Easy Summer Side Dishes to Complete Your Cookout
The best summer side dishes for warm weather days! These easy side dishes are fun to make for dinner, or serve at your BBQ cookouts, potlucks, and summer parties.
One of the very best parts of any meal are the side dishes!
And summer side dishes feel especially fun and delicious.
Filling your plate with various cold salads, summer comfort foods, or bright veggie dishes, just turns the meal into a celebration!
I put together a list of the best summer side dishes, so you have tons of inspiration for what to make for dinner, a BBQ or a potluck party.
These amazing summer sides includes ideas for:
- Bright, fresh summer salads
- Delicious pasta and potato salads
- Veggie dishes
- Unique fruit salad recipes
- Hearty and unique pasta and potato dishes
There are so many unique recipes that you won’t run out of ideas – all season long!
Serve them for Memorial Day or July 4th cookouts, at summer birthday parties, picnics, and potlucks, or even on a regular weeknight.
Okay, let’s dive into these crowd-pleasing side dish recipes!
(☀️ Looking for more delicious summer recipes? Try one of these unique kabob recipes, easy and quick summer dinners, fun picnic food ideas, festive summer appetizers, or super easy summer dump cakes!)
Easy Summer Side Dishes
Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad is delicious and refreshing, with corn, onion, avocado, and tomatoes in a light vinaigrette sauce.
Easy Creamy Coleslaw
This Easy Coleslaw is quick, creamy, and delicious, and uses honey to balance the vinegar, and gives the dressing a bit of thickness without being overly sweet.
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers, made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers, are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and a fresh garlic herb sauce.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad has the flavors of both deviled eggs and pasta salad, making it an ideal summer party dish.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad features roasted corn, fresh vegetables and herbs, creamy mayonnaise, and Mexican-style spices.
Homemade Potato Chips
Homemade Potato Chips are flavorful, crispy, salty, and better than the store-bought version.
Ultimate Homemade Mac and Cheese
Outrageously cheesy, creamy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe is definitely a keeper.
Corn Riblets
Seasoned to perfection, Corn on the Cob Ribs are fun and easy to make! They are gone so fast and everyone always wants more.
Old Fashioned Baked Beans
Old Fashioned Baked Beans have a sweet and savory sauce, made with molasses, bacon, and yellow mustard.
Ultimate Potato Salad
Ultimate Potato Salad is a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
Best Homemade Biscuits
Homemade biscuits use just 6-ingredients and yields soft, flaky, layers of goodness that are ready in less than 30 minutes!
Cowboy Caviar
Easy Cowboy Caviar is a colorful bean salad made with a mix of black beans, black-eyed peas, fresh veggies, and a tangy lime dressing.
Grilled Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
Rosemary and Garlic Grilled Potatoes are one of the most delicious side dishes you can make over a campfire or on your grill.
Spicy Watermelon Jalapeno Salad
Refreshing Spicy Watermelon Salad includes juicy chunks of fresh watermelon, charred corn, lots of herbs, and a spicy jalapeño-lime dressing.
Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese
Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese is a delicious homemade mac and cheese with tangy green chiles in a white cheese sauce.
Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Red Onions is savory, sweet, and tangy, with braised red cabbage with apples, red onions and bell pepper.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is an easy, authentic Hawaiian side dish that’s cool and creamy with a tangy and subtly sweet taste!
Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado
Light and colorful Fiesta Corn Salad with Avocado is bright, tangy and filled with fresh summer vegetables.
Crispy Accordion Potatoes
Viral Accordion Potatoes are a fun and fancy twist on oven-roasted potatoes. The fancy shape makes the garlicky and buttery potatoes crispier.
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad uses simple ingredients like vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, and a homemade Italian dressing and to create the ideal cookout side dish.
Olivier Salad
Olivier Salad is a Russian salad is made with meat, hard boiled eggs, peas, potatoes, carrots, and pickles, tossed in a simple mayo dressing with dill.
