VegetarianVegetablesGluten-FreeQuick and EasyVeganLow CarbThanksgivingMake-aheadFavorite SummerPaleoHolidayComfort FoodRiceFavorite FallChristmas

Best Summer Side Dishes

  • Our best guacamole, served with chips

    10 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    The best guacamole keeps it simple: just ripe avocados, salt, a squeeze of lime, onions, chiles, cilantro, and some chopped tomato. Serve it as a dip at your next party or spoon it on top of tacos for an easy dinner upgrade.
  • Roasted Zucchini with garlic and black pepper on a serving platter

    25 min
    Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Easy roasted zucchini recipe! How to cook zucchini by cutting lengthwise, oven-roasting with olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and Herbes de Provence.
  • Mexican Street Corn topped with crema and cilantro on a plate

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    Mexican street corn is a staple of summer and it's easy to make at home! Top char-grilled corn on the cob with a tangy, creamy sauce, sprinkle with crumbled cheese and dive in. Make this for your next backyard cook-out!
  • Grilled corn on the cob served on an oval platter

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    No need to soak your corn on the cob, or give it any special treatment before grilling. The secret to the easiest grilled corn? Grill it as is, husks on. Read more on why this works.
  • How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad - bowl of caprese salad with pasta

    25 min
    Vegetarian
    Make the most of your next backyard barbecue with this simple, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious Caprese Pasta Salad. Fresh tomatoes and basil mixed with al dente pasta and creamy mozzarella—summer never tasted so good!
  • Best Coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a mayo dressing in a bowl

    10 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Vegetarian
    Here's a classic coleslaw recipe made with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and green onion. It's seasoned with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar dressing. This is what you want for picnics, backyard BBQs, and summer potlucks!
  • Best homemade hummus in a white bowl

    5 min
    Gluten-Free, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Love hummus? It's so easy to make your own! Homemade hummus only takes 5 minutes, and it's so much better than store-bought. All you need are a few cans of chickpeas, some tahini, olive oil, some seasonings, and a food processor.
  • Applesauce

    55 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Delicious homemade applesauce recipe! There is nothing better than homemade applesauce with hand-picked apples, and it is so easy to make!
  • Refried Beans Recipe in Bowl

    45 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    Here's how to make traditional Mexican refried beans, just like a restaurant's but even BETTER! Serve them as a side dish for any Mexican meal, turn them into a dip, or use them in burritos and quesadillas.
  • Chicken Salad with celery and bell pepper in a serving bowl

    30 min
    Low Carb
    This family favorite chicken salad is made with celery, bell pepper, green olives, apple, lettuce, and mayo—plus a secret ingredient that makes all the difference!
  • Best Deviled Egg Salad Recipe

    25 min
    Vegetarian
    Deviled eggs on their own are great, but turning them into a salad brings the flavors of paprika, hot sauce, onions, and salt and pepper together for a versatile, transportable, end-of-summer dish.
  • Blistered Shishito or Padron Peppers in a bowl

    9 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Blistered Shishito Peppers are a delicious quick and easy snack, side dish, or appetizer. Mild and sweet, they're like single bite mini-poppers!
  • Black Bean Salad

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    A fresh black bean salad, perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. Red bell peppers, jalapeños, avocado, black beans and corn combined to give this salad its kick and fresh flavors.
  • Chayote with Tomato and Green Chiles

    45 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    Julienned chayotes cooked with roasted tomatoes, onions, green chiles and cilantro.

  • 2 hrs, 10 min
    Gluten-Free
    Pressure Cooker Baked Beans! Tender beans, sweet molasses sauce, and lots of smoky bacon. This easy pressure cooker recipe is a perfect side dish with BBQ, meatloaf, or any other meaty main dishes.
  • Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe in a bowl for serving

    25 min
    Vegetarian
    When it's hot, cooking has to be at a bare minimum, right? This quick and easy macaroni salad with hard boiled egg, roasted red bell pepper, onion, mayonnaise, and paprika gives new life to your standard issue picnic macaroni salad!
  • Sautéed Zucchini with Dill in a cast iron skillet

    30 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    This sautéed zucchini with dill is such a simple and easy side dish for summer meals. Six ingredients, 15 minutes, and it's ready. Great on its own, or serve with grilled chicken or fish.
  • Asian Coleslaw dressing

    15 min
    Vegan
    Quick and delicious, this Asian coleslaw is great with burgers, fish, or any Asian-inspired dish. A creamy dressing with peanut butter and rice vinegar brings it all together.
  • Classic Potato Salad Recipe served on a round plate

