What to Cook This September
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on September 5, 2025
This post is coming to you late because our baby boy arrived early! We’re home and doing well after a surprisingly swift delivery. His name is Luke, he has a full head of dark hair like mine, and we’re so happy he’s here. I feel like my heart might burst from watching Grace love her baby brother. Now that we have the house in functional order (he was exactly three weeks early), I’m trying to soak up these fleeting newborn moments.
September is when summer and fall produce collide at the farmers’ market. It’s the best of both worlds, which is why this list is a long one. I propose that we make good use of all the tomatoes, corn and peaches while we still can. I’ll be back with new recipes when I can find the time!
Apples
Crispy Apple & Kohlrabi Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this salad last night ahead of time, and added the toasted seeds and cheese (gruyere) at serving time. It’s so delicious! I also traded the tarragon for mint. I will use this recipe whenever I get kohlrabi in my CSA box. Thanks!” – Erin
Berries! Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries & Strawberries
Summertime Fruit Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This fruit salad is amazing! Definitely the highlight of my brunch, loved by all. Used basil, not mint. Spectacular flavors!” – Liz
More blueberry recipes » (also blackberries, raspberries and strawberries)
Broccoli
Cheesy Smashed Broccoli
Gluten free
“I love vegetables but broccoli has never been a favorite. I thought I’d give this recipe a try and it was FANTASTIC!! Matter of fact, I liked it so much that a few days later I bought more broccoli and froze individual portions! I plan to try this with other vegetables … maybe cauliflower or brussels sprouts. Thanks Kate!!!” – Barbara
Cabbage
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“SO GOOD! I made these tonight for dinner. Everyone (husband, 2 teenage girls and me!) loved them. It took a bit to assemble each one, but my youngest daughter made the peanut sauce while I assembled and it worked out.” – Michelle
Carrots
Healthy Carrot Muffins
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this recipe as directed and they came out incredibly delicious. I will definitely keep the recipe and add it to the repertoire! Thanks!” – Maryel
Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
Gluten free and easily vegan
“These tacos are perfection. I made the recipe for the first time for a dinner party (taco bar, vegan option (using vegan mayo)) and it was a smashing success. It’s always risky to make a new recipe to feed guests, but the rave reviews were spot on. These are going into my weeknight rotation. Thank you!” – Rachel
Corn
Garden-Fresh Corn Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Oh my gosh I love this salad. I never review anything but it is just so good! The taste of summer in all of its raw herby goodness.” – Tess
Cucumber
Tabbouleh
Vegan
“My wife had a friend who had a restaurant inLebanon before coming to the USA. A move separated us and her fantastic Tabbouleh (she still refuses to give us the recipe). This recipe is as close as you can get to exactly what she made. When my wife tasted this, she had tears in her eyes, it was just so right. Great job! Very authentic recipe, absolutely delicious, we ate the entire thing for one lunch :)” – David
Eggplant
Italian Eggplant Parmesan
Gluten free
“My grandma who came from Italy used to make eggplant parmigiana this way. Being a child I didn’t appreciate it as much as I did today. For the past 30 years I have breaded the eggplant and pan fried it. It was not terribly greasy but the amount of fat and calories sores doing it that way. In my old age I appreciated this recipe much more than the breaded version. I will never go back.
Also thanks for the slicing tip. Peeling eggplant is a nightmare.” – Janine
Fennel
Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel and Honeycrisp
Gluten free
“Not sure why I waited so long to try this one – just exceptional. Made it for a supper club last night and it was such a hit. The fennel is such a perfect touch – cannot wait to use it more often. Luckily, I have enough ingredients to continue whipping this up throughout the week. Can kale salads please be your biggest chapter in the upcoming book? My absolute favourite!” – Emily
Grapes
Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie and Fresh Thyme
Vegetarian
“You have solved the age-old problem of what to do with sour grapes. After roasting, they become simply tart, and blended with the mild cheese offer a perfect contrast. Thank you!” – Pauline
Green Beans
Green Bean and Corn Quinoa Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This might actually be my favourite grain salad ever. The combination of textures is phenomenal– definitely don’t skip the toasted almonds! It’s a little bit involved but if you multitask it comes together fairly quickly. I’ve made it several times now and will definitely continue to do so as long as I can get fresh sweet corn!” – Elinor
Greens
Greek Lentil Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“I made the Lentil salad tonight for my husband and I and we both loved it. I used green lentils as the black weren’t available. The dressing was great – I would use that again in a variety of things. My kids sampled it too (ages 10 and 9) and declared they would bring it to school in their lunches. Overall a hit with my family.” – Lisa
Herbs
Watermelon Salad with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Oh My Goodness!!! I made the salad for a 4th of July dinner with foodies. It was beyond 10 and everyone had seconds.” – Jayne
More basil recipes » (also cilantro and dill)
Kale
Kale Pecan Pesto
Gluten free and easily vegan
“You’re probably tired of hearing this, but OMG, this recipe is sooo good. I’m not a fan of most pestos, but this is fresh, herby, and rich. I would eat this straight out of the food processor bowl even if I didn’t have a spoon! Thank you for yet another outstanding recipe.” – Patricia
Melons
Arugula & Watermelon Salad
Gluten free
“I added pine nuts and pickled onion…..yum yum. Didn’t need the dressing. Love your site as I’m trying to clean up my eating but love food so it has to taste great! Your recipes fit the bill!” – Karen
More watermelon recipes » (also cantaloupe and these honeydew margaritas)
Peaches
Simple Peach, Basil and Ricotta Flatbread
Vegetarian and delicious
“Kate, I love this recipe! It’s such a good, quick, summery dinner. I popped it in the oven after a late night at work last week (when I was starving!) and the timer went off just after I had changed into some comfy clothes.
