Summer side dish bonanza: 19 finger-licking recipes to try now

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Spice up your summer feasts with our collection of tantalizing side dish recipes! From zesty salads to grilled vegetable medleys, these flavor-packed creations are the perfect accompaniments to your outdoor gatherings. Get ready to ignite your taste buds and elevate your summer dining experience with these sizzling sides.

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread
Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo Credti: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate.
Sweet potato fritters. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce: Crispy pan-fried sweet potato fritters served with a delicious sweet and spicy dipping sauce. An easy-to-make appetizer or side dish with irresistible flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad on a grey plate next to fresh tomatoes on a grey background.
Tomato burrata salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Tomato Burrata Salad: Elevate your summer with this caprese-inspired salad. Vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a tangy balsamic reduction create a mouthwatering combination.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans.
Summer orzo salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Summer Orzo Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad combines orzo pasta, crunchy cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad in a white serving bowl on a wooden
Veggie couscous salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Veggie Couscous Salad: Bursting with garden-fresh herbs and vegetables, this couscous salad is a delightful addition to any summer meal. Light, refreshing, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Screaming skillet green beans. Photo Credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Screaming Skillet Green Beans: Green beans sautéed in a screaming hot skillet with garlic and white wine for a burst of flavor. A perfect summer side dish that adds a touch of excitement to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus asparagus couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Citrus Asparagus Couscous: A versatile side dish that complements any meal. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a BBQ, the citrus-infused asparagus and couscous create a delightful combination.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Loaded bruschetta salad on crostini on a white plate.
Loaded Bruschetta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe: An inspired twist on a classic appetizer. Crispy bread topped with tomatoes, bacon, avocado, mozzarella, and basil for a flavor-packed delight.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread
Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo Credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek Quinoa Salad: A refreshing summer side featuring fresh vegetables, cannellini beans, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a vegetarian dinner or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Worcestershire Green Beans

Overhead shot of worcestershire green beans in a white serving bowl next to a blue towel.
Worcestershire Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Worcestershire Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed to tender-crisp perfection in a flavorful Worcestershire and shallot sauce. A quick and impressive side dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad on a white square plate with a serving bowl in the background.
Zucchini noodle salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

Zucchini Noodle Salad: This salad features zucchini noodles, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing and colorful addition to your spring and summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon-Fried Corn in a black serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bacon Fried Corn: Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of bacon and corn with this easy-to-make side dish. Perfect for BBQs and adds a savory touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with fresh dill and feta on a pink plate with a white rim.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill: A delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Crunchy cucumbers, tender cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette create a crave-worthy beet salad.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Creamy Dill Potato Salad

A white ceramic bowl filled with chopped potatoes in a creamy sauce topped with green herbs.
Creamy Dill Potato Salad. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy Dill Potato Salad: Packed with flavor, this creamy potato salad is the perfect BBQ side dish, picnic fare, or potluck contribution.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Potato Salad

7 Layer Salad

Seven layer salad in a bowl.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

7 Layer Salad: Impress your guests with this visually appealing salad featuring layers of fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, tangy cheese, and vibrant veggies. A showstopper at summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shiraz Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shirazi Salad: Fresh, flavorful, and healthy, this no-mayo salad is made with just a few ingredients, adding a burst of flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Fried Pickles

Fried pickles with dip.
Fried Pickles. Photo credit: Feast And West

Fried Pickles: Crispy and delicious, homemade fried pickles are a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pickles

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Zucchini Boats: These flavorful and satisfying zucchini boats make fantastic appetizers for any occasion. Ready in under an hour, they are perfect for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Quick and Flavorful Coleslaw

Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.
Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Quick and Flavorful Coleslaw: Add a refreshing crunch to your summer meals with this quick and flavorful coleslaw. Bursting with vibrant colors and a tangy dressing, it complements BBQs and picnics perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Flavorful Coleslaw

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Marinated Tomatoes: Capture the essence of summer with marinated heirloom tomatoes. A bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and oregano transforms them into a beautiful and delicious salad or sandwich topping.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

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