31 Late Summer Recipes You'll Want To Make This August Before Fall Officially Hits
I know, I know. I also can't believe it's already August. Soon we'll be saying goodbye to the hundreds of pounds of zucchini we've been cooking and hello to pumpkin everything. But before we do, it's time to take advantage of all that late summer produce and the grill we still have access to. So, here are the best recipes to cook this month before chillier days are upon us.
1.Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder
Who said you needed dairy to get a luxuriously creamy chowder? Potatoes and coconut milk are the key to making this vegan corn chowder indistinguishable from its dairy-heavy counterparts.
Recipe: Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder
2.Heirloom Tomato Galette
Take advantage of the last of summer tomatoes with this surprisingly easy galette. Store-bought pie dough is recommended to save you any hassle, but feel free to make your own. Use good quality tomatoes and this is sure to impress anyone you feed it to.
Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Galette
3.Watermelon Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a must if you’re craving a nice bowl of soup in the sweltering heat of summer. The addition of watermelon in this one makes it even more refreshing and perfect for sipping straight through a straw.
Recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho
4.Korean Corn Cheese
This cheesy side is going to be your new summer BBQ staple. A generous helping of mayo (seek out some Kewpie if you want the best of the best) makes this creamy side swoon-worthy, and it all comes together in one pan in just 15 minutes.
Recipe: Korean Corn Cheese
5.Grilled Nectarines with Gorgonzola and Hazelnuts
Grilled stone fruit is a must in the summer, especially if it’s paired with some funky, salty cheese. Not a huge fan of gorgonzola? Feel free to swap for feta or goat cheese and you’ll still be able to enjoy this perfect summer side.
6.Pan con Tomate (Spanish-Style Grilled Bread with Tomato)
If you really want your tomatoes to shine, this five-ingredient tapa will be your go-to. There’s no real cooking involved (save for toasting the bread), and all you need is a box grater to get the most out of all that delicious tomato pulp.
Recipe: Pan con Tomate (Spanish-Style Grilled Bread with Tomato)
7.Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta
Is there any better summer combo than watermelon, feta, and mint? I guarantee this simple salad will be in your meal rotation all throughout the month.
8.Blistered Shishito Peppers with Cilantro Lime Dipping Sauce
Shishitos just scream summer — toss them on your grill or in a cast iron skillet to get those signature charred blisters. Eat them as is with the dipping sauce, make them into a salsa, or even throw them in a quesadilla.
Recipe: Blistered Shishito Peppers with Cilantro Lime Dipping Sauce
9.Creamy Cucumber Salad
There’s nothing quite like cucumbers and a creamy yogurt dressing to get you to cool down on a hot summer day. Serve this as a side, eat it by itself with some pita, or throw it in a potato salad — the possibilities are endless!
Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad
10.Ricotta Berry French Toast Casserole
Amp up your breakfast with fresh summer berries and homemade brioche dough. Yes, you will be making your own dough here, but don’t panic! There’s no intense kneading or special equipment required, just some time.
11.Lemon Zucchini Bread
This olive oil loaf uses both lemon zest and juice to really pack in that bright lemon flavor. Perfect if you’re looking to use up that last bit of zucchini this season.
Recipe: Lemon Zucchini Bread
12.Cherry Almond Dutch Baby
If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s time to skip the constant pancake flipping and opt for a Dutch baby. Toasting the almonds really brings out that nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet cherries.
Recipe: Cherry Almond Dutch Baby
13.Ricotta Pancakes with Salted Blueberry Butter
The addition of ricotta makes these pancakes super fluffy and creamy. Serve them warm with the salted blueberry butter and you’ll have the breakfast of your dreams.
14.Chipotle Lime Salmon Tacos with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
The real winner here is the chipotle lime marinade that beautifully caramelizes the salmon. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a grill this summer because it’s all done in the oven.
Recipe: Chipotle Lime Salmon Tacos with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
15.One Pot Lemon Basil, Corn, and Ricotta Pasta
We’re taking in all the corn we can in August, and pasta is no exception. This one-pot meal comes together in just 30 minutes — perfect for those summer weeknights.
16.Citrus Chicken Rice Bowl with Ginger Jalapeño Sauce
This fresh, citrusy chicken on top of a bed of coconut rice is all you need to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. Serve with a refreshing mango and cucumber salad to complement the spice of the sauce for a perfectly balanced dish.
