Summer Side Dishes
Summer Side Dishes are the perfect complement to any summer meal. Whether you’re indulging in a juicy burger or grilling up some fresh seafood, a side dish can add that extra bit of flavor and texture to make your meal complete. From crisp and refreshing salads to savory grilled veggies, there are endless possibilities when it comes to summer side dishes. And with an abundance of fresh produce available during the summer season, there’s no excuse not to get creative in the kitchen. So why not try something new this summer and add a unique and delicious side dish to your next meal? With our selection of summer side dishes, you’re sure to find something that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Tips & Tricks For Summer Side Dishes
- Use fresh, seasonal ingredients: Take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce available during the summer season. Choose ripe and colorful fruits and vegetables to add flavor and nutrition to your dishes.
- Keep it simple: Summer is all about easy, breezy living, and that includes your cooking. Focus on simple and straightforward recipes with minimal prep and cook time.
- Add a touch of sweetness: Summer is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and adding a touch of sweetness to your dishes can elevate their flavors. Try using fruits like peach, mango, or watermelon in your salads, or make a dessert-inspired side dish like grilled peaches with honey and cinnamon.
- Get creative with your grilling: Grilled veggies are a summertime staple, and there are many ways to get creative with them. Try grilling corn on the cob with spicy mayo or make a grilled eggplant and zucchini salad with fresh herbs.
- Experiment with different textures: Adding different textures to your summer side dishes can make them more interesting and satisfying.
Summer Side Dishes
1: Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans
Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are a classic summer side dish that is perfect for any BBQ or picnic. Made with rich, smoky flavors, these beans are slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of savory spices and tangy BBQ sauce.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors in these beans creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving them alongside hot dogs and hamburgers or as a main dish, Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans are sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.
Cabbage steaks are a delicious and healthy summer side dish that’s gaining popularity for good reason. They’re easy to prepare, low in calories, and packed with nutrients. Simply slice a head of cabbage into thick rounds, brush them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper or your favorite spices. Then, roast them in the oven until they’re tender and slightly browned.
The result is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for pairing with grilled meats or seafood. Cabbage steaks are a great alternative to traditional starch-heavy sides like potatoes or rice, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a lighter and healthier summer meal.
Amish macaroni salad is a classic summer side dish that’s beloved for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Made with cooked macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, and a medley of fresh vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and onions, this salad is dressed with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing and a touch of vinegar.
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in the dressing pairs perfectly with the crunch of the veggies and the soft texture of the macaroni, creating a satisfying and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summertime gatherings. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it as a main dish, Amish macaroni salad is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to impress your guests.
BLT pasta salad is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich that’s perfect for summer. Made with cooked pasta, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, this salad is then tossed in a creamy ranch dressing that brings all the flavors together.
The combination of smoky and savory flavors from the bacon, the sweetness from the tomatoes, and the creaminess from the ranch dressing make this salad a hit at any summer gathering. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish, BLT pasta salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little variety to their summer menu. With the addition of pasta, this salad has a whole new dimension and will be sure to impress at your next cookout. Enjoy!
Betty’s cucumber salad is a refreshing and healthy summer side dish that’s perfect for hot days. Made with crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and a tangy vinegar dressing, this salad is both light and flavorful. The combination of sweet and sour flavors creates a cool and refreshing taste that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.
Plus, this salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for picnics or potlucks. Whether you’re looking for a simple and delicious side dish or a healthy snack to enjoy by the pool, Betty’s cucumber salad is a must-try for any summer occasion.
Cucumber and tomato salad with bacon is a delicious summer side dish that’s perfect for backyard BBQs or picnics. Made with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon, this salad is bursting with flavors and textures. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the vegetables and the smoky flavor from the bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist. The salad is then dressed with a light vinaigrette to bring all the flavors together.
Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this salad is a great addition to any summer menu. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light meal, cucumber and tomato salad with bacon is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Grilled corn ribs are an excellent summer side dish that can elevate any meal. This dish is a creative and exciting way to serve corn on the cob and makes for a great alternative to traditional boiled corn. The technique involves cutting the corn into smaller sections and grilling them until they are charred and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Not only does this add a smoky flavor, but it also allows for unique toppings and seasonings such as butter, herbs, or spices. Grilled corn ribs are perfect for backyard barbecues or picnics and are sure to impress your guests with their delightful crunch and delicious flavors.
Big Mac Salad is a fun and delicious summer side dish that’s perfect for backyard cookouts and picnics. This salad is inspired by the classic McDonald’s Big Mac sandwich, but instead of being served on a bun, it’s made into a salad.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a delicious and satisfying salad that’s perfect as a side dish or even a main course. The best part about this salad is that it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for potlucks or meal prep.
Watermelon salad is a refreshing and tasty summer side dish that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or barbecues. This salad typically consists of freshly cubed or balled watermelon, chopped mint leaves, crumbled feta cheese, and a simple dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, and honey. The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and refreshing mint creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for any summer meal.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes for a beautiful and colorful presentation on the table. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a unique way to use up your summer watermelon, watermelon salad is a must-try for any summer occasion.
Zesty pasta salad is a perfect summer side dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavors. The combination of tangy and savory flavors in the dressing adds a delicious kick to the salad, while the fresh vegetables and pasta provide a satisfying and filling texture. Zesty pasta salad is also very versatile and can be customized to your preferences by adding ingredients like olives, feta cheese, grilled chicken, or even roasted nuts.
This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues, as it can be made ahead of time and served chilled. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish for your next outdoor gathering, zesty pasta salad is definitely worth trying.
Syracuse salt potatoes are a classic side dish that’s perfect for a summertime BBQ. These small, bite-sized potatoes are boiled in heavily salted water until they’re tender and then served hot with melted butter. The result is a creamy, savory potato with a hint of saltiness that’s truly addictive. This dish has its origins in Syracuse, New York, where it was traditionally served to salt mine workers as a hearty and filling lunch.
However, it has since become popular all across the United States, particularly in areas with large Irish-American populations. Syracuse salt potatoes are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making them a great option for any BBQ or outdoor gathering. They pair well with grilled meats and other summer sides, and their small size makes them easy to serve and eat. Whether you’re looking for a fun and unique side dish or a taste of local flavor, Syracuse salt potatoes are a must-try at any summer BBQ.
Summertime is the perfect season for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. And what better way to enjoy these occasions than with delicious and refreshing summer side dishes? From grilled corn ribs to watermelon salad, and from zesty pasta salad to Syracuse salt potatoes, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to preparing the perfect side dish for your next summer event. These dishes not only add color and flavor to your meal but also offer a variety of nutritional benefits. Whether you’re looking for light and refreshing salads or hearty and filling sides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So go ahead and explore the endless possibilities of summer side dishes and make your next outdoor gathering a memorable one.
