August Recipes to Flex Your Plant Power

10 Fresh August Recipes to Flex Your Plant Power

August is peak produce season. The ten recipes below spotlight tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, peaches, cucumbers, blueberries, corn, eggplant, basil, and watermelon in quick dishes that taste fresh and support healthy aging. Under each recipe you will find a short “Why it helps” note with key benefits and an estimated nutrition panel per serving so you can plan with confidence and thrive beyond 60.

Estimates are for the base recipe as written, excluding optional add-ins. Values are approximate and for general guidance only.

Watch the quick roundup video

1) Heirloom Tomato + Basil Salad

Serves: 2 Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 ripe heirloom tomatoes, wedged
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper
• Optional: vegan mozzarella pearls or dairy feta

Directions

1. Layer tomatoes on a plate and scatter basil.
2. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic.
3. Season and add optional cheese.

Why it helps
Tomatoes bring lycopene for heart and skin support. Basil adds anti-inflammatory compounds. Olive oil helps you absorb fat-soluble antioxidants.

Estimated nutrition (per serving): ~155 kcal • Protein 1.7 g • Carbs 7.7 g • Fat 13.8 g • Fiber 2.2 g

2) Zucchini “Pasta” with Basil Pesto and Grilled Peppers

Serves: 2 Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large zucchini, spiralized
• 2 bell peppers, sliced and grilled or pan-seared
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 packed cup basil
• 1 small garlic clove
• 2 tbsp walnuts or pumpkin seeds
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, pepper

Directions

1. Blend basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper into a loose pesto.
2. Toss zucchini with pesto.
3. Top with grilled peppers and tomatoes.

Why it helps
Zucchini hydrates and supports digestion with fiber. Bell peppers deliver vitamin C for collagen and immune function. Basil pesto adds healthy fats that aid nutrient absorption.

Estimated nutrition (per serving): ~345 kcal • Protein 6.1 g • Carbs 20.3 g • Fat 28.7 g • Fiber 6.7 g

3) Grilled Peach and Blueberry Chia Parfait

Serves: 2 Time: 15 minutes active, plus chill

Ingredients

• 1 cup plant milk
• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 peaches, halved and grilled
• 1 cup blueberries
• Pinch cinnamon
• 2 tbsp toasted almonds

Directions

1. Stir plant milk, chia, and vanilla. Chill 30 to 60 minutes.
2. Grill peaches cut-side down until marks appear.
3. Layer chia pudding, peaches, blueberries, cinnamon, and almonds.

Why it helps
Peaches and blueberries pack antioxidants for skin and brain health. Chia seeds add omega-3s and fiber for steady energy and digestion.

Estimated nutrition (per serving): ~244 kcal • Protein 7.0 g • Carbs 35.2 g • Fat 11.4 g • Fiber 10.7 g

4) Watermelon Cucumber Lime Salad

Serves: 4 Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp chopped basil
• Pinch sea salt

Directions

1. Combine watermelon and cucumber.
2. Sprinkle lime juice, basil, and salt. Toss gently.
3. Chill 10 minutes and serve.

Why it helps
Watermelon and cucumber are hydrating and cooling. Watermelon also provides lycopene that supports heart health.

Estimated nutrition (per serving): ~59 kcal • Protein 1.4 g • Carbs 14.9 g • Fat 0.3 g • Fiber 1.0 g

5) Charred Corn and Bell Pepper Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Serves: 4 Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 ears corn, charred and kernels cut off
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp red onion, minced
• Vinaigrette: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 1 tsp Dijon, salt, pepper

Directions

1. Whisk vinaigrette.
2. Toss all vegetables with vinaigrette.
3. Taste and season.

Why it helps
Corn provides fiber and lutein for eye support. Bell peppers add vitamin C. Basil offers digestive support and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Estimated nutrition (per serving): ~184 kcal • Protein 3.5 g • Carbs 20.5 g • Fat 11.5 g • Fiber 3.3 g

6) Roasted Eggplant with Tahini and Tomato Basil Relish

Serves: 2 to 3 Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp warm water
• Relish: 1 cup diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 1 tsp olive oil, pinch salt

Directions

1. Roast eggplant at 425°F until tender, 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once.
2. Stir tahini, lemon, and warm water into a drizzle.
3. Mix relish ingredients.
4. Plate eggplant, spoon tahini, and top with relish.