17.Grilled Sausage and Vegetables with Creamy Dill Dip
For anyone who has a grill-only policy in the summer, this 15-minute meal is going to be right up your alley. Utilize the amazing summer produce that’s still around (I’m looking at you, overgrown zucchini) and toss it all on the grill with your favorite sausage. It’s hard to mess this one up.
18.Green Goddess Tortellini Salad
Pasta salads are a must when you want something filling yet light in the summer. The green goddess dressing makes this one feel super fresh, and you can toss in whatever veggies you desire for the ultimate summer dish.
Recipe: Green Goddess Tortellini Salad
19.Elote Style Quinoa Salad
This is not your average bowl of bland quinoa. The pepper confit, sweet corn, and creamy dressing make this salad anything but boring. You can serve it as a side with your favorite protein, but it also packs enough flavor to stand on its own.
Recipe: Elote Style Quinoa Salad
20.Grilled Mango and Lime Chicken
This chicken is as simple as throwing all your ingredients in a blender and letting everything marinade for a few hours or overnight. After seeing it get beautifully caramelized on the grill, you'll be glad you didn't make hot dogs for the 10th time.
Recipe: Grilled Mango and Lime Chicken
21.Fried Eggplant Ragú with Creamy Polenta
This dish is so rich and hearty, it’s hard to tell it’s vegetarian. If polenta isn’t your thing, you could always use the eggplant as a pasta sauce or even serve it on top of some crusty bread.
22.Simple Peach, Basil, and Ricotta Flatbread
Feel free to make your own flatbread or just opt for store-bought for a super quick and easy dinner that’s ready in only 20 minutes.
23.Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls
Whip up a super quick marinade for the salmon and cook it down in Thai sweet chili sauce for some gorgeous caramelization. Homemade boom boom sauce packs some nice heat while a refreshing cucumber, mango, and edamame salad cools everything down.
Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls
24.Greek Chicken Kabobs
You won’t be able to stop making these super herby and lemony chicken kabobs. No grill? Don’t worry, a cast iron or grill pan works just fine. And if you’re hosting, serve these up on a platter with some fresh veggies, pita, and homemade tzatziki.
Recipe: Greek Chicken Kabobs
25.Tomato Fennel Risotto
Would you believe me if I told you this risotto was 100% vegan?! I know it seems sacrilege to omit butter and cheese, but the tomatoes are the standout in this dish. You could always top with freshly grated Parmesan if you desire, but something tells me you won’t be missing the dairy.
Recipe: Tomato Fennel Risotto
26.Grilled Peaches with Bourbon Caramel Sauce
These grilled peaches are perfect for when you want a simple summer dessert without turning on your oven. The bourbon caramel sauce is really the star here — make a double batch because you’ll definitely want to put it on everything.
27.Simple Blueberry Basque Cheesecake
Take in the final month of blueberry season with this take on a traditional Basque cheesecake. Instead of the classic burnt Basque edges, this recipe calls for a puff pastry crust for a crispy, buttery edge.
28.Double Berry Mascarpone Cobbler
Adding mascarpone to the topping of this cobbler makes it equal parts rich and light. Use whatever summer berries you have on hand and serve warm with some vanilla ice cream.
Recipe: Double Berry Mascarpone Cobbler
29.Coconut Lime Margarita
If you’re sick of all the piña coladas you’ve been downing lately, shake it up a bit (pun intended) with this super summery margarita. Don’t skip out on the toasted coconut rim if you really want to take this over the top.
Recipes: Coconut Lime Margarita
30.Blackberry Bourbon Smash
The vibrant color of this cocktail makes it an absolute winner for any summer gathering. Take advantage of those August blackberries or use any soft fruit you can get your hands on. And if you wince at the sight of bourbon, try swapping for gin or vodka.
Recipe: Blackberry Bourbon Smash
31.Cucumber Agua Fresca
A fun summer drink doesn’t necessarily have to have alcohol. The cucumber, basil, mint, and lemongrass in this agua fresca are sure to cool you down on a hot day. Blend the limes whole if you also want a slight bitterness to counteract the sweet.
Recipe: Cucumber Agua Fresca
