On The Menu Week of August 11th

Looking for dinner inspiration this week? I’ve put together 7 delicious dinner menus and 36 amazing recipes to make meal planning simple and stress-free. You’ll find flavorful main dishes, fresh salads, hearty soups, breads, sweet desserts, and plenty of helpful tips to make every meal shine. Here’s what’s On The Menu for the week of August 11th.

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement for details. 

Summer produce is at its peak right now, and I’m loving all the fresh fruits and vegetables at local roadside stands and markets. Our garden tomatoes are absolutely thriving, and I don’t think there’s anything better than a sun-warmed tomato sprinkled with a little salt. You’ll be seeing plenty of them on this week’s menus.

This week is packed with light, flavorful dishes that make the most of the season’s bounty. From garden-fresh veggies to simple summer favorites, it’s all about easy meals that taste like summer on a plate.

Here’s what’s On The Menu for the week of August 11th.

What a flavorful and summery way to start the week! This version of Alice Springs Chicken is lighter but still packed with flavor, thanks to melty cheese, savory bacon, and a touch of honey mustard.

I’m pairing it with Nani’s easy sautéed rice, so simple and nostalgic. Summer Corn Salad is a must this time of year, especially when the corn is fresh and local. And no August dinner at Tanglewood would be complete without a few juicy garden tomatoes sprinkled with a bit of flaky salt.

Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken Made Easy

Nani’s Sauteed Rice

Summer Corn Salad

Sliced Garden Tomatoes

---

Even in warm weather, I love a good soup. This Chicken Taco Soup is one of those pantry-friendly recipes that comes together in no time and tastes like you cooked it all day. I make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for lunches. I’ll use fresh corn cut right off the cob for extra summer flavor.

A thick slice of homemade butter-topped beer bread is perfect for dipping, and fresh tomatoes on the side make this a well-rounded and seasonal meal. If you don’t want to use beer, use a lemon-lime soda. And make sure to toast the leftover bread for breakfast. A real treat!

The Best Chicken Taco Soup

Homemade Butter-Topped Beer Bread

Sliced Tomatoes

---

I’ve made this salmon recipe several times, and it is so easy and delicious. The soy and brown sugar glaze gives the salmon such a rich flavor, and it grills beautifully in foil. I’m pairing it with baked garlic parmesan potato wedges for something crispy and satisfying.

My homemade coleslaw is also on the menu tonight, and I always make extra because the leftovers are fabulous on a sandwich the next day. And of course, I’ll add a few sliced garden tomatoes to the plate while they are still in season and full of flavor.

---

Bobby is a steak and potato guy through and through, so once in a while, I like to treat him to a classic steak dinner. For me, it’s all about a great cut of meat and an extra flavorful pan sauce. This creamy peppercorn sauce is rich and velvety and only takes a few minutes to make. I’m serving it with horseradish mashed parsnips and celery root instead of traditional potatoes for something a little unexpected.

I’ll also sauté broccoli with garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper and make extra to use in tomorrow’s dinner. And yes, more sliced garden tomatoes because they are just too good to miss.

---

This one-pan shrimp dinner is so full of flavor and perfect for a casual night with friends. The creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil feels a little fancy, but could not be easier to make. I love serving it over linguine so the sauce coats every bite. A blueberry, peach, and feta salad adds a sweet and salty balance, and of course, I’m including more of those gorgeous garden tomatoes while they are still in their prime.

We love to have a casual meal with great friends! Tonight’s dinner is easy and delicious!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Basil

Linguine

Blueberry Peach and Feta Salad

Sliced Garden Tomatoes

Tonight’s dinner is fun and a little extra special because my sweet granddaughter is helping me in the kitchen. We’re making a savory tomato and Vidalia onion pie that is so full of summer flavor. I LOVE tomato pie! It bakes up golden and cheesy and is one of those recipes that always gets compliments. I’m serving it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette and topped with parmesan and pepitas. A

nd yes, more sliced garden tomatoes to make the most of what’s growing right outside my door. Tonight’s meal is very tomato-forward.

---

This salad is a summer favorite, hearty, fresh, and full of flavor. Grilled peaches and tender chicken are such a delicious pair, especially with a drizzle of aged balsamic.

I love serving this with homemade focaccia. There is something so satisfying about baking bread from scratch, and this one is easy and fun if you have a little time in the afternoon.

I feel like a broken culinary record! Of course, I’m adding sliced garden tomatoes to the plate again. They are just too good to pass up this time of year.

---

This week’s sweet treat is a real standout. My dear friend Ann from On Sutton Place has the prettiest blog with the most wonderful recipes, and her Peach Shortbread is no exception. Peaches are perfectly ripe right now, and shortbread is one of my absolute favorites, so this is a match made for August.

Of all the new things I’m making this week, I’m over the moon for these bars. They are buttery, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. A little taste of summer in every bite.

Peach Shortbread

---

These recipes look amazing!

This Panzanella Salad is the best way to use summer tomatoes.

Bright and fluffy, lemon blueberry scones are perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Warm up with mason jar instant chicken noodle soup, ready in minutes.

For a quick treat, 3-ingredient Bailey’s fudge is rich and creamy.

Loaded cauliflower mash bake is a cheesy, low-carb comfort dish.

Hashbrown crust bacon and cheddar quiche is a hearty breakfast favorite.

So easy lemon raspberry scones bring bright, fruity flavor to any morning.

Chicken Alfredo bake is a creamy, cheesy family dinner.

Asparagus artichoke bake is a simple, flavorful veggie side.

Baba ganoush (eggplant dip) is smoky, creamy, and perfect with pita.

Taco dip is the ultimate quick party snack with layers of flavor.

BLTRA chicken salad lettuce wraps are fresh, filling, and low-carb.

Easy afternoon tea savory bites are elegant, simple, and crowd-pleasing.

Savory French toast roll ups are a fun twist on a breakfast classic.

This Copycat Longhorn crusted chicken is tender, cheesy, and full of flavor.

French chicken casserole is cozy, creamy, and perfect for dinner.

These savory Swiss cheese and thyme scones pair beautifully with soups.

Crescent roll breakfast rings are fun, flaky, and easy to share.

Mini Dutch baby pancakes are light, puffy, and great for brunch.

I hope this week’s menu inspires you to cook with what’s in season and enjoy the simple goodness of summer. From ripe peaches and garden tomatoes to easy pantry dinners and sweet treats, there’s something here to make every night feel a little special. Happy cooking, friend!

More Recipes To Enjoy

6 Delicious Showstopper Summer Salads You Will Love– These six beautiful summer salad recipes are fresh, colorful, and easy to make. They’re perfect for warm-weather meals, picnics, or everyday dinners!

Favorite Summer Recipe Roundup– Get 53 favorite summer recipes to make the most of the season for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.

Easy Dinner Recipe Roundup– Get 45 quick and delicious recipes in our easy dinners roundup. From one-pan wonders to 30-minute meals, simplify your cooking while savoring mouthwatering flavors.

Happy Cooking, friends….