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad is the perfect healthy dish to satisfy those pickle cravings. It's briny, citrusy, and bursting with pickle flavor!
Calico Beans
Loaded with 3 types of beans, ground beef, bacon and a sweet & tangy sauce, everyone will love these vintage Calico Beans.
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Easy 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad takes just minutes to make and is totally packed with flavor.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Pure summer in every bite, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a classic you might make on repeat throughout the summer months.
Cornbread Salad
Cornbread Salad has crumbled jalapeno cheddar cornbread layered with bacon, beans, and veggies for a delicious southern favorite.
Carrot Ribbon Salad with Arugula
Carrot Ribbon Salad features the peppery flavor of arugula with the crunchy, sweet flavor of carrots and sliced almonds, paired with creamy goat cheese.
No Mayo Potato Salad with Bacon
No Mayo Potato Salad with Bacon has a tangy mustard dressing, so you won't miss the mayo, and served cold, at room temperature, or warm.
Pickled Watermelon Rind
Transform your watermelon rinds into pickles for a unique, fun, and healthy recipe that doubles as a conversation starter at your gathering.
Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad
Easy Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad has fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and cilantro mixed with cavatappi pasta and a fresh lemon dressing.
Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam
Perhaps more a condiment than a side dish, Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam makes such an excellent topping for grilled meats of all kinds.
Greek Yogurt Potato Salad
When you're looking for a healthier potato salad option this quick Greek yogurt dressing version is it!
Easy Grilled Vegetables (with 5 easy sauces)
Grilled Vegetables are so easy, lightly flavored with garlic and sea salt, and they're extra incredible with any of the tasty sauce recipes included.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
With a beautiful medley of sweet and savory flavors, Strawberry Cucumber Salad features pickled onions and fresh dill for a robust flavor.
Honey Cornbread
Honey Cornbread is sweet, tender and absolutely delicious, especially when paired with grilled meats and smoky BBQ flavors.
Mango Corn Salsa
Quick and easy Mango Corn Salsa is a flavorful, fresh, and healthy salsa that is the perfect combination of sweet and savory with a little kick.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Tangy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is made with pasta, dill pickles, and a bright creamy dressing.
Hot Pepper Jelly Smoked Cream Cheese
Hot Pepper Jelly Smoked Cream Cheese has warm cream cheese smoked with chopped jalapenos, BBQ rub, and topped with your favorite hot pepper jelly.
Old Fashioned Creamy Fruit Salad
Old-fashioned Fruit Salad with Cool Whip has fresh sweet and juicy fruit folded with creamy whipped topping.
House Salad
Everyone needs a good House Salad recipe in their back pocket, and this one tastes like restaurant quality.
Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Flavorful Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes are made with Yukon gold or Russet potatoes, milk, cream, butter, and blue cheese.
Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad
Easy and delicious Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad is made with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, orzo pasta, red onions, feta cheese, cucumber and pesto.
Mango Avocado Salad
Sweet and salty, with a touch of heat and citrus flavor, Mango Avocado Salad is healthy, incredibly satisfying, and ready in 15 minutes.
Amish Potato Salad
Better than Walmart’s Amish Potato Salad, this has a tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and smoked paprika.
Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad
Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad is healthy and fresh, and a great way to use up extra summer produce.
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans have a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and loaded with smoky, crispy bacon.
TexMex Cucumber and Corn Salad
A refreshing twist on Mexican elote corn salad, TexMex Cucumber Corn Salad combines cucumbers and corn with jalapenos, red onion, cilantro and a sour cream dressing you will love.
Honey Lime Coleslaw
Honey Lime Coleslaw is the perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Ditch the pre-made coleslaw dressing, and have this on your table in under 10 minutes!
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
With bold flavors and spicy heat, Roasted Chili Corn Salsa is a combination of smoky poblano peppers, sweet corn, and tangy lime juice for an explosion of taste and texture.
Green Bean Potato Salad with Sundried Tomato Pesto
Flavorful Green Bean Potato Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is the perfect side dish for a summer picnic or potluck because it has no mayo and only 5 ingredients.
