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Summer Side Dishes

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The best summer side dishes are those you can share with family and friends- from pasta salad to roasted veggies and everything in between! Whether you are planning a backyard BBQ, pool party, or family get-together, these fabulous summer side dishes will help bring everyone together!

The Best Summer Side Dishes

Summer is the best time for friends, fun, and of course, food! All of these sides are great for feeding a crowd, and they will pair perfectly with any meaty main course from burgers to BBQ!

Stick with the summertime classics like egg and potato salad or branch out and try some unique sides! No matter what you choose, these recipes are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends this summer!

Best summer side dishes collage image featuring 4 great summertime recipes.
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1. Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn is flavorful and perfect to eat while on the go. This dish tops sweet corn on the cob with a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream with garlic powder, queso fresco, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)
This Mexican street corn (also called Elotes) is exactly what you need on a fantastic and warm summer day! Roasted corn (or grilled) with a creamy garlic chipotle sauce and then topped with queso fresco and smoked paprika for a ton of tangy flavors! Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes for an authentic and delicious meal!
Check out this recipe
Square image of elotes.

2. Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Baked beans with ground beef and bacon are a meat-packed masterpiece! These baked beans have ground beef, bacon, Worcestershire sauce, green pepper, and brown sugar which pairs perfectly with BBQ or anything off the grill!

Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
Baked beans with ground beef and bacon are a satisfying side dish for BBQ dinners and cookouts! Baked beans are made sweet with brown sugar. They are made even better with added smoky flavors from hickory-smoked bacon and liquid smoke!!
Check out this recipe
Super easy barbecue baked beans loaded with hearty, beefy flavors and smoky richness with just a touch of delicious sweetness!!

3. Southern Coleslaw

Southern coleslaw is the perfect summer side dish. It pairs well with many cuts of meat and is perfect on top of hotdogs, sausages, and sandwiches.

The coleslaw is made with cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, and onion powder. It's extra refreshing on hot summer days!

Southern Coleslaw
Southern coleslaw is a classic quick and easy side dish with crunchy veggies that are tossed with a flavorful, creamy dressing! It's the perfect addition to sandwiches, tacos, fried fish, and so much more. This Southern coleslaw isn’t just for the summertime—it’s great for anytime you want a quick, delicious side!
Check out this recipe
Square image of Southern coleslaw in a white bowl.

4. Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Mandarin orange Jello salad is quite the summertime treat that can be served as a side dish or dessert! This chilled sweet salad contains mandarin oranges, pineapple, gelatin, cool whip, and marshmallows.

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Mandarin orange jello salad is a sweet treat made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, jello gelatin, Cool Whip, and plenty of mini marshmallows! It has a creamy, mousse-like consistency and a flavor that is reminiscent of an orange Dreamsicle. If you're looking for an easy after-dinner dessert, this chilled mandarin orange jello salad is just what you need!
Check out this recipe
Square image of mandarin orange jello salad in a bowl with marshmallows.

5. Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Loaded baked potato salad is a great recipe to add to your list! This loaded baked potato salad features your favorite potato toppings like bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad
My loaded baked potato salad includes all of your favorite baked potato toppings mixed together, and it's so easy to make! This potato salad makes for a wonderful summer side dish to bring to potlucks and cookouts. However, you can serve it year-round, and you won't hear any complaints!
Check out this recipe
Wide closeup on the loaded baked potato salad with green onion garnish.

6. Zucchini Squash Casserole

Zucchini squash casserole is a great dish that is loaded with delicious veggies! This casserole is made with zucchini, yellow squash, butter, milk, Panko bread crumbs, garlic, and cheddar cheese!

Zucchini Squash Casserole
This easy-to-make zucchini squash casserole is a flavorful combination of tender, tasty summer squash and creamy, cheesy sauce! Top it all off with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs for an incredible veggie side dish everyone loves!
Check out this recipe
Overhead of the baked zucchini squash casserole in cast iron skillet.

7. Creamy Baked Corn

Creamy baked corn is perfect for summer barbecues with friends and family. This recipe blends whole kernel corn, cream style corn, flour, butter, half and half, maple syrup, chili powder, garlic, and cheese!

Creamy Baked Corn Recipe
Quick, easy and absolutely delicious creamy baked corn!
Check out this recipe

8. Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian cucumber salad recipe is so refreshing that you will want to make it for all your summer parties. This tangy treat is made with mini cucumbers, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, chili paste, and lime juice.

