Our Best August Recipes for 2023
In honor of the unofficial last month of summer, we’ve compiled a list of the best August recipes that are perfect for lazy days by the pool or stylish summer parties. Yes, we know it’s so hot out that you can barely wrap your mind around turning on the stove. But you can take solace in the fact that many of these recipes that require minimal or no cooking whatsoever. And when you do need to cook with heat, you’ll reach for the grill, not your oven knobs.
On the rare instance that the oven is required, it’s sparing and for good reason: dessert. Keep aperitivo hour chic with the nicest ice for your cocktails. Make sure to serve them with an appetizing snack alongside. In need something more filling? We’ve got that covered too. Whatever gathering you are planning, let the bounty of August produce shine. Come January, you’ll fondly remember the days when you had more corn than one person could ever need, and the tomatoes were plump and abundant. Here’s how to make the most of the month to come.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell1/3915-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta
This summer classic is one of our all-time favorite August recipes. Make it whenever you have more tomatoes than you know what to do with. It’s one of our simplest—and speediest—weeknight dinners.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton2/39Grilled Swordfish Steaks With Whole-Lemon Dressing
In late summer, our philosophy is the more grilling, the better. This grilled swordfish gets a bright, garlicky Mediterranean-inspired dressing of chopped whole lemon and oregano. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s truly easy to make at home this summer.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne4/39Old-Fashioned Raspberry Jam
Don’t bother fussing with pectin; the best raspberry jam is made only with the freshest berries and sugar. Rely on some handy tips on canning so you can relive the fresh taste of summer, even in the dead of winter.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton5/39Easy Pasta Salad
Meet your new favorite barbecue side dish—a pasta salad that's acidic, fresh, and packed with veggies. There’s also no cooking besides boiling the pasta, so it’s ideal for a hot day. Add a can of chickpeas if you want to serve it as a main dish.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Rhoda Boone6/39Our Favorite Key Lime Pie
Our favorite key lime pie has a secret: There’s more than one type of citrus in this iconic chilled dessert. No one but you needs to know.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch7/39Esquites con Salsa de Totopos
Your time for enjoying sweet summer corn is running out. Don’t let August pass without making this fabulous recipe.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne8/39Caponata
This dish is ideal when left to shine on its own over grilled bread. Or get creative and spoon some over store-bought hummus or toss with a novel pasta shape for a quick picnic side.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton9/39Rosie Ranch Water
This spiced variation of the Texas staple is precisely what we want to drink when it’s hot. It’s a cocktail that’ll actually quench your thirst.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim10/39Zucchini and White Bean Caesar
Got zucchini, a vegetable peeler, and 30 minutes? If so, you can make this deeply satisfying summer meal—and there’s just minimal cooking involved.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton11/39Cheater’s Pastry Cream
No, it’s not traditional pastry cream—but this easy 10-minute version is absolutely worth having up your sleeve. Use it to fill a tart or pie crust, then layer with summer fruit. Or add it to your cream puffs or Boston cream pie!
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich13/39Double-Stack Mushroom and Chicken Cheeseburgers
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich14/39Grilled Chicken Salad With Creamy Any-Pickle Dressing
One condiment that can be used a couple different ways? Sign us up. Asha Loupy’s any-pickle dressing acts to both dress the salad and marinate the chicken. It doesn’t get easier than that.
Photo by Jason Varney16/39Gin Basil Smash
If your basil plants are bountiful, here’s your end-of-summer signature cocktail. Serve with snacks in the backyard.
Photo by Caleb Adams, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell18/39Cedar-Plank Salmon
This slightly smoky grilled salmon is the showstopper you need for August entertaining. Serve with a tomato salad or some simple grilled broccolini.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova21/39Caprese Salad
Like many of the best August recipes, this one’s all about the ingredients. You need the sweetest, ripest tomatoes and really good mozzarella. Don’t let the balsamic anywhere near it.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne22/39Buttermilk Pie
A creamy, slightly tangy buttermilk pie is a delightful canvas to top with just about anything you like, including macerated fruit or freshly whipped cream.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich23/39Garlicky Instant Ramen Noodle Salad With Grilled Chicken Thighs
Instant ramen isn’t just a quick-fix meal for when you’re in a hurry. For this recipe, you’ll only need the noodles, but don’t throw away the seasoning packets—they have more uses than you might realize.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson25/39Watermelon, Arugula, and Pine Nut Salad
Gem-toned cubes of watermelon are what take this classic arugula salad from great to gorgeous. It’s a summer salad that would be a welcome addition to any picnic or get-together.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich27/39Stone Fruit Salad With Rosé Vinaigrette
Reserve a few splashes of fruity rosé to make the vinaigrette for this stone fruit salad. Part sangria, part salad—it’s everything you want in August.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Stevie Stewart28/39Blueberry Pie
Because metal pie pans conduct heat the best, you’ll want to use one here for this fruit-filled pie, which goes into the oven raw, not parbaked.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Gerri Williams, Food Styling by Judy Haubert29/39Summer Jam Floats
Store-bought jam is an ideal no-cook ice cream-topper. For the ultimate soda counter experience, pour bubbly cream soda over top and serve in a tall glass.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell30/39Chilled Coconut Corn Soup
This cooling soup benefits from the sweetest ears of corn you can find. Make a batch to have around for an easy lunch when the sweltering heat hits its highest point of the day.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch31/39Chocolate–Peanut Butter Sheet Pan Ice Cream Sandwiches
Instead of individual ice cream sandwiches, make a sheet pan’s worth for a crowd. Fill this peanut butter and chocolate cookie with our favorite vanilla ice cream, or whatever flavor is calling your name.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert34/39Creamy Coleslaw
This coleslaw, a standout classic from Gourmet, doesn’t try to mess with perfection. Use either a mandoline or box grater to make quick work of the carrots and cabbage.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman37/39Salmoncito
A gin and tonic at its core, this easy bartender favorite gets its pink hue from a splash of Campari and grapefruit juice.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton39/39Tuna Melt
This list of our best August recipes is capped off with a throwback: the tuna melt. Good sourdough, sharp cheddar, and lots of pickles boost the flavor. Add an egg cream—or a mocha egg cream—for good measure.