    45 min
    Gluten-Free
    Going to a cookout? This classic potato salad is what you want! It's made with boiled potatoes, sour cream, mayo, green onions, celery, parsley, pickles and bacon. Serve room temperature or chilled.
  • Cucumber Yogurt Salad

    5 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Vegetarian
    Cucumber yogurt tzatziki, a simple salad of peeled, sliced cucumbers, yogurt, dill, and salt and pepper. To accompany spicy dishes.
  • Green beans, sauteed with bacon and served on a plate

    25 min
    Low Carb, Paleo
    Fresh green beans are a wonderful thing. Cook these by briefly blanching, then sauté in bacon fat. Toss with a little bacon, black pepper, and vinegar, and serve as a side with roast chicken or steak.
  • French Ratatouille in a bowl

    1 hr, 50 min
    Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan
    This luxuriously smooth and flavorful ratatouille recipe is well worth the effort. Vegetables are first browned, then roasted, then cooked in a tomato sauce. This ratatouille dish includes onion, garlic, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
  • Pasta Primavera

    30 min
    Vegan, Vegetarian
    Pasta primavera with sautéed fresh seasonal vegetables in a quick marinara sauce.
  • Panzanella Bread Salad in a glass serving bowl

    45 min
    Vegan, Vegetarian
    Got ripe summer tomatoes? Got day-old bread? Make this classic Tuscan Panzanella Salad recipe! This is a great make-ahead recipe for a summer potluck or backyard party, or make it for dinner and serve with grilled chicken.
  • Gluten Free Greek Pasta Salad

    30 min
    Vegetarian
    Imagine all the flavors of a Greek salad, but with pasta! We've got kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese, all tossed with pasta and a lemony dressing. This salad is easy to make ahead and pack up for your next picnic.

Recent Side Dish Recipes & Ideas

  • Overhead view of a cast iron skillet with vegetarian stuffed tomatoes with basil leaves scattered over top.

    35 min
    Gluten-Free, Healthy, Vegetarian
    Whether you’re looking for new ways to use the abundance of summer tomatoes or simply want a quick side dish, these vegetarian stuffed tomatoes filled with mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh herbs are simple and delicious.
  • Roasted Zucchini with garlic and black pepper on a serving platter

    25 min
    Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Easy roasted zucchini recipe! How to cook zucchini by cutting lengthwise, oven-roasting with olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and Herbes de Provence.
  • Sautéed Zucchini with Dill in a cast iron skillet

    30 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    This sautéed zucchini with dill is such a simple and easy side dish for summer meals. Six ingredients, 15 minutes, and it's ready. Great on its own, or serve with grilled chicken or fish.
  • Easy Cucumber Salad served in a bowl

    5 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegan
    Use up the bounty of summer with this refreshing and crispy salad with cucumbers, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh dill or basil.
  • Blistered Shishito or Padron Peppers in a bowl

    9 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Blistered Shishito Peppers are a delicious quick and easy snack, side dish, or appetizer. Mild and sweet, they're like single bite mini-poppers!
  • Panzanella Bread Salad in a glass serving bowl

    45 min
    Vegan, Vegetarian
    Got ripe summer tomatoes? Got day-old bread? Make this classic Tuscan Panzanella Salad recipe! This is a great make-ahead recipe for a summer potluck or backyard party, or make it for dinner and serve with grilled chicken.
  • Mexican Street Corn topped with crema and cilantro on a plate

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    Mexican street corn is a staple of summer and it's easy to make at home! Top char-grilled corn on the cob with a tangy, creamy sauce, sprinkle with crumbled cheese and dive in. Make this for your next backyard cook-out!
  • Grilled corn on the cob served on an oval platter

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    No need to soak your corn on the cob, or give it any special treatment before grilling. The secret to the easiest grilled corn? Grill it as is, husks on. Read more on why this works.
  • Best Coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a mayo dressing in a bowl

    10 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Vegetarian
    Here's a classic coleslaw recipe made with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and green onion. It's seasoned with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar dressing. This is what you want for picnics, backyard BBQs, and summer potlucks!
  • Overhead view of vegetable fried rice with turmeric with a fried egg on top and a fork in the bowl. A second bowl is to the left.

