Building a Better Barbecue Plate

August is one of the easiest times of year to eat seasonally. Shops are filled with colourful summer produce, making it simple to add lots of variety to meals. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just making the most of the warmer weather, August offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh, nutritious food.

While barbecues are often associated with burgers and sausages, building a more balanced plate can be as simple as adding seasonal vegetables and fibre-rich sides alongside your choice of protein. Including vegetables, beans and wholegrains can help increase fibre intake, support cholesterol management and improve fullness. Despite recommendations to consume around 30g of fibre each day, most adults in the UK fall short of this target.

While meat is often the centrepiece of a barbecue, the foods served alongside it can make a difference to the overall balance of the meal. Tomatoes, courgettes and sweetcorn are all at their best in August, while oily fish such as mackerel provides protein and omega-3 fats that support heart and brain health. Pairing meat, fish or plant-based proteins such as tofu with colourful, vegetable-rich dishes is an easy way to create a more balanced plate without making meals feel restrictive.

Barbecue food doesn't need to be complicated. In our house, I'm often busy preparing salads and sides while my partner stands by the barbecue and declares that he's "cooked". That's why I like dishes that work hard without creating more work. My Roasted Tomato Gnocchi with Cannellini Beans and Feta makes the most of ripe summer tomatoes, which become sweet and jammy in the oven. Easy to prepare and largely hands-off, it's a satisfying accompaniment to a barbecue, leaving more time to chat, eat and enjoy the sunshine.