I made these skewers last night for a dinner party and they were beautiful as well as tasty! They were a huge hit and I would definitely make them again!” – Jody
Don’t forget to tag your recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Kate: seriously? Really? I thought we had a pact that we weren’t going to buy any new clothes for the entire year! Remember? You thought a reasonable exception was perhaps new undies? Omg, clutch my pearls. I am shocked. And appalled. Nevermind the fact that I caved and recently indulged in a Joe Fresh sale with a couple of little summer dresses and a sweater, this is not about me.
I am aghast. ;)
Rose! I’ve been meaning to reply for days. I just knew you would catch that. :) I did a really good job for a few months, and then, I don’t know… spring clothes came around, and I needed new shoes for my friend’s wedding, and there were sales, and and and… I failed. :)
Dearest Kate, you have NOT failed. You have merely chosen to enhance your wardrobe options. We could always make a pact for 2017…like I always say, why put off for tomorrow what you can do next year? ;)
I like the non -food links occasionally!
Ok, thanks Mary! I’ll keep that in mind. :)
I’ll have a Watermelon White Sangria please!
Food bloggers aren’t just food, we get tired of the food sometimes. :P
I like your non-food links.
Another another note, these recipes look gorgeous and amazing. I’ll be away most of August, but added some of these to my end of the month menu!
Thank you, Krysten! I appreciate your feedback.
Avocado, berries, carrots, eggplant, greens, peaches, peppers, plums, raspberries, squash, oh yes! I cannot wait for this month! Great recipe ideas!
I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this post, I’m deep in a food rut and needed some inspo! Thank you soooo much love!
Thank you for saying so, Dani! :)
So many great options to choose from! I like the cherry tomato pasta, the avocado pita, and the mango frozen yogurt! There are plenty of other recipes that caught my eye too!
Thank you, Harry! Hope you love them all!
I’m pretty impressed by the whole site you have here (as I have said before), and though I’m here for the recipes, I find your writing enjoyable and am glad you are considering stretching out into “non-food links”.
There’s a photography site out there (The Online Photographer) that has a very large following, ostensibly for the photography posts, but the editor, Mike Johnston, regularly goes far, far afield, which oftentimes is quite enjoyable. For instance, who knew that you could find a definitive guide to brewing coffee on a photography site? Check out the “off topic posts” in the Category menu for that and more.
That’s the beauty of having your own site – you can do what moves you and if needed, make adjustments along the way.
Could talk a whole lot more on the subject but then I would just be showing my age lol.
That is a good point, Anthony. I’m looking forward to trying new things after the cookbook! You should see my list of non-food fun things. :)
This list was AMAZING. That Thai Mango Salad especially – HOLY YUM!
Dear Kate,
Your recipes are amazing. The photographs are excellent. I love your
site it is so easy if you want to print a recipe. But most of all I love the way you love your Cookie – she is beautiful. I am an animal fanatic and have been a vegetarian for 50 years. Carry on the great work! with love from Jen.
Thank you so much, Jen! :) Cookie says hi.
I cannot find the produce guide/what to cook in October guide. Can you give me the link for October please. I like to cook seasonally and you guide will be most helpful. Thank you.
Hi J, it’s here!
Isn’t On Being amazing? It’s my favorite podcast by far. I’ve been listening for years, mostly when my kids are napping and I’m cooking for the week ahead-I know these will be some of my fondest memories of when my kids were little (when they were asleep, ha!). I have listened to many of them many times. I assume you’ve listened to the one with Barbara Kingsolver? The episode with the Irish poet John O’Donohue is a favorite. There are so many gems in the archives.
Love your blog!
Yes, it’s a winner! Her voice is so nice and soothing; I bet it’s easy for your kids to sleep through. I don’t think I’ve listened to those, so I’m going to add them to my list. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, all of these are my favorites! Lately I have been eating a ridiculous amount of berries, carrots, greens, avocados, herbs, kale, peaches, peppers, and squash!
I love these sorts of posts, and they’re great when I’m in the northern hemisphere. For most of the year though when I get the email notification I sort of spend a while finding the corresponding month to match my season. Is there any way you can link e.g. the February post to this August post for the future?
*For most of the year I live in the Southern Hemisphere
Hi Kate,
Thanks so much for all these wonderful August recipes. Also i just purchase your book and i Love Love Love it!
Have a great Day
Patricia
Thanks for picking up the book, Patricia! I’m so glad you already like what you see. :)
You have another very yummy green bean recipe from a few weeks back. The one with almonds and feta and basil. Was so good!
