Here are 18 of our favorite summer weeknight side dishes — easy, seasonal, and perfect for pairing with a grilled main or for making ahead when weeknights get busy. These are the kinds of sides I turn to on warm evenings when I want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Summer side dishes are what make a meal feel complete.
Side dishes can be tricky to plan, though. In my family we always had an entree plus at least two sides each night, and I love recreating that balance: one main and a couple of complementary sides that bring seasonal flavor and bright texture to the plate.
My aim is simple: side dishes that taste special but are straightforward to prepare. Below you’ll find a mix of options — a few slightly more involved recipes you can throw on the grill while the main cooks, and several that you can prep ahead for truly easy weeknight dinners. Sometimes I’ll make a more elaborate side and keep the entree simple, like grilled BBQ chicken. Other times the main is the star and the side does lighter work.
I’d love to hear your favorite summer sides in the comments. And of course, grilled corn and a classic caprese are always reliable choices for summer!
18 of the Best Summer Side Dishes
Grilled Gorgonzola Potatoes
Cool Ranch Kale Salad
Zucchini Ribbon Skewers
Marinated Mediterranean Chickpeas
Watermelon Wedges with Blue Cheese
Grilled Broccoli Crunch Salad
Tomato & Avocado on Grilled Garlic Toast
Summer Squash & Basil Farro
Marinated Zucchini & Feta Salad with Toasted Pistachio Breadcrumbs
Buttermilk Herb Smashed Potato Salad
Grilled Vegetable & Halloumi Skewers
BLT Chopped Salad with Corn, Feta & Avocado
Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad
Asparagus Pasta Salad
Strawberry Caprese with Pistachio Pesto
Grilled Corn and Cheddar Quinoa
Caramelized Peach Caprese
Triple Berry Kale Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
These sides offer a range of textures and flavors — crisp salads, grilled vegetables, bright fruit-forward dishes, hearty grain salads, and creamy potato dishes — that work with everything from simply grilled proteins to more elaborate mains. Choose one or two to round out your plate and enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.
What are your go-to summer side dishes? Share your favorites and any quick tips for weeknight prep.