You’re Going to Regret Not Making These 19 Summer Sides

There’s no excuse for boring cookouts when summer sides are this good. These are the kind of dishes people talk about long after the party's over. They’re simple, bold, and made to go fast—so if you’re not making them, you’re missing out. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just solid recipes that hit every time. Trust me, you’re going to regret skipping these.

Two glass jars of cherry tomatoes and garlic confit on a white surface.

Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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 fast in this simple, 25-minute side that's easy to make on any weeknight. It’s a solid pick for anyone who doesn’t want to miss out on one of the best seasonal combos.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Jalapeno Corn

Creamy, cheesy corn with jalapeño heat comes together in just 10 minutes and hits all the right notes. It’s one of those quick dishes you’ll wish you made sooner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Corn

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter. — Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Smothered garlic green beans, inspired by Din Tai Fung, use only four ingredients and come together fast. This one gets repeated for a reason—don’t sleep on it.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

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.

Microwaved corn on the cob is ready in minutes and turns out sweet and tender with barely any cleanup. If you skip this trick, you’re seriously missing out this summer.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Corn on the Cob

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

This green bean casserole with cream cheese is quick to prep and works with either canned or fresh beans. It's a great one to have in your back pocket, especially around the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Tomato Miso Jam

Roasted tomatoes with miso are a bold way to use up summer produce and work well spread on toast or added to meals. You’ll wish you had more saved once tomato season’s over.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Miso Jam

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks take 35 minutes and use pantry staples to make a hearty, no-fuss side. Once you try this, it’ll be tough not to keep it in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus needs just five ingredients and 25 minutes to bring the cookout energy. It’s one of those sides that disappears before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

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 are ready in 45 minutes and are perfect for tacos, burgers, or snacking. You’ll regret tossing your extra jalapeños if you don’t make this.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapeños

Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Cherry tomato confit barely needs hands-on prep and is a smart way to save those fresh summer tomatoes. Skip this now, and you’ll miss it when tomatoes are gone.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Roasted Red Onions

Roasted red onions come together in under 30 minutes and hit hard with just a few basic seasonings. They're too easy and flavorful to skip this time of year.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Onions

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

This corn casserole with cream cheese is creamy, cheesy, and great for potlucks or any casual get-together. You’ll wish you doubled it once people start asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Pickled Avocado

Pickled avocados only take 10 minutes of work and 45 minutes total, and add a tangy pop to all kinds of dishes. You’ll be glad you made extra once these are gone.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Avocado

Easy Cabbage Curry

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate. — Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cabbage curry takes 25 minutes and uses just one pot for a no-mess weeknight side. It’s the kind of dish you’ll keep making without needing to think twice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Summer Gazpacho

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

Summer gazpacho comes together with fresh ingredients and is served cold, which makes it perfect for hot days and BBQ spreads. Skip it and you'll feel like something’s missing.
Get the Recipe: Summer Gazpacho

Homemade Refried Beans

An overhead view of a bowl of refried beans with a spoon beside it. — Homemade Refried Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan refried beans take just 20 minutes and come together in one pot—no cans needed. You’ll be wondering why you didn’t start making your own sooner.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Refried Beans

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These air fryer Brussels sprouts get crispy in under 30 minutes with just oil, salt, and pepper. Once you try them, you’ll want them in rotation all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork. — Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This South Indian-style green bean stir fry uses coconut and spices for bold flavor and cooks in just 30 minutes. Skip it and you're missing one of the season's most flavorful sides.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Corn in a Cup

Corn in a cup mixes sweet corn, mayo, cheese, and Tajín for a fast 15-minute side or snack. If you're passing this up, you're definitely missing one of the easiest summer wins.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup