Summer is the perfect time to enjoy vibrant, fresh, and flavorful side dishes that complement any meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a picnic at the park, or a casual dinner on the patio, you’ll find the perfect side dish in this blog post. From crisp salads (bursting with garden fresh vegetables!) and tangy slaws to grilled vegetables and refreshing fruit dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
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Keep reading to discover some new summer favorites!
Summer Sides
Vinegar Coleslaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayonnaise. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy.
Say bye bye to basic potato salad. This Grilled Potato Salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a delicious tangy mustard dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It’s delicious!
Apple Celery Root Slaw is an exciting twist on basic coleslaw. Crisp apples & celery root combine with jalapeno, cilantro & pickled onions.
Enjoy this chilled Cucumber Soup as a refreshing summer appetizer or side dish. It’s a quick & easy recipe that blends up in seconds.
This delicious warm German Potato Salad combines tender potatoes with a warm bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing. It’s tangy, creamy and the perfect side dish for the summer grilling season.
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned & slightly smoky, you’ll love their flavor.
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious!
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acidity of the vinaigrette.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer.
This Thai Cucumber Salad is crunchy, sweet & tangy. It’s a refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for the warm summer months.
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
This fresh and tangy Peach Caprese Salad features sweet peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and juicy tomatoes. A perfect blend of summery flavors!
Mexican Street Corn Salad with Pearl Couscous puts a fun twist on elotes. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
Add a healthy boost of nutrients to your dinner with this easy Sauteed Spinach. Baby spinach is added to a skillet along with garlic and olive oil, then sauteed gently to create a simple side dish that pairs with any meal!
Crispy Smashed Buffalo Potatoes are crazy good! This recipe is like a mash up of buffalo wings, nachos, and tater tots in the best way possible!
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
Take advantage of the summer harvest with this savory and nourishing creamy zucchini soup. Perfect for freezing and using up frozen zucchini!
Vegetarian Kale Caesar Salad with croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
This Shaved Fennel Salad comes together quickly (in just 10-minutes!) and has such a delicious light lemon vinaigrette and wonderful crunch.
This Healthy Wedge Salad Recipe is topped with buttermilk-blue cheese dressing and combines iceberg lettuce with radicchio and romaine. It’s topped with crispy onions and bacon for added crunch.
More Summer Recipes
Did you Make Any of These Summer Sides?
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Combine cabbages, carrots, pineapple, green onions and cilantro in a large bowl and set aside.
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Add ginger, olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and lime juice to a mason jar, shake well to combine, and pour over the slaw. Stir to combine. Season with salt to taste.
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Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before eating. Garnish with black sesame seeds.
Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2025IU | Vitamin C: 30.5mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.5mg
