Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Dinner Recipes
  5. Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes
  6. What's for Dinner? 21 Weeknight Recipes You'll Want to Make in August
What's for Dinner Franchise Logo

What's for Dinner? 21 Weeknight Recipes You'll Want to Make in August

victoria-spencer-1163-d111425.jpg
By Victoria Spencer Updated July 26, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
sheet pan chicken fajitas
Credit: Ren Fuller

We're celebrating the bounty of peak summer produce in these family-friendly dinner recipes.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
August What's for Dinner intro

Even when back-to-school season starts and weeknights get busier, dinner can still be a time for the family to gather together and enjoy a delicious homemade meal. All of the recipes we've gathered here take less than an hour to prepare, but you'll find that many are much faster than that. We're sharing recipes for healthy family-friendly dinners that everyone will enjoy, such as the Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas that you see right here.

This month, plan to shop for ears of corn, different sizes of eggplant, tomatoes, chile peppers, and zucchini—we use this bounty of seasonal produce in our weeknight dinners in August, and it's a great way to keep things fresh and different. How do we use them? Zucchini is the star of a Mediterranean-style pizza, which also features caramelized onions, feta cheese, and olives. You'll also find this favorite summer squash sharing the stage in Pork Tenderloin with Summer-Squash Couscous and Summer Smoked-Salmon Chowder. It's a good thing that zucchini is high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C because we simply can't get enough of it this time of year.

It's not just baked entrées this month, though. As you might expect, we're offering plenty of grilled meals, too. After all, grilling season won't last forever, so we encourage you to take your cooking outside as much as possible while you still can.

Whether you're craving chicken or pizza or anything from the grill, enjoy our easy weeknight dinner recipes all month long.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tomato and Brie Tart

side salad with tomato and brie tart
Credit: Linda Xiao
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For an easy and elegant summer dinner that also happens to be vegetarian, bake this cheesy tart. It uses store-bought puff pastry to showcase juicy slices of heirloom tomatoes with buttery brie and briny capers. 

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl

burrito bowl with avocados corn rice chiken beans and cabbage on blue table
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Rice and grain bowls are tasty options when you want a colorful dinner with a mix of flavors and textures. Let everyone customize their bowl, choosing from favorite toppings like black beans, corn, creamy avocado slices, and brightly colored red cabbage in this chicken dinner.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prosciutto Carbonara with Spinach

Prosciutto Carbonara with Spinach
Credit: Kate Sears
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a crowd-pleasing, comforting pasta that takes just 30 minutes to make. The combination of eggs, egg yolks, and Pecorino Romano cheese creates a creamy sauce that coats rigatoni.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Salmon with Rye Panzanella

grilled salmon with rye panzanella
Credit: Armando Rafael
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We'd describe this dish as sort of fancy, sort of different, fast, and totally delicious. Simple grilled salmon fillets are paired with a twist on the classic Tuscan bread-and-tomato salad. What makes our different? We replace the country bread with rye and the tomatoes with cucumber, fennel, and dill. Give it a try!

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

California Bacon-Wrapped Dogs

california bacon wrapped dogs
Credit: Armando Rafael
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's Friday, so why not indulge a little? Bacon-wrapped hot dogs and strips of poblano peppers are grilled then tucked into buns and topped with homemade pico de gallo. Serve with our Texas-style Love Dip,  and crudités for casual meal everyone will enjoy.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ravioli with Roasted Eggplants, Tomatoes, and Capers

ravioli with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and capers
Credit: Kate Sears
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Summer produce stars along with store-bought cheese or spinach ravioli in this summer pasta dish. Eggplant, tomatoes, and shallots are roasted together until caramelized, then tossed with cooked ravioli, capers, a touch of starchy pasta water (it's the secret to so many pasta dishes), and a dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glazed Pork Chops and Blistered Shishitos

Glazed Pork Chops and Blistered Shishitos
Credit: Con Poulos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We're heading to the grill tonight to cook pork chops that are brushed with a simple glaze of hoisin and chili sauce then grilled to caramelized perfection. Steamed rice, shredded cabbage, blistered shishito peppers, and a drizzle of sesame-ginger dressing round out the meal. Make this dinner using your grill pan if you don't want to cook outdoors.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Fish Kebabs with Shaved Zucchini

grilled-fish-kebabs-with-shaved-zucchini-0615-d107287-0615.jpg
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Of course, we're all for grilled dinners during this time of year! We're also all about using zucchini because it's in season and so sweet (if you select small squash at the market, that is). This weeknight summer dinner also uses corn, cut from the cob with the zucchini as a side for the skewers of swordfish, salmon, or whatever firm fleshed fish you see at the fish counter.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Turkey Burgers

greek turkey burgers recipe plate
Credit: Sidney Bensimon
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These turkey burgers are served with pita breads rather than buns, plus hummus, yogurt, plenty of arugula, and sliced cucumbers for a quick and tasty handheld dinner.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Drunken Mussels with Chorizo and White Beans

drunken mussels with chorizo and white beans topped with parsley leaves
Credit: Con Poulos
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's a restaurant-quality dinner that's easy to make at home and just right for Friday night in. Chorizo and white beans flavor the white wine that fresh mussels are cooked in briefly, just until they open. Serve with plenty of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eggplant and Roasted-Pepper Pasta

August What's for Dinner Week 3
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pasta is a weeknight staple because it's quick and easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. Tonight we're using campanelle and pairing it with eggplant and red peppers for a summery entrée. This dish can be served hot or cold, so save leftovers (if there are any!) for lunch tomorrow.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fried Rice with Chinese-Style Sausage

fried rice chinese style sausage
Credit: Armando Rafael
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fried rice cooks quickly, and you'll find that you can make it at home in the time that it would take to place an order and wait for delivery. This recipe stars Chinese-style sausage, but feel free to substitute leftover chicken, pork, or shrimp.

