As you take in the warmth of summer, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant array of salads and sides to enhance your outdoor gatherings and backyard barbecues. From crisp and refreshing salads to hearty and flavorful sides, these dishes add a burst of color and flavor to our summer tables, making every meal a memorable occasion. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back picnic in the park or a festive cookout in your backyard, these salads and sides are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Imagine lounging in the sunshine, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and the aroma of delicious food sizzling on the grill. With a variety of fresh salads and sides at your fingertips, you can effortlessly create a spread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. From fresh vegetables to zesty salads, there’s something to satisfy every craving and complement every dish on your summer menu.

These salads and sides are designed to be enjoyed al fresco, under the open sky, surrounded by the beauty of nature. So, whether you’re planning a casual outdoor dinner with friends or a festive backyard barbecue with family, let these salads and sides be the shining stars of your summer gatherings, bringing joy, flavor, and a touch of sunshine to every bite.

Apple Salad

Enjoy a refreshing twist on the classic salad with this crisp and crunchy apple salad, perfect for summer gatherings. It’s a vibrant blend of fresh apples, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing that will elevate any meal. With minimal prep time, this salad is a delicious and nutritious addition to your summer menu.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Add a burst of flavor to your summer meals with these roasted cabbage steaks, a simple yet delicious side dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch and savory taste, making it a perfect complement to any grilled dish or BBQ spread. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re a hassle-free addition to your summer menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

These crispy and golden air fryer potato wedges are the ultimate summer side dish, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes without sacrificing flavor or texture. With their perfectly seasoned exterior and fluffy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Quick to prepare and cook, they’re an easy and satisfying addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Red Skin Potato Salad

Bring a taste of summer to your table with this classic red skin potato salad, featuring tender potatoes tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing. Bursting with flavor and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect side dish for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite all season long.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

Fresh and flavorful, this zucchini bruschetta is a delicious twist on the classic Italian appetizer, perfect for summer entertaining. With its vibrant colors and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for serving as a starter, side, or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Dig into Southern comfort with this hearty and flavorful dish of fried cabbage with bacon, a classic side that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Packed with smoky bacon and tender cabbage, it’s a deliciously satisfying dish that pairs well with any main course. Quick and easy to make, it’s sure to become a staple on your summer menu.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Broccoli Slaw Salad

Refreshing and crunchy, this broccoli slaw salad is a deliciously vibrant side dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, and potlucks. Packed with crisp broccoli, carrots, and cabbage, tossed in a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to prepare. With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Crab Fried Rice

Treat yourself to a taste of the coast with this flavorful crab fried rice, a deliciously indulgent dish that’s perfect for summer dinners. Packed with tender crab meat, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices, it’s a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make. Whether served as a main course or side dish, it’s sure to transport your taste buds to seafood paradise.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Dig into a bowl of crunchy goodness with this broccoli salad with bacon, a deliciously satisfying side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs and picnics. Packed with crisp broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to prepare. With its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Treat your taste buds to the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy crock pot mac and cheese, a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Made with tender pasta and a rich cheese sauce, it’s a deliciously indulgent dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Indulge in the taste of summer with this flavorful shrimp macaroni salad, a refreshing and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for picnics and BBQs. Loaded with tender shrimp, pasta, and crisp vegetables, it’s tossed in a creamy dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick and easy to make, it’s sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Refreshing and vibrant, this green bean tomato salad is a deliciously light and healthy side dish that’s perfect for summer meals. Packed with crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it’s tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a burst of flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Aloo Gobi Masala

Transport your taste buds to India with this flavorful aloo gobi masala, a deliciously aromatic side dish that’s perfect for summer meals. Packed with potatoes, cauliflower, and a blend of spices, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to make. Whether served as a side or main course, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Salmon Salad

Dig into a bowl of fresh and flavorful salmon salad, a deliciously nutritious dish that’s perfect for summer lunches or light dinners. Packed with tender salmon, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether served on its own or as a sandwich filling, it’s sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Ratatouille

Savor the flavors of summer with this classic French dish, ratatouille, a hearty and satisfying side that’s perfect for showcasing seasonal produce. Packed with tender vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, it’s simmered in a savory sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick and easy to make, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille