When you’re making a simple summer weeknight dinner, there are a few things you want above all else: something seasonal, light, and quick that won’t heat the kitchen. These side dish recipes have it all.
Enjoy the best of summer’s produce with any of the sides below. They’ll pair with just about any main dish on the menu, from grilled meat, vegetables, and hunks of cheese to your favorite hearty sandwich.
Below are the easy summer side recipes you need, plus handy tips from Simply Recipes readers, contributors, and editors.
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Credit: Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas
Get Recipe: Creamed Corn
“By itself it is pure heaven, but you could vary it by adding some spicy jalapeños or chopped poblano peppers; other additions that come to mind are chopped basil, sliced cherry tomatoes, and cooked bacon crumbles.” —Sally Vargas, Simply Recipes Contributor
02 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Kelly Hamilton
Get Recipe: Classic Coleslaw
“I used my food processor to grate the onions, carrot and cabbage. Great coleslaw!” —Liz, Simply Recipes Reader
03 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Sara Tane
Get Recipe: Trader Joe’s Homemade Cowboy Caviar
“I noticed that cowboy caviar was gaining some traction on TikTok and was reminded of this nostalgic party app I loved when I was younger. This recipe is going to take your summer entertaining game to the next level.” —Sara Tane, Simply Recipes Contributor
04 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Napa Cabbage Picnic Salad
“This napa cabbage picnic salad has been a favorite of my friends and neighbors for years. It’s one of the most requested potluck salads I’ve ever made.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder
05 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: White Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad
“The secret sauce is the dressing, which includes garlic and rosemary-infused olive oil, and a paste made of garlic, lemon, parmesan, and anchovies. If you want a vegetarian option, omit the anchovies, or add a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce instead.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder
06 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Get Recipe: Stone Fruit, Tomato and Cucumber Salad
“This salad built on the expression, ‘What grows together goes together.’ If produce grows in the garden during the same season the chances are it’s going to work well together in the kitchen.” —Virginia Willis, Simply Recipes Contributor
07 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Get Recipe: Easy Cucumber Salad
“This salad is great to make and eat immediately, or you can assemble it ahead of time and chill it in the fridge.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder
08 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Summer Squash Salad
“This is a lovely way to prepare summer squash or zucchini—thinly sliced, marinated briefly with mint in olive oil and lemon juice, tossed with toasted pine nuts, and served with shaved parmesan.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder
09 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Asian Zucchini Noodle Salad
“This is a great salad. I made it exactly as directed. It was a big hit at a staff barbecue. Make-ahead tip: Prep all veggies, but don’t salt the zoodles until an hour before serving.” —Gwen, Simply Recipes Reader
10 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Lori Rice
Get Recipe: Dakos Salad
“A specialty of the Greek island of Crete, this fragrant salad made from fresh tomatoes and feta, topped with capers, red onions, oregano, and basil is a vibrant taste of summer.” —Yasmin Khan, Simply Recipes Contributor
11 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Caprese Corn Salad
“Really enjoyed this. Thinking of adding avocado and chicken or shrimp for an entrée salad. Delicious!” —Roberta, Simply Recipes Reader
12 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Caprese Salad With Tomatoes, Basil, and Mozzarella
“Since there are so few ingredients, it’s important that they are of the highest quality you can find. Use tomatoes grown and picked in season, fresh mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella if you can find it), and a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder
13 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Shaved Fennel Salad
“Easy and delicious, I added some thinly sliced radishes as well.” —Kate, Simply Recipes Reader
14 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
“Today was a stiflingly hot day, so I made this salad with the addition of tomato and cucumber. I’ve never been a huge watermelon fan because I find it too bland and sweet, but this combination cuts the sweetness with salty, sour, and even a hint of bitter flavors. Even my husband, who also doesn’t usually like watermelon, was raving over it.” —Anne, Simply Recipes Reader
15 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Panzanella Bread Salad
“Panzanella is best when it has been allowed to sit for a while (at least 30 minutes) before serving, which makes panzanella an excellent make-ahead salad for outdoor picnics and potlucks.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder
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