August is the last hurrah of summer, and it’s a busy one. Maybe you’re squeezing in a vacation, getting the kids ready for school (or college—yikes), or work is ramping back up. Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure: it’s hot. Like opening-the-oven-door-with-your-face-too-close hot.
We can handle this crazy month, but we need two things: air conditioning and quick meals. I can’t help with the AC, but I’ve got 31 recipes to help you get through those hot days and nights.
In this collection, you’ll find simple dinners, appetizers, side dishes, and delicious salads. From pasta to grilled favorites, these dishes come together quickly so you can enjoy the rest of summer.
🥗 Fresh & Light (Great for Hot Weather)
Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad
Grilled chicken, crisp lettuce and cabbage, plus a homemade sesame dressing, fresh, crunchy, and perfect for summer.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Cool and creamy with tender pasta, tuna, and a tangy dressing—perfect for make-ahead lunches or warm-weather dinners.
Southwest Chicken Salad
A hearty, flavor-packed salad with chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing, great on its own or wrapped in a tortilla.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese tortellini tossed with tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and salami in a zesty homemade dressing. A fresh and flavorful side.
Fiesta Taco Salad
Everything you love about tacos, ground beef, cheese, salsa, and crunch, turned into a fast and fun salad.
Cucumber Salad
Simple and refreshing with crisp cucumbers and a light vinegar dressing, perfect alongside grilled meats.
Egg Salad
A no-fuss classic made with hard-boiled eggs and creamy dressing, great for sandwiches or scooped over greens.
Easy Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, great as a side or piled on sandwiches.
Potato Egg Salad
Creamy and hearty with a tangy dressing, a summer classic that pairs with everything from burgers to sandwiches.
🍅 Tomato & Veggie Forward
Fresh Tomato Pasta
Ripe tomatoes cooked in garlic, olive oil, and wine for a quick, flavorful pasta dish.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Tomatoes & Basil
Garlic, olive oil, and fresh tomatoes come together in this simple, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Marinated Tomatoes
Juicy tomatoes and onions in a tangy balsamic dressing, this is a light and flavorful side dish or topping.
Baked Tomatoes
Tomatoes stuffed with cheese and baked until golden. It's easy, cheesy, and crave-worthy.
Garden Pasta Salad
A cool and colorful side made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple oil and vinegar dressing.
Fried Zucchini
Breaded and pan-fried until golden brown, these zucchini bites are a crispy, delicious veggie side.
🍗 Chicken & Pork Favorites
Artichoke Chicken
Chicken breasts cooked with artichokes and tomatoes in a light lemon-wine sauce makes a quick and flavorful meal.
Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
Chicken and fresh green beans tossed in a savory stir fry sauce for a fast and fresh weeknight meal.
Chimichurri Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in chimichurri sauce, it's easy and perfect for summer.
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Savory ground pork with crunchy toppings in crisp lettuce cups, great as a light meal or appetizer.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Spicy, baked meatballs coated in buttery hot sauce, a game day favorite or a great casual dinner.
🥩 Beef & Hearty Mains
Steak Sandwich
Thin-sliced sirloin, melty cheese, and onions on a toasted hoagie make a fast and satisfying sandwich.
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Savory beef and veggies in a quick stir fry sauce, a flavorful one-pan dinner.
Ground Beef Tostadas
Crispy tostadas topped with seasoned beef, beans, and classic toppings—easy and customizable.
Italian Sausage Sandwich
Sausage, onions, marinara, and cheese on a toasted bun. Perfect for game day or a quick weekend meal.
Chickpea Pasta Salad
Pasta, chickpeas, tomatoes, and mozzarella tossed in an Italian-style dressing, a colorful, filling pasta salad.
🍤 Seafood & Lighter Dishes
Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp cooked in a garlic butter and wine sauce, served over noodles. This is a quick and delicious dinner.
Shrimp Foil Packet
Shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn cooked in foil on the grill. Minimal cleanup, tons of flavor, perfect for your end of summer party.
Clam Chowder
Creamy homemade chowder made with canned clams and pantry staples. It’s easy to make and brings a beach town vibe right to your kitchen.
🥄 Extras, Sides & Sauces
Citrus Dressing
Bright and tangy, this dressing adds zip to salads, grilled meats, and more.
Chimichurri Sauce
A bold, garlicky herb sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled beef, chicken, or pork.
Caesar Dressing
A creamy, classic salad dressing you can make at home with no fancy ingredients needed. Great for salads, wraps, or dipping.
I hope you found something tasty to try this month! Whether you’re grilling, meal prepping, or just trying to beat the heat, these August recipes have you covered. We’ve got plenty more recipe ideas like this, so check back often to see what’s new in the kitchen.
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