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- By Irena Macri
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Whether or not it’s a picnic, BBQ, or dinner on the patio, these are one of the best summer season aspect dishes I hold coming again to. They’re recent, straightforward to prep, somewhat cheeky, and wildly scrumptious — simply how I like my sides.
Leap to: ℹ️ Overview | 🥗 Summer time Salads | 🌽 Grilled, Charred & Baked | 🫘 Grains & Legumes | 🫕 Dips & Salsas
I pulled collectively this roundup with one mission: to share essentially the most enjoyable, flavor-packed summer season aspect dishes that truly get eaten first. I’m speaking juicy salads, grilled veggies, dips you possibly can’t cease dipping into, and some tarts and bakes that make folks say, “Wait, you made this?” These are sides that aren’t shy — they carry one thing to the desk, fairly actually.
Summer time Salads
From tangy lentil and corn salads to buttery grilled eggplant, these dishes are supposed to shine subsequent to your grilled mains or stand solo as a lightweight meal (been there, achieved that — greater than as soon as). I selected recipes from my very own kitchen and some favorites from fellow bloggers I belief with my tastebuds. These sides are filled with texture, taste, and that little additional “yum” that makes summer season meals really feel particular with out being fussy. I hope you’re keen on them as a lot as I do!
Peach Caprese
Candy peaches, creamy mozzarella, and basil — this peach Caprese salad is summer season on a fork. It’s somewhat fancy, however not fussy, and actually, I might eat this day-after-day. Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Pasta Salad
A no-frills, all-thrills pasta salad that’s brilliant, herby, and ridiculously snackable. It’s the form of dish that appears easy however tastes prefer it got here from somebody who is aware of their approach round a lemon French dressing. Vegetarian. Recipe from Pinch Of Yum.
5-Minute Zucchini Salad
This uncooked zucchini salad comes collectively in minutes with lemon, olive oil, and herbs. It’s mild, recent, and oddly fancy for the way little effort it takes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb.
Watermelon Salad
Candy watermelon, creamy cheese, mint, and a little bit of zing — this watermelon salad is a complete summer season vibe. It’s juicy, brilliant, and all the time the primary to fade at events. Gluten-free and vegetarian. Recipe from Carlsbad Cravings.
Summer time Lentil Corn Salad
This lentil and corn salad is hearty however summery, with recent veggies, herbs, and a tangy dressing. It’s the form of salad that eats like a meal and seems like a picnic. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Toshi’s Desk.
Grilled, Charred & Baked
Grilled Greens
Easy grilled greens with olive oil, herbs, and garlic — that is a kind of dishes the place much less actually is extra. I throw this collectively anytime I’ve obtained a BBQ going, and it all the time will get eaten first. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan.
Grilled Broccolini
Charred broccolini with lemon, garlic, and a touch of spice — it’s smoky, crispy, and actually form of addictive. This one’s somewhat fancy and somewhat rustic, simply how I prefer it. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Feasting At House.
Japanese-Fashion Grilled Corn
Assume candy corn meets umami-rich miso butter and toasty sesame. This Japanese-style grilled corn is a taste bomb and fingers down my favourite approach to eat corn. Gluten-free. Recipe from So A lot Meals.
Grilled Peppers
These grilled peppers are buttery, blistered, and somewhat candy — I really like tossing them with balsamic and herbs proper off the grill. They appear fancy however take zero effort. Gluten-free and vegan. Recipe from How Candy Eats.
Baked Tostones
Crispy on the surface, comfortable on the within — these baked tostones are salty, starchy little bites of goodness. Nice with dips or simply straight off the tray. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Cookie + Kate.
Zucchini Tart
This flaky zucchini tart is buttery, herby, and appears prefer it got here from a bakery window. It’s surprisingly straightforward and completely brunch-worthy. Vegetarian. Recipe from Brooklyn Supper.
Caprese Pesto Tarts
Puff pastry + pesto + juicy tomatoes = magic. These little Caprese tarts are wealthy, golden, and all the time make me really feel like I attempted tougher than I truly did. Vegetarian. Recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
Tacky Summer time Tomato Pie
This tacky tomato pie is a buttery, melty, tomato-packed marvel — it’s Southern consolation in aspect dish kind. Critically good heat or chilly. Vegetarian. Recipe from The Lemon Apron.
