26 Easy Summer Side Dishes (for your next BBQ)

summer side dishes

Summer cookouts and picnics are ALL about delicious food, right?

Your grilled chicken or burgers might be the star.

But what about those AMAZING side dishes that make the meal complete?

They’re the secret to a TRULY great summer spread!

Think bright, fresh flavors that are easy to whip up, from cool, crunchy salads to warm, tasty bites.

Whether you need something super quick or a little more special, there’s a PERFECT side here for everyone.

Get ready to find some new favorites, because here are 26 summer side dishes just for you!

1. Ranch Coleslaw

Ranch Coleslaw

This Ranch Coleslaw combines classic coleslaw with the irresistible tangy flavor of ranch dressing.

It’s a cool, crunchy side dish that is perfect for enjoying with all your favorite meals this summer.

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2. Chinese Tofu Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette

Chinese Tofu Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette

This Chinese Tofu Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette delivers fantastic texture and flavor.

You’ll love the satisfying crunch from two kinds of cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers, along with seasoned tofu, Mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds.

This delightful Asian tofu salad is a refreshing, vegan Chinese salad perfect for any regular meal rotation.

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3. Spicy Seasoned Black Beans

Spicy Seasoned Black Beans

Spicy Seasoned Black Beans are a quick and easy way to add a hearty, flavorful kick to any meal. These delicious seasoned black beans are perfect as a side dish or mixed into your favorite Tex-Mex meals. You’ll love how simple it is to transform canned black beans into something so satisfying.

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4. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are perfectly crispy and cook up quickly for a delicious snack.

Enjoy these flavorful air fryer french fries, a healthier way to prepare garlic parmesan seasoned potatoes at home.

This easy recipe delivers all the taste you love without the deep-fried guilt.

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5. Papas a la Huancaina

Papas a la Huancaina

Papas a la Huancaina is a delightful Peruvian potato dish.

It’s known for its creamy, flavorful cheese sauce that truly elevates simple potatoes.

You can easily make this popular Peruvian classic with everyday ingredients.

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6. Cucumber Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad with Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing

Cucumber Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad with Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing

Enjoy a refreshing Cucumber Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad, bursting with fresh flavors.

This healthy and vibrant dish is perfectly balanced with a delightful Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing.

It’s an ideal way to savor the taste of fresh produce.

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7. Skillet Charred Corn

Skillet Charred Corn

Skillet Charred Corn is a delicious and easy side dish ready in just 10 minutes. This stovetop charred corn gets a wonderful smokey flavor right in your cast iron skillet. Enjoy this blackened corn as a perfect BBQ side or a tasty taco topping.

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8. Cucumber Avocado Quinoa Salad With Creamy Lemon Dressing

Cucumber Avocado Quinoa Salad With Creamy Lemon Dressing

Savor the light and fresh Cucumber Avocado Quinoa Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing. This easy-to-make avocado quinoa salad is topped with a delicious creamy lemon dressing and crunchy walnuts, making it wonderfully filling and nourishing.

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9. Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers are a simple yet impressive appetizer for any gathering.

These beautiful tomato mozzarella skewers are bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.

They are perfect for a quick, delicious bite.

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10. Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe offers a flavorful homemade alternative to mixes. It captures authentic Mexican style rice taste, with a simple technique that adds incredible flavor in just one extra minute. You won’t need tomato bouillon to enjoy this truly simple Mexican rice.

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11. Asparagus Air Fryer Recipe

Asparagus Air Fryer Recipe

This Asparagus Air Fryer Recipe offers a healthier and easier way to enjoy garden-fresh asparagus.

It’s a fantastic veggie side dish, seasoned simply for amazing flavor and beautiful presentation.

You can even add a sprinkle of savory parmesan cheese for an extra special touch.

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12. Tomato Rice

Tomato Rice

Tomato Rice offers a delightful blend of rich tomato flavor with fluffy rice.

This comforting dish is perfect for a simple, satisfying meal.

It’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious taste of home.

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13. Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Mexican Cauliflower Rice offers a healthy, low-carb twist on traditional Mexican flavors. It’s packed with zesty spices, rich shredded cheese, and a bright hint of lemon. This delicious cauliflower rice makes the perfect side dish for any meal.

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14. Blackberry Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette

Blackberry Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette

This vibrant Blackberry Salad combines a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures.

It’s beautifully finished with a simple, delicious blackberry vinaigrette, making it an easy and impressive salad with blackberries.

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15. Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Fennel

Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Fennel

This Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Fennel is a delicious choice for a light and refreshing meal.

It’s a perfect spring salad that’s both hearty and flavorful, making this white bean salad a wonderful addition to any table.

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16. Panera Fuji Apple Salad

Panera Fuji Apple Salad

This copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad brings a crisp, crunchy taste right to your table.

It’s easy to prepare at home and packed with protein for a satisfying meal.

Enjoy this delicious apple salad tossed in a vinaigrette dressing.

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17. Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil makes perfectly seasoned corn incredibly easy to prepare.

The kernels simmer directly on the grill in a delightful pool of butter, becoming wonderfully toasty and tender.

This simple method is the best way to grill corn on the cob for a delicious side dish.

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18. Fried Green Tomato Recipe

Fried Green Tomato Recipe

This classic Fried Green Tomato Recipe brings a taste of Southern tradition right to your kitchen.

Enjoy juicy green tomatoes coated in crispy cornmeal, fried until golden brown and ready to serve with a zesty Lemon Aioli Dipping Sauce.

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19. Peruvian-Style Grilled Street Corn

Peruvian-Style Grilled Street Corn

This Peruvian-Style Grilled Street Corn offers a delicious twist on your usual grilled corn.

It features fresh and spicy Aji sauce and crumbly, salty cheese for authentic South American flavor.

Enjoy this simple and flavorful corn on the cob as part of your favorite summer meals.

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20. Tropical Fruit Salad

Tropical Fruit Salad

Brighten your day with this amazing Tropical Fruit Salad. It’s a colorful and delicious fruit salad featuring juicy fruits, perfectly tossed in a refreshing honey lime dressing.

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21. Southern Hush Puppies

Southern Hush Puppies

Southern Hush Puppies are the perfect fried complement to any meal. They turn out wonderfully light and fluffy, with just the right amount of spice.

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22. Caramelized Grilled Pineapple

Caramelized Grilled Pineapple

Get ready to enjoy Caramelized Grilled Pineapple, a truly delicious treat.

This grilled pineapple recipe offers the perfect sweet and smoky flavor that will delight everyone.

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23. Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad is an old-fashioned sweet treat that’s incredibly easy to make.

This no-bake favorite perfectly blends the salty crunch of pretzels with the fruity sweetness of strawberry jello.

It’s an irresistible dessert everyone will love, offering a unique and delightful combination.

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24. Refrigerator Pickles

Refrigerator Pickles

Refrigerator Pickles are incredibly easy to make.

These delicious pickles will be ready to enjoy in just four days, with no special equipment needed.

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25. Watermelon and Mint Salad

Watermelon and Mint Salad

Discover the refreshing Watermelon and Mint Salad, a unique take on your favorite summer treat. This vibrant watermelon feta salad features a perfect balance of sweet watermelon, savory feta, and fresh mint, brightened by a hint of citrus. It’s a truly delightful side for any occasion.

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26. Grilled Eggplant

Grilled Eggplant

Enjoy this delicious Grilled Eggplant, marinated in garlic and herbs. It’s grilled until tender and golden brown, making a healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and seafood.

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