If you need recipe inspiration for the month of August, look no farther than this Monthly Meal Plan, which includes 30+ recipes to make this month! Featuring dishes for summertime entertaining, easy warm weather meals, refreshing sippers, fruit-based desserts and more, this summery monthly recipe list is sure to offer something for everyone!
2025 Update: This monthly meal plan was originally shared in July 2018. It has been updated to include more information about what’s in season, as well as a larger variety of recipes. I hope you love it and find it helpful!
Happy August, y’all! I hope this post finds you well and enjoying the bounty of the summertime.
Around these parts, we’re drowning in cucumbers, carrots and tomatoes.
So today, I’ve whipped up a Monthly Meal Plan to celebrate all the goodness that August has to offer.
Below, you’ll find some delightful appetizers, easy summery meals, fruity desserts and refreshing sippers (that are both boozy and non-alcoholic!)
What should I cook in the month of August?
Well, that depends on you and what you plan to do during this month. It also depends on where you live.
It’s hot where I live, so I tend to gravitate toward dishes that require less hard work because it’s hot outside.
However, no matter where you live or what you’re looking for, I’ve got lots of different options for you with these seasonal August recipes.
What is in season in the month of August?
There are so many delicious fruits and veggies that are in season during August, many of which were in season during July, too.
Some of these items might be determined by where you live, but August tends to be a great time for everyone, farmers market-wise. (After all, lots of things burn up in Texas during the late summer heat, but they might thrive during summer temps where you live.)
Right now, tomatoes are flourishing. You should find all kinds of tomatoes in stores and at markets. I’m talking beefsteak tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes… you name the varietal, and it’s probably available now.
Peppers love the heat of summer, so it’s easy to find sweet peppers (like bell peppers) and hot peppers, like jalapeños.
Culinary herbs love the summer months, too. Fresh basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint should be celebrated and used in various dishes. (After all, who can say no to anything garnished with fresh herbs?)
Corn, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber and okra should also be widely available now.
Melons, like watermelons, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc., are perfectly ripe and sweet throughout this month.
Stone fruits, like cherries, peaches, plums and apricots are wonderfully sweet and available this time of year.
Berries (like blueberries, blackberries, etc.) are also in season, though local availability depends on where you live and how hot it is right now. (They tend to be sad in Texas during August.)
More monthly meal plans:
If you’re in the market for more seasonal menus and recipes, we’ve got them for you here…
Hosting folks for a backyard barbecue? Gathering friends before school is back in session? Opening up your home because you just moved? Whatever the reason, these appetizers are sure to please a crowd AND be easy peasy to whip up this month.
1
Ricotta Crostini with Grilled Peaches
Ricotta Crostini with Grilled Peaches is a perfect sweet appetizer or dessert for the summertime. Fire up the grill and grill your peaches until the sugars in the fruit caramelizes. Grill the crostini, too. Place the peach slices on top of the cheese, then drizzle with a balsamic vinegar reduction for the final touch. Perfect!
A Southern classic combined with an Asian favorite makes this delightful mash-up. Homemade Pulled Pork (in a tangy barbecue sauce!) is made in the slow cooker, then creamy coleslaw, made with yogurt instead of mayo, is tossed together. Roll the pulled pork and coleslaw into eggroll wrappers, fry, then serve with the creamy coleslaw dipping sauce. Pulled Pork Coleslaw Eggrolls are a tasty appetizer to enjoy at a sports watching party!
Cotija Corn Avocado TRISCUIT Crackers — CotijaCornOcadoScuits — are the perfect summertime appetizer! Corn is boiled in its husk, then grilled for a lovely char. An avocado is sliced. Cotija cheese is crumbled. TRISCUIT Original Crackers are topped with an avocado slice, the corn kernels and the cotija before being devoured. This savory, slightly salty appetizer makes a tasty vegetarian starter for any crowd this season!
