Summer meals call for side dishes that are fresh, colorful, and easy to throw together. From crisp salads to chilled pastas and grilled vegetables, these recipes are made to pair with whatever’s coming off the grill or to shine on their own.

Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers

Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and bell peppers are golden from a sprinkling of turmeric and fragrant with the last remaining dry summer herbs.
Get the Recipe: Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers

Vegetable Gratin

Vegetable Gratin. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Vegetable Gratin is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Gratin

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves.
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Enjoy a classic with a vegetarian twist with the Vegetarian Olivier Salad. Packed with colorful vegetables, hearty potatoes, and a creamy dressing, this salad is a satisfying and flavorful choice for summer picnics and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Close up overhead of tabbouleh salad with feta.
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Enjoy a refreshing summer salad with the Bulgur Salad with Feta. The combination of nutty bulgur, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs makes it a delightful choice for a scrumptious summer salad.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Cucumber Carrot Salad

A white bowl contains a salad made of sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and diced red onions. Fresh carrots are placed beside the bowl.
Cucumber Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Cucumber Carrot Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer. It’s easy to make, full of fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Carrot Salad

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Turn up the heat with this Spicy Roasted Cauliflower recipe! Packed with bold seasoning, it makes a flavorful side dish or snack that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Impress your guests with these elegant eggplant tomato stacks that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Layers of grilled eggplant and ripe tomato slices are stacked together, drizzled with a balsamic glaze, and garnished with fresh basil. This vibrant and flavorful side dish celebrates the summer’s bounty in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie

A slice of tomato pie on a white plate with a serving utensil, and a whole tomato pie in a white fluted dish, are shown on a marble surface with a small bowl of spices and basil leaves.
A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Ripe summer tomatoes layered with mayo and cheese in a buttery crust create a pie that’s rich, tangy, and unforgettable. It tastes like tradition and sunshine in every bite.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie

Butter Bean Salad

Bowl full of butter bean salad on a table.
Butter Bean Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Butter Bean Salad is full of beans, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a tangy oil and vinegar dressing. It’s a great summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Butter Bean Salad

Farro and Vegetable Salad

A glass bowl filled with a colorful mixed vegetable salad, including broccoli, carrots, corn, bell peppers, and zucchini—perfect for summer side dishes.
Farro and Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chewy, nutty farro combined with vibrant vegetables makes this salad both satisfying and nutritious! Perfect for a light lunch or a hearty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Farro and Vegetable Salad

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Beat the summer heat with a classic Cherry Salad! Also called Pink Fluff, it is a staple at potlucks & cookouts. Just 6 ingredients & takes 5 minutes to make!
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Deviled Eggs is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Chickpea and Avocado Salad

A bowl of chickpea salad with cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Scattered tomatoes and a spoon are visible around the bowl.
Chickpea and Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Chickpea and Avocado Salad is a perfect side dish or light lunch option for those hot summer days. It’s delicious, refreshing, and packed with nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Chickpea Salad Recipe

Chickpea Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Fresh, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Chickpea Salad is a game-changer! Whether for meal prep or a quick bite, it’s filled with protein and wholesome goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad Recipe

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill.
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cool down with the refreshing Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. The tangy pickled beets, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty dressing make it a delightful choice for a summer salad that offers a unique twist of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of cucumber salad.
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Enjoy a taste of Ukraine with the Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. This simple yet refreshing salad, featuring fresh cucumbers, dill, and a light dressing, is a perfect choice for a light and cooling summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese on top.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Pesto Orzo Salad is a perfect, flavorful side dish for any summer gathering. Made with orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a delicious homemade pesto sauce, this salad is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Southern Butter Beans Recipe

A bowl of cooked lima beans topped with slices of bacon, with a wooden spoon, seasoning, salt, pepper shakers, plates, and a striped cloth nearby—perfect for summer side dishes or adding to your favorite summer recipes.
Southern Butter Beans Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This Southern butter beans recipe is a great way to shake up your usual dinner routine. Made with butter, bacon, and a secret ingredient, it brings rich, comforting flavor that might just make butter beans a new favorite at your table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Butter Beans Recipe

Marinated Tomatoes

Closeup of marinated heirloom tomatoes in a yellow and white pie dish.
Marinated Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Authentic Panzanella Salad

A white bowl filled with panzanella salad, featuring bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and sliced red onions on a white surface.
Authentic Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Torn bread soaks up tomato juices and sharp vinaigrette in this rustic Italian salad. It’s bright, juicy, and built for summer.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Panzanella Salad

Squash Casserole Recipe

Squash Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Squash Casserole Recipe is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole Recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This air fryer zucchini and squash recipe is lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil and cooked in the air fryer until it achieves a delicious browning. This side dish is an easy air fryer recipe perfect for summer! 
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, served with a spoon.
Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad is a tangy blend of crunchy bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and tangy onion, all coated in a zesty vinaigrette dressing. It is the perfect side dish for any meal and can also be enjoyed as a refreshing snack on a hot summer day.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for summer is green bean tomato salad. Not only is this delicious salad easy to prepare, but it also contains healthy ingredients that will make you feel great after eating it.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This Italian inspired baked ratatouille is a colorful and flavorful vegetable dish that is perfect for a summer meal. Made with yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Cherry Tomato Salad

Cherry Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Cherry Tomato Salad is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad

Stuffed Peaches

A plate of peaches stuffed with goat cheese and basil.
Stuffed Peaches. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Bursting with the fresh flavors of summer, these chevre and basil stuffed peaches combine tangy goat cheese, aromatic basil, and sweet honey in a delightful treat. Serve up these easy-to-make stuffed peaches as a breakfast, snack, or light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peaches

Avocado Tomato Salad

Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.
Avocado Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Salad is so much more than just lettuce and dressing, and this avocado tomato salad proves that point. It’s a plethora of veggies tossed with romaine a fresh dressing you blitz together in your blender. Summer on a fork.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad

A platter of colorful cherry tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, red onion, and basil leaves. Four forks are placed beside the dish on a white surface.
Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad is so good, it ended my search for the ultimate summer tomato recipe. Bursting with ripe, juicy tomatoes and just the right balance of seasoning, it’s a dish that proves sometimes, simple really is best.
Get the Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad

Cucumber Onion Salad

Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Cucumber onion salad in vinegar is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. With crisp cucumbers, mild onions, and a tangy sweet dressing, it’s a refreshing side that only gets better as it chills. The simple blend of vinegar and sugar hits just the right note, making it perfect for summer cookouts or a cozy Southern meal. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and always a welcome addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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