Everyone: if you’re having a “sweets” craving, trying drizzling a little honey over the entire assembled dish. NOM.” – Jennifer
Pears
Pear, Raspberry and Goat Cheese Crostini
Just vegetarian
“This morning I was frantically running around the kitchen in desperate search for a healthy lunch to pack. So you saved me! It took me 4 minutes to prep all of this and take it to-go. Now I’m sitting quietly at my desk waiting for lunch time. Is it here yet?” – Sylvia
Peppers
Vegetable Paella
Gluten free and vegan
“Wow – This dish is amazing! The smoky rice and colorful veggies make this recipe pop both in flavor and aesthetically. My first time making Paella and it came together easily. I was even successful with the socarrat. Thanks for another delicious recipe :-)” – Dani
More bell pepper recipes » (also jalapeños)
Plums
Plum Crisp
Gluten-free and easily vegan (see notes)
“I made this as a dessert for a ladies group dinner and everyone LOVED it! Thank you.” – Daniela
Pumpkin
Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I just made these and I can’t believe how amazing they turned out! Until now most of my healthy baking attemps were more or less a failure.. These little guys however are super fluffy, not too sweet and the warming spices are just right for rainy days. Thank you, I love it!
I’m excited to try out your zucchini bread which is gonna ne next :)” – Janina
Potatoes
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Gluten-free and vegan
“I made these exactly by the recipe and they turned out great. I used a heavy bottomed glass to smash them and it was easy. I sprinkled with fresh rosemary and thyme and they were mmm.” – Becky
Radishes
Fresh Herbed Avocado Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“I made this tonight and it was so delicious! The flavors were just the right mix. Definitely adding it as a regular dish I make. Thank you!” – Nicole
Summer Squash
Best Vegetable Lasagna
Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)
“Hi Kate, Thank you for all your wonderful recipes. This is one of my favorites, and make it probably way too often, not that anyone complains. I always used Ricotta until this recipe and really like the cottage cheese instead. Healthier and it really does add flavor. This is my go to site whenever I need a recipe” – Jennifer
More zucchini recipes » (also yellow squash)
Tomatoes
Heirloom Caprese Salad
Gluten free
“I made this delicious and beautiful salad. I usually make little towers with the tomatoes, cheese and basil but this was so much better and the flavors married better. Using the heirloom tomatoes was a wonderful new element and added more flavor and of course the presentation was almost too pretty to eat! Thank for a new twist on an old favorite.” – Gayle
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners.
I absolutely loved that eggplant and orzo salad when I made it! Happy to hear that they are still in season. I can not resist a good pumpkin muffin when fall is around the corner either :)
Thanks, Jessie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
These all look delicious, thank you for sharing!
Dear Kate,
I just recently subscribed *I’ve been vegan for only over 9 months, and of course since then I’ve been looking for recipes and advice all over, because I love to cook. I have to tell you, your website is one of the best and has the yummiest recipes. Thank you so much!!
Thank you so much, Olga! I’m glad you found my blog. :)
Yum!!! I am starving just looking at all these recipes! Don’t know which one to make first.
I also want to let you know that I have not eaten store bought granola since I first made the “clumpy granola,” that went with the stewed rhubarb. My family LOVES it! We call it “the crack granola!”
Keep up the yummy work!
Crack granola! Haha. Thanks, Lisa!
This reader is 100% in favor of fun links. I love your style!
Yay, thanks Kathleen!
Kate,
Don’t listen to the haters. I love your blog posts because you let your personality really shine. Plus, your recipes can’t be beat! I make your healthy pumpkin muffins every week for school lunches. You also highlighted my favorite recipes of yours — simple seedy slaw (so good!) & roasted cauliflower and lentil tacos (yum!). The summertime fruit salad was also amazing, which surprised me coming from a non-fruit lover.