Cucumber Bruschetta tastes like tzatziki sauce and is the perfect appetizer for any warm weather celebration! Dress toasted baguette rounds with a Feta, Greek yogurt and dill sauce, before topping with fresh sliced cucumbers. Vegetarian and super easy to make the day of a celebration, this Cucumber Bruschetta is a dish everyone will adore.
If you want to make a meaty, creamy, cheesy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip that does not call for canned ingredients or bottled salad dressing, this recipe is for you! All you need are 7 ingredients and about 30 minutes to make this decadent dip. The real question is: what are you making it for and who are you sharing it with?
Galia Melon Jamón Skewers make a perfect summertime app! This dairy free, gluten free and paleo-friendly Whole30 appetizer is a delicious start for any get-together. This app balances the sweetness of the Galia melon with the saltiness of the jamón. Skewered together with fresh basil and drizzled with a balsamic reduction, these savory-sweet skewers are sure to become a seasonal favorite, whether or not you and your guests are doing a Whole30!
Caprese Skewers are the perfect easy appetizer to make for a crowd for any season! Crusty ciabatta bread, grape tomatoes, small mozzarella balls and fresh basil are layered and skewered to create a stunning finger food. To finish, simply drizzle with a balsamic vinegar reduction and enjoy! This simple caprese skewer recipe is great for sharing during the holiday season and beyond.
Host friends and family for a patio wine tasting party this season! Roasted Grape Bruschetta with Whipped Feta makes a delicious appetizer to pair with Notable Chardonnays for the spring and summertime. Simple to pull together and pack a ton of flavor, these finger foods lend themselves beautifully to crisp white wine. Sweet and savory, Roasted Grape Bruschetta with Whipped Feta are the perfect bites to serve at a wine tasting soirée!
‘Tis the season for all kinds of easy dinners. Whether they’re slow cooker prepared or quickly thrown together, the theme of this section is SIMPLE, scrumptious and summery!
9
Crunchy Chicken Cobb Salad
Topped with lots of veggies, ultra-crispy chicken and a succulent honey mustard dressing, this Chicken Cobb Salad is going to transform mealtime. This recipe is great for a healthy lunch or dinner, or you can make all the parts in advance for easy meal prep.
Looking for a simple dinner that's great for a family but also for sharing? These cheesy Chicken and Zucchini Enchiladas are smothered in homemade red enchilada sauce and make for an amazing, hearty meal.
Grilled Shrimp Salad with Homemade Lime Vinaigrette
Filled with colorful vegetables, perfectly grilled shrimp and topped with homemade lime vinaigrette, Grilled Shrimp Salad is an excellent lunch of dinner. This easy salad recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes.
Looking for an easy weeknight dinner to serve the whole family or friends? Caprese Chicken is perfect for that. Calling for just four ingredients, this chicken recipe comes together quickly and is a delicious meal.
A family favorite, Leigh's Everything-but-the-Kitchen-Sink Pork Tenderloin bakes up to make a DELICIOUS meal any time of the year! This pork tenderloin first marinates in a mixture of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, grainy mustard, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar and various spices to create a juicy and tender protein before baking. Leigh's Everything-but-the-Kitchen-Sink Pork Tenderloin is bound to become a household favorite!
Blackened Shrimp Tacos with a crunchy coleslaw are the BEST entree to make at your football tailgate! Shrimp are liberally sprinkled with homemade blackening seasoning, then cooked. Flour (or corn!) tortillas are warmed on the grill. When the elements of the dish are ready, the shrimp are served atop a (made-at-home) Asian-inspired coleslaw that features green cabbage, toasted almonds, toasted Ramen noodles and a honey vinaigrette. These Blackened Shrimp Tacos go great with beer and are easily transported as you peruse your team’s tailgate scene!
