80 Summer Side Dishes with All the Season's Produce
From grill-worthy faves to veggies that sing, these are the seasonal sides to make.
If you're like us, summer is all about grilling and cookouts! If you're having a summer party, you're going to need some delicious seasonal sides to go along with your burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and chicken. From healthier vegetable sides like grilled corn and squash salads to easy recipes like pasta salads and baked beans, we've rounded up our favorite summer side dish recipes you can enjoy all summer long.
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
This Mexican classic is easily the most flavorful way to eat fresh corn and will be on your summer dinner menus all season long.
Cherry, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Seeds
This cherry studded salad is fresh and flavorful thanks to arugula, goat cheese, and toasted seeds for a little added crunch. It's a great summer side that dinner party guests will love!
Get the recipe for Cherry, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Seeds.
Greek Tomato and Feta Salad
This classic Greek salad is best during the summer, when veggies are the freshest. Fresh tomatoes paired with cucumbers, salty Feta, and red onions make one delicious summer side.
Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin
With all the flaky goodness of baked potatoes, all the crunchy deliciousness of fried, and a combo of spices that we sometimes dream about at night, it's a side dish that is sure to have guests and family alike asking for seconds.
Big Green Cali Salad
There's nothing like a giant veggie-laden salad when fresh produce is in season. A little gem lettuce and endive make a good bed for a profusion of farmers' market finds, including snap peas, radishes, and Persian cucumbers.
Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds
Looking for an easy summer side? This simple shaved squash salad is delicious and crunchy!
Get the recipe for Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds.
Root Beer Baked Beans
Can you even have a summer barbecue without baked beans? This classic summer side gets a boost of unexpected flavor.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This classic combo turns into the perfect pasta salad and makes one delicious summer side! Did we mention it's super easy to whip up?
Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Parmesan-Roasted Summer Squash and Herbs
Instead of boiling gnocchi like pasta, a quick turn in a hot skillet gives them a slight char and a delightful crunchy-chewy texture. Served with seasonal roasted squash, you've got a summer side dish the whole fam will clamor for.
Get the recipe for Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Parmesan-Roasted Summer Squash and Herbs.
Broccoli Steaks with Spiced Tomato Jam
Sliced thick and seared in a pan, broccoli makes a hearty and toothsome side dish or even main dish! Make extra of the tomato jam. It's very good.
Grilled Corn, Three Ways
Summer isn't summer without corn on the cob. We put together three toppings that make it even better.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.
Jalapeño–Sour Cream Cornbread with Honey Butter
Give your summer cornbread a seriously kicky upgrade!
Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese
Is it even summer without mac 'n' cheese on paper plates? This version gets two genius additions: a topping of crunchy crackers, and a packet of ranch dressing for flavor.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Like the bass line in your favorite song, this satisfying side dish may not demand attention, but you'd absolutely notice if it was missing from the cookout.
Toasted Seed Coleslaw
This crunchy side dish gets a big burst of flavor from a bevy of toasted seeds. Serve it at your next BBQ or picnic.
Bibb Salad with Pickled Onion, Fennel, and Plums
Between the buttery lettuce, tart pickled onions and sweet stone fruit, this bright salad is the perfect balance of flavors.
Steamed Artichokes with Smoked Paprika Aioli
You can serve this early summer veggie as a side dish, as an elegant appetizer, or just make one the centerpiece of a light meal, with a glass of cold rosé.
The Best Easy Rice Pilaf
Whip up this goes-with-anything side in half an hour.
Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle
Be careful: Once you try this creamy dressing, you'll want to start drizzling it over everything, salad or not.
Get the recipe for Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle.
Salt-Cured Egg Yolks over Steamed Asparagus
Asparagus is a delicious early summer side, but the garnish of sweet-salty cured egg yolks turns it into an over-the-top dish.
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