4 Bean Salad
4 Bean Salad is a fresh, easy, and nutritious salad filled with a variety of beans, crunchy vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Grilled Corn with Cilantro Lime Butter
Fresh sweet summer corn slathered in a garlicky cilantro lime butter is the perfect grilled side dish to any meal.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Leave the oven off and try this Stovetop Mac and Cheese with an ultra creamy sauce and two types of cheese.
Crack Corn Salad
Crack Corn Salad is made with fresh or frozen corn, Ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese, it’s ready to serve in just about 15 minutes.
Cajun Coleslaw
Cajun Coleslaw is fresh and crunchy with a creamy dressing. It has lots of bold flavor with jalapeños and a sweet and spicy cajun seasoning.
Mediterranean Bruschetta
Mediterranean Bruschetta is a tasty side dish (or appetizer) featuring toasted sourdough and a layer of hummus, caramelized onions, roasted bell peppers and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ambrosia Salad
Creamy and light Old Fashioned Ambrosia Salad is a vintage fruit salad made with Cool Whip, coconut, and canned fruit.
Chimichurri Sauce
More of a condiment than a side dish, Cilantro Chimichurri has a bold flavor that beautifully balances the heaviness of grilled meat.
Broccoli Salad
Crunchy, tangy, and subtly sweet, Broccoli Salad has 4 main ingredients and a quick dressing. Just toss it in the fridge until you're ready to serve!
Crudaiola Barese Pasta Salad
An authentic Southern Italian pasta salad, Crudaiola Barese combines the flavors of a caprese salad into a delicious cold pasta side dish.
Homemade Sweet Potato Fries
Homemade Sweet Potato Fries are a quick and easy family favorite recipe. They are a thousand times better than store-bought frozen sweet potato fries.
Amish Macaroni Salad
This Pennsylvania Dutch recipe is better than Walmart’s Amish Macaroni Salad with a tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and smoked paprika.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Salad
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad is fresh and crunchy, with shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with parmesan cheese and a light vinaigrette.
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
Dill Pickle Potato Salad features red potatoes tossed in a creamy dressing, with a pleasant pop of texture from crunchy dill pickles.
Crispy Homemade French Fries
This easy-to-follow Homemade French Fry recipe yields perfect crispy results that pairs beautifully with burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Mac and Cheese is cheesy, warm, satisfying, with a smoky flavor, for a family-friendly classic made on a Traeger grill!
Panzanella Toscana Caprese
Panzanella Toscana is a Tuscan-inspired, bread and vegetable salad with fresh mozzarella, extra juicy and fresh basil.
Crack Green Beans
Crack Green Beans are rich, and incredibly addicting, cooked in a sweet and savory sauce with brown sugar and crispy bacon.
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Coleslaw Pasta Salad has the crunch and flavor of coleslaw in a delicious pasta salad, with celery, green bell pepper, cucumber, and a coleslaw dressing.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Whipped Hot Honey Butter
Smoked Sweet Potatoes have a sweet, caramelized smokey flavor and topped with rich whipped hot honey butter that pairs perfectly with grilled meat.
Summer Cold Green Bean Salad
Summer Green Bean Salad features delicious green beans drizzled in a balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard sauce paired with greens, black eyed peas, squash and walnuts.
Jalapeno Creamed Corn
Zero prep is needed for this spicy Jalapeno Creamed Corn! You’ll have a satisfying summer side dish ready in less than 10 minutes.
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad is loaded with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and tender pasta, all tossed in a creamy dressing.
Air-Fryer Fried Okr
Fried Okra is savory and crunchy, with a flavor all its own. It pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and other summery foods.
Cucumber Pomegranate Salad
Light and refreshing, Cucumber Pomegranate Salad is full of flavor with sweet berries paired with fragrant mint and takes just 10 minutes.
Smoked Mushrooms
Smoked Mushrooms are cooked to perfection with garlic and thyme for the perfect side or topping to many smoked meats.
