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What to Make with ALL That Summer Produce (Before It’s Gone)

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By: Diana Published on August 3, 2025

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A collage of six late summer recipes: a tomato tart with colorful cherry tomatoes on puff pastry, grilled chicken with peach salsa, creamy tomato chicken in a skillet, stacked golden zucchini fritters with sour cream, grilled cheese dipped into tomato soup, and a spoonful of creamy corn from a pot.

It’s August, and summer produce is everywhere. Whether it’s coming from your garden or a weekend farmer’s market haul, zucchini, tomatoes, peaches, corn, and eggplant are in full swing.

These recipes are simple and practical. No complicated steps or specialty ingredients. Just smart ways to use what you already have before it goes to waste.

1

Chicken in tomato sauce on a plate, sliced. A fork is holding a stack of 4 slices of chicken.

Creamy Tomato Chicken

Chicken breasts are pan-seared and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce made with garlic, herbs, and a splash of cream. It’s rich and flavorful but still quick enough for a weeknight.

Katie says, "This is such a great method for cooking tender and flavorful chicken breast cutlets. The sauce is irresistibly good. New go-to recipe!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2

a sourdough grilled cheese sandwich dipped into a ceramic bowl of tomato soup that is garnished with basil leaves.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Homemade tomato soup made with fresh tomatoes and served with crisp, melty grilled cheese. A cozy but bright lunch or dinner that still celebrates the season.

3

a fresh tomato tart that has been baked on a sheet pan.

Tomato Tart

This easy tart layers puff pastry with Dijon mustard, cheese, and thick slices of fresh tomatoes. It bakes up crisp on the bottom with juicy, savory tomato flavor on top. Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or lunch.

4

a large white ceramic bowl filled with panzanella salad of bread cubes, tomatoes, onions, herbs, and mozzarella cheese

Panzanella Salad

Chunks of stale bread soak up a tangy vinaigrette alongside ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. This rustic Italian salad is all about texture and late-summer flavor.

5

Bsuchetta chicken in a stainless steel skillet with parmesan and balsamic glaze

One Pan Bruschetta Chicken

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a fresh tomato bruschetta mixture and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This one-skillet recipe comes together fast and captures everything good about late summer in one easy dinner.

6

Bruschetta

Diced tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil tossed with olive oil and spooned over toasted baguette slices. This classic Italian appetizer is fast, fresh, and a great way to use very ripe tomatoes.

7

a white bowl filled with chopped greek salad with cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese cubes.

Greek Salad

Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, and feta tossed in a light dressing. This classic salad is bold, fresh, and ready in minutes.

8

a roasting pan filled with zucchini ground beef zucchini boats topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Zucchini Ground Beef Boats

Zucchini halves are hollowed and filled with a savory ground beef mixture, then topped with melty cheese and baked until golden. This recipe is a family-friendly dinner that’s low-carb and loaded with flavor. A smart way to turn garden zucchini into a full meal.

9

a stack of fried zucchini fritters topped with sour cream and sliced green onion.

Zucchini Fritters

Crispy on the edges and soft inside, these easy fritters are made with shredded zucchini, herbs, and a light batter. Serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream or dip. A great snack, lunch, or vegetarian side that helps you use up lots of zucchini fast.

10

a ladle serving creamy, green zucchini soup from a red dutch oven.

Creamy Zucchini Soup

This creamy zucchini soup is silky smooth and surprisingly light. It comes together quickly with a few pantry staples and makes a great starter or light lunch. Perfect for using up a big batch of zucchini without baking.

11

Sliced zucchini bread on a wire rack with a green zucchini in the background

Zucchini Bread

Soft, tender, and not too sweet, this classic zucchini bread has a moist crumb and the perfect warm spice. It’s freezer-friendly and works with fresh or frozen grated zucchini. Great for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.

12

A while ceramic baking dish filled with baked eggplant lasagna, garnished with fresh basil. The lasagna is cut into 8 square servings.

Eggplant Lasagna

Layers of roasted eggplant, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese baked until bubbling and golden. This lasagna is hearty, low in carbs, and perfect for making ahead.