Thank you for inspiring me, and filling my tummy with amazing food.
Thank you, Kim! Delighted to hear that you’ve enjoyed those recipes. Have a great weekend!
These look awesome! Especially the eggplant and broccoli pasta look incredible.
XO
Nicole |www.bynicolegeorge.com
Thanks, Nicole!
That apple salad looks so delicious! Can’t wait until the fresh Honey Crisps come to my local market. Happy Fall to you!
Thanks, Karen! I love Honey Crisps!
Whoa! I started doing produce guides in about March of this year and love seeing that you do them too! Obviously you’ve been doing them longer than me as I’ve just noticed haha but love seeing them! I’m also recovering from a summer cold (bleh!) so I totally understand – hope you feel better!
Well, cool! Hope you feel better soon, too. I’ve been drinking lots of warm lemon water with honey and that helps the cough go away.
Great idea. Thanks Kate!
These posts are my FAVORITE THING EVER. Thanks for the roundups friend!
Yay! I think they were your idea, if I remember correctly, so thank you!
Can’t believe it’s September already! Where did the summer go? Hope you get over your summer cold :) All the recipes look great! Thank you for sharing!
I don’t know where it went! I don’t think I even hopped into a swimming pool this summer.
So many great dishes to try. You always inspire my meal planning. Keep bringing on the recipes.
Will do! Thank you, Theresa.
I enjoyed your fun links last month! And this list “what to cook” list made me feel just a little bit better about letting go of summer and moving into fall. Can’t wait to make pumpkin muffins!
Letting go of summer is hard! But fall brings some wonderful food too. All the pumpkin and fall squash!
Just made the seedy cabbage slaw, and it was easy to do/tastes fantastic. Thanks! Cant wait to try the cauliflower-lentil and black bean-corn tacos later this week.
Thank you, Erin! Glad to hear it.
Here’s a shout out for your creativity with broccoli rabe. I bought 3 beautiful bunches at the market last Sunday and enjoyed 3 of your delicious recipes. All were delicious: a masssaged salad, quesadillas, and a pasta dish. The quesadillas were my favorite. Please keep your recipes coming my way, and, thank you Cookie and Kate.
Thank you, Marsha! I’m so glad you enjoyed all the broccoli rabe recipes. :)
I just so happened to click on the “strangers are the ones who save you” link and was enjoying the writing (and message) so much that I actually read the whole article. I did quite the double take when I realized the stranger he was talking about was YOU!! That’s amazing! And what a beautiful story… some of those connections gave me chills. Have you shared about this on the blog before? I’m a new reader (via your book, which was via gimmesomeoven). If not I’d be really interested in reading a guide on how that all worked and how some of your readers might go about it. I’ve heard great things about adult stem cell use but this is the first account I’ve read of someone who personally participated…
Loving your book, too. My husband and I were guesstimating how many times we’ve made the plumped cranberries, kale, and quinoa salad… 30 maybe? And I totally did tape the cheat sheet up on my cabinet drawer! :)
Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece, Teresa! He’s a special guy, and I’m so thankful I could be of such help to him and his family. I did talk about donating! I’ve got a blog post on it here. I hope it’s educational, and encourages you to donate, too! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the book. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment!
Dear Kate,
I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now and have never commented although I love your recipes. I usually just quickly scroll through your monthly fresh produce/recipe suggestions – just in case something catches my eye. I don’t know why but today I clicked on one of the links you shared on the top, just one. And this one article you linked has me in tears right now.
Having lost my cousin to leukemia when I was just 16 broke my heart. Ever since I’ve been somehow invested in ‘success’ stories of leukemia patients. I’ve donated money to charities, read a bunch of books on the topic and, of course, registered as a possible donor myself. Too few people are aware of how important it is to register. How ‘easily’ you can save a life.
I just want to thank you for spreading awareness about this topic. To me, and I’m sure to many others, it means more than words can express.
x
Oh, Sönne, my heart goes out to you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s stories like yours that drove me to register in the first place, and yes– I was totally shocked at how easy it was, too, and for such a huge impact. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post–he’s a special guy, isn’t he? I’m so glad I could be of help when he needed it.
Yay, I’ve been waiting for this post! I’ve set myself a challenge to cook 15 recipes from your blog this month, so this is perfect – definitely going to try the Kale, Black Bean & Avocado Burrito Bowl and Carrot Muffins :)
I *love* that challenge! I hope you have so much fun with it, Ella. Let me know which ones you try and how they go!
