September Meal Plan: 10 Recipes with Seasonal Florida Produce

After a long, hot Florida summer, September is just around the corner. Though the seasonal Florida produce isn’t quite as plentiful as it was during the summer months, there are still more than enough options for a September meal plan that utilizes the best fresh foods that the Sunshine State has to offer. 

Enter the September To Cook List. If you’re anything like me, you love browsing Pinterest and Instagram for new recipes to try. This monthly list is my attempt to get those recipes off my boards and, hopefully, into my recipe books. 

These recipes all utilize in-season Florida produce. I hope you’ll try them along with me! 

What Produce is in Season in Florida in September?

September is a relatively slow month for Florida produce, though there are still some great options for cooks who prefer to use seasonal ingredients. Here’s what to keep an eye out for at your local Publix or farmer’s market in Florida:

• Avocado
• Carambola
• Grapefruit
• Guava
• Mushroom
• Orange
• Peanut
• Tangerine

September Meal Plan 

My meal plans typically include a mix of tried-and-true favorites and some new recipes featuring seasonal (and budget-friendly) ingredients. Here’s what I’m planning to cook this month. 

Chinese Orange Chicken

This recipe from Modern Honey is a favorite – and with Florida oranges in season this month, it’s a no-brainer for September! The first time I made this dish, my boyfriend asked if there would be leftovers when he was halfway through his plate! 

Citrus Marinade

I’ve been looking for an excellent citrus marinade, and this one from Cook. Bake. Nourish looks like it will fit the bill. It looks perfect for late summer grilling and might even work as a freezer meal! With a simple ingredient list (including fresh Florida oranges), it will be a great option for a last-minute meal. 

Orange French Toast

Sunday brunch, here we come. This Orange French Toast from Cookin’ With Mimi looks like an incredible addition to the weekend breakfast table. This recipe calls for plenty of orange juice and some fresh zest. Yum! 

Avocado Ranch Dressing

With football season quickly approaching, dips are a must-have on any September meal plan! This avocado ranch dressing  from the Food Network checks a ton of boxes: it uses in-season avocados and other whole ingredients and is a cheaper (and healthier) alternative to store-bought ranch. Say less, Food Network. 

Avocado Crema

Every taco fan loves a good crema, and I’m no exception! This avocado crema recipe from Chili Pepper Madness seems like the perfect way to utilize fresh avocados and use up some of the extra crema or sour cream that tends to hang out in my fridge. 

Pasta, avocado, and done in under 15 minutes? This recipe from Oh She Glows sounds like a dream. Most of the ingredient list includes pantry staples and the avocado-based sauce should make this extra filling. 

Black and Pink Grapefruit Cookies

Traditional black and white cookies get a citrus-infused twist, thanks to Martha Stewart. These cookies look pretty and should taste delicious, making them the perfect portable dessert for a football watch party or a sweet snack.

This versatile sauce from Love and Lemons uses plenty of peanuts, which should be fully-stocked in Florida grocery stores this month! Peanut sauce is incredibly versatile and is great to have on hand to pair with leftover veggies or noodles for a simple dinner or easy work lunch. 

 5 Minute Homemade Peanut Butter

Sure, I’m not in school anymore, but September still gives me that back-to-school feeling. In other words, it’s time for peanut butter sandwiches! This homemade peanut butter recipe from Pinch of Yum looks like a great way to turn in-season Florida peanuts into a from-scratch staple using real ingredients. 

Peanut Butter Fudge

It’s time to stock the freezer, and that includes some sweet treats! This delectable fudge recipe from Ambitious Kitchen is gluten-free, low-carb, and looks like a great way to make the most of in-season peanuts. 

Which of these recipes will you add to your September meal plan? Happy cooking!