Potato salad, pasta salad, macaroni salad, are all traditional summer side dishes. But with the bounty of goodness, there are so many other summer side dish options. So, we’re sharing 17 summer side dishes that feature fresh and in-season ingredients. They’ll work for a BBQ, tasty if you’re going on a picnic, they taste sensational, and they’re easy to prepare.
Broccoli Crunch Salad With a Parmesan Twist
"Light, crisp, savory, and sweet are the words that come to mind when I describe this salad." - Mary Kay
Bacon Fried Corn
"As a child, I would go to my grandmothers garden and pick fresh corn for dinner. She would cut it off the cob and fry it. It was so delicious and the natural sweetness from the corn would come out from the heat. I have added a twist to her old recipe and it is delicious." - Jenny
Boiled Corn With Jalapenos and Honey
"Boiling corn in a milk and honey bath adds a certain richness that brings fresh corn up to a whole new level of greatness. Add a fresh jalapeno and it is a sweet and spicy heaven! Boiled corn with jalapenos and honey is now the only way my family wants corn." - Debbie
Grilled Asparagus in Lemon Maple Tahini with Tomatoes and Cucumbers
"Smoky grilled asparagus in a tasty tahini sauce with lemon and maple along with fresh diced tomatoes and cucumbers!" - Kevin
Zucchini or Summer Squash Fritters
"We all have an abundance of both yellow summer squash and zucchini. Here's a recipe that allows you to have your squash and save it too!" - Rose
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
"Veggies marinated in balsamic vinegar and soy sauce and cooked in a grill basket until smoky, slightly charred, and tender-crisp. A healthy and tasty side dish! Try it with whatever veggies you prefer - asparagus, eggplant, green beans, etc!" - Susan
Tangy Vinegar Based Slaw
"A basic coleslaw recipe, Tangy Vinegar Based Slaw is zippy and crunchy flavored with a little heat and a pinch of sweet." - Paula
Grilled Fresh Green Beans
"This bean and veggie combination is even more delicious cooked outside on the grill. Leave the bacon out for a healthier/vegetarian dish." - Lynn
Zucchini Chips
"With all the surplus zucchini at this time of year, this can be a side dish or an appetizer for that summer get together. I have had people enjoy these that are not zucchini fans!" - Patti
Grilled Corn and Fresh Pepper Salad
"This grilled corn salad is a simple and tasty summer side dish. The tangy dressing is a nice contrast with the sweet, crisp corn. Red pepper and cilantro give the salad a fresh flavor that tastes of summer." - The Kitchen Crew
Creamy Cranberry Coleslaw w/Raspberry Vinaigrette
"This is a great twist on coleslaw. Something a little different for your next picnic or BBQ. The dressing is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. We loved the noticeable flavor from the raspberry vinaigrette and the different texture the broccoli slaw gave this dish." - The Kitchen Crew
Grilled Squash With Balsamic Drizzle
"I love all types of squash and I love to grill. The balsamic reduction adds just the right tanginess." - Sherri
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
"I came up with this salad recipe because I had some cut-up cucumbers, peppers, and watermelon in the fridge, plus some leftover cucumber juice, so I mixed all of it together and added some shallots and herbs. Of course, I also had to add some jalapeño for heat, and viola!" - Shikha
Sauteed Parmesan Zucchini & Yellow Squash
"Every summer no matter how few plants we plant it seems like we have too much zucchini and yellow squash. Since the neighbors don't like it when we leave it on their doorsteps, I've had to come up with ways to get my family to eat it. This is me and my husbands' favorite way." - Lynelle
Florida Slaw
"This is light and so refreshing on a hot summer day or alongside a burger." - Tiege
Zucchini and Tomatoes Foil Packets
"My second favorite after zucchini boats. Simple simple side dish a little cheese and the little ones are sure to at least try these green treasures." - Natalie