Your August Meal Plan
Updated: Jul. 22, 2024
Spend less time planning dinner and more time enjoying the summer weather with 31 days of quick, family-friendly meals.
Summer might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be holding on tight. These quick and easy recipes have one common thread: soaking up the last of summer. While barbecues, bonfires and beach trips are still in full swing, we’re bringing the flavors of these experiences right to your kitchen. Key West flank steak, campfire foil packets and barbecue picnic chicken are all about destination dining while highlighting bright and fresh summer produce.
Bell peppers, sweet corn and fresh basil are scattered around this list like seeds in a garden. Pronto vegetarian peppers and feta tomato-basil fish are just a couple of the ways that these herbs and produce are used. And lucky for you, they can be on your table within an hour.
Day 1: Teriyaki Shish Kabobs
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Sirloin steak, onion, pepper, pineapple
Level: Beginner
Homemade teriyaki sauce is much easier to make than you might think. This versatile recipe can go with any veggies you have on hand.
When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they’re big fans as well. —Recipe contributor Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Day 2: Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, mushrooms, Parmesan cheese
Level: Beginner
This saucy and savory chicken dish is just waiting for a burst of color. Green veggies are a great match. Something to soak up the sauce is also ideal like mashed potatoes or pasta.
I call this meal “the easy chicken fixin'”…and love it that the leftovers are equally delicious heated up in the microwave. My husband, Tim, and I spend a lot of time riding horses and playing Cowboy Polo in summer. We are extra busy now since we just had our first child, Shelby. —Recipe contributor Sharon McMillen, Park City, Montana
Day 3: Rosemary Salmon and Veggies
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Salmon, balsamic vinegar, fresh rosemary
Level: Beginner
This healthy dinner tastes anything but! The tart and garlicky marinade is made with pantry staples.
My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It’s a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Day 4: Indian-Spiced Beefy Lettuce Wraps
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, lettuce leaves, Asian salad mix
Level: Beginner
If you like sweet and savory dinners, look no further than these coconut and mango wraps. The lettuce adds a satisfying crunch while making the meal gluten-free.
Since I love the flavors of Indian food, I almost always have coconut milk, a jar of mango chutney and garam masala seasoning in my pantry. This recipe is one of my go-tos when I am short on time but want something that tastes spectacular. If you’d like to give this a different style of Asian flair, use hoisin sauce in place of chutney and Chinese five-spice powder in place of garam masala. —Recipe contributor Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Day 5: Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, flour tortillas, salsa
Level: Beginner
Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Recipe contributor Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Day 6: Greek Spaghetti
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Thin spaghetti, plum tomatoes, feta cheese
Level: Beginner
Made with thin spaghetti, aromatic herbs and fresh ingredients like plum tomatoes and feta cheese, this is a light pasta recipe that’s refreshing at the end of summer.
Out of all our recipes for pasta, this simple meatless main dish is our favorite. We can hardly wait for summer to arrive so we can use our garden-fresh tomatoes and minced basil in this recipe. The entree’s Mediterranean flair comes from feta cheese, oregano, olive oil and lemon. —Recipe contributors Christa and Holley Hageman, Telford, Pennsylvania.
Day 7: Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Shrimp, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes
Level: Beginner
This summer standout is a fresh way to make shrimp. If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, store-bought pesto adds a zesty flavor to the dish.
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Recipe contributor Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Day 8: Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Carrots, zucchini, brown rice, eggs
Level: Beginner
A poached egg balances the spice in this vegetarian bowl. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this healthy, veggie-packed dinner.
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Recipe contributor Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Day 9: Barbecued Picnic Chicken
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Broiler chicken, garlic, hot pepper sauce
Level: Beginner
Homemade barbecue sauce allows you to adjust the spice and richness to your preference. This sauce is best when made a day or two in advance, giving the flavors time to come together.
I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce and it’s so easy to make. —Recipe contributor Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Day 10: Bacon Pasta
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Spaghetti, bacon strips, tomatoes
Level: Beginner
This bacon pasta recipe will be a great addition to your weeknight meals. The rich tomato sauce allows the crispy and smoky bacon to shine.
