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!
Thank you for catching us up on your life. Seems that all your obstacles have become blessings in some way! So heartwarming to see your family growing. Prayers and thoughts are with you for continued success in everything you do. You’re absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful recipes with us. It’s transformed my gluten free life diet.
Thank you, Cindy. I really admire my brother’s determination to turn his injury into a blessing—I know he will be an inspiration. More recipes coming soon!
Kate, it was a wonderful gift this morning to read your great news about your upcoming birth of a baby girl, your new puppy and how Cookie is responding well to her chemo. I am so very happy for you and your husband. And I am sending best wishes for a speedy recovery for your brother.
Thank you so much, Kathy! I appreciate your kind words.
Congratulations and good luck to your brother and Cookie! I love your recipes so much and I always refer friends. Be well! Xo
Thank you, Liz! I really appreciate you sharing my work. All my best!
Congratulations!
Thank you! :)
Kate, congratulations to you and your husband on your pregnancy! Thank you for sharing so candidly how things have been going in your personal life. It sounds like you’ve had your hands absolutely full to overflowing with joyous, stressful, and heartbreaking news over the past few months. I’m thinking about you and wishing you well.
Thank you, Regan! It’s been a wild ride, but sometimes that’s just how life goes. Hope you are well!
I just want to send you so many virtual hugs. What am absolutely crazy time you’ve had. I am sending healing thoughts your way!
PS – I love your blog and just bought your book. Thanks for putting such wonderful yummy healthy food recipes out there for us all.
Thank you for your warm wishes, Christina! I keep hoping things will calm down soon, but what am I thinking—we’re having a baby! Hope you’re having a great week.
Congratulations, Kate! I’m sorry to hear it has been a rough road, but am relieved that you are getting reassurances now. As my favorite food blogger, I’m excited to see how your recipes evolve as you welcome a baby into your world! (My two year old has definitely shifted how I cook, though cooking is still a huge part of my life and she seems to have inherited my obsession with food . It is different but a blast.). Wishing you the best in this final stage of your pregnancy!
Thank you, Melissa! I am really looking forward to cooking for a little one and sharing our enthusiasm for food with her. Excited to see how that pushes me in new directions with recipes! Have a great day!
Congrats on the baby (and puppy) – so excited for you! Wishing you and your family the best of health!
Thank you, Eileen! :)
Congratulations on your pregnancy, praying that everything goes perfectly. Love all your recipes & have your book. Have shared it with so many people who ended up buying it too.
Prayers for your brother & Cookie.
What is the name of the cook book you friend published last year that you told us about?
Enjoy your maternity.
Hi Ann, thank you very much! I really appreciate you sharing the word about my cookbook, too. I probably mentioned several cookbooks last year, but one that comes to mind is The Well Plated Cookbook. That’s where the peach salad shown near the top of the post came from.
Thanks Kate, that’s the book I couldn’t remember! I also forgot to tell you I have given your book as gifts. Everyone loves it!
Hooray! Happy to hear that.
What exciting news, thank you for sharing with us all. Everything you mentioned requires so much energy, you are an amazing lady! Eating well, gives you that energy , doesn’t it? Well, I have not tried the salad yet. I’m typing this after eating your roasted vegetables. Last month we did try the pizza was amazing. looking forward to the coming recipes.
Thank you, Katrinka! I have been blessed with lots of energy every since I got through the first trimester, and certainly eating well helps a ton! Happy cooking!
Best of luck to you and your family! It’s been quite a year for you and many people in your family. The fact that you can share recipes and have a positive outlook makes you such an extraordinary person. I love your recipes, blog, dog, but most of all, your attitude. With gratitude, Laura
Thank you, Laura. I definitely have my tough days but try to always put forth positivity on the internet. Glad to hear that you sense that! All my best to you.
Congratulations on the baby growing inside you! Thank you for keeping us updated and for all of the amazing recipes – many of which I made a long time ago and am reminded to make again! I love your blog.
Thank you so much, Molly! I appreciate it.
Congratulations on your new and pending arrivals, and best get-well wishes to your brother and Cookie!
Bookmarked the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad to make with stuff we grew in our garden (first year trying, so exciting).
Thank you, Jen!! Congrats on your new garden. So rewarding!
Congratulations on the baby and puppy Kate! May you have a easeful rest of pregnancy and great leave :)
Thank you, Hayley!
I am so sorry to hear about the many hardships you have been dealing with over the past month. I am holding you and your loved ones in my heart. –Anne
Thank you, Anne! I appreciate it.
Oh My Kate. Lots of changes for you. Wishing you all the Best when your little girl arrives. She is lucky to be a part of your lovely family. Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes and all the happy you put out into the world.
Gratefully,
Naomi
Thank you, Naomi!
Thank you for the update. Best wishes for a smooth recovery for your brother and a healthy end of pregnancy and easy delivery for you and the baby.
Thank you, Katie! I appreciate kind words.
Hi Kate,
Thank you for sharing the news and congratulations on your baby girl!
I have been following your blog for more than two years now, most of our family favorite meals are from your recipes, so you have a special place in our family.
You have been through a lot and I am very sorry to hear about your brother. I wish him all the best. Take care,
Livia
Thank you, Livia! I’m glad you and your family have been enjoying the blog.
Wow, Kate, you have and continue to be, going through a lot!
Congratulations on getting Clover (did Cookie ask for a younger sister?) and for your soon-to-be-here baby girl!