Yes! I love that one, too.
I love your blogs with recipes and insights into your life. Your cook book is amazing. Thank you so much for your hard work: we all appreciate.
Aw, well thank you Phyllis! I really appreciate your kind words.
I couldn’t agree more about loving all the summer produce! My garden is exploding!! :)
Wonderful!
Made the banana bread recipe in Love Real Food this morning. I may never use another recipe for banana bread again, and I have several others on file. It was amazing! I substituted the honey with Blue Agave nectar, using 1/2 the amount called for in the recipe. Had to force myself to wrap it up for tomorrow before it disappeared.
Hooray! I love that. Thanks so much for sharing.
I’m gonna try them!! Some of them are new to me. But trying new recipes is something that everyone should do. You never know when you might stumble upon something amazing.
Let me know what you think!
Berries, avocados, carrots, greens, herbs, peppers, raspberries, kale, and eggplant, HOORAY! Squash and tomatoes are also delicious too. I want to try that blueberry almond crisp and the eggplant quinoa salad soon. They look incredibly colorful!
August produce is wonderful!
Call me late to the party (barely getting around to my email newsletters) but I have to comment on the amazingness that are your Links lately at the top. I read ALL of them! I’m glad to know I’m not wasting my time washing produce and that lab-grown meat is fascinating stuff. Assuming it could be made less expensively, I’m still not sure I’d want to eat it. How do you feel about that? Of course, this is a recipe round up, too, and I’m glad to discover some summer squash tacos with avocado chimmichurri! I’ll be making those soon!
I’m happy to hear that, Melanie! Thanks for your comment.
Kate! I bought your cookbook last month and have read your blog for several. I have made something from either your online recipes or the recipe book every night due l for weeks, and we all love everything. Me, a stay home mom/ full time student, my super athletic husband and my picky eater 9- year- old son. Thank you for delicious, whole food!
I love that! Thank you for sharing, Jill. I’m so happy you are loving the cookbook and can share it with your family.
This is a great round-up! Thanks for all the ideas. I’ve been getting into BBQ lately… do you have a good/low-sugar BBQ sauce you can recommend? Thanks!
You’re welcome! Unfortunately, I don’t eat a ton of BBQ sauce. I think local tends to be best!
I made the tomato bruschetta again for lunch today. So delicious, light and healthy. I try to use as much tomatoes and basil as I can in July and August since they’re in season for just a couple months!
I couldn’t believe it when I read your post. Ten years ago we were pregnant and lost our two precious dogs (our first babies) within a month of each other. We already had seven year old twins. I knew that once the baby was born, getting a dog would be out of the question, but I didn’t want to not have a dog. We got a puppy a few months before our son was born. She was and is the best dog ever, and we never regretted it. But get this, her name is Clover!! I couldn’t believe it when I read that! Wishing you all the best from a family who also knows about those family-building challenges. Hugs to you.
Wow, that would be so difficult to lose your sweet pups so close together. Can’t believe that you got a Clover, too! My thought process was that it would be slightly less insane to get a puppy while pregnant than to get a puppy with a baby. Hope you and your family are all doing well!
Exactly! That was my thought, too. :)
Wow Kate, that’s so much happening! Glad for the mostly good news and best wishes for your brother. Okay, time to read the food part now…
Thank you, Jessi! Enjoy the recipes. :)
This is all amazing news and I couldn’t be happier for you. I have been wondering where you’ve been.
As an experienced golden retriever owner I can assure you that there’s NO way to keep a large yellow dog out of a dishwasher, and you should just lean in. I always let my pup lick out my instant pot when there’s no ingredients that will hurt her (like making shredded chicken), or else she’ll drive me insane with her whining. Pick your battles.
Can’t wait to see the new recipes! Much love to you, Clover, Cookie, husband, and baby.
Haha, I love that! Thank you, Greta. It is funny that the blog can look so quiet when the most is happening over here. Thank you for patiently waiting for the recipes—I’m really excited about every one of them!
I thought that might be the mysterious news! So sorry you’ve had a rough pregnancy, but many congratulations on the impending new arrival. Sorry too to hear about your brother’s awful accident – I hope he comes out of it walking on his new leg like a champ.
Thank you, Sasha. I have no doubt my brother will do great. He’s the most determined person I know! Our baby girl is bringing the whole family a lot of hope. All my best to you!