Lemon Basil Orzo Salad
Lemon Basil Orzo Salad is fresh, bright, and healthy. Orzo, Northern beans, and veggies get tossed in a delicious dressing.
Tropical Mango Coleslaw
Tropical Mango Coleslaw is a fun and fruity no-mayo side dish perfect for summer picnics, BBQs and potlucks.
Loaded Potato Salad
Loaded Potato Salad is made with creamy gold potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, mayo, and tasty seasonings.
Lemon Dill Rice
Lemon Dill Rice turns easy ingredients into big flavors. It’s light and aromatic, and a fun twist to traditional BBQ sides.
Mango Cucumber Salad
Light and refreshing Mango Cucumber Salad has ripe mangoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocados, and cooling mint for a colorful summer salad.
Grilled Green Beans
Easy Grilled Green Beans have only 4 ingredients, and they’re a great use-up for fresh summer green beans during grilling season.
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Vibrant and fresh Mexican quinoa salad is loaded with quinoa, bell peppers, red onions, black beans, and fresh cilantro lime dressing for tons of bold flavor.
Mango Pico de Gallo
Homemade Mango Pico de Gallo has the perfect balance of sweet mango flavor, tangy lime juice, and a kick of spice from fresh chiles.
Avocado Black Bean Salad
Easy-to-make Avocado Black Bean Salad is loaded with fresh summer veggies and bright colors, and full of vitamins and nutrients.
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Quick no-cook Pickled Red Onions are perfect for salads, burgers, brats and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches to add crunch and tanginess.
Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad has it all. Quick and easy to make, with lots of fresh veggies and tons of flavor.
Best Ever Blackened Corn
Blackened Corn bursts with robust and smoky flavors. The caramelized exterior provides a delightful contrast to the tender sweetness of the corn.
Chimichurri Potato Salad
Chimichurri Potato Salad is full of fresh herbs and garlic, a little heat from the red pepper, and it's delicious served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Easy Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is easy, fluffy, and flavorful, and takes only a handful of ingredients and 25 minutes to cook.
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad Salad has all the fresh summer flavors, with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella pearls, and a basic balsamic vinaigrette.
Fresh Avocado Pico de Gallo
Avocado Pico de Gallo has all the good stuff like creamy avocados, juicy tomatoes, and a hit of lime to really make the flavors pop.
Lemony Chickpea Salad
Chickpea Salad with fresh lemon is packed with fresh flavors including juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, and fresh mint and parsley.
Sausage and Summer Squash Casserole
Easy Sausage Squash Casserole is a tasty vegetable side dish to serve at your summer gathering, made with yellow or zucchini squash or a mixture of both.
Crispy Greek Fingerling Potatoes
Ultra-crispy Baked Fingerling Potatoes are coated in Greek seasonings and cooked to golden brown perfection.
Peach & Raspberry Fluff
Old-fashioned Peach & Raspberry Fluff is a fluffy jello fruit salad made with peaches, mangos, raspberry jello, shredded coconut, cottage cheese, marshmallows and whipped cream.
Shredded Carrot Salad
Shredded Carrot Salad features crunchy shredded carrots mingling with sweet raisins and tangy dressing.
Skillet Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Easy Skillet Jalapeño Cornbread has fresh jalapeños gives the lightly sweetened, cheesy cornbread the perfect kick of heat and flavor!
Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad is a nostalgic side dish with apples, walnuts, celery, grapes, and raisins in a simple dressing for a unique and totally delicious flavor combination.
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Deviled Egg Potato Salad is a delicious combination of two classic favorites tossed in a quick creamy dressing with just a little tang.
Grilled Romaine
You’re in for a treat with Grilled Romaine! Crisp romaine hearts are grilled perfectly for a little char and drizzled in an easy Dijon vinaigrette.
Ready to try some new summer side dishes?
I hope this list of fun summer side dish recipes has given you tons of inspiration for what to serve with your tasty dinners this season.
There’s truly something for everyone – and every kind of event – so it’s just a matter of deciding which one to make first!
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