What to eat this August

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Celebrate the final days of summer with fresh, simple meal ideas perfect for busy families. Explore back-to-school recipes, garden-fresh flavors, and sandwich-inspired meals that make dinner easy and fun.

August is that bittersweet blend of late summer sunshine and the slow return to school-year routines. Whether you’re savoring the last carefree afternoons or frantically hunting down school supplies, this month is all about transition and food can help ease the shift.

With gardens overflowing, farmer’s markets in full swing, and schedules beginning to tighten, August is the perfect time to lean into simple meals that make the most of summer’s freshness. It’s National Sandwich Month, which means quick lunches and easy dinners are already on the menu. It’s also National Water Quality Month, offering a gentle reminder to stay hydrated and mindful about what we drink.

This month, I’m sharing ideas that celebrate fresh produce, back-to-school prep, and meaningful mealtime moments, whether you’re eating outside one last time, packing a lunchbox with love, or tossing together a salad from your backyard garden. Let’s make August feel easy, flavorful, and connected.

August is National Back to School Month

The back to school season always feels busy! Here is some easy meal inspiration while you get into the groove of your new schedule.

• Freezer Breakfast Burritos are always on repeat at my house all year long. Stock up your freezer and make breakfast a breeze.
• Italian minestrone soup is one of those meals that is good for days and makes great lunches.
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is always a hit at our house and makes dinner time so, so easy.

If your meal planning routine needs a refresh, check out my book “Adventures in Meal Planning” to help simplify your routine.

National Sandwich Month

Sandwiches can get pretty boring pretty easily. Try these for some new variations that don’t feel boring at all.

• Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are super easy and perfect for back to school night. They are even easy enough that kiddos can do most of the work themselves!
• These slow cooker chicken shawarma wraps are a great easy dinner – and one that works well for busy nights backed with fall sports schedules!
• I keep curried egg salad on hand for easy lunches for myself, and they work as quick after school snacks before my girls head out to their practices, too!

Fun food days in August

• August 3 – National Watermelon Day – Turn fresh and juicy watermelon into a cool and easy to make treat with this watermelon whip recipe!
• August 8 – Sneak Zucchini Onto Your Neighbors Porch Day – We’ve all been there! You could attach this recipe for easy Korean zucchini, too!
• August 14 – National Creamsicle Day – Make your own homemade no churn orange creamsicle!
• August 18 – National Fajita Day – This chicken fajita pasta skillet is a fun twist on a classic.
• August 19 – National Potato Day – There are so many lovely ways to eat potatoes, aren’t there? My current obsession are these Greek inspired lemon potatoes! Give them a try!
• August 24 – National Waffle Day – I could eat waffles all day every day! Have you ever tried savory waffles? You have got to give them a go!
• August 27 – National Peach Day – Peach Paletas are definitely needed this summer!
• August 31 – National Eat Outside Day – Grill something delicious like this grilled Peruvian chicken and eat outside with your family!

Fun seasonal recipes to try in August

There are so many fun recipes to try this month! Here is even more inspiration if you need it!

• If your garden is overflowing with tomatoes, try this easy roasted tomato pasta – its simple but so delicious!
• Italian lemon granita is super simple to make but is so refreshing – perfect for hot August afternoons!
• If you are looking for a great after school snack, I love a good Green Goddess dip with all the colorful veggies!
• Use those fresh cherries in Greek Cherryade!

• Make sure you try out the Dinners for a Difference meal this month! Its not only a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen but its also a great meal to pack for a picnic! 

Want to make adding variety into your meals this month easy and fun? Try my Foodie Bingo Sheet!

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Download the bingo sheet to make adding variety into your meal plans easy and fun!