Asian Cucumber Salad
My easy Asian cucumber salad is full of fresh flavors from garlic, ginger, onion, and a sesame soy sauce vinaigrette! This cool, chilled salad is a refreshing side dish during the summer months and pairs perfectly with any of your favorite Asian-inspired recipes!
Check out this recipe
Best Asian cucumber salad tossed in tangy soy sauce, honey, and ginger dressing.

9. Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

If you want a side dish that is cheesy and full of flavor, try our southern baked Mac & Cheese! This recipe uses milk, heavy cream, eggs, and three different kinds of cheese!

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a wonderfully creamy and extra cheesy side dish that everyone will love! Made with a minimum of three kinds of cheese to make the best mac and cheese that is sure to be a family favorite! You'll be bringing it along to every potluck, cookout, and holiday!
Check out this recipe
My easy to make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the best creamy mac and cheese that your family is sure to love!!

10. Greek Pasta Salad

Greek pasta salad is packed with bold flavors that you and your dinner guests will love! This pasta salad uses farfalle pasta, kalamata olives, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and artichokes.

Greek Pasta Salad
Greek pasta salad is an easy side dish full of farfalle pasta, kalamata olives, red onion, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and Greek dressing! Oh, and we can't forget the salty, tangy feta cheese! The next time you need a quick and easy side dish, whip up some Greek pasta salad because the flavor combination is refreshing and perfect for summer!
Check out this recipe
Square image of a white bowl full of Greek pasta salad.

11. The Best Twice Baked Potatoes

If you want a new potato recipe, try this recipe for the best twice-baked potatoes! They are easy to eat on the go and are loaded with your favorite potato fixin's!

Twice Baked Potatoes
These twice baked potatoes are a family-favorite recipe that easily upgrades your standard baked potatoes! They make the ultimate loaded baked potatoes that are full of flavor from sour cream, ham, bacon, cheese, and more! They're easy to make and a great side dish to make in advance or have in the oven while you are busy with other cooking!
Check out this recipe
large square overhead of several twice baked potatoes on white background.

12. Jiffy Corn Casserole

Jiffy corn casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. This casserole is made with sweet corn,  creamed corn, jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and butter.

Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy corn casserole is a sweet and savory side dish with creamy corn mixed into every bite of your cornbread! Best of all, you only need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to put it together. Whether you call it corn casserole, corn pudding, or spoon bread, it's a side that goes with practically anything!
Check out this recipe
Closeup Jiffy corn casserole square served on plate.

13. Parmesan Roasted Artichokes

We all love Parmesan, right? If you agree, then you must try this recipe for Parmesan roasted artichokes! These delicious Parmesan artichokes are made with Lemon, butter, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, and feature a pesto dipping sauce!

Parmesan Roasted Artichokes With Pesto Dipping Sauce Recipe
My Parmesan roasted artichokes are super easy, super delicious, and have a pesto dipping sauce that is easy to love! They are crispy, flavorful, and covered with a delicious Parmesan breadcrumb topping! This is not the way Mom made them when we were growing up, but it may quickly become your new favorite artichoke dish!
Check out this recipe
Roasted artichokes on a metal tray.

14. Tuna Salad with Pasta

Tuna salad with pasta is great as a side dish or the main course! This tuna salad is made with bow tie pasta, tuna, peas, celery, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red onion, and dill weed!

Tuna Pasta Salad
My creamy tuna salad with pasta is a relatively healthy main course or side dish that is perfect for any occasion! Bow tie noodles, tuna, red onion, and Greek yogurt are all featured in this incredibly easy dish!
Check out this recipe
Best tuna salad with pasta served in white bowl on light background.

15. Cucumber Vinegar Salad

This chilled cucumber vinegar salad is perfect for warm days! This refreshing salad has crisp cucumbers and cherry tomatoes topped with fresh dill, sugar, salt, white wine vinegar, and olive oil.

Cucumber Vinegar Salad
This delightfully refreshing cucumber vinegar salad with dill makes a perfect light appetizer or side for any meal! This salad is nice and crisp with the perfect combination of tangy and sweet- it doesn't get any better!
Check out this recipe
Amazingly tasty cucumber vinegar salad with red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill.

16. Braised Red Cabbage

Braised red cabbage is a healthy and delicious dish that everyone can enjoy. This easy recipe is made with red cabbage, butter, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, yellow onion, and apples.

Instant Pot Braised Red Cabbage
This Instant Pot braised red cabbage is a German side dish that goes great with bratwursts or any of your favorite German main dishes! Red cabbage, onion, and apples are cooked with an amazing sauce right in an Instant Pot. It’s super easy to make, incredibly delicious, and ready on the table in less than 25 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a white bowl of braised red cabbage.

