Warm evenings and slow sunsets call for food that feels easy but still brings big flavor. These 21 light and flavorful recipes for August and September include crisp salads, quick mains, and fresh sides that fit the season. Each dish is simple to make, satisfying to eat, and full of bright flavors you’ll want to bring back again.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Cool, fluffy quinoa mixes with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for a refreshing and colorful bowl. A light vinaigrette ties it all together, adding brightness without making the dish heavy. It’s a perfect late summer option when you want something fresh that still feels filling enough for a meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Lemon Butter Pasta
Each strand of pasta gets coated in a buttery lemon sauce that feels rich but still refreshing. Garlic, fresh herbs, and citrus give the dish a bold, vibrant flavor that works in any season. It comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with whatever vegetables or proteins you already have at home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto meets the sweetness of green peas and the bright lift of fresh lemon. The combination makes it satisfying and smooth, yet still light enough for warm weather. It’s a comfort dish that keeps its freshness, making it just right for late summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Tender zucchini, squash, and tomatoes roast together until they’re rich with flavor and melt-in-your-mouth soft. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs bring freshness without weighing the dish down. It’s a delicious way to highlight late summer produce, whether served as a side or a light main.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Honey Glazed Chicken
Juicy chicken gets coated in a glossy glaze of honey that locks in moisture and adds a touch of sweetness. The balance of savory and sweet makes it easy to pair with simple sides like rice or grilled vegetables. It’s a reliable summer recipe that’s light but still deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baby bok choy gets a smoky char on the grill, keeping its crunch while gaining a bold, savory flavor. A quick mix of soy sauce, garlic, and citrus adds brightness and depth. It’s an effortless side that feels special without taking much time at all.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Pantry-friendly tuna and sweet cherry tomatoes create a quick pasta that’s fresh and flavorful. Olive oil, garlic, and herbs round out the dish, giving it a simple yet satisfying taste. It’s perfect for hot nights when you want something light that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tropical Fruit Salad
Pineapple, mango, and berries combine for a colorful salad that tastes like pure summer. A drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime boosts the natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit. It’s refreshing enough for breakfast yet sweet enough to serve as dessert.
Get the Recipe: Tropical Fruit Salad
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ground chicken cooks with crunchy vegetables for all the flavor of an egg roll without the wrapper. Seasonings bring a bold kick while still keeping the dish fresh and light. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s ideal for busy summer evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chicken marinated in lime, garlic, and oil until the flavors soak deep into the meat. The grill adds a smoky char outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s simple to prepare and delivers a bright, clean taste that works well with summer sides.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Fresh salmon is topped with a golden pesto crust that locks in moisture and adds herby, garlicky flavor. The richness of the fish and the freshness of basil make a perfect warm-weather pairing. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet feels like something from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa gets cooked with beans, corn, and peppers for a colorful, one-pan dinner. Sweetness from the corn and a gentle spice from the peppers keep it lively without feeling heavy. It’s a great option when you want a balanced meal that’s bright and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Poached Orange Salmon
Salmon poaches gently in orange juice, which infuses the fish with a light citrus sweetness. The method keeps the meat tender and moist without adding extra oil or fat. It’s a refreshing main course for warm evenings when you want something delicate but filling.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli roasts until the edges are crisp and slightly caramelized. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end makes each bite bright and flavorful. It’s a simple side that adds freshness to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Vegan Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous gets tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs for a cool, crisp salad. A light citrus dressing blends the flavors and keeps the dish refreshing. It’s perfect for warm days when you want a plant-based meal that’s satisfying but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Brazilian Cheese Bread
These bite-sized breads are crisp on the outside and soft, chewy, and cheesy on the inside. They require only a few ingredients but deliver an irresistible flavor. Serve them as a snack or alongside a light dinner for something fun and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Cheese Bread
Tomato Lime Chicken
Juicy chicken cooks in a tangy tomato and lime mixture that’s both bright and savory. The flavors soak into every bite, keeping the meat moist without extra effort. It’s versatile enough to use in tacos, salads, or served with rice for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Chicken and tender orzo cook together in one pan with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. The result is creamy yet light, making it perfect for warm evenings. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to serve to friends.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Quinoa simmers until tender, then gets mixed with fresh spinach and salty Parmesan for a wholesome dish. The combination is light but still hearty enough to stand alone. It’s ideal for nights when you want a quick meal that feels satisfying and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Miso Glazed Salmon
A sweet and savory miso glaze coats salmon and caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The flavors are rich but balanced, keeping the dish light enough for summer. It’s a quick way to make fish feel special without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Cacio e Pepe
Just pasta, cheese, and pepper come together for a creamy, peppery dish that’s surprisingly full of flavor. The simplicity makes it quick to prepare, yet it still feels comforting and satisfying. It’s a warm-weather pasta that won’t weigh you down but will keep you happy.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe