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25+ Summer Side Dishes That Upgrade Summer BBQs.

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Summer side dishes have a way of stealing the spotlight, even when there's a grill full of burgers and chicken nearby. Whether you're heading to a potluck, hosting a backyard BBQ, or planning an easy family dinner, these fresh and flavorful recipes are always welcome on the table.

Collage image of summer side dishes.
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The backstory.

When summer rolls around, I start planning side dishes before I even think about the main course. There's just something about a table full of fresh salads, colorful vegetables, and chilled pasta salads that feels like summer. These are the recipes I find myself making again and again for cookouts, family dinners, and casual weekends on the patio.

xoxo Kori

Must make summer BBQ side dishes.

These summer side dishes are the kind of recipes that fit right into everything from weeknight dinners to big backyard gatherings.

  • Perfect for warm-weather meals. Fresh ingredients and bright flavors make these ideal for summer entertaining.
  • Great for BBQs and cookouts. These summer side dishes for BBQ pair beautifully with burgers, chicken, ribs, seafood, and more.
  • Easy to make ahead. Many of these recipes can be prepared in advance, making hosting less stressful.
  • Plenty of healthy options. Fresh vegetables, lighter salads, and wholesome ingredients help balance out any summer menu.

Pasta salad side dishes.

Nothing says summer quite like a big bowl of pasta salad. These crowd-friendly favorites are easy to make ahead and always disappear quickly at gatherings.

Square feature top down image of keto italian salad served in a white bowl with a spoon
Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing
This zesty Italian pasta salad is loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and fresh basil tossed in bold Italian dressing. Make it with bowtie pasta for a classic version or swap in cauliflower for a lighter twist. It's fresh, flavorful, and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and easy make-ahead meals.
Check out this recipe.
A round glass bowl of pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, and colorful fresh vegetables.
Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad
This creamy tortellini pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Packed with colorful veggies and tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing, it's the perfect chilled side dish for or light main with added protein.
Check out this recipe.
Dill pickle pasta salad served in a clear bowl and garnished with fresh dill and pickles.
Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad
This pasta salad is delicious. It's creamy and tangy - with a hint of sweetness. Always a hit at every gathering. Bonus: make it low carb and keto too!
Check out this recipe.

Summer coleslaws.

Crunchy, creamy, and packed with fresh flavor, coleslaw is one of the easiest summer BBQ side dishes to throw together.

A square white bowl with Mexican coleslaw garnished with radish slices and fresh cilantro.
Mexican Cabbage Slaw
This is a delicious creamy style Mexican-inspired cabbage slaw everyone will love. It's fresh, it's bright - and you'll love the hint of spice from the jalapeno and radishes.
Check out this recipe.
Two salad forks ready to serve dill pickle keto coleslaw our of a clear bowl.
Dill Pickle Keto Cole Slaw
A delicious balance of crunchy and creamy with a surprising ingredient - dill pickles and bacon! So good! Easy to make and the perfect foolproof recipe for your next weeknight dinner, cookout, or BBQ. This is a healthy coleslaw dressing recipe and its low carb, sugar-free, and keto-approved. 
Check out this recipe.

Vegetable side dishes.

Fresh summer produce shines in these simple vegetable side dishes. They're easy enough for weeknights but special enough for cookouts and celebrations.