17. Smoked Brussel Sprouts

Smoked brussel sprouts are a great recipe for your summertime dinner parties and a good excuse to fire up the smoker! These brussel sprouts with bacon bits, olive oil, salt, and pepper are totally snackable!

Smoked Brussel Sprouts
Tender, flavorful Smoked Brussel Sprouts are the only way you'll ever want to cook up this little veggie that people love to hate! Perfectly cooked brussels sprouts are a delightful side dish that will have everyone asking for more!
Check out this recipe
Hearty smoked brussel sprouts tossed in batter with bacon and served on white platter.

18. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted cherry tomatoes are tangy and sweet! With a touch of olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, you can whip up these refreshingly tasty morsels!

Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
These roasted cherry tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a burst of flavor to any dish! They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, added to salads, pasta dishes, and sandwiches, or used as a topping for pizzas. Simply toss your tomatoes with some oil and thyme and pop them into the oven!
Check out this recipe
Square image of a white bowl filled with roasted cherry tomatoes.

19. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Cheesy bacon ranch potatoes are the perfect blend of potatoes, ranch seasoning, bacon, and of course cheese! Serve these to your friends and they will be begging for the recipe!

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
My cheesy bacon ranch potatoes are one of my favorite easy potato side dishes, and once you try them you’ll realize what you’ve been missing! Chunks of potato are baked until fork-tender then mixed with an irresistible combination of sour cream, cheese, and crispy bacon- it’s as delicious as it sounds!
Check out this recipe
Square image of cheesy bacon ranch potatoes in a 9x13 dish..

20. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

If you want a side that is tropical and unique, then you must try this Hawaiian macaroni salad! This macaroni salad blends pineapple in with the creamy mayo base to enhance the flavor and make you feel like you are in an island paradise!

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian macaroni salad is a delectable side dish that includes chilled pasta, mayonnaise, vinegar, and pineapple juice! This popular pasta salad is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory. Bring it to your next barbecue, potluck, or picnic and it's sure to be a new favorite!
Check out this recipe
Wide closeup image of the Hawaiian macaroni salad after being chilled.

21. Black Eyed Peas with Collard Greens

Black-eyed peas with collard greens and ham will fill your heart and stomach! This classic Southern side dish is great for any summer get-together!

Black Eyed Peas with Collard Greens and Ham
Simple black-eyed peas and collard greens and ham is an amazing Southern comfort dinner that is sure to please everyone! It’s rich, full of flavor, and so easy to make. You’ll want to whip up this dish all the time!
Check out this recipe
Black eyed peas with collard greens and ham ready to serve.

22. Parmesan Risotto

Parmesan risotto is a great way to get even the pickiest of eaters to sit down and enjoy a meal! It is creamy, rich, and filling and will improve any meal you serve it with!

Parmesan Risotto
This Parmesan risotto is super rich, creamy, and a fantastic base for making a variety of wonderful risotto dishes! It tastes sophisticated and gourmet, but is easy to make! In fact, it is the perfect side dish for any meal and will easily impress all of your guests!
Check out this recipe
Square image of a plate of Parmesan risotto.

23. Roasted Okra

Roasted okra will open your mind to new vegetables in the best way! You will love the blend of garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika!

Roasted Okra
Okra doesn't have to be fried to be delicious, try this roasted okra with simple seasoning and some garlic and you won't look back! This easy veggie side dish is packed full of flavor, and is much healthier than its fried counterpart!
Check out this recipe
The best roasted okra is easy to make and turns out tender when cut into bite size pieces like these.

24. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion! These deviled eggs are made with hard boiled eggs, creamy mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, and for added flavor top them with crispy bacon!

Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are a classic, time-honored recipe that is supremely easy to make and quite simply the best ever! Some things just don't need improving, and these yummy deviled eggs are one of those things! Of course, you can always change them up with stir-ins or add-ons, but these eggs will be just like the ones from your childhood!
Check out this recipe
These easy to make deviled eggs are just like Grandma made them and still the best ever recipe!

25. Lemon Asparagus Orzo

Lemon Asparagus orzo is a recipe that your guests will never forget! This lemon asparagus orzo is filling yet refreshing at the same time!

Lemon Asparagus Orzo
This delicious Lemon Asparagus Orzo combines tender pieces of lightly cooked asparagus with fine orzo pasta in a tangy lemon garlic sauce! Every bite is a refreshingly light flavor combination that pairs especially well with chicken or seafood dinners!
Check out this recipe
Large square photo being a closeup sideview of the dished lemon asparagus orzo pasta.

26. Egg Salad

If you want to make something that you can prepare ahead of time then this egg salad recipe is perfect! Simply blend boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, green onion, and bacon and serve it as-is or on bread as sandwiches!

Egg Salad
This egg salad is a classic recipe that features hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and even some crisp and crunchy bacon! It will quickly become one of your favorite, quick recipes for a simple lunch or picnic. Eat it by itself or use it for the best egg salad sandwich you've ever had!
Check out this recipe
The best egg salad is made with your staple ingredients of the classic egg salad: hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasoning! Make it your own with all the wonderful options for stir-ins!!

27. Sautéed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

Sautéed asparagus and cherry tomatoes are healthy and full of flavor! This easy veggie side dish pairs together asparagus, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, oil, and fresh herbs.

Sauteed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
The combination in this simple Sauteed Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes side dish is a match made in heaven! The delicious asparagus is complemented by the tangy cherry tomatoes to make a dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or special occasions!
Check out this recipe
large square image sauteed asparagus and cherry tomatoes in cast iron skillet.

28. Roasted Green Beans

Roasted green beans are a wonderful addition to your summer menu. This is one vegetable even the kids will enjoy!

Roasted Green Beans
Roasted green beans are an easy-to-make side dish that are super versatile and practically effortless to get on the table for family meals! Plus, they're equally wonderful alongside holiday main dishes!
Check out this recipe
Oven roasted green beans in serving bowl.

29. Air Fryer Potato Chips

Air fryer potato chips are such a simple side side dish to make from scratch. All you need is your air fryer, some thinly sliced potatoes, oil, and salt!

Air Fryer Potato Chips
These delightfully crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips are quite simply the best homemade potato chips that you will ever make! Now you can enjoy potato chips anytime you like, and they're not only healthier, but also way better than a freshly opened bag of chips from the store!
Check out this recipe
Piled air fryer potato chips in a picnic basket.

30. Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts

You will love these bacon wrapped Brussel sprouts, they are downright addicting! This recipe involves fresh Brussel sprouts wrapped in delicious bacon with paprika, honey, and butter!

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
These BBQ bacon wrapped brussel sprouts combine crispy bacon, sweet honey, and fresh brussel sprouts for a delicious side dish! You'll never want to go back to eating plain brussel sprouts again. In fact, these are so tasty that they will become a new go-to side for anytime you fire up the grill!
Check out this recipe
Best bbq bacon wrapped brussel sprouts served on white platter.

Summertime is the perfect time to gather all your friends and family for cookouts and barbecues! Let us know in the comments below which summer side dish recipes are you plan on making this year!

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Best summer side dishes collage image featuring 4 great summertime recipes.
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5 from 4 reviews

Best Summer Side Dishes: Southern Fried Corn (+More Great Recipes!)

The best summer side dishes are those you can share with family and friends- from pasta salad to roasted veggies and everything in between! Whether you are planning a backyard BBQ, pool party, or family get-together, these fabulous summer side dishes will help bring everyone together!
Author | Angela
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 286kcal
Prep 5 minutes
Cooking 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 4 tablespoon butter (½ stick or ¼ cup butter)
  • 2 strips bacon (cooked and chopped)
  • ½ cup yellow onion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups corn (8 ears of yellow corn or 4 cans whole corn, drained)
  • ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives (optional, chopped)
Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

  • In a medium to large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until just beginning to brown. Next, add the onion and cook until it's starting to brown as well, about 3 minutes. Stir frequently. Then, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    4 tablespoon butter, ½ cup yellow onion, 1 teaspoon garlic
  • Add the corn and salt & pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until the corn is tender (*see note). Remove from heat, stir in the chopped bacon, and garnish with fresh chives before serving if desired.
    2 strips bacon, 4 cups corn, ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh chives

Equipment You May Need

Cast Iron Pan
Wooden Spoon
Cutting Board

Notes

  • If using canned corn, cook until heated through as the corn is already tender. 

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal (14%) | Carbohydrates: 31g (10%) | Protein: 7g (14%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg (12%) | Sodium: 198mg (9%) | Potassium: 468mg (13%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 11g (12%) | Vitamin A: 642IU (13%) | Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) | Calcium: 12mg (1%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
best summer side dishes, Southern Fried Corn, vegetable side dish
Course Side Dish, vegetable side dish
Cuisine American

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