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- By Irena Macri
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Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or dinner on the patio, these are the best summer side dishes I keep coming back to. They’re fresh, easy to prep, a little cheeky, and wildly delicious — just how I like my sides.
Jump to: ℹ️ Overview | 🥗 Summer Salads | 🌽 Grilled, Charred & Baked | 🫘 Grains & Legumes | 🫕 Dips & Salsas
I pulled together this roundup with one mission: to share the most fun, flavor-packed summer side dishes that actually get eaten first. I’m talking juicy salads, grilled veggies, dips you can’t stop dipping into, and a few tarts and bakes that make people say, “Wait, you made this?” These are sides that aren’t shy — they bring something to the table, quite literally.
Summer Salads
From tangy lentil and corn salads to buttery grilled eggplant, these dishes are meant to shine next to your grilled mains or stand solo as a light meal (been there, done that — more than once). I chose recipes from my own kitchen and a few favorites from fellow bloggers I trust with my tastebuds. These sides are packed with texture, flavor, and that little extra “yum” that makes summer meals feel special without being fussy. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Peach Caprese
Sweet peaches, creamy mozzarella, and basil — this peach Caprese salad is summer on a fork. It’s a little fancy, but not fussy, and honestly, I could eat this every day. Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Pasta Salad
A no-frills, all-thrills pasta salad that’s bright, herby, and ridiculously snackable. It’s the kind of dish that looks simple but tastes like it came from someone who knows their way around a lemon vinaigrette. Vegetarian. Recipe from Pinch Of Yum.
5-Minute Zucchini Salad
This raw zucchini salad comes together in minutes with lemon, olive oil, and herbs. It’s light, fresh, and oddly fancy for how little effort it takes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb.
Watermelon Salad
Sweet watermelon, creamy cheese, mint, and a bit of zing — this watermelon salad is a whole summer vibe. It’s juicy, bright, and always the first to vanish at parties. Gluten-free and vegetarian. Recipe from Carlsbad Cravings.
Summer Lentil Corn Salad
This lentil and corn salad is hearty but summery, with fresh veggies, herbs, and a tangy dressing. It’s the kind of salad that eats like a meal and feels like a picnic. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Toshi’s Table.
Grilled, Charred & Baked
Grilled Vegetables
Simple grilled vegetables with olive oil, herbs, and garlic — this is one of those dishes where less really is more. I throw this together anytime I’ve got a BBQ going, and it always gets eaten first. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan.
Grilled Broccolini
Charred broccolini with lemon, garlic, and a hint of spice — it’s smoky, crispy, and honestly kind of addictive. This one’s a little fancy and a little rustic, just how I like it. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Feasting At Home.
Japanese-Style Grilled Corn
Think sweet corn meets umami-rich miso butter and toasty sesame. This Japanese-style grilled corn is a flavor bomb and hands down my favorite way to eat corn. Gluten-free. Recipe from So Much Food.
Grilled Peppers
These grilled peppers are buttery, blistered, and a little sweet — I love tossing them with balsamic and herbs right off the grill. They look fancy but take zero effort. Gluten-free and vegan. Recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Baked Tostones
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — these baked tostones are salty, starchy little bites of goodness. Great with dips or just straight off the tray. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Cookie + Kate.
Zucchini Tart
This flaky zucchini tart is buttery, herby, and looks like it came from a bakery window. It’s surprisingly easy and absolutely brunch-worthy. Vegetarian. Recipe from Brooklyn Supper.
Caprese Pesto Tarts
Puff pastry + pesto + juicy tomatoes = magic. These little Caprese tarts are rich, golden, and always make me feel like I tried harder than I actually did. Vegetarian. Recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
Cheesy Summer Tomato Pie
This cheesy tomato pie is a buttery, melty, tomato-packed wonder — it’s Southern comfort in side dish form. Seriously good warm or cold. Vegetarian. Recipe from The Lemon Apron.
Grains & Legumes
Mexican Salad
Loaded with black beans, corn, avocado, and a limey dressing — this Mexican salad eats like a meal and tastes like a fiesta. I make this when I need a “wow” side that’s also easy. Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Mediterranean Rice Salad
This rice salad is zesty, colorful, and full of Mediterranean goodness. It’s great for BBQs, picnics, or lunchboxes when you want something tasty that doesn’t wilt. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Recipe from Hungry Healthy Happy.
Super Green Butter Beans
These butter beans are tossed with green goodness like herbs, lemon, and olive oil — simple, wholesome, and weirdly craveable. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Plant Baes.
Za’atar Butter Bean Salad
Soft butter beans, toasty za’atar, and sharp herbs make this salad bold, earthy, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s the side dish that always surprises people. Vegan. Recipe from Justine Snacks.
Lentil Salad
Packed with lentils, veggies, and a punchy dressing, this salad is hearty, tangy, and honestly… better than it should be for something this healthy. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Rainbow Plant Life.
Farro Salad With Sizzled Dressing
Nutty farro meets sizzled aromatics in this chewy, savory salad that’s as satisfying as it is flavor-packed. It’s the kind of side that can totally steal the spotlight. Vegetarian. Recipe from RecipeTin Eats.
Dips & Salsas
Tzatziki Dip
Cool, creamy and garlicky with a little tang — tzatziki is one of those dips that makes everything else taste better. I serve this with grilled meat, veggies, or just a spoon. Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Green Goddess Dip
Packed with fresh herbs, creamy yogurt, and a little lemon — this green goddess dip is light, herby, and totally scoopable. Great with veggies or crackers. Gluten-free and vegetarian. Recipe from It’s Not Complicated.
Best Ever Guacamole
Creamy, chunky, and full of lime and garlic — this guac lives up to the hype. I always make extra, and it still somehow vanishes. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Downshiftology.
Hummus
Smooth, lemony, and garlicky — this homemade hummus is way better than store-bought and shockingly easy. One batch never seems to be enough. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Love & Lemons.
Marinated Red Onions
These marinated red onions are sharp, tangy, and slightly sweet — the kind of thing that makes tacos, burgers, and salads pop. I keep a jar in the fridge all summer. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Sweet, spicy, and smoky — this pineapple salsa is so good on grilled chicken or fish, or just scooped with chips. It tastes like a beach party. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Salsa Tatemada
This roasted salsa is rich, smoky, and bold — made with charred tomatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s what your tortilla chips have been waiting for. Gluten-free, vegan.
Easy Mango Salsa
Sweet mango, zippy lime, and a little heat — this mango salsa is ridiculously good on grilled fish, tacos, or just by the spoon. It’s bright, juicy, and super easy. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Strawberry Salsa
This strawberry salsa is fruity, fresh, and just the right amount of weird (in a good way). It’s amazing with chips, grilled chicken, or even on tacos. Gluten-free, vegan. Recipe from One Lovely Life.
Avocado Salsa
Creamy, chunky, and bursting with citrus — this avocado salsa is like guacamole and salsa had a baby. It’s scoopable and 100% crowd-approved. Gluten-free, dairy-free. Recipe from Cooking Classy.
Peach Salsa
Juicy peaches, jalapeño, and lime — this salsa is sweet, spicy, and ridiculously fresh. Pairs perfectly with grilled meats or fish tacos. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Love & Lemons.
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By Irena Macri
About the author:Hi, I’m Irena Macri. I share delicious recipes that I have cooked and loved. I am a published cookbook author, have been food blogging for over 10 years and have a Diploma in Nutrition. You will find many healthy recipes as well as my favourite comfort food. More about me here | Subscribe to my newsletter and freebies