25 Summer Side Dishes So Perfect, You’ll Plan a Party Just to Serve Them

Add excitement to your menu with these delicious summer side dishes. They include everything from dips and salads to casseroles.

Make side dishes from scratch and experiment with new recipes and seasonal ingredients.

Don’t worry—there are a lot of simple yet flavorful recipes to explore. Start with these easy dishes and have fun with the process.

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Nothing says summer like this corn salsa. It includes corn, red onions, fresh cilantro, and lemon juice.

Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and chill before serving to let the flavors meld.

Get The Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Baked Brie with Garlic

This indulgent side dish comes together in just 20 minutes.

It includes a Brie cheese wheel, fresh thyme, black truffle oil, and a few more simple ingredients. Place on a wooden cheese board with fresh grapes and nuts.

Get The Recipe: Baked Brie with Garlic

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This spinach artichoke dip is creamy, cheesy, and easy to make.

Main ingredients include frozen spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan cheese.

Get The Recipe: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Hot Girl Summer Salad

Vibrant salads make summer days more vibrant! Try this one, with hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, green bell peppers, sunflower kernels, and lemon juice.

The texture is crisp and varied, with each bite bursting with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Hot Girl Summer Salad

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Bacon Wrapped Smokies

These savory bites only require four simple ingredients: Smokies, bacon, light brown sugar, and stick butter.

Mix all the ingredients together, form into balls, and bake until golden brown. Pair with a spicy mustard dipping sauce for an added kick.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Prepare these sausage balls for your next summer gathering.

They are so easy to make, with just pork sausage, cream cheese, baking mix, and cheddar cheese. Serve with a light, fresh salad to balance the richness.

Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta

Here’s one of the most elegant ways to enjoy greens! This recipe is quick and straightforward, so you can easily make it for spontaneous gatherings.

Pair it with a crisp, dry rosé wine and a simple Caprese salad.

Get The Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta

Air Fryer Corn Ribs

This recipe offers a fun and flavorful twist on traditional corn on the cob.

These “ribs” are coated in a savory seasoning blend and air-fried to crispy perfection. Garnish them with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Pasta Chips

Enjoy these pasta chips this summer and beyond. They are made from cooked pasta, seasoned, and baked until golden and crispy.

These snacks are savory and satisfying, with a crunchy texture that makes them irresistible.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips

Summer Cold Green Bean Salad

In search of a refreshing and healthy side dish?

This green salad features green beans, white balsamic vinegar, black-eyed peas, summer squash, and lemons. Arrange on a bed of mixed greens for a stunning presentation.

Get The Recipe: Summer Cold Green Bean Salad

Vegan Baked Beans

These beans have a sweet and savory flavor—even your meat-lover friends will love them!

The main ingredients include yellow onions, tomato paste, mustard, white beans, and molasses. You can make this in an hour.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Baked Beans

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Veggie Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are perfect for casual summer gatherings and picnics.

Check out this version, requiring only a few simple ingredients like romaine hearts, red cabbage, basil leaves, and bean sprouts.

Get The Recipe: Veggie Spring Rolls

Bacon Succotash

This dish offers a delightful blend of summer flavors. The main ingredients include bacon, garlic, beans, corn, chicken broth, and grape tomatoes.

Cook the bacon until crispy, then sauté the veggies in the bacon fat until tender.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Succotash

Rosemary Grilled Zucchini Wedges

Summer zucchini recipes are healthy, easy, and fun to make!

These wedges are grilled to perfection with a hint of rosemary, creating a smoky and aromatic flavor.

Get The Recipe: Rosemary Grilled Zucchini Wedges

Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Here’s another great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer with minimal effort.

It includes yellow squash, olive oil, black pepper, and other seasonings. Pair it with a yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Moroccan Carrot Salad

This salad offers a wonderful mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, thanks to the combination of carrots, raisins, and a zesty lemon-cumin dressing.

It’s also crisp and crunchy. Serve it with grilled lamb or chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Get The Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Salad

Burrata Caprese

This dish includes burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic glaze, and olive oil.

Arrange it on individual plates with a sprig of fresh basil for each serving. You can also pair it with white wine for a sophisticated appetizer.

Get The Recipe: Burrata Caprese

Marinated Tomatoes with Basil

There are probably hundreds of tomato recipes you can explore this summer.

Here’s one of the easiest ones to try: slice the tomatoes, mix them with basil and garlic, and marinate in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Get The Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes with Basil

Zucchini Carpaccio

This delicious creation offers a delicate, slightly sweet taste with a tender-crisp texture.

Slice the zucchini thinly, arrange it on a platter, and drizzle it with lemon juice and olive oil before topping it with parmesan and pine nuts.

Get The Recipe: Zucchini Carpaccio

Southern Squash Casserole

Are you preparing for a weekend gathering? This casserole dish is for you.

It combines tender yellow squash with a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.

Get The Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole

Asparagus Tart with Puff Pastry

Asparagus has a light, fresh flavor that complements other summer ingredients.

Explore this recipe, featuring tender asparagus spears on a bed of vegan cheesy filling, all encased in a flaky puff pastry crust.

Get The Recipe: Asparagus Tart with Puff Pastry

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Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad

Looking for new ways to enjoy goat cheese? Try this recipe.

The earthy sweetness of beetroot pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. Serve it alongside a crusty baguette.

Get The Recipe: Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad

Dairy-Free Coleslaw

Keep it light and fresh with this dairy-free coleslaw. Key ingredients include honey, lime juice, coleslaw mix, and white vinegar.

Pair it with pulled pork sandwiches for a classic combo.

Get The Recipe: Dairy-Free Coleslaw

Green Goddess Hummus

Hummus is simple to make at home and can be customized with different ingredients.

This version is packed with cannellini beans, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and green onions. It’s herbaceous and slightly tangy, with a smooth texture.

Get The Recipe: Green Goddess Hummus

Green Beans and Carrots with Butter

This dish features tender green beans and carrots sautéed with butter and herbs.

It’s buttery and a bit sweet! Serve it alongside a quinoa salad for a nutritious spread.

Get The Recipe: Green Beans and Carrots with Butter

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These flavors are easy to work with and are sure to impress your guests. Remember, there’s much more to side dishes than just cheeses, tomatoes, and greens!

Add variety and depth to your menu to make your spread even more exciting and satisfying.