Farmers’ markets are exploding with goodness this month, and 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.
The tomato plants I grew from seed this spring are finally yielding red (and purple!) tomatoes. We’re still house hunting, and we’re hoping to get away to the mountains this month. It’s nice to have something to look forward to.
Links lately:
- Kitchen Safety 101: How to Prevent Cuts, Burns, and Other Injuries
- This Raccoon: Since we could all use a laugh
- NYC’s Community Fridges: Offering free food to those in need
- These Cafe-Style Lights (affiliate link): A small detail that brings a lot of ambiance to our backyard (and this set survived the winter)
- Onion Recall: This is serious. Please check your onions.
Avocado
Lemony Broccoli, Chickpea & Avocado Pita Sandwiches
See notes for gluten free and vegan suggestions
“I just had to come here to say that my husband LOVES this recipe. He begs for it every week and even told me he loves it just as much as pizza! haha :) Of course I love it too – so easy and delicious!” – Erin
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
Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
Gluten-free and vegan
I need you to roast up some potatoes and let me know how this recipe turns out for you!
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!
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Rose
Kate: seriously? Really? I thought we had a pact that we weren’t going to buy any new clothes for the entire year! Remember? You thought a reasonable exception was perhaps new undies? Omg, clutch my pearls. I am shocked. And appalled. Nevermind the fact that I caved and recently indulged in a Joe Fresh sale with a couple of little summer dresses and a sweater, this is not about me.
I am aghast. ;)
Kate
Rose! I’ve been meaning to reply for days. I just knew you would catch that. :) I did a really good job for a few months, and then, I don’t know… spring clothes came around, and I needed new shoes for my friend’s wedding, and there were sales, and and and… I failed. :)
Rose
Dearest Kate, you have NOT failed. You have merely chosen to enhance your wardrobe options. We could always make a pact for 2017…like I always say, why put off for tomorrow what you can do next year? ;)
Mary
I like the non -food links occasionally!
Kate
Ok, thanks Mary! I’ll keep that in mind. :)
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I’ll have a Watermelon White Sangria please!
Krysten
Food bloggers aren’t just food, we get tired of the food sometimes. :P
I like your non-food links.
Another another note, these recipes look gorgeous and amazing. I’ll be away most of August, but added some of these to my end of the month menu!
Kate
Thank you, Krysten! I appreciate your feedback.
Cassie
Avocado, berries, carrots, eggplant, greens, peaches, peppers, plums, raspberries, squash, oh yes! I cannot wait for this month! Great recipe ideas!
dani
I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this post, I’m deep in a food rut and needed some inspo! Thank you soooo much love!
Kate
Thank you for saying so, Dani! :)
Harry
So many great options to choose from! I like the cherry tomato pasta, the avocado pita, and the mango frozen yogurt! There are plenty of other recipes that caught my eye too!
Kate
Thank you, Harry! Hope you love them all!
anthony
I’m pretty impressed by the whole site you have here (as I have said before), and though I’m here for the recipes, I find your writing enjoyable and am glad you are considering stretching out into “non-food links”.
There’s a photography site out there (The Online Photographer) that has a very large following, ostensibly for the photography posts, but the editor, Mike Johnston, regularly goes far, far afield, which oftentimes is quite enjoyable. For instance, who knew that you could find a definitive guide to brewing coffee on a photography site? Check out the “off topic posts” in the Category menu for that and more.
That’s the beauty of having your own site – you can do what moves you and if needed, make adjustments along the way.
Could talk a whole lot more on the subject but then I would just be showing my age lol.
Kate
That is a good point, Anthony. I’m looking forward to trying new things after the cookbook! You should see my list of non-food fun things. :)
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
This list was AMAZING. That Thai Mango Salad especially – HOLY YUM!
Jen
Dear Kate,
Your recipes are amazing. The photographs are excellent. I love your
site it is so easy if you want to print a recipe. But most of all I love the way you love your Cookie – she is beautiful. I am an animal fanatic and have been a vegetarian for 50 years. Carry on the great work! with love from Jen.
Kate
Thank you so much, Jen! :) Cookie says hi.
J Runyons
I cannot find the produce guide/what to cook in October guide. Can you give me the link for October please. I like to cook seasonally and you guide will be most helpful. Thank you.
