79 Summer Side Dishes That Just Might Upstage the Rest of the Meal
Nothing against grilled chicken or seafood, but summer side dishes, if we’re being really honest, are the best recipes of the season. They have an advantage: all the sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, silky eggplants, and other great produce that’s easiest to find this time of year. But even great vegetables can get monotonous if you don’t shake things up. Below, you’ll find our very favorite summer side dishes, including grilled corn, cooling green rice, the best potato salads, bean salads, tomato salads, and ways to use up mountains of summer squash.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Simon Andrews1/79Grilled Sweet Corn With Basil Butter
We couldn't build a collection of summer side dishes without highlighting corn on the cob. This version is even fresher and more aromatic thanks to a smear of basil-thyme butter.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert2/79
Creamy Coleslaw
No matter what’s on the grill, you’re going to need a bite of something refreshing, crunchy, and creamy. We have a ton of slaw recipes on Epicurious, but this one is popular every single summer.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich3/79
Panzanella
This classic Italian dish could be a whole meal, but it’s also a delight alongside grilled meats or whole branzino.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch4/79
Esquites con Salsa de Totopos
Extra-crunchy salsa meets sweet summer corn. Serve with mixiotes de pollo or these brochetas de pescado.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton5/79
Easy Pasta Salad
The ultimate bring-along dish for any picnic or BBQ.
- Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo6/79
Black-Eyed Pea Salad With Hot Sauce Vinaigrette
Chef Carla Hall calls this summer side a sitting salad—meaning it can sit on the summer picnic table without wilting. The tender black-eyed peas do a great job of soaking up the honeyed hot sauce dressing.
- Photo by Deb Perelman7/79
Cucumber Salad With Garlicky Dill Yogurt
Cooling, crunchy, garlicky, and creamy. What more could you want in a summer side dish recipe?
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson8/79
3-Ingredient Grilled Watermelon, Feta, and Tomato Salad
We’re all about making the most of every ingredient during the summer. Here, grilling the watermelon adds a savory depth to the fruit.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Bill Clark9/79
Mississippi Corn Pudding
This savory corn pudding is creamy and cheesy, with fresh corn kernels, celery, and onions throughout. A topping of buttery cracker crumbles adds crunch.
- Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton10/79
Quinoa a la Mexicana
Crispy baked quinoa builds texture in this summer salad, tossed with a charred, herbaceous scallion dressing.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert11/79
Yellow Squash Casserole
Got a bumper crop of summer squash? This crowd-pleasing casserole is the best and highest use.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne12/79
Caponata
Pile this classic Sicilian combo on bread or serve with grilled meat or fish.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson13/79
Oregano-Marinated Tomato Salad
We’re always seeking summer sides that don’t require any time at the stove. Tomato salads to the rescue.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich14/79
German Potato Salad With Dill
Tangy apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs keep this potato salad bright.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich15/79
Succotash
This rendition of the classic dish has some bacon for savory punch and jalapeños for kick alongside the fresh corn, lima beans, and okra.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell16/79
Green Rice with Tomatoes, Eggs, and Almonds
You could make a whole meal of this herby rice (and we often do), but it’s also an excellent side dish, helping peak-season tomatoes shine. The eggs help make it more of a full lunch or dinner, but you can skip them if you’re serving this as a side dish.
- Photo by Maren Ellingboe King17/79
Cabbage Salad With Caraway Seeds
The caraway dressing on this crunchy salad is definitely a keeper.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne18/79
Our Favorite Mac and Cheese
Our favorite mac and cheese recipe has a bit of mustard powder to make the cheesy flavor pop.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova19/79
Caprese Salad
Back away from the balsamic vinegar and try this simple combination starring juicy summer tomatoes. Freshly ground pepper on top? Yes, please.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Laura Rege20/79
Grilled Ratatouille Pasta Salad
Grill eggplant and zucchini, then toss with hot pasta, fresh tomatoes, herbs, and mozzarella for the perfect summer pasta.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch21/79
Grilled Zucchini and Bulgur Salad With Feta and Preserved-Lemon Dressing
Charred zucchini pairs particularly well with sharp flavors; here it’s matched by the deep savory notes of preserved-lemon paste and the tang of creamy feta.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton22/79
Jerk Potato Salad
Jerk seasoning knows no limits. Sure, it’s wonderful on chicken. But wait till you try mixing the spicy rub into a creamy dressing for potato salad. (Also: don’t miss it mixed into compound butter for rubbing on ears of corn.)
