Beat the heat with these effortless summer side dishes that are sure to impress at your next backyard BBQ or picnic! We’ve curated a selection of mouth-watering recipes that will elevate any gathering, whether it’s a potluck dinner, cookout, or patio party. Imagine enjoying a warm summer day surrounded by loved ones, savoring the flavors of simple yet satisfying dishes like grilled tomatoes and corn on the cob.
As you plan your next outdoor soiree, let us help you discover the perfect summer side dishes to serve alongside your main courses and drinks. With our expert recommendations, you’ll have more time to relax and soak up the sun.
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
When it comes to creating the perfect pasta salad, the starting point is selecting the right type of pasta. Smaller shapes like elbow, rotini, and shells are ideal, but don’t be afraid to get creative with unique options like bowtie or mini penne regate, which can add a fun twist to your summer side salads. Once you’ve chosen your pasta, it’s time to think about the dressing. For a classic Italian-inspired salad, a simple packet of Italian dressing mix is a great starting point.
Feel free to add some extra oregano and basil for an added depth of flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter take on pasta salad, try making our Hawaiian Style Pasta Salad recipe – it’s sure to be a hit!
Hawaiian-Style Macaroni Salad
When crafting the perfect Italian pasta salad, the key lies in selecting the right mix-ins to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Hearty vegetables like cherry tomatoes, olives, and artichokes provide a solid foundation, while crumbled feta, creamy pearl mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of savory delight. But why stop there?
Consider adding some shredded chicken for added protein, or mixing in black olive slices, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas to create a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Of course, the beauty of Italian pasta salad lies in its flexibility – so don’t be afraid to keep it simple with just a few choice ingredients and a zesty dressing, or go all out and add your own unique flair.
Italian Pasta Salad
Vegan Pasta Salad
Grilled Pineapple Slices
When it comes to grilling, there’s one item that always takes center stage in my book: the perfect grilled treat. If you’re curious about the secrets behind achieving that irresistible crispy exterior, I highly recommend checking out our quick tip video on Facebook for a step-by-step guide. And if you’re looking to take things to the next level, simply add more brown sugar to your basting mixture and watch as these tasty morsels transform into a sweet indulgence worthy of the dessert course.
Grilled Whole Sweet Onions with Bacon
These scrumptious slow-cooked onions, infused with the natural sweetness of RealSweet Vidalia Onions, yielded a mouthwatering and indulgently tender result that’s sure to satisfy any palate.
Smokey and Sweet Grilled Peaches
Try these unconventional ingredients and you might just find yourself creating a dish that’s truly unique. Take for example, the idea of using them in a Grilled Peach Salad. The combination may seem unusual at first, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. As the wise vegan chef Tabitha Brown would say, ‘That’s your business’ – meaning, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Grilled Peach Salad
Transform those leftover grilled peaches into a scrumptious and refreshing summer accompaniment. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the flavors of the season, making it an ideal addition to your outdoor gatherings or family meals.
Grilled Corn 4 Ways
While it’s true that each recipe has its unique features, what’s remarkable is that they all share a common thread – the ability to produce mouthwatering results. The only differences lie in the specific tools and ingredients used, which makes experimenting with new recipes an exciting adventure.
Grilled Tomatoes
Savoring the flavors, this mouthwatering recipe is a fan favorite among our community. When you’ve got an abundance of fresh tomatoes at your fingertips, throw them on the grill along with some light olive oil and aromatic seasonings. Let the sizzling heat work its magic as the natural sweetness of the tomatoes melds with the savory notes, resulting in a delightfully simple yet impressive culinary experience.
Balsamic Grilled Grapes
The description by The Rose Table of these flavors as ‘smokey and jammy’ has certainly piqued our interest. Without having had the chance to try them yet, it’s easy to imagine that the smoky undertones will add a rich depth to the overall flavor profile, while the jammy notes will provide a sweet and fruity contrast. We can’t help but feel excited about the prospect of experiencing these unique flavor combinations for ourselves.
Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Ranch
Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a mouthwatering side dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Our crispy pickle bites are a game-changer, achieved by frying dill pickles or gherkins to a golden brown perfection. The result is an irresistible snack that will disappear in seconds once you serve them at your next backyard BBQ.
