What to Cook This August
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
More avocado recipes »
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
More carrot recipes »
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
More cherry recipes »
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
More corn recipes »
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
More cucumber recipes »
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
More eggplant recipes »
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
More green bean recipes »
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
More salad recipes »
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
More kale recipes »
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
More mango recipes »
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
More peach recipes »
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
More plum recipes »
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
More potato recipes »
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
More radish recipes »
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
More tomato recipes »
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!