13

A green ceramic plate filled with creamy mutabal, drizzled with golden olive oil, and garnished with bright red pomegranate seeds, sumac, and fresh oregano leaves. Soft pita bread is placed on the side.

Mutabal (Charred Eggplant Dip)

A smoky, creamy Levantine dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon. Serve with warm pita or fresh veggies for a bold and refreshing appetizer.

14

a bowl of homemade caponata on a wooden table next to a platter of whole grain crostini.

Sicilian Caponata with Pine Nuts and Green Olives

A sweet and tangy Italian eggplant relish with tomatoes, olives, and capers. Serve it warm or cold with bread, over chicken, or as a topping for crostini.

15

Eggplant pasta served in a white bowl and topped with parmesan cheese

Pasta alla Norma

This classic Sicilian pasta is tossed with sautéed eggplant, tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s simple, comforting, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

16

Corn Fritters

Golden brown with crisp edges, these corn fritters are packed with sweet corn kernels and a hint of onion. They fry up quickly and work as a side dish or light meal. Use fresh corn for peak summer flavor, or sub in frozen or canned.

17

Creamed Corn

Rich, creamy, and comforting, this homemade creamed corn is miles better than the canned version. Made with fresh or frozen corn, butter, cream, and a touch of garlic, it’s a fast side dish that feels extra indulgent without much effort.

Ocean says, "A hit with my wife! Simple and easy-to-follow. I also wanted to try making it to use in a chowder, but it’s great as is 🙂" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

18

a bowl of mexican street corn salad.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Inspired by elote, this bright corn salad features roasted or grilled corn tossed with creamy mayo, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder. A bold and flavorful side that’s perfect for cookouts and potlucks.

19

closeup of juicy sliced grilled chicken with peach salsa.

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Peach Salsa

Juicy grilled chicken thighs are marinated in lime and garlic, then topped with a fresh peach salsa made with red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. It’s a vibrant, summery dinner that balances sweet, savory, and spicy in every bite.

20

a bowl of peach dump cake with vanilla ice cream in front of a pan of the dessert and some fresh peaches.

Peach Dump Cake

This is the ultimate no-fuss dessert. Canned or fresh peaches are topped with cake mix and butter, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s warm, gooey, and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

21

Slice of peach pie on a small white plate with a scoop of ice cream

Peach Pie

A homemade double crust filled with thick slices of fresh peaches tossed in sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The filling is juicy but not runny, and the crust bakes up golden and flaky. A classic summer dessert that never goes out of style.

22

closeup of a pot of borscht soup showing the carrots, beets, and potatoes in a deep red broth.

Classic Borscht Beet Soup

A vibrant beet-based soup filled with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and fresh herbs. This Eastern European classic is earthy, comforting, and perfect for using up late summer root vegetables. Serve it hot with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.

23

Carrot Raisin salad served in a large bowl, and a serving spoon

Carrot Raisin Salad

Shredded carrots and sweet raisins in a creamy dressing with a touch of honey. A retro-inspired salad that works for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.

24

Carrot Top Pesto

Don’t toss those greens. This quick pesto turns carrot tops into a bright, herby sauce perfect for pasta, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

25

Red Potato Salad

Creamy but light, with tender red potatoes, celery, and a tangy dressing. A classic summer side that’s great cold or at room temp.

26

Pesto potato salad in a white and black bowl

Pesto Potato Salad

A fresh twist on potato salad with homemade pesto and baby potatoes. Great warm or chilled, and easy to prep ahead for gatherings.

27

cheesy vegetable potato bake in a round baking dish, a wooden spoon is serving it, showing strings of melty cheese.

Vegetable Potato Bake

Layered with sliced potatoes, zucchini, carrots, and a cheesy topping. This baked dish is comforting, colorful, and perfect for using what’s left in the fridge.

28

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Marinated vegetables grilled until tender and lightly charred. A simple way to cook up whatever’s in your produce drawer.

a stainless steel skillet of chicken pizzaiola with olives, mushrooms, and cheese.

Chicken Pizzaiola

closeup of a creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole. a spoon is lifting up a serving.

Chicken Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

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