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.
Labor Day weekend is upon us, and we’re also celebrating our daughter Grace’s second birthday! We’re ordering pizza and serving it with Erin’s Peach & Avocado Green Salad, Mediterranean Bean Salad, Blueberry Cake and a strawberry cake just like it (requested by the birthday girl), plus Peach Crisp with peaches from our neighbor.
For more Labor Day recipes, check this roundup! You’ll also find loads of seasonal recipes below.
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
Spinach Pasta with Roasted Broccoli & Bell Pepper
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this last night. Followed the instructions precisely. Divine. I think it’s worth taking the time to roast the veggies. It’s going in my “make again…and again” file.” – Laureen
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
Greek Wedge Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this last night and it was SO good- loved the dressing especially. I skipped the shallot and marinating part because I was short on time and it was fine without. Used fresh tomatoes and cucumber from my deck pots. You give The Mixx a run for their money. Definitely will be making again :)” – Emily
Eggplant
Roasted Eggplant & Tomato Orzo Pasta
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made the vegan version of this recipe the day you posted it. I didn’t have orzo so I used small penne. It was delicious! I will be roasting eggplant again! And the roasted tomatoes were also amazing–roasting enhances their flavor. The lemony dressing is very good and compliments all of the tastes in the dish. We were mmmm-ing and wow–ing as we ate. Thanks! I know I will make this again and again.” – Julie
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
Just vegetarian
I need you to try these crostini and let me know how you like them!
That’s my only recipe with grapes so far. More to come.
Green Beans
Blackened Green Bean and 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
That’s my only green bean recipe! Here are some great green bean recipes at Love and Lemons »
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
This recipe is brand new. Please make it and report back!
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
Don’t forget to tag your Instagram recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