Wow you have had a lot on your plate. Congrats on your baby! Wishing your whole family the best of health before and after delivery. I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, wishing him a speedy recovery as much as possible. I would love to see pics of your new puppy when you get around to it if you wish!
Thank you, Jennifer. It does feel like a lot! I will try to share pics of Clover soon. She was awfully cute and now she’s turning into a very pretty dog!
Dear Kate;
Correction: Dear Kate and Family ;-)…
You dear, dear person. I follow 3 food bloggers semi-religiously. You, Alexandra at AlexandraCooks.com, and my Miss Jenn Segal at OnceUponaChef.com. Thank you for sharing your story. Between the three of you, all (please read 100%!!!) of my cooking needs and curiosity is met. I wish you knew how many times I have made your mango/jalapeno fresh spring rolls for parties, even when I wasn’t invited …lol. People have asked, and thanks to you I showed up, is all I’m saying ;-). Take good care. AS IF you aren’t!!! I love you three women and what you make possible in my life. Rest, work, do your thing, and bring that beautiful baby safely into the world. Thank you so very much, Kate. And Ms. Cookie. And the whole bunch a yas ;-).
Louise, thank you for your note! Delighted to make it into your top three. Your friends are all lucky to enjoy those spring roll! I am doing my best to take it easy now and know that I may not get as much done as I’d like before maternity leave. Family first. :)
Oh my, I wish I had elaborated. Fresh & crunchy & vegetal is 75% of what I prepare for myself. Alexandra owns breads and carbs, like quinoa and bagels. Jenn is primo on desserts, and meats, which are an infrequent but respected part of my diet. The rest belongs to you and sounds and feels like crunchy, hydrating, mineralizing, amazing vegetables! Your salads rule; your dressings rule the salads!! And your photos are the total bomb :-)
I love it! Happy to be in such good company—those ladies are amazing bloggers!
Congratulations on your sweet baby girl and your pup! I hope that your brother is doing better. Take care of yourself.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Wow you have been through so much. I wish your brother all the best. I had a NICU baby and we had some difficult times afterward, so I have *some* understanding. Please take good care of yourself and accept/seek help from trusted individuals as appropriate. I send you all the good vibes and prayers.
Hi Susan, thank you. I hope your baby is doing well now! Our baby will need some extra tests before she goes home, so we hope those go well. Trying my best to take good care of myself (and her) during these wild times.
Good luck with that soon-to-be little girl, Kate!
Please tell her that if she has the least bit of Irish in her to choose to be born on the 17th, like my dad. Know about Hanna Anderson?
The most adorable baby clothes; alert all grandparents!
Best of luck to your brother, as well. Sorry to hear about his accident.
E.
She may have just a drop of Irish in her, so we’ll see about the 17th! :) She has a few Hanna Anderson onesies already—I have really found a lot of joy and distraction in shopping for her tiny clothes. Thank you for your well wishes!
Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your daughter! So exciting. Thank you for sharing a little bit about your life :)
Thank you, Jessie! Have a great day!
Hi Kate – I cannot believe how you produced so many sumptuous looking recipes and gorgeous photos while going through so much. Congratulations on your pregnancy and I know your new baby girl will be healthy and gorgeous. (No surprise that she already has a head of hair in utero like her Mama.) I am so sorry about your brother and pray for his speedy recovery and adjustment to his new leg. Excited about your new website. Sending best wishes for a successful house renovation, we just went through one and you’ll be glad you did it in the end! Congrats on Clover, post pics (in all your spare time)!! Wow, so much going on. Can’t wait to try your new recipes – just made your posole again and tried the spinach/artichoke enchiladas and both were awesome. Wishing you a wonderful maternity leave and many blessings.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Carlotta! We appreciate them. I am hoping we can get a couple of bathrooms finished before baby comes—the construction can be so loud, as you know! I’ll try to share pics of Clover soon, and the baby when she’s here. :)
Oh Kate! Thank you for sharing what has been happening in your life with us. Congratulations on the imminent arrival of your daughter, the adoption of new furry scoundral and best wishes for the speedy recovery of your brother.
Thank you, Marie!
Sorry, non food post. You have had difficult times recently and still take care of your subscribers. Not to offend but I am praying for you coming daughter, your brother, cookie and your continued success
Wow, that is some news! Sending warm thoughts to you about your difficulties and many congratulations as well. You are smart to get so much done before the baby girl arrives. I just wanted to mention that my nephew’s new wife is currently in Tokyo competing in the Paralympics. She lost a leg below the knee and kicks butt at seated volleyball. I wish your brother much luck on his difficult new journey. Enjoy maternity leave and we’ll continue to enjoy your awesome recipes.