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Recipe contributor Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Day 11: Beef-Stuffed Zucchini
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Zucchini, ground beef, marinara sauce
Level: Beginner
Take advantage of summer’s favorite vegetable with this quick and easy microwave recipe. The crunchy zucchini is complemented by the tender filling and crisp breadcrumb topping.
This ground beef and zucchini recipe is a delightful summer meal. For a change of pace, substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for the marinara in this baked stuffed zucchini. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Day 12: Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, peaches, peach preserves
Level: Beginner
This is a great way to use those fresh peaches. The fruity entree begs for a side dish to lap up the leftover sauce.
I had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. —Recipe contributor Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
Day 13: Feta Tomato-Basil Fish
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Feta cheese, white fish filets, basil, Italian diced tomatoes
Level: Beginner
A tomato topping gives a burst of color to these white fish filets. Feta cheese adds a saltiness while still keeping the dish light.
I rely on my husband for the main ingredient in this fuss-free dish. He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip. —Recipe contributor Alicia Szeszol, Lindenhurst, Illinois
Day 14: Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Red peppers, tomatoes, brown rice
Level: Beginner
Keep your kitchen cool in the summer by not turning on your oven. This recipe is made in 25 minutes thanks to the microwave.
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Recipe contributor Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Day 15: Herbed Balsamic Chicken
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken thighs, balsamic vinegar, garlic
Level: Beginner
You might as well use your grill as much as you can during summer months. This herbed chicken has simple ingredients with strong flavors. Balsamic vinegar and lemon juice make for a zesty and tangy marinade.
Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Recipe contributor Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Day 16: Summertime Orzo & Chicken
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, orzo, feta cheese, cucumbers
Level: Beginner
Crunchy, fresh cucumber and tender chicken combine in this colorful and decadent pasta. Lemon and feta cheese make for a salty and zesty sauce.
This easy-as-can-be main dish is likely to become a summer staple at your house. It’s that good! If you prefer, grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking in a skillet. —Recipe contributor Fran MacMillan, West Melbourne, Florida
Day 17: Pork Medallions with Garlic-Strawberry Sauce
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Strawberries, pork tenderloin, garlic
Level: Beginner
Freshen up your pork dinner with this savory strawberry sauce. This quick and fruity dish will easily become a weeknight staple in your home.
These crispy pork medallions are treated to a refreshing strawberry sauce that’s ideal for a springtime or summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Day 18: Saucy Barbecue Shrimp
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Barbecue sauce, shrimp, beer
Level: Beginner
You’ve had barbecue chicken and pork, but what about shrimp? This spicy, tangy sauce is easy to make with your favorite grocery store barbecue sauce.
This old, rustic Cajun dish is one of our family favorites. Don’t remove the shells from the shrimp; the beauty of this dish is peeling the shrimp and dipping it in the sauce. We’ve doubled and even tripled this barbecue shrimp to feed crowds and it’s always perfect! —Recipe contributor Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Day 19: Lime-Cilantro Tilapia
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Tilapia, cilantro, lime juice
Level: Beginner
This limey tilapia is a bright summer meal. You can dress it up for a special occasion or keep it casual with a light salad.
I have so much fun serving this Mexican-inspired tilapia at summer parties. Finish it off with a side of rice and a salad loaded with sliced avocadoes and tomatoes. —Recipe contributor Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Day 20: Chicken Katsu
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, flour, panko bread crumbs
Level: Beginner
Japanese chicken katsu is most similar in texture to chicken-fried steak. Serve it with shredded cabbage and rice.
It’s hard to resist the crispy texture of chicken katsu. The chicken is flattened, coated with panko and pan-fried to give it that signature crunch. Serve with steamed sushi rice and a drizzle of sweet and tangy tonkatsu sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Day 21: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Roast beef, provolone cheese, onion, green peppers
Level: Beginner
These Philly cheesesteak sliders take all the good from a classic Philly cheesesteak and turn it into easier-to-handle sliders. They’re great for a potluck, tailgate or any casual party where finger foods are needed.
