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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. Now’s the time to savor a ripe peach over the sink.

    I’m enjoying as many Caprese salads as I can right now—even better when they’re made with burrata. You’ll find an abundance of fresh seasonal recipes below.

    Avocado

    peach salad recipe with greens

    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

    berry crisp with ice cream

    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

    This mega crunchy salad is super healthy and totally irresistible! Vegan and gluten free. cookieandkate.com

    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

    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 with optional avocado

    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

    Beautiful Greek salad made with wedges of romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes, olives and herbs piled on top, and a lemon tahini dressing. Easily vegan. cookieandkate.com

    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 recipe

    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

    The best green bean salad recipe—who knew green beans could be so good?! This healthy side dish is perfect for summertime. cookieandkate.com

    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

    arugula strawberry salad recipe

    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

    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 burrito bowls make a delicious, redeeming, vegan dinner that packs well for tomorrow's lunch. cookieandkate.com

    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

    Fresh Thai green salad with sweet mango, bell pepper and a spicy peanut dressing! cookieandkate.com

    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

    summertime white sangria recipe

    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

    best bellini recipe

    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

    best breakfast tacos recipe

    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

    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 recipe

    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 recipe

    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

    This fresh summer recipe features burst cherry tomatoes, cherry tomato and sun-dried tomato pesto, zucchini noodles, and spaghetti! It's light and delicious. cookieandkate.com

    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

    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!

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    #Cook #August