10 Proven Recipes Using September’s Freshest Produce

The tail end of summer and early part of fall is one of the best times of the year to lean on fresh seasonal produce for your meal planning. Produce such as apples, broccoli, corn, and squash are all at their peak freshness this time of the year. Here are 10 recipes to add to your September meal rotation that will help you to harness the best flavors of the late summer and early fall.

Grilled Parmesan-Pesto Sweet Corn

Hang on to the last remaining bit of summer by enjoying some fresh corn on the cob. This recipe for grilled parmesan-pesto sweet corn is a delicious spin on a classic side dish for your Labor Day BBQ. This recipe makes a great side dish for an Italian-inspired main course. After grilling the corn directly on the grill, you will rub it down with a basil pesto sauce before topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can add a bit of heat with the addition of the optional red pepper flakes. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity.

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Romesco

This is the time of the year when you also start seeing good deals on cauliflower. Leverage this value with this recipe for roasted cauliflower tacos with chipotle romesco. This quick and easy recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. The roasted cauliflower pairs with a spicy sauce that brings it all together. The creamy sauce is made with roasted almonds, fire-roasted tomatoes, lime juice, chipotle peppers, and garlic. The addition of a splash of maple syrup adds a bit of sweetness. The cauliflower is stuffed into corn tortillas and topped with the sauce, avocado, lime juice, and whatever toppings strike your fancy.

Maple Syrup Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Who says that Brussels sprouts are not delicious? These maple syrup roasted Brussels sprouts could not be any easier to throw in the oven. In addition to the sprouts, the only other ingredients are olive oil, salt, pepper, and maple syrup. Be sure to use a good quality authentic maple syrup for the best results. You can add a little heft to the recipe by topping the veggies with crumbled bacon. Even those in your family who previously turned up their noses at this pungent vegetable may be tempted to give this recipe a try when they smell it roasting in the oven.

Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This spinach bacon pumpkin mac and cheese is deliciously creamy while also being packed full of vitamins thanks to the addition of the heart-healthy pumpkin. The inclusion of spinach adds another boost of nutritional value. Parmesan and cheddar cheese blend together to deliver the creamy goodness that will encourage even the pickiest eaters in your family to dig in. While the recipe calls for cavatappi, feel free to use any type of elbow or shell pasta. You can also omit the bacon if you want a savory vegetarian dish. This is the perfect meal to make when the weather starts to turn cooler, and you want something comforting.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Looking for a way to use up the bounty of zucchini from your garden? This decadent chocolate zucchini cake is a great way to sneak in greens. The cake includes chocolate chips and a rich fudge frosting. The espresso powder brings out the taste of the chocolate, creating a delicious masterpiece that hides the flavor of the zucchini. You will not even know that you are getting a dose of veggies in this dessert.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

September is also when you will start seeing the first of the apple tree harvests. Leverage this availability by whipping up these apple cinnamon pancakes for your next lazy morning around the house. The grated fresh apples create a fun texture to these fluffy pancakes. These pancakes freeze beautifully, making it a smart decision to double the recipe and store some for later. Your kids will gobble up these pancakes and ask for more.

Beet and Carrot Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Goat Cheese

This earthy beet and carrot salad with toasted walnuts and goat cheese makes a great early fall side dish. The crunchy salad is bursting with flavor. All the flavors come together when the veggies are mixed with the homemade Dijon vinaigrette. This dish complements a number of main entrées, including roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled salmon. Or serve the dish as a standalone entrée along with a fruit salad and some crusty bread.

Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta

Who says that kale has to be boring? This garlic Parmesan kale pasta recipe is nutritious and delicious. You can kick up the nutritional value more by choosing whole wheat pasta. The garlic and Parmesan makes the kale go down easy, while the crushed red pepper flakes contribute another layer of flavor. Although the recipe calls for kale, you can also use spinach or broccoli. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Apple Salad

This apple salad recipe uses some of the best ingredients coming into season this time of the year, including apples, celery, grapes, cranberries, and pecans. The apples are tossed with lemon juice and combined with celery, grapes, pecans, and cranberries. All of this is topped with a dressing made of mayonnaise and brown sugar. The recipe calls for honey crisp apples, but any crunchy variety will work. Be sure to leave at least 30 minutes for this salad to chill in the refrigerator prior to serving so that the flavors can all meld together.

Broccoli Spoon Salad With Warm Vinaigrette

You cannot go wrong with this broccoli spoon salad with warm vinaigrette for your next side dish. The recipe includes raw broccoli, dates, and toasted pistachios, delivering an ideal balance of texture and flavor. It may seem like there is a lot going on with the recipe with the jalapeño, cilantro, lemon, and white balsamic vinegar, but the flavors all work well together. You can also leave out the jalapeño if you want to dial back the heat. Although most people will use this recipe as a side dish, you can also throw it on top of brown rice to create a hearty entrée.

These 10 meals will kick start your September cooking using the freshest ingredients available this time of the year.

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