A great summer meal needs more than just a main course, and these sides are proof. Packed with seasonal ingredients and plenty of flavor, they’re the kind of dishes guests may remember long after the meal is over. Serve them at a cookout, picnic or casual weeknight dinner and watch them disappear. Just don’t be surprised if someone asks for the recipe.
No Mayo Coleslaw
Creamy peanut dressing gives this Asian-style slaw bold flavor without the need for mayo. It’s crisp, fresh, and stands out at any summer spread.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
This corn casserole comes together easily with pantry staples like canned or frozen corn. It’s a go-to comfort dish that holds its own next to any grilled main.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
Mediterranean Black Bean Salad
With a quick cilantro lime dressing and a 10-minute prep, this black bean salad is a strong pick for busy summer days. It’s fresh, filling, and makes a solid side or light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad
Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
These cherry tomatoes slowly cook into a soft, rich confit that works great spooned over anything. It’s an easy way to stretch summer tomatoes into cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chana is crunchy, packed with protein, and takes hardly any time to make. It’s the kind of no-nonsense side that fits right in at casual summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chickpeas
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
These garlic green beans only need four ingredients and a hot pan. They’re bold enough to steal attention from the mains and easy enough for any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Pickled Avocado
Pickled avocados are tangy, ready in under an hour, and use just a handful of ingredients. They bring something fresh and different to a summer table.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Avocado
Tomato Miso Jam
This tomato spread uses miso for extra depth and is a smart way to keep summer flavors going. It’s simple, spreadable, and perfect on toast or next to grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Miso Jam
Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)
Gomen Wat packs in flavor and spice using just greens and a few pantry staples. It’s a standout side that brings something a little different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)
Pesto Tortellini Salad
This tortellini pasta salad is made with less than ten ingredients and done in 20 minutes. It’s easy to prep ahead and hearty enough to stand alone if needed.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Salad
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Cabbage steaks roast in under 40 minutes with a crisp edge and tender middle. This recipe is proof that a basic vegetable can carry the plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Raw Carrot Salad
This raw carrot salad comes together in 10 minutes and has a crisp, fresh bite. It’s light but bold, making it a strong addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad
Easy Microwave Corn on the Cob
Microwave corn on the cob is fast, foolproof, and keeps the kitchen cool. It’s ready in minutes and just as sweet and juicy as any stovetop version.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Corn on the Cob
Corn in a Cup
This corn in a cup is sweet, creamy, and hits the table fast. It’s one of those quick sides that works for snacks or part of the main event.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup
Classic American Potato Salad
Classic potato salad with eggs and a creamy base is a BBQ staple that’s even better the next day. It’s the kind of dish people expect to see—and go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad
Easy Mango Salsa
This mango salsa is made with just a few fresh ingredients and takes almost no time to throw together. It adds color and brightness to any summer spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa
Jalapeno Corn
Jalapeño corn is creamy with a kick and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s a bold side that doesn't sit quietly on the edge of the plate.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Corn
Summer Gazpacho
Gazpacho is cold, refreshing, and made from fresh summer produce. It works great as a light starter or a side that holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho
Green Beans and Potatoes
Green beans and potatoes come together in just under half an hour with basic seasoning. It’s a solid, hearty side that fits right in with summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
This vegan Caesar swaps the lettuce for shaved Brussels and adds crispy chickpeas for crunch. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal or cookout.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Heirloom Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is built from just a few fresh ingredients and leans hard on in-season tomatoes. It’s one of those dishes that proves simple is enough.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus needs just five ingredients and a hot grill. It’s quick to prep, and the flavor holds up against any main course.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Leave a Reply