Hey Kate,
I just skimmed through this list as I was getting read to try another one of your cookbook recipes (the Moroccan Stew!). For some reason I clicked on the “its the stranges that save you” link and I am so happy that you chose to donate stem cells for a stranger. I love that my fave food person is also a wonderful person :). You gave William a second chance at life and that is absolutely amazing!!
Thanks for all that you do :)
Thank you, Kathrin! Donating to Bill was truly the best thing I’ve ever done. Thank you for your note, and have a great weekend!
Kate- I’m a long time reader (your recipes are perfect for my busy medical student life!), but I have never commented until now. What you did for William Harper was truly altruistic and simply amazing. We need more wonderful souls like yours on this planet! Keep up the great work :)
Thank you, Tanu! I hope the story inspires more people to join the registry!
Ohh nice work! That cauliflower tacos looks soo delicious! :) I should try them :)
Yes, you should! Those are some of my favorites.
YAYYYY, pumpkin, kale, cabbage, tomatoes, apples, peppers, grapes, green beans, and eggplant!
All great things!
I just discovered HUGE carrots in my garden today, so can’t wait to make some of those recipes with them! :)
Let me know what you try!
Just had to comment that your Roasted Cauliflower and lentil tacos are one of my favorite recipes. So delicious, unique and appealing to meat eaters and vegetarians!
Also, another way to use red grapes: pizza! I love to brush a homemade dough with olive oil, S&P, shredded fontina and parm cheese, top with halved red grapes and bake. Once out of the oven, top with arugula. Savory and sweet and so good!
Wonderful! Thanks, Nicole.
Pumpkin, carrots, berries, summer squash, cauliflower, eggplant–I AM READY.
Agreed!
I always look forward to your emails. Your combinations are right on for my taste. Keep up the awesome work.
I’m really happy to hear that! Thanks so much for your review.
So much ideas in a single post… Thank You…
You’re welcome!
I feel like I’m missing out. Pumpkin Spice Season has started, with all its variations of pumpkin spice goodies, but none of them are nourishing and wholesome. So I am wondering if you can make pumpkin spice recipes that are healthy, naturally sweetened, wholesome, nourishing, basically the way you make all of your recipes. I don’t want to miss out on the fall season, I want to make it better, in the wholesome way.
Hi Brylee! It is the pumpkin and pumpkin spice season, right. Check out some of these pumpkin recipes! https://capital-flux.pro/tag/pumpkin/%3C/a%3E You can always search by ingredient either in the search bar or in the menu. Hope this helps!
Thank you for another great “what to cook this month” compilation! I work with many low-income patients and am always recommending your blog as a great example of how to find what’s in season!
I’m happy you find them so helpful!
What a GREAT post! Beautiful and appealing – well done!
Love those soft organic towels too! I got some in rose a few months ago, and they are super soft. Yes to those fun links you post!
Thank you!
Love the recipes! Got your cook book and absolutely loving it, thank you!
But Stephen Colbert? That man can be hateful and divisive. So sad.
I’m sorry you didn’t love my suggestion!, but I appreciate the feedback.
So basically everything. LOL which is why I love September!!
Hi! I would like to say a huge thank you for sharing your amazing recipes. At the beginning of this year we went vegetarian. Your website & newsletters are my absolute favourite & life saver. Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing, Lisa! I’m happy to hear that.
These recipes look delicious. Will make many of them over the fall. Thank you for sharing!
I’m feeling super inspired. I need something to lift my spirits this weekend! Thank you Kate!
Be sure to comment on what you have tried! Happy cooking :)
I totally agree with you about the Straus mint chocolate chip ice cream!
Also, I always look forward to your What To Cook This Month series.
I love this blog, I just discovered it.
Welcome, Elliot! Be sure to let me know what you think as you try recipes.
Love your site1 Makes me want to cook even MORE!
It sounds like Grace will be enjoying a yummy feast for her birthday! I’ve been craving Mediterranean flavors this weekend, so I will be making your Greek salad shown above and also your hummus for our Labor Day gathering :)
This is an amazing lineup of recipes for what this season has to offer. Thank you so much for bringing these. I will be busy making them until the Farmers Markets close.♥️
my bookmarks folder is BURSTING with recipes now!! Thanks Kate <3
You’re welcome, Meg!
Congratulations!! I have been following your blog for at least 12 years. You have supplied my family with such incredible wholesome dishes this past decade. I’m so happy to hear your own family has grown and everyone is happy and healthy!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words. We’re thrilled that Luke is here. He’s snoozing on my arm as I type!
Congratulations on your second child Luke!
I’ve never made a recipe of yours that wasn’t delicous! Thank you!
Congrats on your new addition! Enjoy all those newborn snuggles :)