Grains & Legumes
Mexican Salad
Loaded with black beans, corn, avocado, and a limey dressing — this Mexican salad eats like a meal and tastes like a fiesta. I make this after I want a “wow” aspect that’s additionally straightforward. Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Mediterranean Rice Salad
This rice salad is zesty, colourful, and filled with Mediterranean goodness. It’s nice for BBQs, picnics, or lunchboxes whenever you need one thing tasty that doesn’t wilt. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Recipe from Hungry Wholesome Comfortable.
Tremendous Inexperienced Butter Beans
These butter beans are tossed with inexperienced goodness like herbs, lemon, and olive oil — easy, healthful, and weirdly craveable. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Plant Baes.
Za’atar Butter Bean Salad
Tender butter beans, toasty za’atar, and sharp herbs make this salad daring, earthy, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s the aspect dish that all the time surprises folks. Vegan. Recipe from Justine Snacks.
Lentil Salad
Filled with lentils, veggies, and a punchy dressing, this salad is hearty, tangy, and actually… higher than it needs to be for one thing this wholesome. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Rainbow Plant Life.
Farro Salad With Sizzled Dressing
Nutty farro meets sizzled aromatics on this chewy, savory salad that’s as satisfying as it’s flavor-packed. It’s the form of aspect that may completely steal the highlight. Vegetarian. Recipe from RecipeTin Eats.
Dips & Salsas
Tzatziki Dip
Cool, creamy and garlicky with somewhat tang — tzatziki is a kind of dips that makes all the pieces else style higher. I serve this with grilled meat, veggies, or only a spoon. Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Inexperienced Goddess Dip
Filled with recent herbs, creamy yogurt, and somewhat lemon — this inexperienced goddess dip is mild, herby, and completely scoopable. Nice with veggies or crackers. Gluten-free and vegetarian. Recipe from It’s Not Difficult.
Greatest Ever Guacamole
Creamy, chunky, and filled with lime and garlic — this guac lives as much as the hype. I all the time make additional, and it nonetheless one way or the other vanishes. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Downshiftology.
Hummus
Clean, lemony, and garlicky — this selfmade hummus is approach higher than store-bought and shockingly straightforward. One batch by no means appears to be sufficient. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Love & Lemons.
Marinated Pink Onions
These marinated pink onions are sharp, tangy, and barely candy — the form of factor that makes tacos, burgers, and salads pop. I hold a jar within the fridge all summer season. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Candy, spicy, and smoky — this pineapple salsa is so good on grilled hen or fish, or simply scooped with chips. It tastes like a seashore occasion. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Salsa Tatemada
This roasted salsa is wealthy, smoky, and daring — made with charred tomatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s what your tortilla chips have been ready for. Gluten-free, vegan.
Straightforward Mango Salsa
Candy mango, zippy lime, and somewhat warmth — this mango salsa is ridiculously good on grilled fish, tacos, or simply by the spoon. It’s brilliant, juicy, and tremendous straightforward. Gluten-free and dairy-free.
Strawberry Salsa
This strawberry salsa is fruity, recent, and simply the correct amount of bizarre (in a great way). It’s wonderful with chips, grilled hen, and even on tacos. Gluten-free, vegan. Recipe from One Pretty Life.
Avocado Salsa
Creamy, chunky, and bursting with citrus — this avocado salsa is like guacamole and salsa had a child. It’s scoopable and 100% crowd-approved. Gluten-free, dairy-free. Recipe from Cooking Stylish.
Peach Salsa
Juicy peaches, jalapeño, and lime — this salsa is nice, spicy, and ridiculously recent. Pairs completely with grilled meats or fish tacos. Vegan and gluten-free. Recipe from Love & Lemons.
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By Irena Macri
Concerning the writer:Hello, I’m Irena Macri. I share scrumptious recipes that I’ve cooked and cherished. I’m a broadcast cookbook writer, have been meals running a blog for over 10 years and have a Diploma in Diet. You’ll discover many wholesome recipes in addition to my favorite consolation meals. Extra about me right here | Subscribe to my publication and freebies