Thank you, Margot! We’ll see how much I can actually manage before she arrives. I do thrive on deadlines. :) Love to hear about your nephew’s wife—how great for her! I wouldn’t be surprised at all if my brother participates in the Paralympics. He’s extremely fit and athletic, which is a big help during his recovery. All my best to you!
Kate, I have been following your site for years and some of our favorite family dinners come from you. But, I must confess that I don’t often read your blog very closely. So I was blown away to read it today. I wish for your brother a speedy recovery. And for you I wish a safe and healthy delivery of your little girl. Lastly, I hope Cookie continues to respond to her treatments. With so much on your plate, you deserve a little down time. I am sending positive thoughts your way. Lori
Thank you, Lori! I have shared less and less about my personal life over the years, but this all just felt like too much to keep to myself. Thank you for your well wishes. I am trying to rest and take good care of myself (and baby girl) through this time, for sure. Have a great day.
Hi Kate – Wow for sure. A lot going on in your life. I am wishing for you only the best when your new little one arrives – Congratulations! I hope your brother heals well. And I am laughing as I read about the name Clover. Just yesterday I met a Clover on my walk. This one is a golden retriever puppy. Looking forward to trying the recipes!
Lisa Mc
Another Clover, how fun! We named her Clover because she looked like the color of honey when we first saw her picture, and my husband’s a beekeeper (one of many, many hobbies). New recipes coming soon!
Huge congrats on your soon-arriving baby girl! I know you’ll come up with fabulous baby food recipes when it comes time and I can’t wait to follow along! So sorry you’ve had a rough pregnancy, it’s amazing what women endure. You have a wonderful voice and I would love to hear your story if you are ever comfortable sharing with your readers. Wishing you so much grace as you enter parenthood! I have a one year old — here to say those first weeks (months?) are incredibly difficult so don’t feel alone if you struggle! I hope that’s not too doom and gloom, but I believe people don’t talk about it enough :-) so sorry to hear about your brother! Wishing him as smooth a recovery as possible. All the best!!
Thank you, Sarah! I’m excited to see how cooking for a little one pushes me to try new techniques and come up with new recipes. That’s not too doom and gloom for me. I’m thankful for good friends to lean on who’ve been through all the highs and lows before (one of the perks of having children a bit later in life)! Have a great day!
CONGRATULATIONS to you, your husband and Cookie on the new additions! And so happy that Cookie is going to have a (human) baby sister!! Sending healthy healing to your brother – and hoping for a smooth, complication-free birth for you :) (Oh, and thanks for the recipes ;) lol)
Thank you, Jackie!
That is a lot of news. Thank you for sharing what has been quite a summer for you. So sorry to hear about your brother, and very happy to hear about your baby on the way and the new pup. Glad also to hear about Cookie’s status. Thank you so much for everything you do!!
Thank you, Kathryn!
Congrats on baby and puppy!! I’m so glad to hear Cookie is doing ok!! I’ve been making your recipes for over 3 years and loved them! You’re the best. Take care and be safe!
Right now enjoying Fresh Black Bean/Corn Salad-delicious!
Dee
Thank you for your kind words, Dee and for following along for so many years!
Oh, Kate, I’m so excited for you and your family! I’m thankful that all seems to be going well now with your pregnancy. A big welcome to Clover, who I’m sure will delight you in ways you never dreamed – and be a perfect companion for Cookie! Looking forward to trying some of these new recipes; don’t know which to try first :)
Thank you, Kris!
congratulations!! wowza- so much news!! best of luck with your baby, brother, cookie and new pup! PS please please post pics of the new pup?
Thanks, Meghan! I’ll try to share some pics soon. She’s very cute and quite the handful. :)
Wow – so much news, happy and challenging, here! Congratulations on your pregnancy and sending love to your family as your brother heals! Thanks for sharing it all with us, and thanks as always for your delicious recipes that continue to inspire.
Thank you, Kate!
Congratulations! You feel like a friend I’ve never met. I’ve followed your blog for years. Thank you for the catch-up. I wish your brother a full recovery.
Thank you, Danica! I appreciate you following along for so long.
congratulations on your baby and future parenthood
well wishes and speedy recovery to your brother and Cookie
and once again thanks always for your delicious recipes and cooking tips
Thank you, Steve!