    30 min
    Healthy, Vegetarian
    This quick and easy dinner is Chinese fried rice with an Indian spin. Make it with ginger, cumin, and turmeric, toss in some kale and tomatoes, then top it with a fried egg and you have dinner served in 30 minutes.
  • Fattoush with summer vegetables and pita chips in a round bowl

    30 min
    Vegetarian
    Middle Eastern Fattoush is a fresh and zesty salad made with crispy pita chips, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It only takes 30 minutes to make and is perfect for hot summer days.
  • Classic Potato Salad Recipe served on a round plate

    45 min
    Gluten-Free
    Going to a cookout? This classic potato salad is what you want! It's made with boiled potatoes, sour cream, mayo, green onions, celery, parsley, pickles and bacon. Serve room temperature or chilled.
  • Skillet broccoli with crispy and browned edges on a plate for a side dish.

    15 min
    Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Low Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Got broccoli? This is the perfect veggie side dish for every occasion! Use it as a layer in veggie bowls or serve it with nearly any meat or seafood main.
  • Chicken Salad with celery and bell pepper in a serving bowl

    30 min
    Low Carb
    This family favorite chicken salad is made with celery, bell pepper, green olives, apple, lettuce, and mayo—plus a secret ingredient that makes all the difference!

  • 40 min
    The perfect recipe for your next weekend dinner! A spring risotto that's comforting and hearty yet fresh and vibrant, this one's sure to be in your family's rotation for years.
  • Side view of no-knead dutch oven bread on a cutting board. The crust is deep golden brown and a second loaf is behind the first.

    55 min
    No need to knead! Only five minutes of hands-on time will yield a delicious, crusty, bakery-style loaf of bread. A long, slow rise builds flavor and texture so all you have to do is pop it in your Dutch oven, bake, and enjoy!
  • Warm German Potato Salad served in a bowl on a cloth mat with a fork

    55 min
    Gluten-Free
    This is a Classic German Potato Salad! Thick-sliced potatoes tossed with bacon, onions, herbs, and mustardy vinaigrette. Serve it hot, warm, or cool at your next backyard barbecue!
  • Three meals side by side. From left to right: Joe's Special (Eggs with Beef and Mushrooms, Pork Tenderloin and Apples and the last image is Sesame Noodle Salad.

    These quick and easy recipes are perfect for home cook veterans looking for a simple meal idea or kitchen newbies who are just learning their way around. We have recipes for breakfast through dessert and everything in between.
  • Cheesy, broccoli, bacon loaded baked potato on a white plate with a salad of spinach and tomato behind it on a white plate. The potato is sliced down each side and the top and bottom. Chopped bacon, broccoli, scallions and shredded cheddar cheese are on the potato. A spoonful of sour cream is in the middle of the potato. A fork is to the right of the plate.

    1 hr, 10 min
    Gluten-Free, Healthy
    These LOADED baked potatoes turn a standard side dish into a full-on entrée. Packed with steamed broccoli, bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and chives, they are a meal on their own! They are quick to toss together, have a variety of different flavors and ingredients, and are economical to make in bulk.
  • Coconut rice made with coconut, coconut water, and coconut oil in a round bowl

    1 hr
    Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Make this Indian-style coconut rice with three kinds of coconut: shredded coconut, coconut oil, and coconut water. Serve with your favorite curry.
  • large globe artichoke for steaming

    40 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Artichokes are so good for you and so delicious! Here's how to cook and eat them.
  • Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe in a bowl for serving

    25 min
    Vegetarian
    When it's hot, cooking has to be at a bare minimum, right? This quick and easy macaroni salad with hard boiled egg, roasted red bell pepper, onion, mayonnaise, and paprika gives new life to your standard issue picnic macaroni salad!
  • A white platter with an easy spring salad. Thinly sliced carrot, radish, fennel and asparagus are mixed together and mint leaves and chopped nuts are scattered around the top. The platter is on a light blue linen.

    15 min
    Healthy, Low Carb, Vegetarian
    If you’re looking for a light, healthy vegetable salad, look no further! This shaved salad is comprised of thinly sliced carrots, fennel, radish, and asparagus, all tossed together in a light citrus honey dressing. Finish it with a little Parmesan cheese and some walnuts. Swap out any of these vegetables for whatever you have on hand!
  • A horizontal image of a bowl of low carb cauliflower rice with sliced scallions and cilantro scattered on the top. A silver serving spoon is in the bowl and the bowl is set on a slate background.

    25 min
    Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Low Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Cauliflower rice with spinach and fresh herbs is a healthy, quick, and easy weeknight side or main meal. Add some extra heft to this recipe by topping it with a fried egg, adding some tofu, or using it as the foundation for a burrito bowl.
  • Horizontal overhead view of citrus salad on a white plate. Supremed orange and grapefruit, radicchio, croutons and feta cheese crumbles are visible.

