How is it already the second week of August? For many of us, school starts soon (or has already started)—gasp!—so I’m holding on to summer a little longer with these meal plan ideas that use August produce. Because fresh, light dinners with loads of veggies in them are going to power us through this hot, busy month.
From dark leafy greens to perfectly ripe tomatoes to juicy corn, we have 5 delicious meals for your family that all incorporate what’s in-season this month.
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Related: 5 easy meals using August’s in-season produce
Bibimbap is one of my kids’ favorite meals, because they can each DIY their own bowls with the veggies they like. This month it’s a great way to use up zucchini, carrots, chives, and fresh greens in this bibimbap bowl at Minimalist Baker. This is a vegetarian recipe, but if you want to add some ground beef or vegan ground with Gochujang sauce on it, you can!
We included this quick chunky gazpacho recipe at The Suburban Soapbox in our roundup of favorite gazpacho recipes, and it’s perfection August when you’re looking for a cool dinner that also uses up your perfectly ripe tomatoes. I like to serve mine with a quesadilla on the side for the kids. And while you’re making it, go ahead and triple or quadruple your recipe. Then, can the extra in these wide-mouth Ball mason jars to have for quick lunches or quick dinner.
This Zucchini and Corn Tart created by Diane Morrisey is on weekly repeat in my kitchen in August. It is one of my favorite ways to use all of the zucchini that overflows from the garden this time of year. If you also have a ton of tomatoes coming on, you can throw them in a pot with a little butter, salt and pepper and cook them down and use in place of the canned tomatoes in this recipe.
Related: How to preserve all of those tomatoes
Inspired by elote, this Grilled Mexican Corn Pasta Salad at Oh Sweet Basil turns the Mexican street foot into a one-bowl dinner. The ingredients list is long, but you probably already have most of this on hand. And you can’t beat feeding 8 people in less than 30 minutes. I put mine directly into this Rubbermaid Brilliance storage container, which makes leftovers look so much more appealing in my fridge.
If you really want to honor the veggies coming out of your garden (or produce department) this month, dedicate a night to these grilled veggies with marinade at Sweet and Savory Meals. It’s enough for dinner all on it’s own, or this can be a side dish with grilled steak, chicken, or fish and a big salad.
Follow our Weekly Meal Plan Ideas for Families board on Pinterest @CoolMomEats for even more ideas!
