Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh and flavorful side dishes that complement any meal. These 23 summer sides are easy to make and bring a variety of tastes and textures to your table. From quick and simple to a bit more indulgent, there’s something here for everyone. You’ll find yourself returning to these recipes again and again throughout the season.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a quick and tasty side dish that takes only 25 minutes to make. The main ingredients are Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and honey, creating a sweet and tangy flavor. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of caramelization in their veggies. It’s a great addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a simple yet flavorful side that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. Made with cabbage, bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese, these steaks offer a smoky and savory taste. They are a great way to add some hearty vegetables to your summer spread. This dish is both filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Basic Polenta
Basic Polenta is a versatile side that takes only 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients are cornmeal, water, and a bit of butter, resulting in a creamy and comforting dish. It’s perfect for soaking up the flavors of your main course. This polenta can be served soft or allowed to set and then grilled.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta
Brioche Rolls
Brioche Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, taking about 3 hours to prepare. Made with flour, eggs, and butter, these rolls are rich and slightly sweet. They are perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soak up sauces. These rolls are sure to become a favorite at your summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a decadent side that takes 40 minutes to make. The main ingredients are potatoes, garlic, and brown butter, offering a rich and nutty flavor. This dish is perfect for those who love creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes. It’s a great way to elevate your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices are a sweet and savory side that takes 45 minutes to prepare. Made with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon, these slices are caramelized to perfection. They are a delicious addition to any summer meal. This dish is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Citrus Asparagus Couscous is a light and refreshing side that takes only 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are couscous, asparagus, and a citrus dressing, creating a zesty and fresh flavor. This dish is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light. It’s a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a sweet and savory side that takes about an hour to prepare. Made with bread, cranberries, and apples, this stuffing offers a delightful mix of flavors. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of fruit in their savory dishes. This stuffing is a great addition to any summer feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a classic side that takes 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients are potatoes, butter, and cream, resulting in a smooth and rich texture. This dish is perfect for those who love traditional mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Easy Oven Asparagus
Easy Oven Asparagus is a quick and healthy side that takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Made with fresh asparagus, olive oil, and a touch of seasoning, this dish is simple yet delicious. It’s perfect for those who want a fast and nutritious side. This asparagus is a great way to add some green to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are a flavorful side that takes 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients are Brussels sprouts, garam masala, and a bit of olive oil, creating a warm and spicy flavor. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their veggies. It’s a unique addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions is a savory side that takes 25 minutes to prepare. Made with green beans, garlic, and crispy fried onions, this dish offers a delightful crunch and flavor. It’s perfect for those who love garlicky greens. This side is sure to be a hit at your summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli is a delicious side that takes about 2 hours to make. The main ingredients are butternut squash, pasta dough, and a touch of sage, creating a sweet and savory flavor. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy homemade pasta. It’s a great way to impress your guests at any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey Garlic Carrots are a sweet and savory side that takes 30 minutes to prepare. Made with carrots, honey, and garlic, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness in their veggies. These carrots are a great addition to any summer plate.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a creamy and flavorful side that takes 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients are cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for those who want a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. This mash is sure to become a favorite at your summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables are a hearty side that takes 45 minutes to prepare. Made with a mix of root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, this dish offers a variety of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for those who enjoy roasted veggies. This side is a great way to add some color to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Screaming Skillet Green Beans are a spicy and flavorful side that takes 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are green beans, garlic, and a touch of chili flakes, creating a bold and exciting flavor. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their veggies. It’s a lively addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta is a savory side that takes 30 minutes to prepare. Made with Brussels sprouts, almonds, and feta cheese, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of crunch in their veggies. This side is sure to be a hit at your summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side that takes 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients are carrots, honey, and a touch of seasoning, creating a caramelized and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness in their veggies. These carrots are a great addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire Green Beans are a tangy and savory side that takes 20 minutes to prepare. Made with green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of garlic, this dish offers a unique and flavorful twist on a classic veggie. It’s perfect for those who want a quick and tasty side. These green beans are sure to add some zest to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto is a creamy and luxurious side that takes about 45 minutes to make. The main ingredients are shrimp, asparagus, and Arborio rice, creating a rich and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of seafood in their risotto. This risotto is a great way to impress your guests at any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce are a tasty and unique side that takes 30 minutes to prepare. Made with sweet potatoes, flour, and a mix of spices, these fritters are crispy and flavorful. The accompanying sauce adds a delightful kick. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of crunch and spice in their sides.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
The Perfect Rice Pilaf
The Perfect Rice Pilaf is a simple yet flavorful side that takes 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients are rice, broth, and a mix of vegetables, resulting in a fragrant and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for those who want a versatile and easy-to-make side. This rice pilaf is a great addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf