It’s summertime, the grill is heating up, and we’re cooking delicious and simple summer side dishes. From grilled vegetables to salads, summer party platters, baked beans, and more.
We love summer cookouts. And while the BBQ heats up for tasty burgers and ribs… the summer side dishes make the meal… in my opinion!
We’ve gathered our favorite, delicious yet simple summer side dishes for your next cookout.
Inspiring Summer Side Dishes
More Summer Side Dishes and Recipes
Keep scrolling for the Summer Side Dishes– but you might also like these recipes.
- Summer Rustic Strawberry Galette
- Red, White, and Blue Summer Berry Yogurt Mousse
- All summer recipes are here >>
Summer Entertaining at Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn referral credit for purchases made at no cost to you.
From grills to outdoor dishes, picnic ware, baskets, and more. There’s never been a better time to enjoy food outdoors!
Simple Summer Side Dishes for Your Next Cookout
It's summertime, the grill is heating up, and we're cooking delicious and simple summer side dishes. From grilled vegetables to salads, party platters, baked beans, and more.
Grilled Zucchini Recipe
"Zucchini is one of our favorite vegetables to grill in the summer. Why? It's healthy, it's easy, and it cooks SO FAST. This recipe takes just 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish."
Best Grilled Summer Squash With Lemon-Scallion Dressing
Grilled veggies is the perfect summer BBQ side!
Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob
“Put your best plate forward by adding this fantastic corn-on-the-cob recipe to the mix.”
Potato Salad with Mustard Sauce and Watercress Recipe
"Peewee Dutch Yellow Potatoes are the perfect tiny potato for this recipe, but if you can’t find them, just use the smallest fingerling or Yukon Gold potatoes you can buy."
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans
A simple summer salad with fresh greens, like spinach, and fresh berries, like strawberries. Simple, healthy... and yum!
The Best Easy Italian Pasta Salad
"A stupidly easy Italian pasta salad with rotini, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, red onion, salami, olives, herbs, and a drench of quick homemade Italian dressing."
Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad
The fruit salad everyone loves in the summer. Cool, refreshing, easy... and delicious.
Easy Mexican Corn Salad
Simple summer ingredients, huge flavors. A go-to summer salad everyone loves.
Melon Caprese Skewers
"It’s the perfect combo of salty and sweet and I’ve been making these Melon Caprese Skewers on repeat."
Shredded-Carrot-and-Cabbage Coleslaw
Cayenne pepper adds an earthy kick to the honey mustard vinaigrette in this fresh side dish.
Street Corn Salad
“Mix up this colorful, easy side. It’s so good, you’ll have a smile with every spoonful.”
Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn
"This Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn was inspired by one of my favorite street food finds, Elote! Rather than slathering the corn with mayo this time around, I brushed it with basil vinaigrette and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. It’s a side dish that’s packed with flavor and you’re for sure going to be obsessed."
Classic Potato Salad for Delicious Summer Cookouts
Just like grandma used to make, this summer classic always has a place at the table.
Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans
Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe is the perfect side for summer BBQs or game time food. And cook in a fraction of the time. Smokey, sweet, and tender beans cooked with bacon and pure maple syrup.
Grilled Blue Cheese-and-Bacon Potato Salad
“What could make potato salad better? Blue cheese and bacon, that’s what.”
Simply Coleslaw: The Perfectly Easy Summer Side
A summer classic dish and a perfect accompaniment for fried fish, pulled pork, ribs, fried chicken — actually, anything!
Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
“This is no mere salad. It’s an explosion of colorful, delectable produce. Try it, and thank us later.”
Skillet Quick and Easy Baked Beans
A quick and easy skillet baked beans using canned beans. A crowd favorite, always!
Summer Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots
This family recipe always has a place at our summer table. It's easy and the kids always love it!
Simple Cucumber Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing
The flavors of summer in a simple and summer side.
Olive Oil Galette With Spicy Greens Recipe
"While butter is the usual choice for galette or pie dough, a combination of olive oil and yogurt gives this crust a flaky texture and a golden brown color when baked. If the dough is a little crumbly when rolling it out, don’t worry: Just patch it back up."
Quick Summer Squash and Bell Pepper Gratin
"You could also layer sliced tomatoes in between the onion mixture and the squash and bake a few minutes longer."
Tomato Basil Pie with Garlic Butter Crumb Crust
A delicious and easy pie to take to summer picnics and backyard BBQs.