When August rolls around, summer historically loses its sparkle in my eyes. The Texas heat and humidity hang heavy, back-to-school and holiday seasons rapidly approach, and my appetite for elaborate poolside gatherings wanes. But after I began my journey of cooking seasonally, I learned that there is plenty of beauty to be found in the months following summer’s peak. Late summer brings a more subtle kind of abundance, one that rewards the use of intentionally picked ingredients and simple recipes.
Tomatoes are at their juicy peak, zucchini becomes an underrated hero ingredient, and stone fruit lends a tart sweetness that makes every dish feel a little more alive. Late summer recipes call for ingredients that pride themselves on not being overcomplicated. Ahead, you’ll find recipes that honor this fleeting window of flavor. Stunning presentation aside, they’re tied to the rhythm of the season.
17 Late Summer Recipes to Close Out the Season
Rather than rushing to mourn the end of summer—whether it’s been a season of restoration or one spent chasing adventure—consider this your invitation to savor. Ground yourself in the simple act of cooking with intention, leaning into the nourishing seasonal foods. Because before long, the cozy comforts of fall will be calling.
Appetizers and Sides
Grilled Zucchini With Chile Mint Vinaigrette
Zucchini shines in this effortless appetizer that checks all the boxes—light, nutritious, and full of flavor. Grilled to perfection with just the right amount of char, it’s finished with a zesty chile-mint vinaigrette that’ll redefine the way you serve vegetables all season long.
Spicy Corn Toast
Corn is the star of late summer, and this vibrant toast proves why. Sweet kernels are layered onto crusty bread, paired with a kick of fresh jalapeños and a bright squeeze of lime. It’s the kind of hors d’oeuvre that disappears fast—so don’t be surprised if you’re making a second round.
Garam Masala Corn Salad
Thanks to its incredible versatility, corn is an ingredient I always turn to from August all the way into October. (Corn maze fans, anyone?) In this vibrant salad, it’s tossed with creamy avocado, sharp red onion, and a warm blend of Indian-inspired spices. The result? A boldly flavored dish you’ll come back to for seconds—if not thirds.
Tomato Salad
It doesn’t get simpler than this tomato salad. With just a splash of citrus, a hint of salt, and a clove of garlic, this salad is purely refreshing, and exactly the kind of no-recipe recipe we crave when tomatoes are at their peak.
Avocado Caprese Salad
This salad only gets better with every toss. While avocado isn’t a traditional Caprese ingredient, its creamy richness beautifully balances the tangy balsamic dressing and juicy tomatoes. It’s a fresh twist on a classic that feels both indulgent and perfect for the late summer.
Main Courses
Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Charred Corn
Bright, creamy, and plant-powered, this vegan red pepper pasta is the ultimate late summer comfort dish. Roasted red peppers blend into a creamy, yet light sauce that feels indulgent without the dairy.
Grilled Salmon with Stone Fruit Salsa
This grilled salmon recipe is one of those dishes that lives rent-free in my mind. With a simple fresh peach salsa bursting with bright herbs and a touch of heat, this five-ingredient recipe is an effortless way to celebrate the season’s best flavors on your plate.
Summer Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil
Juicy, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata come together over tender spaghetti, all brightened with crisp fresh basil. This summer spaghetti is simple, elegant, and exactly what you want on your table when late summer tomatoes are at their best.
Ginger Poached Salmon with Apricots
This salmon recipe lets the fish shine with subtle herbs and a light broth. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish that feels fresh and nourishing with the addition of in-season apricots—perfect for warm late summer evenings when you want something light but satisfying.
Simple Zucchini Pasta
While I’ll gladly enjoy this pasta year-round, late summer is unarguably the best time to get the most our of your zucchini flavors. Thin ribbons of this tender fruit pair with a vibrant garlic and lemon dressing for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is nourishing.
Roasted Carrot and Red Pepper Hummus Flatbread
Crispy, flavorful, and packed with fresh veggies, this vegan flatbread is a late summer showstopper. With a perfectly charred crust topped with vibrant seasonal produce and a drizzle of herby olive oil, it’s the ideal crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.
One-Pot Spicy Vegan Corn Soup
Velvety and vibrant, this one-pot vegan corn soup captures the golden sweetness of late summer. With a handful of comfort ingredients slowly melding into a rich, soothing broth, it’s the kind of dish that wraps you in cozy comfort, even if the weather hasn’t quite cooled down yet.
Desserts
Peach Tarte Tatin
This dessert is a timeless French classic with a modern twist. Caramelized apples melt into a buttery, flaky crust, creating a dessert that’s both rustic and refined.
Stone Fruit Crisp with Cinnamon Crumble
Who doesn’t love a crumble after a day in the summer sun? Juicy stone fruits meet a golden, spiced crumble in this ultimate late summer dessert with warm cinnamon and buttery oats.
Peach Crumble Icebox Cake
There are very few summer desserts I’ve made on repeat more than this peach icebox cake. With juicy peaches, a buttery crumble, and creamy whipped layers, this icebox cake is the perfect way to savor summer’s final sweet notes.
Easy Blackberry Cobbler
This cobbler is bursting with juicy blackberries that get paired with a simple and soft vanilla ice cream. Warm from the oven or cooled to perfection, it’s a cozy, simple dessert that feels like a hug from late summer itself.
Strawberries and Cream Pavlova
Pavolvas might just be my new summer obsession. Crisp on the outside, marshmallow-soft inside, and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, it’s a dreamy dessert that feels as elegant as it is effortless.
