Spice up your summer cookouts with these 53 easy and delicious side dish recipes! From creamy potato salad to fresh corn salad and tangy coleslaw, these dishes are sure to be a hit.
Summer is here, and that means it’s grilling season! But while everyone loves a juicy burger or hot dog, the real stars of the show are often the side dishes. After all, what’s a cookout without a few delicious sides to complement your main course?
Get ready to elevate your summer meals with these 53 incredible side dish recipes that will have your guests begging for seconds. We’re talking about a creamy potato salad that will make your taste buds sing, a refreshing corn salad that’s bursting with flavor, and a tangy coleslaw that’s the perfect crunchy complement to any grilled dish.
Why Side Dishes Are the Secret Weapon of Summer Meals
Side dishes are essential to a successful summer meal for several reasons:
- Variety is key: Side dishes add a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to your plate, making your meal more interesting and satisfying.
- Balance is important: A good side dish can help to balance out the richness of a grilled main course, providing a refreshing contrast.
- They’re easy to make ahead: Many side dishes can be prepared in advance, freeing you up to enjoy the party instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
- They’re perfect for sharing: Side dishes are often served family-style, encouraging guests to try a little bit of everything and sparking conversation.
53 Side Dishes to Make Your Summer Cookout Sizzle
1
Beet and Burrata Salad with Fried Bread
This salad combines roasted beets, fresh oranges, peppery arugula, creamy burrata cheese, and crispy fried bread.
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2
Avocado Tomatillo Dip
A delicious green dip with a smooth and creamy texture, blending the richness of avocado with the bright tanginess of tomatillos.
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3
Brussels Kale Caesar with Cheezy Garlic Croutons
This salad combines crispy kale, shredded brussels sprouts, parmesan cheese, and homemade cheesy garlic croutons in a creamy Caesar dressing.
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4
10-Minute Veggie Fried Rice
This quick and easy fried rice recipe combines cooked rice with fresh vegetables and savory seasonings.
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5
BLT Panzanella
This bread salad combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and crusty bread in a tangy vinaigrette.
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6
Avocado Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potato Fries
This healthy and satisfying meal features a creamy avocado Caesar salad paired with crispy sweet potato fries.
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7
Baked Spicy Fries with Garlic Cheese Sauce
These baked fries are crispy, spicy, and come with a creamy garlic cheese sauce for dipping.
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8
Baked Zucchini Fries
This recipe transforms zucchini into crispy fries baked to perfection.
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9
Caprese Penne
This dish is a delicious combination of penne pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.
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10
Bistro Salad
This French-inspired salad features fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, bacon, goat cheese, and a homemade vinaigrette.
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11
Green Bean Casserole
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12
Pineapple Salsa Recipe
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13
14
Avocado Cucumber Grapefruit Salad
This refreshing salad combines creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and tangy grapefruit for a delicious meal.
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15
Bacon and Brussel Sprout Salad
This delicious and flavor-filled salad combines crispy bacon, shredded brussel sprouts, Parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing.
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16
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Maple Orange Glaze
This dish features roasted Brussels sprouts with a sweet and savory maple orange glaze.
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17
Chicken Quinoa Salad
This salad combines cooked chicken, quinoa, and a variety of fresh vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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18
Arugula Salad With Grapes And Black Pepper Vinaigrette
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19
7-Layer Beet Salad
Learn how to make the 7-Layer Beet Salad, a colorful and nutrient-packed salad featuring layers of roasted beets, mixed greens, grains, vegetables, cheese, and nuts – perfect for a light and satisfying meal or side dish.
Check out this recipe
20
Asparagus And Pea Saute
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21
Asian Chicken Salad
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22
5-Minute Spicy Chickpea Salad
The 5-Minute Spicy Chickpea Salad is a quick and delicious salad featuring spicy chickpeas, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing.
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23
Asiago White Beans With Farro Kale Tomatoes
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24
Asian Chicken Salad With Sesame Chili Vinaigrette
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25
Baked Mac and Cheese
This classic mac and cheese is made with macaroni noodles, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
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26
5-Ingredient Marinated Tomatoes
The 5-Ingredient Marinated Tomatoes is a simple and delicious dish made with ripe tomatoes marinated in a blend of garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs. It is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
Check out this recipe
Side Dish Success Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The best side dishes start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Look for seasonal produce at your local farmers market or grocery store.
- Make ahead when possible: Many side dishes can be made a day or two in advance, saving you time and stress on the day of your event.
- Transport with care: If you’re taking your side dish to a potluck or picnic, pack it in a sturdy container and keep it chilled if necessary.
- Serve it with style: Dress up your side dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a few crumbles of cheese.
Your Side Dish Game Just Got Stronger
With these 53 delicious and easy-to-make side dish recipes, you’re sure to impress your guests at your next summer gathering.
So fire up the grill, grab your apron, and get ready to create a feast that everyone will remember!