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cuban Skirt Steak and Vegetables

cuban-steak-v1-116-selects-d112174.jpg
Credit: Anna Williams
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Skirt steak is an economical cut of beef with plenty of meaty, rich flavor. How could you resist this flavorful summer dinner that's starts with searing the meat, then bell pepper, onions and medallions of fresh corn on the cob are cooked in the same pan?

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Chicken and Eggplant with Mozzarella and Tomatoes

Grilled Chicken-and-Eggplant "Caprese"
Credit: Linda Xiao
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, that's this colorful grilled meal. Chicken breast and eggplant take a turn on the grill and then are combined with slices of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and plenty of parsley. While the grill is on, toast slices of bread as an accompaniment to this summer dinner 

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Vegetable Pizzas

grilled vegetable pizzas
Credit: Christopher Testani
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We're grilling again tonight! Use store-bought flatbreads for this meal and don't skimp on the vegetable toppings—this isn't the usual tomato sauce- type pie. Grill a bushel of produce—think mushrooms, zucchini, red onion, and kale—and pile them onto the flatbreads. Then comes a combo of mozzarella and blue cheese and a simple mustard vinaigrette that unites the vegetables into bites so satisfying, no one will notice you're having salad for dinner.

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rice and Bean Salad Bowl with Tahini Sauce

August What's for Dinner Week 4
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty and nutritious rice bowl is a colorful, flavorful, and filling option for your Meatless Monday dinner.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Summer Smoked-Salmon Chowder

summer smoked salmon chowder
Credit: Ren Fuller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is the night to break out your Dutch oven. Our chowder is a briny, smokey taste of summer that comes together in under an hour. It's packed with salmon, baby potatoes, corn kernels, and, yes, more zucchini!

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork Tenderloin with Summer-Squash Couscous

pork-tenderloin-and-couscous-with-zucchini-card-103-d112910.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With the exception of pork tenderloin, everything needed for this dish should already be in your pantry, so prepping this balanced meal will be a breeze. Grab summer squashes like zucchini, scallions, and mint from a local farm stand for the freshest possible flavor.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green-Curry Shrimp Linguine

Thai-Curry Shrimp Linguine
Credit: Kate Sears
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take linguine in a different direction for dinner tonight. Coconut milk and green curry paste are the base of a silky, complex sauce that comes together quickly and coats the shrimp, green beans, and pasta deliciously. 

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green-Chile Chicken Burgers

green-chili-turkey-burger-017-d112910.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Burgers are practically synonymous with summer. Tonight, we're making chicken burgers with freshly chopped cilantro, cumin, and diced green chiles for a serious kick. Serve with this summery twist on a classic Cobb salad.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini Tacos

black-bean-green-tacos-243-d112755-0416.jpg
Credit: Sharon Radisch
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Though this quick vegetarian dinner recipe is called "zucchini tacos," there's more to this meal than summer squash and corn tortillas. Canned black beans bring heft and sour cream, cheese, and sliced radishes make for creamy, crunchy toppings to finish the dish.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sausage-and-Peppers Pasta with Almond Frico

Sausage and Peppers Pasta with Almond Frico
Credit: Kate Sears
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Orecchiette—otherwise known as "little ears"—makes the perfect holders for a speedy sauce with spicy Italian sausage, Parmigiano-Reggiano, toasted almonds, and jarred roasted peppers.

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Victoria Spencer

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    What's for Dinner Franchise Logo
    View Series
    • 16 Sausage Dinner Recipes That Will Add Spicy (or Sweet!) Flavor to Your Weeknight Meals
    • 18 Cozy, Comforting Winter Dinner Recipes You'll Make on Repeat
    • Our Favorite 20-Minute Dinner Recipes for When You Need a Home-Cooked Meal Fast
    • What's for Dinner This Week: Quick Chicken Puttanesca, Sheet-Pan Sausages With Squash, and a 15-Minute Vegetarian Meal
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23
    2 of 23 Tomato and Brie Tart
    3 of 23 Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl
    4 of 23 Prosciutto Carbonara with Spinach
    5 of 23 Grilled Salmon with Rye Panzanella
    6 of 23 California Bacon-Wrapped Dogs
    7 of 23 Ravioli with Roasted Eggplants, Tomatoes, and Capers
    8 of 23 Glazed Pork Chops and Blistered Shishitos
    9 of 23 Grilled Fish Kebabs with Shaved Zucchini
    10 of 23 Mini Turkey Burgers
    11 of 23 Drunken Mussels with Chorizo and White Beans
    12 of 23 Eggplant and Roasted-Pepper Pasta
    13 of 23 Fried Rice with Chinese-Style Sausage
    14 of 23 Cuban Skirt Steak and Vegetables
    15 of 23 Grilled Chicken and Eggplant with Mozzarella and Tomatoes
    16 of 23 Grilled Vegetable Pizzas
    17 of 23 Rice and Bean Salad Bowl with Tahini Sauce
    18 of 23 Summer Smoked-Salmon Chowder
    19 of 23 Pork Tenderloin with Summer-Squash Couscous
    20 of 23 Green-Curry Shrimp Linguine
    21 of 23 Green-Chile Chicken Burgers
    22 of 23 Zucchini Tacos
    23 of 23 Sausage-and-Peppers Pasta with Almond Frico

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    What's for Dinner? 21 Weeknight Recipes You'll Want to Make in August
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.