August 17, 2026

5 Fresh Late-Summer Recipes to Start Your Week

Five fresh late-summer recipes featuring crispy rosemary polenta fries, Greek turkey burgers, lemon dill salmon, Italian sausage polenta bowls, and bright chicken piccata with roasted broccoli.

As August rolls on, there are still plenty of summer flavors to bring into the kitchen. This week's RecipeBoss picks combine fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables with satisfying meals that can carry you from a quick snack or side dish to a full weeknight dinner.

The lineup includes crispy rosemary polenta fries, Mediterranean-inspired turkey burgers, a simple salmon dinner, creamy polenta topped with Italian sausage and tomato sauce, and bright chicken piccata with roasted broccoli.

Here are five recipes to try this week.

Crispy Polenta Fries with Rosemary

Polenta gets a completely different treatment in these crispy, Parmesan-seasoned fries.

The polenta is cooked until creamy, then mixed with Parmesan, fresh rosemary, and black pepper. After chilling until firm, it's sliced into fries, tossed with olive oil, and prepared for the oven.

The result is a simple snack or side dish built from an inexpensive pantry staple. Fresh rosemary and Parmesan add plenty of savory flavor without requiring a long ingredient list.

One thing to keep in mind: the polenta needs at least an hour to chill and firm up before cutting, so this is a good recipe to start ahead of time.

Greek Turkey Burger with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Give burger night a Mediterranean-inspired spin with ground turkey, feta, herbs, and a cool cucumber yogurt sauce.

The turkey patties are seasoned with red onion, parsley, oregano, garlic, and crumbled feta before being grilled or cooked in a skillet. They're served on toasted buns with a simple sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and fresh dill.

Ready in about 30 minutes, these burgers are an easy option when you want something different from the usual beef burger without adding a complicated preparation.

Lemon Dill Salmon with Roasted Green Beans

Salmon and fresh green beans share a single sheet pan in this bright, simple dinner.

The green beans are tossed with garlic, olive oil, and dill, while the salmon gets fresh lemon, more dill, and a splash of dry white wine. Everything roasts together until the salmon is flaky and the green beans are tender-crisp.

With about 30 minutes from start to finish, it's a practical way to get seafood and vegetables on the table without juggling multiple pans.

Creative Italian Sausage and Tomato Polenta Bowl

Polenta makes another appearance this week, this time as a creamy base for a hearty Italian-inspired dinner.

Italian sausage is browned and simmered with onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to create a rich tomato ragu. It's spooned over Parmesan polenta and finished with balsamic glaze and fresh basil.

The creamy polenta and savory sausage make this a substantial meal, while basil and balsamic add extra flavor to the tomato sauce.

It's a great reminder that inexpensive ingredients like polenta and canned tomatoes can become the foundation for a satisfying dinner.

Lemon-Herb Chicken Piccata with Roasted Broccoli

Finish the week's roundup with a bright, lemony take on chicken piccata.

Thin chicken cutlets are lightly coated in flour and pan-seared until golden before being finished in a sauce made with white wine, chicken broth, fresh lemon, capers, shallots, garlic, thyme, and parsley.

Roasted broccoli provides a simple vegetable side and can cook in the oven while you prepare the chicken.

The combination of lemon, capers, herbs, and a buttery pan sauce makes this a flavorful dinner that still comes together in about 35 minutes.

Fresh Ideas for the Week Ahead

This week's recipes show how a few versatile ingredients can take meals in very different directions.

Polenta can become crispy rosemary fries or a creamy base for Italian sausage and tomato ragu. Fresh dill and cucumber brighten up turkey burgers, while lemon and herbs bring plenty of flavor to both salmon and chicken.

Whether you're looking for something quick or have a little more time to cook, these five recipes offer plenty of inspiration for the week ahead.

Looking for even more ideas? Download the free RecipeBoss app to generate recipes from ingredients you already have, discover new meals, and save your favorites for later.

Featured Recipes

Discover the delicious recipes featured in this article. Each one has been carefully selected to complement the content and provide you with practical, kitchen-tested results.

Crispy Polenta Fries with Rosemary

Crispy Polenta Fries with Rosemary

Golden and crispy polenta fries seasoned with fresh rosemary, perfect as a snack or side dish.

50 min
4 servings

Key Ingredients:

WaterPolentaParmesan Cheese+4 more
Greek Turkey Burger with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Greek Turkey Burger with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

A flavorful and healthy twist on the classic burger, infused with Mediterranean herbs and served with a refreshing tzatziki-inspired yogurt sauce.

30 min
4 servings

Key Ingredients:

Ground TurkeyFeta CheeseRed Onion+5 more
Lemon Dill Salmon with Roasted Green Beans

Lemon Dill Salmon with Roasted Green Beans

A vibrant and healthy one-pan meal featuring flaky salmon fillets roasted with fresh lemon and dill, alongside crisp-tender green beans. This creative take enhances the classic pairing with a hint of garlic and a touch of white wine for a brighter flavor profile.

30 min
4 servings

Key Ingredients:

Salmon FilletsGreen BeansOlive Oil+5 more
Creative Italian Sausage and Tomato Polenta Bowl

Creative Italian Sausage and Tomato Polenta Bowl

A flavorful and hearty bowl featuring creamy polenta topped with a vibrant Italian sausage and tomato ragu, elevated with a touch of balsamic glaze and fresh basil.

45 min
4 servings

Key Ingredients:

PolentaWaterParmesan Cheese+5 more
Lemon-Herb Chicken Piccata with Roasted Broccoli

Lemon-Herb Chicken Piccata with Roasted Broccoli

Tender chicken cutlets are pan-seared and finished in a bright, lemony caper sauce, served alongside perfectly roasted broccoli florets for a vibrant and flavorful meal.

35 min
4 servings

Key Ingredients:

Chicken BreastAll-purpose FlourSalt+5 more

Ready to Get Cooking?

These recipes are just the beginning. Explore more delicious options in our complete recipe collection and discover new favorites that will become staples in your kitchen.