But what truly takes these fried pickles to the next level is serving them with a rich and creamy homemade buttermilk ranch sauce.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to this crispy delight, and will have your guests coming back for more. To achieve this flavor combination, be sure to use high-quality dill pickles or gherkins for the best results.
Mexican Grilled Corn
Are you a grill master? As you fire up the BBQ for burgers, don’t forget to add some deliciously charred corn on the side. The classic combination of grilled corn and burgers is a staple of summer cookouts, and it’s easy to elevate with a few simple tweaks.
One popular way to take your grilled corn game to the next level is by incorporating traditional Mexican flavors.
Try smothering your cobs in a creamy mixture featuring mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and cilantro, then finishing it off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy.
Want to give this recipe a try? Click here for the full Mexican grilled corn recipe.
Peach Panzanella
Peach Panzanella shines as a star summer side dish, perfectly complementing the smoky flavors of barbecued chicken. This refreshing recipe brings together sweet, ripe peaches, creamy mozzarella or burrata cheese, and a tangy caper dressing to create a show-stopping addition to your next cookout. With its effortless 30-minute preparation time, this vegetarian-friendly delight is sure to become a summertime staple.
Flatbread with Avocado and Scallion Salsa
If you’re an avocado toast aficionado, get ready for a revelation that surpasses the classic by a factor of ten! Flatbread smothered in creamy avocado and tangy scallion salsa is the perfect summertime companion, as attested by Bon Appetit’s glowing reviews. However, culinary experts caution against using excessive oil, suggesting a more measured approach instead.
The pillowy softness of homemade flatbread provides an ideal base for the spicy kick of the salsa and rich butteriness of the avocado. And let’s not forget the versatility – feel free to top it off with your favorite sauces, dips, or spreads! For the secrets behind crafting the perfect homemade flatbread, click here.
No-Mayo Carolina Slaw
While green cabbage is an option, incorporating red cabbage adds a vibrant splash of color to this Apple Carrot Slaw recipe. Additionally, this slaw stands out from traditional recipes by substituting some of the mayonnaise with sour cream for a tangier taste.
Apple Carrot Slaw
The Modern Proper’s refreshing slaw recipe is a summer staple that never fails to impress. Its unique blend of flavors, featuring the subtle kick from jalapeños, the coolness of mint, and the freshness of cilantro, makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes.
Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Champagne Vinaigrette
When it comes to summer BBQs, it’s not uncommon for the flavors to become overpowering and heavy. This is where a refreshing vinegar or lemon juice based coleslaw can be a game-changer. Not only does it provide a much-needed palate cleanser, but it also serves as a delightful complement to rich meat dishes and sandwiches. For an added layer of complexity and brightness, consider incorporating our Champagne Vinaigrette into the mix.
Its subtle tanginess will add depth and interest to even the simplest of slaws.
How to Make an Asian Slaw
Mastering the art of crafting an Asian-inspired slaw that’s uniquely yours requires a combination of fundamental knowledge and creative experimentation. Our comprehensive guide serves as a starting point for slaw enthusiasts of all levels, providing the essential building blocks for creating a dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures.
Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
On a sweltering day, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing citrus-infused salad to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. As a self-proclaimed citrus enthusiast, I have a special affinity for using lemons in my cooking, but oranges are a close second. This delectable salad is the perfect accompaniment to casual gatherings, lunch parties, or even special occasion dinners.
The star of the show are the vibrant ribbon-cut zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers, which add a pop of color and texture to each bite. While it does require a bit more effort to prepare, as you’ll need to ‘strip’ the veggies into ribbons, the end result is well worth the extra time and effort. And for those interested in learning the art of creating this stunning salad with an orange vinaigrette, simply click here.
The Bottom Line
As we hope, this list has provided a treasure trove of inspiration for your next gathering, whether it’s a show-stopping signature dish or a reliable recipe to build upon. We’re thrilled you found some new favorites among our collection of 21 summer side dishes.
Looking for even more ideas to elevate your outdoor entertaining? Look no further: we’ve got an abundance of deliciousness waiting for you, including BBQ inspiration and recipes like Tequila and Lime Grilled Shrimp.
Our collection of hearty sides for your backyard BBQ is also a must-see.
Which recipe resonated with you the most? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
