Warm weather and sunny days mean one thing: it’s time for delicious outdoor meals!
When you’re firing up the grill or packing a picnic basket, a GREAT side dish can really make the meal.
But coming up with new ideas beyond the same old potato salad can be tough, right?
You want something tasty, maybe a bit different, and PERFECT for those summer vibes.
That’s why we’ve pulled together 20 AWESOME summer side dish ideas to get you inspired.
So, if you’re planning a backyard BBQ or just want something yummy for dinner, get ready to discover some new go-to recipes.
1. Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Enjoy delicious, crispy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes cooked perfectly in just 20 minutes. This simple Hasselback potato recipe air fryer makes a wonderful side dish, fantastic with your favorite dips.
2. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Enjoy this creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, featuring tender pasta and crunchy veggies smothered in a sweet and tangy dressing. This delicious pasta salad is easy to make and perfect for any potluck or summer BBQ.
3. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus makes an easy yet elegant side dish that everyone will love. Each tender asparagus stalk is wrapped in savory bacon. A sweet brown sugar glaze finishes these bundles beautifully for a perfectly roasted treat.
4. Avocado Pasta Salad with Bacon
This Avocado Pasta Salad with Bacon is a truly unique pasta salad experience.
It’s packed with hearty flavors from a creamy avocado buttermilk dressing and savory bacon.
This healthy avocado side dish is perfect for BBQs, lunch boxes, or an easy summer lunch.
5. Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is a classic, satisfying dish featuring crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery in a smooth, creamy dressing. This easy-to-make Waldorf Salad recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a delightful addition to any meal or event.
6. Maple Dijon Apple Coleslaw
Maple Dijon Apple Coleslaw is a crisp and creamy apple cole slaw perfect for any occasion.
This healthy coleslaw recipe features a delicious Greek yogurt maple Dijon dressing.
It’s an easy gluten free side dish everyone will happily gobble up.
7. Mexican Salad Recipe
This Mexican Salad Recipe is a wonderfully easy and refreshing side dish. It features a bright lime dressing that makes it perfect for busy weeknights. This versatile salad is also a fantastic choice for picnics and potlucks.
8. Vegan Pasta Primavera
Enjoy a delicious Vegan Pasta Primavera, a light and fresh dish featuring pasta with vegetables. This easy primavera recipe combines bright lemon and garlic flavors, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfectly flavorful and customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies.
9. Sweetcorn Jollof Rice
Transform your regular meals with this delicious Sweetcorn Jollof Rice. It’s a simple recipe designed to bring great taste and fun to your plate.
10. Mediterranean Kale Salad
This Mediterranean Kale Salad is a truly fresh and vibrant dish.
It offers a simple, healthy way to enjoy delicious Mediterranean flavors any day.
11. Asian Slaw
Enjoy this vibrant Asian Slaw, a fresh and delicious blend tossed in a homemade sesame ginger dressing. This amazing Asian coleslaw offers a perfect crunch and pairs wonderfully with chicken, seafood, or beef.
12. Slow Cooker Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Slow Cooker Zucchini and Yellow Squash is a simple, hands-off side dish perfect for any meal. This delicious crockpot zucchini recipe features tender slices of squash with a rich, buttery flavor and just the right touch of seasoning.
13. High Protein Pasta Salad
This High Protein Pasta Salad is a delicious and filling way to enjoy your pasta while hitting your protein goals. Made with chickpea pasta and plenty of fresh vegetables, this healthy vegetable pasta salad is perfect for meal prep or a summer BBQ. It’s a satisfying high protein meal that will keep you full for hours.
14. Cheesy Zucchini Bake
This Cheesy Zucchini Bake is an easy and delicious way to use up fresh garden zucchini. It makes a comforting side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
15. Cheesy Asparagus Bake
The Cheesy Asparagus Bake is a delicious dish that even non-asparagus fans will adore. It features tender asparagus baked with a rich blend of gruyere, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. This incredibly simple recipe makes perfect cheesy asparagus every single time.
16. Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad is a Middle Eastern favorite, offering a delightful blend of fresh flavors.
Easily prepare this vibrant salad at home with crisp veggies, fried pita, and a delicious homemade fattoush dressing.
17. Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes are the perfect crispy side dish for any meal. These delicious potatoes are great for both brunch and dinner. You’ll love how easy they are to make in your air fryer.
18. Smashed Potato Salad with Tzatziki
Smashed Potato Salad with Tzatziki offers amazing flavors and textures in every bite. This simple dish features a wonderfully creamy and cool tzatziki dressing. It’s a fresh and delightful twist on your favorite potato salad.
19. Roasted Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
Roasted Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce offers a delightful twist on a classic vegetable. Savor tender oven roasted asparagus, perfectly complemented by a rich and easy hollandaise sauce. This simple dish is sure to impress.
20. Cauliflower Potato Salad (Keto Potato Salad)
Discover a fantastic low carb twist on a classic with this flavorful Cauliflower Potato Salad. This delicious keto potato salad offers all your favorite traditional tastes, but without the potatoes. It makes for an easy and perfect summer side dish.