What to cook in August? 10 easy, seasonal recipes
August is the fullest summer month: the sun shines high, the days are long, and nature gives us an extraordinary variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, colorful, rich in flavor, and perfect for fresh, light cooking. Taking advantage of the month's ingredients is not only a healthy and sustainable choice, but also a winning strategy for bringing more delicious and nutritious dishes to the table.
In this article you will discover what ingredients are in season in August and how to use them creatively with easy, quick and tasty recipes that are ideal for facing the heat with pleasure and health.
1. Melon
Cantaloupe melon is about 90 percent water, making it an excellent ally against dehydration. It contains beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which protects the skin and promotes a tan.
For hot days, a refreshing salad is perfect. This time, we’re putting cantaloupe in the spotlight, but you can use whichever fruit you like best. Serve it in the cantaloupe for a more unique touch :)
2. Peppers
Peppers, whether red, yellow or green, are among the most beloved vegetables of summer. Rich in vitamin C (more than citrus fruits!), fiber and antioxidants, they help boost the immune system and fight cell aging. The red variety is sweeter, the green variety more herbaceous, and the yellow variety more delicate.
Very easy to prepare , quick and inexpensive, this air-fryer-roasted pepper salad is sure to become one of your favorite summer dishes. The great thing about this recipe is that you can serve it in several ways: as a side dish with meat, as a...
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is the iconic fruit of summer. Made up of more than 95 percent water, it is ideal for refreshing the body on muggy days. It is a natural source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage and supports the cardiovascular system. It has very few calories and high satiating power.
A sweet pizza, how about that? No need for dough, just a slice of watermelon will do ;-) Easy, quick, and no baking required, this will be the ideal vegan and gluten-free dessert to cool off during summer afternoons! Have fun decorating it with your...
4. Cucumber
Cucumber is a highly moisturizing vegetable, with very few calories and high potassium, silicon and vitamin K content. Great for skin health and against water retention, it is perfect raw, but also marinated.
For a refreshing summer touch, try this ricotta, cucumber and smoked salmon tart ! It's the perfect combo for sunny days: the sweetness of ricotta, the freshness of cucumber and the delicate flavor of smoked salmon come together perfectly. Quick and...
5. Peaches
Peaches are rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They are refreshing, juicy and very digestible. There are several varieties (yellow, white, nectarines), all of which are excellent both raw and cooked or grilled.
Fruit in a savory salad ? Yes, really! We can assure you that this combination of flavors will win you over ♥ At first, we were just as unsure as you might be about adding roasted peaches to our salad. Then came the tasting—and what a revelation!...
6. Zucchini
Zucchini are the summer vegetable par excellence: light, digestible and suitable for all types of cooking. Rich in water, potassium and vitamin B9, they promote diuresis and help purify the body.
A wonderfully fresh summer recipe: raw marinated zucchini can be served as a starter or as a side dish, but we also recommend using them to fill sandwiches or beach-ready sandwiches . The first thing to do when preparing marinated zucchini is to...
7. Figs
Figs are little treasure chests of sweetness and nutrients. They provide natural energy, fiber, calcium and minerals. They have digestive properties and help regularize the intestines. Their intense flavor makes them perfect for sweet-savory contrasts.
Fig season is well and truly underway, and since it’s short, we’re determined to make the most of it! These little fruits can be enjoyed in countless ways: in a salad , in a tart or in a risotto. This sweet, tender fruit never ceases to amaze us!...
8. Eggplant
Eggplants contain nasunin, a powerful antioxidant found in the dark skin, which helps protect brain cells. They are very versatile, but should always be cooked. They lend themselves to traditional dishes (parmigiana, caponata) and modern, light solutions.
Get ready to travel straight to Catania in Sicily , where the delicate notes of grilled eggplant , juicy tomatoes and creamy ricotta come together to create a delicious, easy and inexpensive summer pasta dish! This recipe for "Pasta alla Norma"...
9. Plums
Plums (or prunes) are juicy and refreshing fruits that are ideal against constipation due to their fiber and sorbitol content. They contain vitamins A, B, C and antioxidants useful for general well-being. The skin is rich in anthocyanins, which are excellent for microcirculation and skin.
In summer, we enjoy this small, sweet yellow fruit called the mirabelle! For dessert, we decided to make an extra-moist cake that’s also very easy to prepare. The combination of mirabelles and almonds, all caramelized and toasted after baking, is...
10. Arugula
Arugula is a leafy vegetable with an intense and spicy flavor. It contains glucosinolates, which support liver detoxification, as well as vitamin C and folic acid. It is excellent raw, in pesto, or to liven up salads.
The first time I tried this cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella was during an impromptu lunch on the terrace with friends in the middle of summer. Just a few ingredients , no desire to cook and a craving for something...
Daniele Mainieri
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