Kate
Hi J, it’s here!
Jen
Isn’t On Being amazing? It’s my favorite podcast by far. I’ve been listening for years, mostly when my kids are napping and I’m cooking for the week ahead-I know these will be some of my fondest memories of when my kids were little (when they were asleep, ha!). I have listened to many of them many times. I assume you’ve listened to the one with Barbara Kingsolver? The episode with the Irish poet John O’Donohue is a favorite. There are so many gems in the archives.
Love your blog!
Kate
Yes, it’s a winner! Her voice is so nice and soothing; I bet it’s easy for your kids to sleep through. I don’t think I’ve listened to those, so I’m going to add them to my list. Thanks for sharing!
Cassie Autumn Tran
Oh, all of these are my favorites! Lately I have been eating a ridiculous amount of berries, carrots, greens, avocados, herbs, kale, peaches, peppers, and squash!
Micha
I love these sorts of posts, and they’re great when I’m in the northern hemisphere. For most of the year though when I get the email notification I sort of spend a while finding the corresponding month to match my season. Is there any way you can link e.g. the February post to this August post for the future?
Micha
*For most of the year I live in the Southern Hemisphere
Patricia
Hi Kate,
Thanks so much for all these wonderful August recipes. Also i just purchase your book and i Love Love Love it!
Have a great Day
Patricia
Kate
Thanks for picking up the book, Patricia! I’m so glad you already like what you see. :)
Christina
You have another very yummy green bean recipe from a few weeks back. The one with almonds and feta and basil. Was so good!
Kate
Yes! I love that one, too.
phyllis
I love your blogs with recipes and insights into your life. Your cook book is amazing. Thank you so much for your hard work: we all appreciate.
Kate
Aw, well thank you Phyllis! I really appreciate your kind words.
Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite
I couldn’t agree more about loving all the summer produce! My garden is exploding!! :)
Kate
Wonderful!
Ellen Yazbeck
Made the banana bread recipe in Love Real Food this morning. I may never use another recipe for banana bread again, and I have several others on file. It was amazing! I substituted the honey with Blue Agave nectar, using 1/2 the amount called for in the recipe. Had to force myself to wrap it up for tomorrow before it disappeared.
Kate
Hooray! I love that. Thanks so much for sharing.
E. Kalman
I’m gonna try them!! Some of them are new to me. But trying new recipes is something that everyone should do. You never know when you might stumble upon something amazing.
Kate
Let me know what you think!
Cassie Autumn Tran
Berries, avocados, carrots, greens, herbs, peppers, raspberries, kale, and eggplant, HOORAY! Squash and tomatoes are also delicious too. I want to try that blueberry almond crisp and the eggplant quinoa salad soon. They look incredibly colorful!
Kate
August produce is wonderful!
melanie
Call me late to the party (barely getting around to my email newsletters) but I have to comment on the amazingness that are your Links lately at the top. I read ALL of them! I’m glad to know I’m not wasting my time washing produce and that lab-grown meat is fascinating stuff. Assuming it could be made less expensively, I’m still not sure I’d want to eat it. How do you feel about that? Of course, this is a recipe round up, too, and I’m glad to discover some summer squash tacos with avocado chimmichurri! I’ll be making those soon!
Kate
I’m happy to hear that, Melanie! Thanks for your comment.
Jill Dabbs
Kate! I bought your cookbook last month and have read your blog for several. I have made something from either your online recipes or the recipe book every night due l for weeks, and we all love everything. Me, a stay home mom/ full time student, my super athletic husband and my picky eater 9- year- old son. Thank you for delicious, whole food!
Kate
I love that! Thank you for sharing, Jill. I’m so happy you are loving the cookbook and can share it with your family.
Sara
This is a great round-up! Thanks for all the ideas. I’ve been getting into BBQ lately… do you have a good/low-sugar BBQ sauce you can recommend? Thanks!
Kate
You’re welcome! Unfortunately, I don’t eat a ton of BBQ sauce. I think local tends to be best!
Hayley
I made the tomato bruschetta again for lunch today. So delicious, light and healthy. I try to use as much tomatoes and basil as I can in July and August since they’re in season for just a couple months!