20 summer side dishes that always disappear first

The best summer cookouts are often remembered for the sides just as much as the main course. These recipes are packed with seasonal flavors, simple ingredients, and plenty of crowd-pleasing appeal that keeps everyone coming back for another scoop. They pair perfectly with everything from grilled meats to picnic favorites. Don't expect many leftovers once these hit the table.

Pesto Tortellini Salad

A close up view of cooked tortellini pasta salad in a white bowl. — Pesto Tortellini Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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

An image of a halved corn on a plate topped with chili flakes. — Easy Microwave Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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

An overhead image of mango salsa in a serving plate. — Easy Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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

An overhead image of two gazpacho dish in a white bowl. — Summer Gazpacho. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it. — Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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

An overhead image of Vegan Caesar Salad with Shaved Brussels Sprouts in wooden bowl. — Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl. — Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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

Mexican Corn Salad

This corn salad is tossed in a creamy dressing and layered with bold flavors. It’s fast, flexible, and works for nearly any kind of meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Charred corn and a creamy dressing give this street corn salad real presence on the plate. It’s bold, quick to pull together, and great for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Boondi Raita

Boondi raita mixes spiced chickpea balls with cooling yogurt and is ready in five minutes. It’s easy to make and holds its own with rich or spicy mains.
Get the Recipe: Boondi Raita

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mango avocado salad is light, fresh, and ready in 15 minutes with a simple vinaigrette. It’s one of those sides that feels like summer in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Pickled Jalapeños

A close-up image of pickled jalapenos in a glass jar being scooped with a fork. — Pickled Jalapeños. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick pickled jalapeños take just 45 minutes and store well in the fridge. They’re a great way to add heat and crunch to all kinds of summer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapeños

Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

These quick pickled onions are ready in 15 minutes and last for weeks. They’re sharp, crunchy, and a great way to punch up burgers, tacos, or salads.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Greek lemon potatoes roast into crispy wedges with olive oil, oregano, and garlic. They’re hearty, bright, and hold up well next to any grilled dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes