As the sun shines and the grill heats up, it’s time to think beyond the main course. I’m talking vibrant, creative, refreshing, and delicious sides that round out the meal—and might steal the spotlight away from your mains. I’ve compiled a list of the BEST summer sides that use the freshest produce of the season and keep you coming back for more.
We love a smoky, charred piece of delicious protein off the grill, but let’s talk about what we are serving it with. I won’t be as dramatic as saying that summer side dishes make or break your gathering, but they sure bring everything together, adding refreshment and nourishment! You won’t find any boring potato or pasta salads here—from vibrant, fruity salads to grilled veggies, these summer side dishes are not just an afterthought. Bring on the season of fresh vegetables, greens, fruit, and herbs!
Summer dips
Start your summer gatherings on the right foot with some summery dips! Don’t you love arriving at a dinner party and having something refreshing and delicious right there waiting for you?! This vibrant summer peach salsa celebrates peach season and is packed with zesty flavors. Or impress your guests with a chunky grilled guacamole infused with smoky flavors. Pair your guac with a refreshing Mexican corn dip for all the summer celebration vibes.
Fruity summer salads
No summer side dish spread is complete without a crisp and refreshing salad to keep you cool. But if you’re not putting fruit in your salad at this time of year, is it even summertime?! I love leafy greens studded with bits of juicy, sweet fruit. Summer fruits aren’t just delicious; they have a high water content, so this trick helps keep you hydrated when it’s hot outside. Berries and cherries are just so good in summer. This fresh cherry salad will rock your world, and this strawberry spinach salad is a classic I serve every year. Mangos and oranges meld into this Thai chopped salad – it’s just bursting with flavor! While the grill is on, throw down some peaches for this grilled peach salad . Or serve up this broccoli and kale salad with blueberries and coconut , which is a delicious option!
Coleslaw
Is cool and crisp coleslaw a summertime classic for you, too? Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or cookout, it’s not complete without a refreshing, crunchy coleslaw on the menu. This vibrant Asian slaw is packed with colorful veggies, perfect for warmer days! This blueberry coleslaw offers a burst of fruity goodness amid the crunch, and this blue cheese coleslaw is perfect for serving with burgers, meaty dishes, or buffalo flavors.
Summer vegetable side dishes
Bring some color to your summer spread with these vegetable side dishes. These vibrant rainbow veggie wraps are bright, fresh, and delicious, and served with a dipping sauce made with lime juice and peanut butter – kids love them! These pesto stuffed roasted tomatoes are a crowd-pleaser, and you can never go wrong with some garlic parmesan zucchini .
Summer side dishes for BBQ
These grilled summer side dishes are so easy to make—just throw them on the BBQ while you’re sizzling up your mains. If you’re really trying to impress, these prosciutto-wrapped peaches will do the trick every time! I love it when sweetness and savory meet. When I think of easy summer side dishes, I think of juicy corn fresh off the grill. This honey garlic corn on the cob is so special – the honey caramelizes beautifully, so it’s sweet and smoky. And this buffalo corn on the cob is even better with blue cheese sprinkled on top. If you love the sound of flavored corn on the cobs, check out my other corn on the cob recipes .
These southwest stuffed sweet potatoes are brimming with summery flavors, or try something new with curried carrots with tandoori sauce !