I’m sorry to hear about your brother’s accident. I hope that he progresses well in his recovery. It’s nice that he has a supportive wife and also a supportive sister.
It’s good to hear that Cookie is still doing well with her treatments. I hope that her body will succeed in destroying the cancer in that is still in that one stubborn lymph node. I also hope that she adjusts well to Clover and to your baby. It is probably a big adjustment being the “only dog”, being the center of attention for so many years, to now having to share your attention with Clover and soon a baby.
I am looking forward to seeing your updated website and the yummy recipes that you will have on it.
I wish you the best in your pregnancy and upcoming delivery of your baby girl, your home renovations!
Good luck in everything that you and your family are experiencing!
Make the most of your maternity leave and try to make some time to breathe and relax (“you time”) whenever you can find a brief moment.
Thank you, Sue! I appreciate your congratulations and kind words.
WOW! That’s a lot going on. Congratulations on the baby. Prayers that all is perfect. Puppies are great for comfort and joy. Smart man to have insisted on this. I am sorry for your brother’s accident. Adjustments will be made and life will be lived. Glad Cookie is living in the moment. We should do more of that, I think! Looking forward to more news and lots of recipes. In the meantime, I will be making the feta, tomato and olive dip as one of the appetizers for my godmother’s birthday next Saturday. Cheers from Uruguay! Maria
Thank you, Maria!
Wow! So sorry to hear about your brother. Wishing him a speedy recovery!
Thank you, Jessica!
Thanks for sharing all of your news…lots of things going on for you. You will be a great mom and get ready for your schedule to go through some changes! Best wishes going forward, and thanks for the wonderful recipes you share with us.
Thank you, Joan!
Congrats!!! Hope you’re feeling well!
Kate – what a year. And we thought 2020 was a wild ride. Thank you for sharing your stories, your heart and your recipes with us for so many years. I’m so sorry that it hasn’t been smooth sailing all around. I’m wishing your brother the best, and I’m thrilled for you and your new baby girl. I’ll be keeping you both in my thoughts and I hope you can put the bumpy parts of this journey behind you soon. I have two girls of my own, and they are the absolute joys of my life. It’s harder to find time to cook (or do anything at all), but it gets easier. Give yourself grace in the transition.
Thank you, Catherine! I do appreciate your kind words.
i’m confused as to what i’m commenting on since the comments below seem really old, but at any rate, just wanted to congratulate you on your pregnancy!!! and in fact it’s a perfect segueway to the question i was going to ask! would you consider PLEASE making some recipes for the lil babies in our lives? my son is 7 months and i’m starting to give him veggies and things, but i’m specifically looking for a recipe for those little ‘puffs’ that all the kids eat that have a bunch of unknown and/or poisonous rice in them, and i haven’t been able to find a great homemade recipe on the internet. so—please! a puff recipe!
What beautiful photographs and options for August. I just love your blog and have followed you so long, you feel like a member of the family we only ‘see’ through email. So happy to hear your good news about the baby (been through a lot of the same but now am on this side with two near adult guys), Cookie (what a love) and Clover. I have a yellow lab mix and her bonded pair sister – talk about double trouble but also double fun! We have the same dishwasher issue – and also a bad dog fight over an avocado (I didn’t even know dogs liked them but with counter surfing she found it!). I have a spray bottle with water and a little lemon juice. I keep it near the dishwasher and spray her a few times (on stream, not mist) when she tries. Seems to have done the trick – now I just reach for it and she leaves the dishwasher alone. Instead she sits and I reward her with a small treat. Everyone is happy. :)
Love your blog and always wish you the best. Your cookbook is always on our island ready for another great dish.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for your note, Victoria! Sounds like you have quite the duo. Love your spray bottle idea—I will have to give that a try!!
I gave up cooking in my life so I haven’t popped by your blog for a while–what an update!
So excited for your baby and puppy and house renovations! So very sorry to hear about your brother and the added anxiousness of having potential medical complications with baby.
I know every situation is different but in 2014 we had a weird reading in our ultrasound and I spent the entire pregnancy not knowing what/if the baby would have complications. It was torture! And there were complications, but we got through them and I treasure every milestone and day with her more than I think I would have been capable of if it weren’t for those many uncertain months.
Wishing you a smooth delivery and the strength and clarity to get through whatever situations may present themselves! Can’t wait to meet her <3
Thank you so much for your kind note, Kristi! We are doing well and hoping for a healthy baby. She’ll need some extra tests before we leave the hospital, but at this point we believe that anything that might pop up will be treatable. It is so scary to run into complications during pregnancy and I’m so glad to hear that your daughter is doing well—I teared up yesterday just imagining our girl running across the park. All my best to you!
Congratulations on the baby and puppy!! I love your blog/recipes and I’m so happy for you. I have two dogs too and they are best buds. And had my first baby (a girl) in July. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, looking forward to hearing how everything went and seeing pics of your beautiful new addition :)
Thank you, Lara!
I finally found the perfect comfort food recipe—thank you!
You’re welcome, Beach!
I bought your first cookbook. Will you be making another cookbook soon?
Thank you for your support! I don’t have one planned right now. I have more recipes coming to the blog!
Thanks for letting me know. I’ve bought your cookbook and given it as gifts to everyone I know it’s such a great cookbook and it has fantastic recipes. I’ve enjoyed every recipe I’ve made!!