20 Summer Side Dishes and Salads

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Looking for the best summer salads and side dishes to wow your guests? These 20 refreshing, flavorful recipes are made with fresh produce, bright herbs, and simple ingredients — the perfect way to celebrate warm weather and nourish your body.

For more summer recipes check out 30 fresh and light summer meals.

As a chef and nutrition consultant, I believe that summer is the perfect time to take full advantage of the season’s bounty. With in-season produce bursting with flavor and color, you can create easy sides and fresh salads that elevate any summer meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive summer BBQ. From crisp greens and juicy tomatoes to creamy dressing and zesty herbs, these healthy summer salad recipes offer a little something for every craving.

Whether you’re planning a backyard gathering, need a vegetarian salad to serve with grilled hot dogs, or just want to enjoy a delicious dish with a glass of wine on a hot summer day — you’re in the right place. Let’s dig into 20 flavorful salad and side dish recipes to brighten your table and satisfy your taste buds.

20 Summer Side Dishes and Salads

1. Authentic German Potato Salad

This warm potato salad skips the mayo and uses a tangy vinaigrette with crispy bacon, red onion, and fresh herbs. It’s a delicious side for grilled meats and makes a great time-saver thanks to its easy prep and bold flavor.

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2. No Mayo Coleslaw

A crunchy mix of green cabbage, fresh dill, and sweet onions tossed in a light lemon juice and olive oil dressing. It’s the perfect side dish when you’re looking for something refreshing, especially on hot days.

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3. Polish Sauerkraut Salad

This unique salad combines fermented sauerkraut with shredded carrots, briny olives, and green onions for a zippy, probiotic-packed side. It adds just the right amount of tang to balance any summer main dish.

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4. Summer Detox Salad

Packed with leafy greens, sunflower seeds, and fresh mint, this vibrant salad is ideal for a light and healthy reset. It’s loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and delicious flavor — a great complement to heavier BBQ fare.

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5. Sautéed Summer Squash

Sliced zucchini and yellow squash are quickly sautéed with garlic and fresh basil, then finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s one of those side salads that toes the line between veggie dish and warm salad — versatile, fast, and deeply flavorful.

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6. Authentic Jamaican Rice

This aromatic rice dish features coconut milk, kidney beans, and thyme for a rich, savory flavor. It’s the perfect side for grilled chicken or jerk shrimp — a total crowd pleaser with a tropical twist.

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7. Mexican Black Beans

Simmered with chili powder, garlic, and lime juice, these black beans are simple but bursting with bold taste. Serve them with sweet corn or tortilla chips for a delicious and protein-rich side option.

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8. Summer Fruit Salad

This refreshing salad is filled with fresh fruits like mandarin oranges, ripe peaches, watermelon, and berries, then topped with fresh mint. It’s a favorite summer salad for kids and adults alike — sweet, hydrating, and perfect for a hot summer day.

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9. Polish Tomato and Pickle Salad

A nostalgic and savory combo of juicy tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and fresh dill. It’s one of those tomato salad recipes that proves simple ingredients can be deeply satisfying.

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10. Cucumber and Radish Salad

This refreshing salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, spicy radishes, and a touch of sour cream for a creamy, cool finish. A quick and easy summer salad that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or veggie mains.

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11. Citrus Kale Salad

Chopped kale gets a makeover with lemon juice, fresh orange segments, and a light vinaigrette. Add feta cheese or fresh mozzarella for extra richness and turn it into a main course on its own.

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12. Grilled Nopales Salad

Grilled cactus paddles, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice come together in this vibrant Mexican-inspired dish. It’s a flavorful salad recipe that’s both unique and packed with fresh flavor.

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13. Grilled Peach Burrata Salad

Grilled ripe peaches, creamy burrata, and fresh basil make this a total showstopper. Serve it with arugula salad greens and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar — a savory fruit salad that screams summer elegance.

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14. Healthy Broccoli Salad

Crunchy broccoli, sunflower seeds, raisins, and a light creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt. It’s a fresh twist on a classic broccoli salad and a great way to sneak in more veggies at your summer BBQ.

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15. Quinoa Salad

This protein-packed salad features quinoa tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs in a lemon vinaigrette. It’s a vegetarian salad that doubles as a light main dish for warm weather days.

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16. Kohlrabi Salad

Kohlrabi adds a crisp texture and mild sweetness, especially when paired with lime juice and fresh dill. It’s one of those under-the-radar side salads that always gets people asking for the recipe.

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17. One Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

A colorful mix of bell peppers, sweet potatoes, green beans, and red onion roasted with olive oil and fresh herbs. This is an easy side that doubles as a main dish if you top it with feta cheese or serve it over greens.

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18. Roasted Cauliflower Hummus

Blended with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini, this hummus is a creamy, nutrient-dense dip with a smoky twist. Serve it with crunchy veggies or pita chips as a perfect snack or light side.

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19. Greek Lemon Potatoes

These roasted potatoes are infused with lemon juice, oregano, and a touch of olive oil, then baked until golden and crisp. They’re a classic side dish with Greek salad vibes and go well with almost any protein.

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20. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Made with fresh ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and just a touch of cream cheese for richness. These mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish year-round — but especially comforting on cooler summer nights.

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