These Summer Side Dish Recipes Make the Season Worth It (2024)

This Mexican classic is easily the most flavorful way to eat fresh corn and will be on your summer dinner menus all season long.

Get the recipe for Elotes (Mexican Street Corn).

This cherry studded salad is fresh and flavorful thanks to arugula, goat cheese, and toasted seeds for a little added crunch. It's a great summer side that dinner party guests will love!

Get the recipe for Cherry, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Seeds.

This classic Greek salad is best during the summer, when veggies are the freshest. Fresh tomatoes paired with cucumbers, salty Feta, and red onions make one delicious summer side.

Get the recipe for Greek Tomato and Feta Salad.

With all the flaky goodness of baked potatoes, all the crunchy deliciousness of fried, and a combo of spices that we sometimes dream about at night, it's a side dish that is sure to have guests and family alike asking for seconds.

Get the recipe for Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin.

There's nothing like a giant veggie-laden salad when fresh produce is in season. A little gem lettuce and endive make a good bed for a profusion of farmers' market finds, including snap peas, radishes, and Persian cucumbers.

Get the recipe for Big Green Cali Salad.

Looking for an easy summer side? This simple shaved squash salad is delicious and crunchy!

Get the recipe for Squash Ribbon Salad with Sunflower Seeds.

Can you even have a summer barbecue without baked beans? This classic summer side gets a boost of unexpected flavor.

Get the recipe for Root Beer Baked Beans.

This classic combo turns into the perfect pasta salad and makes one delicious summer side! Did we mention it's super easy to whip up?

Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.

Instead of boiling gnocchi like pasta, a quick turn in a hot skillet gives them a slight char and a delightful crunchy-chewy texture. Served with seasonal roasted squash, you've got a summer side dish the whole fam will clamor for.

Get the recipe for Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Parmesan-Roasted Summer Squash and Herbs.

Sliced thick and seared in a pan, broccoli makes a hearty and toothsome side dish or even main dish! Make extra of the tomato jam. It's very good.

Get the recipe for Broccoli Steaks with Spiced Tomato Jam.

Summer isn't summer without corn on the cob. We put together three toppings that make it even better.

Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze.

Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping.

Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.

Give your summer cornbread a seriously kicky upgrade!

Get the recipe for Jalapeño–Sour Cream Cornbread.

Is it even summer without mac 'n' cheese on paper plates? This version gets two genius additions: a topping of crunchy crackers, and a packet of ranch dressing for flavor.

Get the recipe for Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese.

Like the bass line in your favorite song, this satisfying side dish may not demand attention, but you'd absolutely notice if it was missing from the cookout.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Baked Beans.

This crunchy side dish gets a big burst of flavor from a bevy of toasted seeds. Serve it at your next BBQ or picnic.

Get the recipe for Toasted Seed Coleslaw.

Between the buttery lettuce, tart pickled onions and sweet stone fruit, this bright salad is the perfect balance of flavors.

Get the recipe for Bibb Salad.

You can serve this early summer veggie as a side dish, as an elegant appetizer, or just make one the centerpiece of a light meal, with a glass of cold rosé.

Get the recipe.

Whip up this goes-with-anything side in half an hour.

Get the recipe for Rice Pilaf.

Be careful: Once you try this creamy dressing, you'll want to start drizzling it over everything, salad or not.

Get the recipe for Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle.

Asparagus is a delicious early summer side, but the garnish of sweet-salty cured egg yolks turns it into an over-the-top dish.

Get the recipe for Salt-Cured Egg Yolks.