20 Scrumptious Side Dishes for Summer

Looking for new creative side dishes? These recipes offer a twist beyond the traditional potato salad and mac and cheese. They range from fresh salads to overtop the decent dishes.

Avocado Corn Salad

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Fresh yellow corn kernels, diced avocado chunks, red onion, bell pepper, and a simple homemade lime dressing make this a bright and tangy salad recipe. Get the Recipe: Avocado Corn Salad

Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Zucchini and yellow squash are paired with a marinade that comes together in a snap. Serve with fresh herbs, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a little crumble of feta. Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Blue Cheese Potato Salad

Gorgonzola blue cheese makes for a creamy dressing, add in crispy bacon and this becomes a red skin potato salad people will rave about. Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Potato Salad

Easy Orzo Salad

The orzo soaks up the flavors of the lemon dressing making each bite delectable. This versatile side is loaded with fresh asparagus and fresh herbs; tossed with roasted peppers and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and toasted almonds. Get the Recipe: Lemon Asparagus Orzo Salad

Old Fashioned Vinegar Coleslaw

A blend of freshly shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, and onion tossed in a tangy and flavorful, mayo-free dressing! Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta

Sweet, juicy strawberries, cool cucumber slices, tangy red onion, and zesty feta crumbles are all made even more flavorful with a hint of fresh mint. Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta

Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon

Sweet and smokey baked beans with molasses and bacon is your new favorite BBQ side dish. Not overly sweet with the perfect amount of tang. Get the Recipe: Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon

Quick Carrot Salad

French carrot salad is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 5 minutes. Crunchy grated carrots are combined with a sweet and tangy tarragon vinaigrette for a delicious side dish! Get the Recipe: Carrot Salad

Dill Pickle Coleslaw

A bowl of coleslaw with chopped pickles is being prepared; creamy dressing is being poured in while two wooden spoons rest in the bowl. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Made with a vinegar-forward pickle juice dressing and simple shredded veggies, it's the perfect no-fuss slaw for pulled pork. Get the Recipe: Pickle Slaw

Lentil Tabbouleh

This lentil tabbouleh recipe is a take on the classic Middle Eastern salad. Filled with fresh herbs, cooked lentils, and vegetables this salad will not disappoint. Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

Grilled Corn Ribs

Charred with a smokey, not spicy, dry rub. Dip these corn riblets in our sweet and spicy chili sauce for one incredible bite. Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Ribs

Rainbow Potato Salad

A bowl with chopped vegetables, herbs, and olives is ready for a burst of flavor as a hand pours mustard dressing over this vibrant Rainbow Potato Salad. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, colorful peppers, red onions, and cilantro. And it is filled with flavor! Get the Recipe: Rainbow Potato Salad

Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

Use fire-roasted corn to make this recipe for elote in a cup. It is going to become one of your favorite Mexcian recipes for summer. Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Burrata Caprese Salad

This burrata caprese recipe combines juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy cheese, and just a few key ingredients for the ultimate summer salad! Get the Recipe: Burrata Caprese Salad

Cherry Tomato Salad with Fried Garlic

Marinated with the usual suspects, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, but also topped with crispy garlic and fresh oregano.

Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad with Fried Garlic

Spicy Coleslaw

Mix of shredded carrots, green headed cabbage and purple cabbage in a salad bowl. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Spicy Coleslaw with Avocado is made with fresh, crunchy cabbage and carrots doused in a spicy, tangy, and creamy avocado dressing. Get the Recipe: Spicy Coleslaw

Green Bean Potato Salad

A white bowl contains halved baby potatoes, sliced shallots, capers, chopped herbs, and green beans with a wooden spatula on a white surface. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

This potato green bean salad with a zesty French dressing is a quick and flavorful side dish. Get the Recipe: Simple Potato Salad Recipe

Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad

A vibrant corn and zucchini salad sits invitingly on a wooden board, boasting cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. A lime wedge awaits in the foreground, hinting at a zesty finish, while a touch of salt lingers in the background. — Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

This grilled zucchini and corn salad is bursting with layers of flavor! Brushed with a smoky, spicy rub, it's grilled for a light char and then finished with a drizzle of fresh basil lime dressing. Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn and Zucchini

Mint Watermelon Fruit Salad

A simple method for extracting the flavors from the mint without adding the leaves directly to the salad. Along with crisp and juicy watermelon chunks, the blueberries provide a pleasant pop of flavor and a burst of bright color.

Get the Recipe: Mint Watermelon Salad

Spring Vegetable Pasta Salad

Loaded with extra veggies, this pasta salad is a refreshing change. Lightly dressed with an olive oil-based dressing.

Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad