Easy Weeknight Recipes for August

Hey Mama’s! 

Well, summer has officially come to a close.  Every last drop of the sweltering heat sure does trick us though! August usually feels a bit awkward to me.  The kids are starting back to school and football season is on the horizon, but the days are still long and hot. I feel the pull of my normal routine beckoning me to get back on track for “fall”, but I’m just not ready to be serious until after Labor Day. 

The good news here? “Back to School” can be like a second chance at a New Year in terms of your weeknight, family dinner routine!

The new school year brings new beginnings… Which may inspire you to stash away the ice cream, pizza and frozen margaritas, in favor of more balanced nutrition! If you are thinking about how you are going to begin meal planning and prepping while juggling early mornings, work, school drop off and after school programs, I’ve got you covered! 

I’ve put together five, easy recipes that are seasonal, nutrient dense and won’t have you slaving over a hot stove for too long! {Because it’s August in Austin!}. 

1. Tuna Steak Burgers by GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN
   

   

   After a summer of hamburgers and hot dogs, you might want to switch things up and elevate your Burger night with Tuna! I watched this recipe unfold on the Food Network, and I knew it would be a family favorite! This dish is light, easy, and full of flavor!
   *To save cost look for wild caught tuna burgers in the freezer section!
   **For Paleo diets, skip the bun and use butter leaf lettuce for a wrap.
   Serve these flavorful burgers with a crunchy slaw. I like this vegan version with cabbage, carrot jicama & fresh herbs.

   To save time {and mess} swap Fried Green Onions from Trader Joe’s for the Fried Shallots detailed in the recipe.

2. Mouth Watering Melon Salad

Melons are in peak season and perfect for nights where you want a cool, refreshing, easy dinner. My favorite melon salad combo includes:

1 bunch of romaine lettuce
**cut across the romaine leaves at two-inch intervals, making bite-sized pieces
1 small cantaloupe cubed
1 English cucumber sliced
1 large heirloom tomatoes

In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together & dress with lemon vinaigrette.
Garnish with pickled onions, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of glazed balsamic!

Make it a meal, but creating a “tapas” style table top for your fam. Serve the melon salad with prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks and a fresh veggie platter and call it Dinner!

3. Cauliflower Steak Pizza By Detoxinista

Take pizza night to the next level with this grain-free, plant-based, nutritious pizza recipe! It’s genius and I’m so thankful Megan at Detoxinista created it! My kids devour it every time and it’s simple to make! Cauliflowers are currently in season, and priced really well!! Double up and save the left overs for lunch!

I usually serve ours “pizzas” with sauteed asparagus.

4. Barbacoa Beef Tacos by Unbound Wellness

If you are a slow-cooker lover, this recipe is for you!! Come inside to the wonderful smells of tender barbacoa beef in your kitchen. This recipe is Paleo and Whole 30 compliant, & perfect for Taco Tuesday night!

We use Siete taco shells. They are grain-free and keep all the taco fillings tidy!

5. Briam: Traditional Greek Roasted Vegetables

This dish is beautiful, nutritious and only takes 20 minutes to put together before it’s finished off in the oven! If you are vegetarian or follow a plant based diet, this will earn it’s space on your weekly rotation! It pairs well with quinoa and/or roast chicken. Or an organic rotisserie chicken from the grocery store if you aren’t in the mood for anything serious. 

Happy Dinner Y’all!