The Best Summer Side Dishes

The Best Summer Side Dishes guides Over 30 of my favorite summer side dishes all in one place — from hearty pasta and quinoa salads to fresh fruit-forward salads, classic potato and bean salads, and a whole lineup of appetizers and dips Summer side dishes The Best Summer Side Dishes Summer

Everyone always says the main dish is the star of the cookout — but let’s be honest, it’s the sides that have everyone going back for seconds. The potato salad that disappears before the burgers and hot dogs are even off the grill. The pasta salad someone asks you to bring every single year. The dip that’s completely gone by the time guests arrive.

I’ve put together over 30 of my favorite summer side dishes all in one place — from hearty pasta and quinoa salads to fresh fruit-forward salads, classic potato and bean salads, and a whole lineup of appetizers and dips to keep everyone happy while the grill does its thing. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard gathering or just need something easy to bring to a potluck, picnic or cookout, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you need a make-ahead dish you can prep the night before or something you can throw together in ten minutes, I’ve got you covered with plenty of inspiration. Jump to whichever section you need, or save the whole post for the next time someone asks you “what should I bring?”


Section 1 — Pasta & Quinoa Salads


Summer Side Dishes

Summer Pasta salads and quinoa salads are the ultimate make ahead side dishes because they get better as they sit. There’s one for everyone here from creamy, herby, mediterranean or zesty. They are always loaded with flavor and could evil become the main course if you ask me.


  • Tip: For your pasta salads always cook pasta 1- 2 minutes longer than the package directions so they stay tender in the fridge because pasta salad noodles firm up and lose moisture when chilled. Make sure to toss really well before setting them out. For the quinoa: Never add warm or hot quinoa directly to a salad, or it will wilt your greens and turn the dish soggy. Instead, spread the cooked quinoa out onto a large baking sheet and stick it in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes, or its also a good idea to make it the day before and just toss it the salad when ready.


Section 2 — Potato & Bean Salads


Summer Side Dishes

Classic cookout staples with a twist — from the traditional creamy potato salad to Mediterranean-inspired bean salads packed with protein. A note that these are all great for feeding a crowd and can be made a day ahead. They make great sides but easily make a great light lunch.

Section 3 — Fresh Salads


Summer Side Dishes

Light, vibrant, and bursting with seasonal produce — these are the salads that look as good as they taste. A note on using peak summer fruit and vegetables and fresh produce (Think seasonal berries, juicy tomatoes, peaches, fresh herbs and greens) for the best results. These come together quickly and don’t need to be made ahead — fresh is best.

Section 4 — Appetizers & Dips


Summer Side Dishes

The secret weapon of any great cookout — something to snack on while the grill heats up. They are the perfect segue to any meal and are even great with cocktails if you are dong cocktails and appies. Choose a couple to keep things easy and fresh for guests to graze on. They are great cause they can be made ahead and served cold with veggies, crackers, chips or crostini for the perfect bites.

These are such great sides and dips to give you some inspiration and take the stress out of what to bring to a potluck. Make sure to save the post and come back all summer. Which side dish are you making first? Let us know!!

Stay tuned for my Greek Side Dishes - they are worth their own post!