12 Summer Side Salads

summer side dishes

Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a grilled weeknight dinner, side salads are a must. Dishes like easy potato salads, tangy cucumber salad, and creamy macaroni salad are always popular. They’re easy to make and serve a crowd. Round out your menu with one of these 12 summer side salads.

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“This dish was handed down by my great-grandmother. I still make it for family and friends. At potlucks, I always get asked for the recipe. My family insists I make it for all holiday dinners, but much to their chagri,n I draw the line at Thanksgiving.” – Melanie
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“I make this ahead of time for camping. It is easy to dish up.” – Lonna
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“This is my fresh-tasting, flavorful, tortellini salad that is always a big hit at family gatherings!” – Lillian
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“I started making these for cookouts. By request, I now make them year-around. Some people prefer them crispy (short marinade period). After a couple of days, they’re more akin to pickles (great on burgers).” – Rhea
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“Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is an easy, elegant salad. Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze and olive oil.” – Debbie
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“This recipe has been passed down through 4 generations in our family via my mother’s side, with some slight changes made over the years, due to the grocery products now available. This salad is even better the next day, so it is delicious with the other leftovers from the holiday.” – Marilyn
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“I grew up marinating cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes every summer as a side dish. Always a great side to a summertime meal.” – Angie
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“This recipe was given to me by my niece. Not long after she was married she and her husband had the family come for lunch. They had fixed lots of good food, but this seemed to be the favorite of everyone. Now, our whole family makes it thanks to my sweet niece.” – Pamela
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“Elbow macaroni, celery, sweet relish, and hard-boiled egg make up my mom’s macaroni salad. Light and flavorful, you think you will eat just one scoop on your plate, but then you find yourself going back for seconds and thirds. Backyard barbecues would not be the same without pairing a macaroni salad with a grilled steak, hamburger, or hot dog.” – Darci
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“Whenever I make this pasta salad everyone always asks me to make it again. It is always a big hit that’s for sure. And you can alter it however you like with your favorite items.” – Belinda
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“Wonderful tasting and the best Southern-style potato salad you can eat.” – JoAnn
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“A light and fresh tabbouleh salad with quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, and loads of fresh parsley and mint in a bright lemon dressing.” – Kevin