30 Summer Side Dishes You Have to Try!
Not that I don’t love all the seasons of the year…but summer is arguably my not-so-secret favorite (if not for the fresh produce alone). Since it’s just around the corner, and you know what that means—I’m going to start trying to take ALL my meals outside. This means tons of hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled meat, of course, but that’s not all. As every true grill-master knows, it’s not enough to just have the perfect proteins. I’ve got to fill out my meals with perfect side dishes and salads too. Check out these 30 summer side dishes you have to try at least once this season.
When it comes to summertime, the word “salad” isn’t so cut and dry. It means leafy greens, sure, but also potato salads, pasta salads, and bean and corn salads too. I’ve got tons of options for them all here, from the classic to the somewhat unusual. For example, I’ve got the classic fruit salad (with a killer honey-lime dressing), but also a fun coconut and Cool Whip ambrosia salad if I’m feeling extra playful. I’ve included my go-to macaroni salad recipe, as well as some of my more creative takes, like a cowboy pasta salad, a Thai peanut chicken pasta salad, or a Greek orzo salad. Of course, it wouldn’t be summer without a trusty potato salad, but I’ve also added some bold options like tzatziki potato salad, a watermelon Caprese, or even a gnocchi antipasto salad to keep things exciting.
I could also go with a simple spinach or arugula salad, or jazz them up, like in a strawberry spinach salad, a grilled steak salad, or a chicken-avocado Caprese salad. The other great thing about a summer salad? They’re RIPE for a mashup. I love dishes like jalapeño popper potato salad, Cobb egg salad, or a lobster roll pasta salad—because they bring the best of two recipes into one plate of perfection.
Want more summertime inspiration? Check out my favorite summer dinner recipes, some refreshing cocktails, and even more can’t-miss summer BBQ sides too.
30 Summer Side Dishes You Have to Try!
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brush with butter, sprinkle with sea salt, and toss it on the grill. Bonus: try it with chili-lime seasoning!
2. Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves on a toothpick with a balsamic drizzle. So fancy yet effortless.
3. Creamy Dill Potato Salad
This one’s a classic with a twist—fresh dill and a hint of mustard make it extra summery.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad
Juicy watermelon chunks tossed with salty feta, mint leaves, and a touch of lime juice. Trust me, it’s irresistible.
5. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Rotini, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, and a zesty dressing. A total crowd-pleaser.
6. Coleslaw with a Tangy Kick
Crunchy cabbage and carrots in a vinegar-based dressing—light, bright, and not too heavy.
7. Tomato Cucumber Salad
Just a splash of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs. Simple and super refreshing.
8. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Slathered in mayo, Cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder. Messy but so worth it.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Pop them in the oven or on the grill—they’re smoky, salty, and kind of addictive.
10. Grilled Zucchini Ribbons
Sliced thin and grilled with a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of parmesan. Elegant and easy.
11. Macaroni Salad
Creamy, cool, and perfect alongside burgers or grilled chicken. Add diced pickles for a flavor boost.
12. Baked Beans with Brown Sugar
Sweet, savory, and slow-cooked until bubbly. A must-have for BBQ nights.
13. Chickpea Salad
Protein-packed and tossed with cucumbers, red onion, and lemony dressing. Totally satisfying on its own too.
14. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy little bites with tons of flavor. These go fast—make extra!
15. Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Glaze
Strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and kiwi tossed in a light honey-lime drizzle. Bright and beautiful.
16. Creamy Cucumber Salad
Thin-sliced cucumbers with a sour cream and dill dressing. Cool and refreshing.
17. Herbed Rice Pilaf
Light and fluffy with fresh parsley and lemon zest. A great base for anything grilled.
18. Corn and Avocado Salad
Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and cherry tomatoes with lime and cilantro. Summer in every bite.
19. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Quickly sautéed and full of umami flavor. Great with steak or grilled chicken.
20. Pesto Pasta Salad
Toss pasta with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cubes. A fresh twist on the classic.
21. Pickled Veggies Platter
Quick-pickled carrots, onions, and cucumbers make a crunchy, tangy side with personality.
22. Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad
Tossed with cumin, lime, and chopped red peppers. A little Tex-Mex flair goes a long way.
23. Roasted Veggie Medley
Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and carrots roasted until caramelized. The colors alone are summer-worthy.
24. Garlic Bread with Fresh Herbs
Crispy, buttery, and loaded with fresh parsley and thyme. It’ll disappear in minutes.
25. Broccoli Slaw
A crunchy alternative to traditional slaw—toss with sunflower seeds and a sweet vinaigrette.
26. Lemon Orzo with Peas
This light pasta side feels elegant but is secretly super simple to make.
27. Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Slightly sweet and perfectly crisp with a smoky paprika kick. You’ll want these every night.
28. Green Bean Almondine
Green beans sautéed with garlic and slivered almonds—crunchy, classy, and quick.
29. Deviled Eggs with a Twist
Add avocado or sriracha to the filling for a summer-ready spin on this retro favorite.
30. Grilled Pineapple Rings
Caramelized and juicy, these make the perfect sweet side or light dessert.
This Post Is All About 30 Summer Side Dishes You Have to Try!