Why it helps
Eggplant provides antioxidants and supports healthy blood sugar balance. Tahini adds calcium and healthy fats. Tomatoes and basil round out the antioxidant profile.

Estimated nutrition (per serving, 1 of 3): ~202 kcal • Protein 3.8 g • Carbs 13.5 g • Fat 16.3 g • Fiber 5.0 g

7) Zucchini, Corn, and Pepper Fajita Lettuce Wraps

Serves: 3 to 4 Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 zucchini, cut into matchsticks
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt to taste
• Butter lettuce leaves
• Lime wedges and avocado slices

Directions

1. Sauté zucchini, corn, and peppers in oil with spices until tender-crisp.
2. Spoon into lettuce leaves.
3. Finish with lime and avocado.

Why it helps
Zucchini and peppers supply fiber and vitamin C. Corn adds lutein and steady carbs. Avocado brings potassium and heart-healthy fats.

Estimated nutrition (per serving, 1 of 4): ~147 kcal • Protein 2.9 g • Carbs 16.0 g • Fat 9.6 g • Fiber 5.0 g

8) Blueberry Watermelon Freezer Pops

Makes: 8 pops Time: 10 minutes active, plus freeze

Ingredients

• 3 cups seedless watermelon cubes
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 to 2 tsp maple syrup, optional

Directions

1. Blend watermelon and lime.
2. Drop a few blueberries into each mold, pour in puree, add sticks.
3. Freeze 4 to 6 hours.

Why it helps
Blueberries support memory and brain health. Watermelon hydrates and supplies lycopene. A light, refreshing way to cool off without heavy added sugar.

Estimated nutrition (per pop): ~33 kcal • Protein 0.5 g • Carbs 8.3 g • Fat 0.1 g • Fiber 0.7 g

9) Peach, Tomato, and Cucumber Panzanella

Serves: 4 Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups day-old whole-grain bread, toasted cubes
• 2 peaches, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, wedged
• 1 cucumber, half-moons
• 1 cup basil leaves, torn
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Whisk oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss bread with dressing and rest 5 minutes.
3. Fold in peaches, tomatoes, cucumber, and basil. Serve immediately.

Why it helps
Peaches and tomatoes add antioxidants and hydration. Cucumber cools and hydrates. Whole-grain bread offers fiber for fullness and blood sugar steadiness.

Estimated nutrition (per serving): ~222 kcal • Protein 5.8 g • Carbs 25.7 g • Fat 11.5 g • Fiber 5.3 g

10) Peach and Blueberry Skillet Crisp

Serves: 6 Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 peaches, sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Topping: 1 cup rolled oats, ⅓ cup almond flour, 2 tbsp chopped nuts, 3 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, pinch salt

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. Toss fruit with lemon and maple. Spread in a skillet.
3. Mix topping until crumbly and scatter over fruit.
4. Bake 22 to 28 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Why it helps
Peaches and blueberries deliver polyphenols that support healthy aging. Oats and almond flour add fiber and minerals for sustained energy.

Estimated nutrition (per serving): ~234 kcal • Protein 4.8 g • Carbs 28.2 g • Fat 12.8 g • Fiber 4.6 g

Quick health callouts

• Tomatoes and watermelon deliver lycopene that supports heart and skin health.
• Zucchini and cucumbers add fiber and hydration for digestion and cooling.
• Bell peppers bring vitamin C for collagen support and immune function.
• Peaches and blueberries offer antioxidants for brain and skin health.
• Corn provides fiber and lutein that supports eye health.
• Eggplant brings antioxidants and can help with blood sugar balance.
• Basil offers anti-inflammatory compounds and supports digestion.

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Have a favorite August combo I should try next? Share it in the comments so we can all flex our plant power together.

Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle—especially if you have existing conditions or take medication.

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