Guacamole-Stuffed Fajita Burgers make the PERFECT entree for Cinco de Mayo and summer parties! This burger combines guacamole goodness, beefy deliciousness and fajita veggies on a bun. First, make guacamole using avocados, taco seasoning and fresh lime juice. Instead of forming a normal patty, make two smaller ones. Dollop guacamole on one, then top with the other and seal tightly. Pan fry or grill and serve. These burgers are a guaranteed hit!
Jazz up your salad game with Lebanese-inspired Chicken Shawarma Salad! This easy lunch salad features spinach and lots of colorful fresh veggies with grilled chicken shawarma as the protein. Learn how to make this delicious salad recipe that works great for lunch or a light dinner.
Shredded Applesauce Chicken Sliders with Brussels Sprouts Apple Slaw
Serve Shredded Applesauce Chicken Sliders with Brussels Sprouts Apple Slaw at your next tailgate or weeknight dinner! Made in the slow cooker, these chicken sliders are juicy and topped with an amazing homemade coleslaw. Gameday never tasted so good!
Turkey Jambalaya Stuffed Bell Peppers makes a delicious dinner year-round, but especially when you’re looking for a lighter meal. This Cajun twist on a classic entree, which consists of rice, the trinity (of onion, celery and bell pepper) and ground turkey, is baked inside a bell pepper.
Nothing says summertime like a fruity dessert! Below are some of our all-time favorites… ones that we basically serve on repeat during these warm months. While some require baking, others are frozen treats that are oh-so-good. Do you prefer a cold or warm dessert in the summer?
19
Strawberry and Blueberry Hand Pies
Strawberry and Blueberry Hand Pies make the PERFECT summer dessert. Bursting with fresh blueberries and strawberries, these naturally sweet, handheld pies sing of seasonal flavors. Not only do they taste of the season, but they’re wrapped in a decadent buttery crust. Perfect for a Memorial Day weekend picnic, July 4th or any other summertime get together, these Strawberry and Blueberry Hand Pies can be made in advance and will be adored by all!
Dairy Free Blackberry Cobbler is the ultimate summertime dessert. Blackberries are tossed in sugar and lemon zest, then roast beneath a cobbler topping. Serve with a scoop of your favorite (dairy free) ice cream to top off this scrumptious treat.
If you're looking for a dessert that tastes like the classic summertime sipper, these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are for you. These sweet and tart baked goods highlight the vibrant flavors of both strawberries and lemons. This stuffed cookie recipe has gooey strawberry center. Topped with a light lemon strawberry icing, these extra large cookies are great for sharing all spring and summer long.
These tangy, naturally sweet Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Pops make a refreshing sweet treat for a hot summer day. Roast strawberries in the oven with maple syrup, then toss with lemon zest, cream cheese, yogurt and maple syrup. When combined, pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight. Once frozen, sprinkle with Graham cracker crumbs, and enjoy! These naturally sweetened Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Pops are the perfect summer dessert!
Celebrate seasonal produce by baking Blackberry Peach Hand Pies! These made-from-scratch individual desserts combine summer flavors with a decadent Bourbon Whipped Cream.
Margarita Cupcakes with Salted Tequila Frosting make the PERFECT dessert for Cinco de Mayo, taco Tuesday, ladies night and more! This dairy free recipe, which makes SIX cupcakes, tastes like its boozy namesake. Lime zest and lime juice add tartness to the batter. Once baked, decorate with salty-sweet tequila frosting, then serve. Moist and flavorful, Margarita Cupcakes with Salted Tequila Icing are sure to be a winner at your next get-together!
Finish your July 4th feast on the lighter side with Strawberry Blueberry Loaf Cake, full of blueberries and strawberry puree, then topped with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries. The perfect dessert for a warm summer's day.
Looking for a show stopping dairy free dessert? Look no farther than Dairy Free Peach Cobbler! This cobbler is the perfect dairy free dessert to serve family or a crowd during the summer. Toss fresh peach slices with corn starch, a little sugar and pecans before dropping nutty, slightly sweet biscuits on top and baking until golden. Served with a scoop of dairy free ice cream, Dairy Free Peach Cobbler makes the ultimate summertime dessert.