These Philly cheesesteak sliders are a wonderful way to use leftover roast beef, but using sliced roast beef from the deli also works. —Recipe contributor Debra Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
Day 22: Mexican Chicken Casserole
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Jalapeño peppers, rice, chicken, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Level: Beginner
Cooked chicken, canned soup and aromatic vegetables create a dish that will satisfy your comfort food cravings. This recipe comes together quickly and takes about 30 minutes to bake.
I’ve had this Mexican chicken bake recipe for 30 years. Since my kids, grandkids and guests of all ages request it often and it takes only about 30 minutes to make, I have it at least once every other month! —Recipe contributor Linda Humphreys, Buchanan, Michigan
Day 23: Crab Mac and Cheese
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Crabmeat, elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese
Level: Intermediate
Cozy and hearty, this seafood mac and cheese feels like something you would find at a coastal restaurant in the summer.
Summer nights are much more tolerable with this comforting casserole. Whole wheat macaroni boosts nutrition, while the melted cheese topping makes it rich and so satisfying. We like it best with a veggie side. —Recipe contributor Jason Egner, Edgerton, Wisconsin
Day 24: Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken breast, honey, stir-fry vegetable blend
Level: Beginner
This quick honey chicken stir-fry is an all-in-one type of dinner. It’s savory and sweet while still being full of vegetables and protein.
I’m a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Recipe contributor Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Day 25: Grilled Skirt Steak with Red Peppers & Onions
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Skirt steak, red onions, green onions, red peppers
Level: Intermediate
Grilled skirt steak has a slightly crusty, charred exterior. When cooked to medium-rare temperatures, the inside remains juicy and tender.
This fun dish is a welcome part of our family cookouts. It makes a quick and delicious steak and vegetable combo that’s ideal for lunch or dinner. —Recipe contributor Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Day 26: Beer-Battered Fish
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Cod, beer, flour
Level: Beginner
While you may be used to ordering fish and chips at your favorite restaurant, it’s easy to make beer-battered fish right in your own kitchen. This recipe uses cod, but most white fish are good substitutes.
Make your own fish fry at home using a classic beer batter. If you’re not a drinker, non-alcoholic beer can be used. Serve with fries, coleslaw and rye bread for a traditional restaurant combo. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Day 27: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork rib chops, paprika, salt
Level: Beginner
Pork chops can be brined anywhere from 8-12 hours in the refrigerator. Start brining your pork chops in the morning so that they will be ready for cooking at dinner time!
A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you’ve mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you’ll be enjoying them all summer long. —Recipe contributor Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Day 28: Potato-Sausage Foil Packs
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Turkey kielbasa, potatoes, peppers
Level: Beginner
Bring the campsite to your kitchen with these pepper and potato bundles. Cleanup is a breeze, thanks to the aluminum foil.
We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend’s house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Recipe contributor Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia
Day 29: Quick Tacos al Pastor
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Pork roast au jus, corn tortillas, onion, cilantro
Level: Beginner
Unlike pizza, it’s not up for debate that pork and pineapple pair wonderfully in these tacos. These Hawaiian-style tacos are made with pre-made grocery store items and come together in a snap.
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Recipe contributor Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Day 30: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, sweet pickles, tater tots
Level: Beginner
Do you order crispy Tater Tots with your burgers? This recipe combines the two in a two-pot, crowd-pleasing dish.
We have a lot of picky eaters in our family, and food allergies on top of that. So, in an effort to please everyone, I made two tater tot casseroles. This is a play on cheeseburgers, and the picky eaters lined up for seconds.You could substitute dill pickles for the bread and butter, or a hotdog relish that has the mustard in it. —Recipe contributor Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Day 31: Key West Flank Steak
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Flank steak, Key limes, red onion
Level: Beginner
Key limes are more tart and floral than normal Persian limes, which makes this dish bright and perfect for summer.
My husband, Jason, is the cook in our family. This is his recipe, inspired by his Colombian roots and our visits to Key West. Sometimes we grill extra lime and onion slices alongside. Serve with sides of rice and fried plantains. —Recipe contributor Gretchen Ospina, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Originally Published: July 20, 2020
