Fresh Each Month: The Seasonal Cooking Guide

The heat is sticky, the tomatoes are ripe, and dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. August is the month for quick meals, juicy fruit, and eating outside when you can. Whether you're meal prepping for back-to-school or holding onto summer, here’s what to cook this month to feel good and eat well.

August is for brushing off your grilling skills (or if you’re like me, gently encouraging your partner to do it), piling fresh herbs on everything, and discovering every which way to make a salad feel new, fresh, and actually exciting. This guide is here to help you feel inspired, not overwhelmed — so you can eat well, enjoy the season, and maybe even skip the oven.

The tomatoes are finally good, basil is everywhere, and dinner should feel like less. Less cleanup, less time. But more taste. This is the month to eat outside, snack on fruit standing up, and lean into whatever feels easy and cold.

WHAT'S IN SEASON IN AUGUST

This month is all about peak summer flavor. Think: juicy, crisp, herb-forward. If it grows in a backyard garden, it belongs on your plate.

Here’s what to look for at your local farmer’s market this month…

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown, you can read my post here, which highlights the different varieties of these produce that are BEST now and for ways to use them in your next meal!