Strawberry and Blueberry Hand Pies make the PERFECT summer dessert. Bursting with fresh blueberries and strawberries, these naturally sweet, handheld pies sing of seasonal flavors. Not only do they taste of the season, but they’re wrapped in a decadent buttery crust. Perfect for a Memorial Day weekend picnic, July 4th or any other summertime get together, these Strawberry and Blueberry Hand Pies can be made in advance and will be adored by all!
Step up your summertime dessert game by making Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicles! These creamy popsicles start with a base of Dannon® Light & Fit Greek® Yogurt. Swirl the blueberry and vanilla yogurts together, then combine with juicy, roasted blueberries, vanilla wafer crumbles and lemon zest and juice. Freeze for 4-6 hours, then dip in additional wafer crumbles for the perfect summertime sweet! The whole family is going to love these popsicles!
Celebrate the summertime with Patriotic Strawberry Bruschetta. This dessert bruschetta features a homemade almond pudding, lemon curd, macerated strawberries and blueberries, too! Red, white and blue, these Patriotic Strawberry Bruschetta are the perfect dessert to serve to a crowd, whether you’re celebrating Memorial Day weekend, July 4th or even Labor Day. Festive, colorful and utterly delicious, this dessert bruschetta is sure to impress!
I don’t know about you, but I am always on the lookout for something refreshing to sip during the summertime. I’ve compiled a list of some of my August favorites for y’all below, featuring both booze and non-alcoholic options!
30
Watermelon Frose
Cool off this summer with homemade Watermelon Frosé! A classic frozen cocktail made with rosé wine, this frosé is simple, slightly sweet and utterly delicious.
Cool down with refreshing Blackberry Mint Spa Water. This recipe is so simple to make any day and calls for easy to find ingredients. Use this spa water recipe to stay hydrated throughout the summer and to enjoy a taste of some favorite seasonal flavors.
Celebrate summertime by mixing up a Peach Moscow Mule! Fresh peach puree serves as the base for this cocktail. Mix with ginger beer, vodka, a squeeze of lime and cinnamon simple syrup. Sweet, but not too sweet, this fun twist on a classic Moscow Mule tastes like a slice of peach pie on a hot day. Whether you’re serving yourself or a crowd, these Peach Moscow Mules are satisfying, well-balanced and a unique sipper to serve at any gathering!
Cool down with a glass of naturally sweetened Mint Lemonade this summer. This tart and refreshing twist on a classic calls for very few ingredients, but doesn't call for granulated sugar or a simple syrup. Including lemon juice, water and muddled mint leaves, this lemonade is incredibly refreshing to sip any warm day.
Spiked Watermelon Limeade is the pitcher drink of our dreams! This beautiful pink cocktail highlights just four ingredients for the ultimate summertime cocktail: watermelon, mint, lime and vodka. Puree watermelon chunks, then strain, and add to a pitcher with freshly squeezed lime juice and homemade mint simple syrup. Pour in vodka and chill, then serve to your besties! Refreshing and summery, this Spiked Watermelon Limeade makes a tasty sipper!
If you’re a Sonic Cherry Limeade fan, listen up! This homemade Cherry Limeade recipe is the real deal — no drive-through necessary. Learn how to make your own limeade, a fresh cherry syrup and more to make this summer drink.
Perfectly sweet Frozen Strawberry Margaritas are the perfect warm weather cocktail! This small batch blended margarita recipe is smooth, balanced and delicious
Lavender Lemonade is a refreshing, floral and balanced drink to make all summer long. All you need are three ingredients, including homemade lavender simple syrup, to make this easy lemonade recipe.
Cool down with a Blackberry Mint Spritzer! Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this will become a fast favorite. Muddle fresh blackberries with mint before pouring in simple syrup and topping with ginger ale. A favorite spring, summer and fall drink, this Blackberry Mint Spritzer is refreshing and flavorful!
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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