19 Summer Side Dishes

summer side dishes

It’s finally summertime – which means it’s time for some of our favorites! Pasta salad, potato salad, fruit salad, chicken salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, baked beans and more, it might be the most wonderful time of the year! Truly a summer party isn’t complete without these delicious and easy side dishes. Scroll down to see some of our favorite go-tos.

Click Here for Recipe: Summer Corn Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Summer Corn Salad

“I came across this recipe for Summer Corn Salad a few weeks ago and knew I had to give it a try. It turned out phenomenal! SO much flavor and deliciousness. Among the corn are bell peppers, tomato, red onion and fresh cilantro. Yum!” - Holly
Click Here for Recipe: Lite Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Lite Tri-Color Pasta Salad

“Using tasty bottled dressing makes this pasta salad come together in a cinch. Diced red pepper and corn are slightly sweet and add a crunchy texture. It's a simple and colorful pasta salad. Enjoy alongside a sandwich, a burger or add your favorite protein for a light meal.” - The Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Fruit Salad with Sweet Lime Dressing

Click Here for Recipe: Fruit Salad with Sweet Lime Dressing

“A vibrant, fresh fruit salad is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the change from winter to spring. Make it special with a simple sweet lime dressing and fresh mint.” - Valerie
Click Here for Recipe: Spinach and Zucchini Vegetable Bake

Click Here for Recipe: Spinach and Zucchini Vegetable Bake

“This is a simple summertime side dish. A great recipe when zucchini is in abundance. You really taste the spinach. Combined with the Parmesan cheese, oh my this is a good recipe. It does make a small batch - perfect for a small family. If you've got a big crew, then double the recipe.” - The Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Root Beer Baked Beans

Click Here for Recipe: Root Beer Baked Beans

“This dish is super filling and you could even add cooked ground beef to this and make it a meal. My son loves it with sliced, cooked hot dogs. He and my husband are huge Beanie Weanie fans so hot dogs are always a must-make anytime we have baked beans. And the root beer flavor can’t really be tasted in these beans, but it adds a nice little sweetness and flavor in the background.” - Brandie
Click Here for Recipe: Uncle Wiley's Chicken Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Uncle Wiley's Chicken Salad

“I made this today and we ate it on butter lettuce instead of bread. THERE IS NONE LEFT!!! I gotta go get some more chicken and make another batch. Mannnnn I don't even LIKE chicken salad and I gobbled this right up.” - Gwen
Click Here for Recipe: Homestyle Creamy Cucumber Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Homestyle Creamy Cucumber Salad

“This particular salad is a great way to use cucumbers, which are both incredibly good and incredibly cheap in the summertime.” - Corey
Click Here for Recipe: Simple Ranch Potato Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Simple Ranch Potato Salad

“I made this for a potluck and everyone loved it. Very easy and a nice change from the same old potato salad. I think the mayo and bacon portions were perfect.” - The Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Baked Pimiento Cheese Tomatoes

Click Here for Recipe: Baked Pimiento Cheese Tomatoes

“These Baked Pimiento Cheese Tomatoes are a Southern twist on roasted tomatoes. Thick slices of meaty beefsteak tomatoes are topped with homemade pimiento cheese aka Southern pâté, that’s made with sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimientos, mayonnaise, fresh chives and seasoned to perfection.” - Melissa
Click Here for Recipe: Fire and Ice Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Fire and Ice Salad

“This is a staple at barbecues, family gatherings, and reunions. During our Southern Summers, we love the juicy and refreshing experience of eating this salad!” - Christy
Click Here for Recipe: Squash Fritters

Click Here for Recipe: Squash Fritters

If you’ve got some extra squash around, you should really try these delicious Squash Fritters. (Even if you don’t have any extra around, you can usually find it at the grocery store without any problem). These are light and crispy and incredibly easy to make.” - Stacey
Click Here for Recipe: Better Than Sex Fruit Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Better Than Sex Fruit Salad

“Wonderful fruit salad. Made it at our family reunion. Doubled the recipe...used 4 cans of the fruit cocktail. EVERYONE LOVED IT. Even had it for breakfast. Must make again.” - Kristie
Click Here for Recipe: Pineapple Baked Beans

Click Here for Recipe: Pineapple Baked Beans

“I made these for Memorial Day and everyone loved them. This will be the only way I do them from now on.” - Diane
Click Here for Recipe: Giant Zucchini-Corn Fritter

Click Here for Recipe: Giant Zucchini-Corn Fritter

“This was delicious! My family ate it all up! Will make it again and again. I didn't have a cast iron skillet, I used a casserole bowl. Turned out great!” - Krissy
Click Here for Recipe: Best Macaroni Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Best Macaroni Salad

“Absolutely AMAZING Macaroni Salad. I made this for our 4th of July BBQ and it was a complete hit! This recipe is definitely A KEEPER.” - Deb
Click Here for Recipe: Dog-Days Watermelon Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Dog-Days Watermelon Salad

“The sweet watermelon with the feta cheese make this is a great refreshing summer salad!” - The Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Florida Slaw

Click Here for Recipe: Florida Slaw

“Cool and refreshing, this is a great twist on a traditional coleslaw recipe. There's just enough sweetness and citrus in the mayo mixture to balance the cabbage and radicchio. The fresh lime juice and cilantro add tons of flavor. Great for a summer BBQ and this would go lovely with fajitas or tacos too. Very versatile!” - The Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

Click Here for Recipe: Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

“During the summer, I love to cooking vegetables on my grill and these balsamic grilled veggies are fabulous! I did marinate them overnight, and the veggies really absorbed all the goodness from the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce marinade. When grilled, the charring enhances the flavors even more. A great way to get the kids to eat their veggies!” - The Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Brandy's Okra Salad

Click Here for Recipe: Brandy's Okra Salad

“We can not have a family get-together without this salad. My children really don't care what is served as long as mom made a double batch for carry out... lol. Great warm or cold. Goes with anything, however my fav is beans and cornbread with a tall glass of Texas-tea.” - Brandy