That time between the end of summer and the real start of fall can feel a little strange.
You want to soak up every last drop of sunshine, but you’re also starting to crave something a little cozier.
It’s the perfect time to use up ALL the best summer produce—juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and fresh herbs from the garden.
These are the meals for that EXACT moment.
They’re all about celebrating the end of one season while gently easing into the next.
You’ll find recipes that are super fresh and light for those last warm days, plus some heartier dishes for when the evenings start to get a little cooler.
Here are 22 simple and delicious meals to help you make the most of it.
1. Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad is a classic and wonderfully easy side dish.
Enjoy this refreshing cold pasta tuna salad, a creamy and delicious favorite perfect for any gathering.
2. Air Fryer Peach Cottage Cheese Toast
Air Fryer Peach Cottage Cheese Toast offers a healthy and delicious option for any meal.
Enjoy this simple, satisfying combination of sweet peaches and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
3. 10 Minute Blackened Shrimp
This 10 Minute Blackened Shrimp recipe is incredibly quick, easy, and totally delicious.
You’ll love preparing and enjoying this flavorful blackened shrimp in hardly any time at all.
4. Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Buffalo Chicken Burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional patties.
These flavorful, spicy burgers are incredibly simple to make and perfect for a satisfying meal.
5. Berry Vanilla Pudding Cups
Berry Vanilla Pudding Cups are a truly delightful and simple dessert.
These creamy pudding cups feature the perfect blend of sweet berries and smooth vanilla flavor.
Enjoy this refreshing treat any time you crave something wonderfully delicious.
6. Orange Creamsicle Milkshake
The Orange Creamsicle Milkshake brings together classic creamy vanilla and tangy orange flavors.
This delightful fruit Smoothie is incredibly easy to make, coming together in just minutes for a refreshing treat.
7. No-Churn Nutella Toffee Ice Cream
Indulge in the decadent and ultra-creamy No-Churn Nutella Toffee Ice Cream.
It features a luscious swirl of chocolate hazelnut and crunchy toffee bits, all without an ice cream maker.
8. Juicy Gluten-Free Burgers
Discover the ultimate Juicy Gluten-Free Burgers, bursting with flavor and unbelievably tender.
This easy homemade gluten-free burger recipe cooks up in under 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal.
9. Sunshine Cake
This easy Sunshine Cake is a wonderfully moist yellow cake, bursting with vibrant orange flavor. It’s perfectly complemented by a creamy pineapple topping, making every slice a delightful treat.
10. Burger Hobo Packets
Enjoy delicious Burger Hobo Packets, the perfect easy weeknight meal for your family. These versatile hobo foil packets can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or over a campfire. Plus, clean up is incredibly simple!
11. Chicken Fajita Salad Bowl
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of a classic with this delicious Chicken Fajita Salad Bowl.
This Chicken Fajita Salad Bowl recipe is a perfect lighter option, ideal for warm summer days and packed with all the spice you love.
12. Peach, Prosciutto and Burrata Salad
The Peach, Prosciutto and Burrata Salad is a truly incredible dish. It combines fresh peaches, savory prosciutto, and creamy burrata for an impressive blend of textures and flavors. This simple salad is beautiful to serve and a joy to eat.
13. Homemade BBQ Sauce
This Homemade BBQ Sauce delivers a rich, thick flavor that simply beats anything from the store.
Simmered to perfection, it’s the ideal barbecue sauce for elevating any delicious meal.
14. Macaroni Dill Salad
Macaroni Dill Salad is an easy pasta salad perfect for your next summer BBQ.
Fresh dill and radishes add a bright, zesty flavor to this delightful dish.
15. Grilled Sriracha Shrimp
Grilled Sriracha Shrimp is a delicious dish that brings bold flavors to your table.
This grilled shrimp recipe perfectly balances sweet notes with a delightful spicy kick.
It’s an inviting meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
16. Roasted Grape Tomato and Basil Crostini
Roasted Grape Tomato and Basil Crostini offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Enjoy sweet roasted grape tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil piled high on a crispy baguette. A final drizzle of balsamic vinegar completes this inviting bite.
17. Shredded Chicken Tacos
Get ready for a fantastic taco night with these flavorful Shredded Chicken Tacos.
This chicken taco recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make any day of the week.
18. Deviled Egg Potato Salad
This Deviled Egg Potato Salad combines the zesty flavors of deviled eggs with a creamy potato salad. It’s an easy and delicious side dish, perfect for summer potlucks and gatherings.
19. Arugula Salad
This Arugula Salad is a bright and vibrant choice, bursting with fresh flavors from a zesty lemon dressing.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a lighter main course or an excellent side dish.
20. Curry Quinoa Salad
Curry Quinoa Salad is a satisfying dish that’s perfect for your busy week.
You can easily make this salad ahead, making it a great choice to bring to a potluck with friends.
21. Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins
Buttery and soft, these Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins are a perfect addition to any meal.
They feature an earthy flavor with a hint of sage that pairs wonderfully with the corn.
These versatile cornbread muffins are delightful for breakfast or alongside your favorite soup or chili.
22. Balsamic Steak Marinade Sauce
This Balsamic Steak Marinade Sauce makes preparing delicious steak incredibly easy. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this flavorful balsamic marinade using ingredients you likely already have.