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell23/79
Grilled Beet Salad With Burrata and Cherries
Not sure what to do with beets? Try them tossed in oil and vinegar and topped with burrata, cherries, and olives.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Heather Greene, Food Styling by Alison Attenborough24/79
Peaches and Tomatoes With Burrata and Hot Sauce
Peaches are so good right now, we want to eat them with every meal. Combine the stone fruit with a zippy dressing and a creamy cheese and serve with grilled wings or pork ribs.
- Photo by Laura Murray, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Simon Andrews25/79
Grilled Eggplant With Garlicky Tahini-Yogurt Sauce
We’re suckers for grilled eggplant, with its crispy skin and creamy interior. A drizzle of tahini-enriched yogurt sauce makes it even better.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Kendra Smoot26/79
Cucumber and Peach Salad with Herbs
You can use various heirloom cucumbers for this savory-sweet salad recipe; if you can find them, flaunt them.
- Photo by Beatriz Da Costa27/79
Sweet Pickle Potato Salad
The secret to superlative potato salad from chef Alexander Smalls is sweet pickle relish—not diced cucumbers, dill pickles, or cornichons.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell28/79
Massaged Kale With Tomatoes, Creamed Mozzarella, and Wild Rice
This greens-and-grains salad gets a luscious topper of mozzarella, tossed in a bowl with sour cream, lemon juice, and salt.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim29/79
Simple Boiled Corn on the Cob
Keep things streamlined so that nothing gets in the way of fresh corn’s sweet, summery flavor. (Check out this guide first if you’re not sure how to store your corn.)
- Photo by Brittany Conerly30/79
Honeychile Brown Butter Cornbread
As long as you preheat your skillet before making this cornbread, you’ll get a buttery, crispy-crusted delight.
- Photo by Chelsie Craig, Prop Styling by Emily Eisen, Food Styling by Molly Baz31/79
Marinated Summer Squash With Hazelnuts and Ricotta
If you’re already tired of zucchini bread, it’s time for some other summer squash recipes, like this excellent side dish. Salt yellow squash or zucchini and let it drain in a colander for several minutes before cooking. It’ll release excess liquid, concentrate the flavor, and season the veg throughout.
- Photo by Danny Culbert32/79
Caramelized Eggplant With Harissa Yogurt
When you make eggplant in the air fryer, not only do you get a wonderful texture, but you also have nowhere near the mess of making fried eggplant on the stove.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Aneta Florczyk, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou33/79
Charred Peppers With Lemon Ricotta and Cucumbers
We love the mix of cool and hot in this summer side: Smoky charred peppers play well with the cool cucumbers and lemony ricotta.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim34/79
Zucchini and White Bean Caesar
Romaine’s not the only thing that can be Caesared. This mostly no-cook summer zucchini dish is proof.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson35/79
Pasta Salad With Tomatoes and Corn
All your favorite summer produce gets an easy garlic-basil dressing here.
- Photo by Laura Murray, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Simon Andrews36/79
Grilled Potatoes With Red Miso Butter
The key to amazing grilled potatoes? Boil them a bit first, so they just need a quick char. The other key: miso butter.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Andy Baraghani37/79
Tomato Salad with Pine Nuts and Pomegranate Molasses
Soaking golden raisins in apple cider vinegar not only sweetens the vinegar but also transforms the raisins into plump, sweet-tart balloons that pair wonderfully with the pine nuts, tomatoes, and basil.
- Photo by Peden + Munk, Prop Styling by Rebecca Bartoshesky, Food Styling by Sue Li38/79
Grilled Corn Salad with Hot Honey-Lime Dressing
Corn salad is even better with honey, serrano, creamy avocado, lime, and cilantro.
- Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Sue Li39/79
Grilled Carrots With Avocado and Mint
If you’ve never grilled carrots before, you may find that they’re a revelation: earthy and sweet, tender and charred. Here they’re tossed with a lemony chile and ginger-infused dressing and topped with mint.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson40/79
Mediterranean Eggplant and Barley Salad
Spiced grains, roasted peak-season vegetables, and a lemony garlic dressing make this a standout side dish that’ll rapidly disappear from the picnic table.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson41/79
Grilled Corn on the Cob With Salt-and-Pepper Butter
Sometimes summer side dishes get fancy, but other times, they’re just perfect and easy, like this low-fuss recipe for spreadable salt-and-pepper butter which makes seasoning your grilled corn a one-step affair.
- Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Liberty Fennell42/79
Creamy, Crunchy Cilantro-Lime Slaw
Serve a big bowl of this slaw alongside mahi-mahi tacos or pulled pork.
- Photo by Aubrie Pick43/79
Green Mango, Cabbage, and Jicama Salad
This crisp salad from cookbook icon Andrea Nguyen makes the most of an unripe mango.
- Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson44/79
3-Ingredient Charred Green Beans With Ricotta and Lemon
Let crisp-tender grilled green beans relax on a bed of creamy ricotta. Be sure to serve this easy side with lots of grilled bread for smearing.
- Johnny Miller45/79
Cucumber Salad With Red Onion and Dill
If you’re a fan of dill pickles, you’ll adore this cooling salad. Serve with grilled brats or barbecued chicken.
- Christina Holmes46/79
Chickpea, Barley, and Feta Salad
This hearty salad gets tons of flavor from tangy feta, fresh dill, and green beans.
- Photo by Laura Murray, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Simon Andrews47/79
Cooler-Steamed Corn
Let grilled corn hang out in an empty cooler while you grill proteins and more delicate vegetables. The corn will finish cooking by steaming in the cooler and stay warm until the rest of dinner is ready.
- Photo by Jack Sorokin48/79
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are always a hit, but they’re truly great with a touch of smoke—and a drizzle of brown sugar butter.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova, Prop Styling by Gerri K. Williams49/79
Crunchy and Bright Greek Salad
Crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy: this classic salad has it all.
- Photo by Eva Kosmas Flores50/79
Grilled Carrots With Herby Coconut Yogurt and Spicy Beet Vinaigrette
Yes, you should put carrots on the grill. Their flavors deepen and the touch of char balances their sweetness.
- 51/79
Romano Beans With Mustard Vinaigrette and Walnuts
Romano beans, also known as Italian pole beans, are wide and flat and have a less delicate texture than green beans but share their mild and sweet flavor.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich52/79
Romesco Pasta Salad With Basil and Parmesan
The secret to this pasta salad? Dress it twice. The pasta absorbs the first round of sauce completely, while the second dose keeps it glossy and bold. Walnuts and breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton53/79
Ensalada de Sandía y Tomate (Watermelon Tomato Salad With Goat Cheese and Corn Nuts)
The salt and crunch of corn nuts accentuates the juicy sweetness of the fruit in this dish.
- Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich54/79
Three Green Bean and Bulgur Salad
Fava beans, green beans, and snow peas lend crunch to this herby bulgur salad.
- Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki55/79
Maui Kale Salad With Sweet Onion Dressing
Are you in a kale salad rut? You need this crunchy, peanutty variation in your life.
- Photo by Paul Petrowsky56/79
Classic BBQ Baked Beans
No cookout in the South is complete without baked beans. This is a simple recipe that combines sweet and smoky ingredients. Serve with ribs or pulled pork.
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich57/79
Broccoli Caesar
This take on Caesar salad is crunchy and refreshing. If you always cook your broccoli, this raw preparation is a nice change of pace.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich58/79
Charred Bean and Pea Salad
A short stint under the broiler softens green beans (or wax beans, or a mix) and imparts a light char while maintaining the snappy texture of the vegetables.
- Photograph by Joann Pai, food and prop sryling by Rebekah Peppler59/79
Fried Lemon and Radish Salad
This salad is worthy of summer’s most special dinner party.
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott60/79
Long-Roasted Eggplant with Garlic, Labne, and Tiny Chile Croutons
Celebrate eggplant season with a big platter of these slowly roasted halves, topped with spicy croutons and paired with tangy labneh.
- Photo by Alex Lau61/79
Charro Beans
Cooking the beans with all the dried spices leaves you with an intensely flavorful broth that’s just as delicious as the beans themselves. Make these ahead and keep the beans submerged in the broth in the refrigerator so they won’t dry out; plus, they’ll continue to soak up all that flavor.
- Jason Lowe62/79
Quinoa Tabbouleh
This is one of our most popular recipes every summer. It’s picnic-perfect—and tasty with grilled salmon or lamb.
- Photo by Yuki Sugiura63/79
Roasted Eggplant With Cilantro and Anchovy Salsa
This bright and hearty vegetable side combines eggplant, cherry tomatoes, mild chiles, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, cilantro, and lemon.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou64/79
Grilled Summer Squash and Red Onion with Feta
First you’ll grill the squash for this dish, and then you’ll marinate it with garlic, white wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Kendra Smoot65/79
Big Beans and Tomato Vinaigrette
We firmly believe that beans can be a summer food. Here’s one great application: Creamy butter beans are amazing with juicy tomatoes in a basil-laced red wine vinaigrette.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime66/79
Tahini-Smothered Charred Cabbage
If you’re not charring your cabbages on the grill, this summer is the time to start.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.67/79
Tomato Salad With Jalapeño Ranch
Bottled ranch has its time and place, but this punchy, herby homemade version will really wow your guests.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.68/79
Grilled Corn With Chaat Masala
Amp up your corn game with one tangy spice mix this summer.
- Photo by Johnny Miller69/79
Farro Salad With Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Red Onion, and Goat Cheese
You can think of this summer recipe as a formula to play around with. Start with farro plus any roasted veggies, then add a bright herb, a crunchy nut or seed, some creamy cheese, and a zingy dressing.
- Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop styling by Tim Ferro, Food styling by Taneka Morris70/79
Just-Keeps-Getting-Better Lentil Salad
This makes a great summer lunch—but it’s also the ideal make-ahead side to bring to a party.
- Photograph by Yudi Ela, food styling by Susie Theodorou, prop styling by Aneta Florczyk71/79
Corn, Plum, and Farro Salad with Nuoc Cham Dressing
Take your stone fruit into the savory zone with this grilled corn and plum salad recipe.
- Photo by Laura Murray, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Simon Andrews72/79
Grilled Mushroom Antipasto Salad
If you haven’t been grilling mushrooms this summer, have you even been grilling? This salad pairs crispy charred mushrooms with sweet Castelvetrano olives, brined Peppadew peppers, and shaved parm.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Aneta Florczyk, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou73/79
Tomato Salad with Warm Basil Dressing
Looking for a way to take your tomato salads from fine to great? This savory warm dressing, scented with shallot, garlic, anchovy, and fresh basil, is the move.
- Photo by James Pomerantz74/79
Grilled Corn with Hot Paprika Oil and Manchego Cheese (Maíz Rustido)
Smoky and spicy, creamy and bright, this is a really fun way to serve summer corn. All you need is a bit of smoked paprika and an ounce of Manchego cheese, plus a lime and three ears of shucked sweet corn.
- Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Frances Boswell75/79
Skillet-Charred Summer Beans With Miso Butter
You can also make these easy green beans on the grill if you’re already hosting outside.
- Photo by Juco76/79
Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Basil, mint, and lemon meet walnuts, corn, and fregola or Israeli couscous.
- Photo by Peden & Munk.77/79
Farro and Tomato Salad with Fish-Sauce Vinaigrette
This is a great way to highlight homegrown cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
- Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Andy Baraghani78/79
Marinated Beans with Celery and Ricotta Salata
This quick side dish starts with canned cannellini beans or black-eyed peas. You can keep it in the fridge for a couple of days, so it’s a nice low-key option for serving with summer meals.
- Photo by Dan Monick79/79
Farro With Pistachios, Mixed Herbs, and Golden Raisins
No list of the best summer side dishes could be complete without a few grain salads, like this sweet-and-savory farro number, made with loads of mint, cilantro, and parsley, plus ginger and lemon zest to add a refreshing zip.
Li Goldstein
Matthew Zuras
Maggie Hoffman
