Can you believe it’s almost Memorial Day? We’ve been home since mid-March and in some ways I feel like I got sucked in to “Groundhog Day,” but time has gone on and it’s now almost the end of May. The weather has changed to glorious, sunny days and summer is just around the corner. We are spending more time outside, and the grill is gearing up for it’s busiest season. While focusing on the main event is important, we can’t forget those easy summer side dishes!
With that in mind, I’m sharing with you 15 easy summer side dishes. You will find these dishes have one thing in common – they are colorful! I love that summer brings with it a rainbow of beautiful colors in the produce department! Fruits and vegetables never taste better than they do during the summer, and everything looks so delicious, you can’t help but indulge in the Earth’s bounty!
Grilled Corn Salad
I’ve been making this easy summer side salad for years! When the corn starts to get sweet is the best time to serve up this easy side!
Ambrosia Salad
My grandma made a version of this salad, which I remember from my childhood. It was about the best thing ever! Put marshmallows in a dish and call it a salad? That’s my kind of salad! We have since lost that recipe, but Audrey from Mama Knows Gluten Free has created a delicious stand in!
Seven Layer Dip
The last time my mother-in-law made this at a family gathering, It was gone in ten minutes. I’m not joking. We draw to this like moths to a flame, and you will too. You can make it in a large pan or dish up individual portions like Christy does so there’s less fighting over who gets how much! This is the perfect easy summer side dish for a game!
Black Bean Dip
One of our favorite Mexican restaurants has this bean dip. It’s absolutely addictive. In fact, it has often been dinner rather than a side. This recipe is very close, so thankfully I’ve not been without during quarantine. Hint: you may want to make a double batch so you can share!
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
Fries are the universal side dish. These baked garlic parmesan potato wedges are so easy to make, and are the perfect easy summer side dish to serve with a burger or a nice steak!
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn is another easy, but brilliant way to use that super sweet summer corn! It’s the perfect summer side dish for barbecue because you can eat it with your hands, and the flavor is out of this world!
Cranberry Blueberry Salad
Berries are at their peak of sweetness during the summer. This salad celebrates the fresh blueberries in both the salad and the blueberry balsamic dressing. The blueberries are complimented by deliciously sweet mandarin oranges and tart dried cranberries. Cucumber and sunflower seeds add a nice crunch. This one will make an appearance on our summer table for sure!
Roasted Zucchini, Squash and Tomatoes
In our garden the past few years we have grown the most delicious zucchini and tomatoes! I can’t think of a better way to enjoy our harvest!
Grilled Veggies with Copycat Zoe’s Dressing
A few summers ago, our friends invited us over for barbecue. (FYI in Texas this means smoking meats, not burgers on the grill.) They asked us to bring a side. We stopped at the store on the way and picked up the best looking rainbow of vegetables they had and came up with this side on the fly. It is hands-down one of the best ways to treat veggies!
Strawberry, Watermelon, Feta & Mint Cucumber Salad
Sweet, colorful, refreshing…this salad has it all! What a great side dish for a hot summer day!
Melon and Pineapple Fruit Salad
Looking for a tropical spin on a fruit salad? Look no further! Honeydew + cantaloupe + pineapple + watermelon = a tropical escape on your plate. Add the honey, lime juice and mint dressing, and you’ve got a winner!
Apple, Cranberry, and Almond Coleslaw
This take on a traditional barbecue side dish is refreshing and crisp with apples and almonds. The dressing combines mayo and Greek yogurt for a lighter feel. I might just have to have my husband smoke some ribs just so we can have this!
Fresh Savory Gluten Free Corn Cakes
Try as I might to stay away from too much corn, I just can’t resist a fresh corn cake! I found this recipe shortly after I started eating gluten-free and was not disappointed! They are so flavorful! The fresh, sweet corn is accented by the spice of chili powder and warmth of cumin. We’ll often serve these alongside grilled chicken.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Everyone in our house loves asparagus. Does your family fight over who gets how much? That’s a common occurrence in this house. Any time, in just about any form, we love it. Wrapping asparagus in bacon just takes it to the next level! It also gives portion control so there’s no fighting about who gets how much!
Grilled Zucchini Caprese
Just seeing the picture has my mouth watering! This side would work perfectly with anything from steak to shrimp. The brightness of the tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil play well together against the grilled zucchini. This would be a perfect dish to serve guests!
Happy Eating & Happy Summer!
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