Square image of Herb Marinated Vegetables in a white bowl with spoon
Herb Marinated BBQ Vegetables (Vegetable Barbeque)
Herb Marinated BBQ Vegetables are a quick and easy recipe to make! Pair your bbq vegetables with a grilled meat and you have a full meal straight off the grill! This will soon be your new favorite way to cook vegetables.
Check out this recipe.
Asparagus served on a white plate with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley
Asparagus in Air Fryer
This air fryer asparagus recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Fresh asparagus is tossed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and finished with parmesan for a tangy, savory side dish that pairs with just about anything.
Check out this recipe.
Baked Zucchini Casserole (Keto and Low Carb)
Baked Zucchini Casserole
This baked zucchini casserole with cheese, carrots, zucchini, and a sour cream herb sauce - is so dang good! Easy to make and the perfect side dish for your next weeknight dinner or a holiday meal.
Check out this recipe.
green beans served in a whtie oval dish with a spoon and a blue and white napkin on the side.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Super simple and extra tasty green beans in an air fryer take only 8 minutes from start to finish and 3 ingredients!
Check out this recipe.
A round bowl of air fryer broccoli and cauliflower garnisehd with parmesan cheese and lemon peel.
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Deliciously simple perfectly roasted broccoli and cauliflower in your air fryer! Customize your seasoning any way you like it!
Check out this recipe.
Golden roasted cauliflower and mushrooms with onions and herbs in a white bowl with a spoon.
Roasted Cauliflower and Mushrooms
A cozy, crave-worthy veggie side! Cauliflower, mushrooms, and onions are tossed with herbs and olive oil, then roasted until golden and tender. Simple, healthy, and full of flavor.
Check out this recipe.
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon And Cheese (Low Carb and Keto)
Green Bean Casserole with Cheese And Bacon
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon And Cheese (Low Carb and Keto) is so delicious you won't believe it. With green beans, onions, garlic, melted cheese, and bacon blended together in a creamy sauce and crispy topping - this will be your new favorite side dish. Not just a holiday dish, make it year-round.
Check out this recipe.

Side dish salads.

Fresh, colorful, and packed with texture, these salads add brightness and variety to any summer spread.

Green goddess cabbage salad served in a clear bowl and two silver serving spoons.
Cabbage Green Goddess Salad
A vibrant, crunchy chopped cabbage salad tossed in creamy green goddess dressing with sweet bell peppers, crisp celery, and nutty crunch - fresh, colorful, and seriously satisfying while still staying healthy.
Check out this recipe.
Tossed black bean salad with butter beans and cilantro in a white bowl.
Cilantro Lime Black and Butter Bean Salad
This quick and refreshing bean salad with corn is full of bright lime flavor, earthy cumin, and fresh cilantro. It's the perfect make-ahead side for tacos, grilled meats, or a light lunch.
Check out this recipe.
Mediterranean pearl couscous salad served in a shallow round white bowl and a silver spoon.
Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad
A healthy Mediterranean pearl couscous salad with chickpeas, bell peppers, and artichokes tossed in a zesty vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe.
A white bowl piled high with broccoli salad with bacon, cheese, carrots, and nuts.
Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
You will love this broccoli cauliflower bacon salad with its perfect blend of creamy, crunchy texture, and sweet tangy flavor. Options are given to lighten it up or make it keto too!
Check out this recipe.
Cold Broccoli Salad with Bacon
This is destined to be your new favorite broccoli salad recipe - you'll love this version with its wonderful blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Check out this recipe.
Street corn salad served in a clear bowl.
Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
This corn salad is made SUPER EASY using frozen corn. Sweet corn, fresh veggies, and a wonderful creamy tangy dressing tossed with cheese - yes, please!
Check out this recipe.

Fruit side dishes for summer.

Sweet, juicy fruit adds a refreshing contrast to savory grilled foods. These easy recipes bring bright flavors and vibrant color to your summer table.

Serving a red white and blue fruit salad in a white oval bowl and two silver spoons.
Red White and Blue Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, crisp jicama, salty feta, mint, and basil tossed in a light honey lime dressing. This healthy summer fruit salad is bright, crunchy, refreshing, and perfect for BBQs, picnics, and patriotic holidays.
Check out this recipe.
A white bowl of fruit with almonds and serving utensils.
Summer Fruit Salad
A tasty fruit salad with only 10 ingredients. You'll love the honey citrus poppy seed dressing!
Check out this recipe.
A white plate of grilled watermelon caprese wedge drizzled with hot honey.
Grilled Caprese Watermelon Salad
Fresh grilled watermelon wedges paired with creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze make the ultimate summer appetizer or side dish!
Check out this recipe.

Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a neighborhood potluck, or a simple family dinner, these summer side dishes offer plenty of fresh and flavorful options. From creamy pasta salads and crisp coleslaws to vegetable dishes and vibrant salads, there's something here for every menu. Pick a few favorites, mix and match, and enjoy all the delicious flavors summer has to offer.

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