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These Southern summer recipes make the most of what’s still coming in during August, when the tomatoes and peaches are winding down and the okra is at its best. My Granny cooked this way because she had to, using whatever came out of the garden that week before it went soft. I do it because late summer produce doesn’t taste like this again until next year, and a grocery store tomato in January is not the same as a farmer’s market tomato in August.

You’ll find cookout sides, a few suppers that keep the oven work light, and desserts for the peaches you have left. The two okra recipes are nothing alike, one fried the traditional way, and one with honey and cumin from Hans Rueffert. If you’re feeding people over Labor Day weekend, the potato salad, corn salsa, and marinated vegetables can all be made a day ahead. Start with whatever produce is piling up on your counter and work backward from there.

1
A plate of golden-brown fried okra sits on a white paper towel with fresh green herbs in the background.
Southern Fried Okra Recipe
Fried okra with a light and crispy cornmeal batter is a tasty side dish for any of your favorite Southern meals.
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2
Heirloom tomato pasta in a bowl topped with pangrattato and basil.
Heirloom Tomato Pasta
Indulge in the flavors of summer with our heirloom tomato pasta recipe, topped with crunchy pangrattato and fresh basil.
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3
A wooden bowl filled with corn salad, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime wedges. Surrounding the bowl are lime halves, chopped onion, and corn kernels.
Corn Salsa Recipe
This fresh corn salsa is bright, crisp, and ready in 15 minutes. Made with sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, and lime, it's perfect with chips or spooned over tacos.
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4
close up of salad with fresh diced watermelon and feta cheese crumbles
Watermelon Salad with Basil
This flavorful watermelon salad with basil is full of diced watermelon and crunchy cucumbers. Don't forget to top with feta cheese and dressing!
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5
Two peach crumb bars are stacked on a white plate, showing layers of fruit filling and crumb topping, with a peach slice nearby.
Peach Bars Recipe
Fresh peach bars with a pressed shortbread crust, a thick layer of summer peaches, and an almond flour crumble topping, baked in a 9×13 pan.
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6
Chopped okra pieces being sautéed with minced garlic and spices in a pan, stirred with a wooden spatula for a flavorful Honey-Cumin Okra recipe inspired by Hans Rueffert.
Honey Cumin Okra
A crispy, quick sauteed okra that’s healthy, a little spicy and quite delightful.
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7
tomato confit garnished with fresh sprigs of thyme.
Tomato Confit Recipe
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8
A bowl of potato salad garnished with paprika, parsley, and sliced boiled eggs, placed on a woven mat with a fork nearby.
Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Creamy, old-fashioned Southern potato salad with Duke's mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, hard-boiled eggs, and a soft, partly mashed texture. An easy make-ahead side for cookouts and potlucks.
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9
A white plate holds a serving of peach cobbler topped with a dollop of whipped cream. A silver fork is placed on the plate, resting on top of a blue cloth napkin.
Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
The best Southern peach cobbler made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a little half-and-half to make the crust rich and delicious.
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10
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is ready in under an hour! It's made with canned tomatoes, dried herbs, fresh onion, and cream—just add a grilled cheese!
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Easy Tomato Soup with canned tomatoes, dried herbs, fresh onion, and just a touch of cream!
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11
A white platter with marinated vegetables.
Marinated Vegetables
Marinated vegetables makes an easy appetizer that you can make ahead. We use asparagus, tomatoes, hearts of palm, and mushrooms, but you can mix and match and use different vegetables.
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12
Oven baked fish in a white bowl with fresh summer vegetables like spinach, corn, and tomatoes will be one of your weeknight favorites! This recipe is quick and easy and everyone loves it!
Oven Baked Fish
Fresh summer vegetables like spinach, corn, and tomatoes will make this easy oven baked fish one of your weeknight favorites!
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13
Three stacked peach cobbler cookies topped with peach filling and white icing sit on a white plate, with another cookie and a peach blurred in the background.
Peach Cobbler Cookies Recipe
Soft, bakery-style cinnamon cookies filled with a cooked peach cobbler filling, buttery crumble, and vanilla glaze.
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About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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