Tomatoes, corn, peaches and more are abundant in August. You’re going to love this list of ways to use all that fresh summer produce this month.
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN AUGUST?
- Fruits: August is the time for melons–watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe, which make beautiful fruit salads and refreshing drinks. Peaches, pears and plums are perfect for cobblers and crisps, which are the perfect summer dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Vegetables: Squash, tomatoes, corn, bell peppers and cucumbers are all in season this month, and are perfect for salads, grilling, and healthy snacking. And don’t forget about fresh herbs like basil, which are great for garnishing, or whipping up some homemade pesto.
As summer comes to a close, the variety of fresh, in season produce is abundant. This may just be one of the best months of the year for seasonal cooking and eating.
Besides all of the summer fruits and veggies, we start to catch a glimpse of fall, with things like pears and plums making an appearance this month. In addition to summer staples, like watermelon, corn and tomatoes, eggplant and summer squash are at their peak. Try making both in the air fryer for a delicious, healthy side dish.
If you’ve never cooked with tomatillos, it’s a great time to try homemade salsa verde or pork chili verde. Garlic and onions are also in-season, and are both beautiful additions to almost any savory dish.
If you’re already looking forward to fall cooking and baking, don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy some of the last fruits and veggies of summer. August has so much to offer in terms of fresh produce, and this recipe collection will help you enjoy it all.
WHY COOK WITH WHAT’S IN SEASON?
- Seasonal food is fresher and more nutritious than out-of-season food. Fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they’re picked, so the quicker food reaches the table, the more nutritious it will be.
- You’ll save money using in-season foods. Especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. And locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach you–those savings are passed on to you!
- You’re likely to try new ingredients, and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, if you are focused on cooking and baking with what’s in season.
- You’ll rely less on global, industrial agriculture, which is better for the environment.
- Fresh, locally grown (if possible) in-season produce just tastes better! If you’re lucky enough to have year round farmer’s markets where you live, that’s the best place to find delicious seasonal produce. Plus it helps support the local economy and farmers.
In Season Recipes: August
Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions and fresh dill are tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette in this classic summer salad.
BLT Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are stuffed with a mixture of crispy bacon, mayonnaise, fresh veggies and Parmesan cheese in these adorable little appetizers.
Sarah's Strawberry Pecan Goat Cheese Salad
This hearty salad feature fresh berries, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy raspberry vinaigrette.
Asian Plum Sauce
Fresh plums, soy sauce and Asian spices come together in this homemade sweet and sour sauce.
Simple Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Onions are caramelized in the slow cooker, then combined with beef broth in this easy soup recipe. Topped off with toasted baguette slices and melted cheese, this simple soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Four-Ingredient Okra Stir-fry
The dish has a smoky and spicy savory flavor that is almost as good as a roasted one. It uses only five ingredients and takes five minutes to cook.
Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Fresh plums, soy sauce and Asian spices come together in this homemade sweet and sour sauce.
Layered Pear and Pomegranate Salad
Fresh spinach, pears, pomegranates, candied pecans and blue cheese are layered in a trifle bowl with a homemade Dijon vinaigrette to create this beautiful salad that will be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Homemade Salsa Verde (Green Salsa)
Fresh tomatillos are roasted, then blended with jalapeno, cilantro, garlic and onion to create this mildly spicy green salsa.
Easy Grape Jam
The easiest grape jam recipe – no peeling grapes here and no added pectin!
Tomato Basil Vinaigrette
Fresh tomatoes are pureed with basil and seasonings to create this tangy vinaigrette that's perfect for salads, pasta and grilled chicken.
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
Grilled corn and potatoes are slow cooked in a creamy, cheese broth, along with red pepper and jalapeno, in this hearty, late-summer soup recipe.
Maple Poached Pears with Maple Cinnamon Mascarpone
Fresh pears are poached in a maple and honey infused liquid, then filled with a sweetened maple cinnamon mascarpone. The perfect fall or winter dessert!
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
Sweet bell peppers are stuffed with a cheesy chicken filling in this hearty, satisfying Tex-Mex dinner, that’s a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas.
Fig Jam - Once Upon a Chef
A simple treat, perfect to spread on bread, complement cheese and charcuterie, or share as a gift.
Cucumber Dill Crostini
This incredibly easy appetizer is a bright, fresh addition to any party or gathering. Especially perfect for spring celebrations, this crostini is always the first thing to disappear.
Spicy Roasted Asian Green Beans
Fresh green beans are roasted in a sweet and spicy soy sauce mixture, then finished off with a garnish of sesame seeds in this unique side dish everyone will love!
Roasted Corn and Jalapeno Dip
Grilled corn and fresh jalapenos are combined with lots of cheese, spices, red peppers and green onions in the warm, savory dip that's always a crowd favorite!
Broccoli Bowtie Pasta Salad
Farfalle pasta is tossed in a sweet and tangy mayonnaise dressing with broccoli, grapes, bacon and chopped pecans in this unique and tasty salad.
Slow Cooker Peach Crisp
Onions are caramelized in the slow cooker, then combined with beef broth in this easy soup recipe. Topped off with toasted baguette slices and melted cheese, this simple soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Grilled Corn and Peach Salad with Candied Pecans
In season peaches and corn are grilled to perfection, then tossed with mixed greens and an orange poppy seed dressing. A sprinkling of candied pecans makes this summer salad extra special.
Cantaloupe Slushie Recipe (3 Ingredients!)
This homemade Cantaloupe Slushie is the perfect naturally sweetened treat to help beat the summer heat, and it’s made with just 3 simple ingredients! Naturally vegan & gluten-free.
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Sliced cucumbers and red onion in a creamy buttermilk dill dressing. The perfect salad for summer!
Melon Berry Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Watermelon, honeydew and berries are tossed in a honey lime dressing and garnished with fresh mint in this refreshing summer salad.
Easy Black Pepper Beef
Tender chunks of beef are sauteed with bell peppers, onions and lots of black pepper in this delicious Asian recipe that’s so easy to make at home!
Mozzarella Basil Gnocchi
Gnocchi, pasta sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil come together in this quick and easy dish that everyone loves!
Grilled Corn with Basil Butter
Fresh corn on the cob is grilled to perfection and slathered in herbed basil butter. The perfect summer side!
Plum Crisp - The Seasoned Mom
This easy Plum Crisp recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a bounty of fresh fruit!
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Orzo pasta is tossed with tomatoes, red pepper, olives and spinach and a simple balsamic vinaigrette for a light, healthy salad you can prepare in no time.
Sauteed Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa
Pan sauteed chicken breasts are finished off with a sweet, fresh plum salsa. Perfect for when you’re eating light!
Be sure to save this collection of August seasonal recipes to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