    30 min
    Healthy, Vegetarian
    This bitter, peppery salad with its pop of bright, refreshing citrus will satisfy your craving for sunshine. Radicchio makes this colorful salad feel fresh, while quick homemade croutons and toasted walnuts settle your need for comfort food.

All Side Dish Recipes

Most viewed
Most pinned Most recent
  • Cranberry Sauce

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Classic, easy and delicious homemade Thanksgiving cranberry sauce! Here's how to make cranberry sauce from scratch. It's so EASY! Perfect with turkey.
  • Our best guacamole, served with chips

    10 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    The best guacamole keeps it simple: just ripe avocados, salt, a squeeze of lime, onions, chiles, cilantro, and some chopped tomato. Serve it as a dip at your next party or spoon it on top of tacos for an easy dinner upgrade.
  • A close up side view of a glass casserole dish with a wooden spoon scooping out the potato casserole.

    1 hr, 5 min
    Vegetarian
    Cheesy Potato Casserole without the canned cream of anything soup. This recipe relies on simple ingredients in your pantry to make a quick and easy cheese sauce. It sounds fancy, but don’t worry. It’s easy!
  • Roasted Zucchini with garlic and black pepper on a serving platter

    25 min
    Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Easy roasted zucchini recipe! How to cook zucchini by cutting lengthwise, oven-roasting with olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and Herbes de Provence.
  • Mexican Street Corn topped with crema and cilantro on a plate

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    Mexican street corn is a staple of summer and it's easy to make at home! Top char-grilled corn on the cob with a tangy, creamy sauce, sprinkle with crumbled cheese and dive in. Make this for your next backyard cook-out!
  • Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

    1 hr
    Sweet potato casserole topped with gooey marshmallows! Have you ever made this holiday classic? You should! Roast the potatoes first—it deepens their flavor and makes them easy to peel. Easy to make ahead, too!
  • Corned Beef Hash

    25 min
    Gluten-Free
    Have leftover corned beef from St. Patrick's Day? Make this Corned Beef Hash! Chop up your corned beef and potatoes, fry with onions, and serve as a side or for breakfast with eggs!
  • Grilled corn on the cob served on an oval platter

    20 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    No need to soak your corn on the cob, or give it any special treatment before grilling. The secret to the easiest grilled corn? Grill it as is, husks on. Read more on why this works.
  • How to Steam Broccoli

    15 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Delicious basic steamed broccoli recipe! How to steam broccoli so that it stays vibrant green. The easiest way to cook this wonderful vegetable.
  • Baked Potato Recipe -- 3 potatoes split open with butter

    50 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Baked potatoes! The best ones happen the old fashioned-way: in the oven. Here’s the scoop on making perfect baked potatoes. (Spoiler alert: no foil!)
  • Roasted Broccoli

    25 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Vegetarian
    Broccoli, tossed in olive oil, lemon juice and salt, roasted and served with parmesan cheese and lots of black pepper.
  • Cilantro Lime Rice

    30 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegan
    BEST cilantro lime rice, no kidding! Better than Chipotle's. Easy to make. Perfect with Mexican and Asian food, great in burritos.
  • How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad - bowl of caprese salad with pasta

    25 min
    Vegetarian
    Make the most of your next backyard barbecue with this simple, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious Caprese Pasta Salad. Fresh tomatoes and basil mixed with al dente pasta and creamy mozzarella—summer never tasted so good!
  • Cranberry Relish

    20 min
    Holiday and Thanksgiving Cranberry Relish recipe. Fresh cranberries ground up with apples and orange. Great with turkey sandwiches.
  • 3 bean salad recipe

    10 min
    Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Who doesn't love an easy three bean salad, perfect for summer picnics and potlucks?! This classic American picnic salad has cannellini beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, celery, red onion, parsley, and a sweet and sour dressing.
  • Sauteed Spinach Recipe

    10 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Easy sautéed spinach! The best way to cook delicious fresh spinach, with olive oil and garlic.
  • Kraft mac and cheese - a silver spoon is scooping homemade mac and cheese our of a white casserole dish
    Sponsored Content

    45 min
    Vegetarian
    This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is just what your carb-loving soul needs! Macaroni bathed in rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with a flavorful breadcrumb topping and baked to perfection. Yes, please!
  • large globe artichoke for steaming

    40 min
    Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Artichokes are so good for you and so delicious! Here's how to cook and eat them.

Page 1 of 22