25+ Best Summer Sides and Salads

With summer upon us and the world starting to look a little more like normal, I know you’re probably looking for the perfect side or salad recipe to add to your bbq or cookout! So, I’ve pulled together more than 25 of my most favorite recipes – any of which would be the perfect complement to your summer gathering!  Let’s get started…

Cornbread Salad

This simple but easy Cornbread Salad might seem a bit different than you standard cookout fare, but I promise these layers of deliciousness will disappear quickly! 

Classic Southern Potato Salad

This potato salad is called classic for a reason – it’s the famous old-school potato salad you remember from your childhood. 

Classic Macaroni Salad

Another summer cookout staple, this Classic Macaroni Salad has all the flavor you’d expect. Plus, I share all my tips for making this dish a real showstopper.  

Simple Cucumber and Onion Salad

I don’t remember many summers growing up where some of this Simple Cucumber and Onion Salad couldn’t be found in the ridge. It’s tart, tangy, and the perfect complement to nearly any menu. 

Asian-Inspired Ramen Slaw

This is one of Heather’s favorite summer sides. With fresh coleslaw mix, crunchy ramen, toasted almonds, and a sweet and tangy soy dressing, it’s pack a huge pop of flavor! 

Amazingly Easy Grilled Corn

This Amazingly Easy Grilled Corn is just that  – amazingly easy! You grill the corn right in the husks and then the silks just fall right off!

Pimiento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes

These Pimiento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes have a couple shortcuts that make this dish super easy, but it tastes like so much more! 

Creamy Cucumber Salad

This Creamy Cucumber Salad is another twist on the classic with sour cream based dressing with garlic and fresh dill. 

Bacon and Blue Broccoli Salad

This Bacon and Blue Broccoli Salad is a fun and different twist on broccoli salad that my family just loves! 

Easy Corn Salad

My mom has been making this version of corn salad for as long as I can remember. It’s the perfect side that’s crazy easy too.

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

If your family loves the flavors of ranch and bacon combined like mine does, they’re sure to love this Bacon Ranch Potato Salad! 

Sweet Corn Spoon Bread

Lot’s of folks only think of this Sweet Corn Spoon Bread as a Thanksgiving side, but it’s sweetness makes it the perfect side to BBQ, too! 

Easy Broccoli Salad

I’ll eat broccoli just about any way, but this might be my favorite. The sweet and tangy dressing is combined with all my favorite ingredients for a salad I just cant stop eating! 

Pasta Caesar Salad

It’s the great textures and amazing homemade caesar dressing that make this dish so special. One bite and you’ll see what all the fuss is about! 

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

This Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad is the third version of cucumber salad in this round up, but it might just be the best. Sometimes called Fire and Ice Salad, it’s a true family favorite. 

Bacon Pineapple Baked Beans

No summer cookout is complete without baked beans, so these Bacon Pineapple Baked Beans need to be on your menu! They’re smoky, tart, tangy, and oh so delicious! 

Dill Pickle Coleslaw

I’m a self-professed pickle freak so it’s no wonder I love this Dill Pickle Coleslaw so much. It’s packed with tons of great pickle flavor!

Cheesiest Mac and Cheese for a Crowd

With this Cheesiest Mac and Cheese for a Crowd, the name says it all. It’s super cheesy and is enough to feed a mess of folks. 

Pineapple Slaw

For something a little different, give this Pineapple Slaw a try-on for size. This tart and tangy pineapple flavor is perfect with the creamy dressing.

Ultimate Cheese Corn and Rice Casserole

This Ultimate Cheese Corn and Rice Casserole is the perfect cheesy complement to your menu when you want something besides mac and cheese! 

Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

For a pasta salad with a little more heft, this Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad includes tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts, parmesan cheese, pasta, and sautéed Polish sausage!

Aunt Mary’s Pepper Sauce Coleslaw

Making the dressing for this Aunt Mary’s Pepper Sauce Cole Slaw with tangy pepper sauce adds extra flavor to a dish that can sometimes be a little boring!

Tomato Cracker Salad

There’s a reason this Tomato Cracker Salad is one of my most popular recipe during the warm summer months! If you’ve got some garden fresh tomatoes and love the flavors of a classic tomato sandwich, you’ve got to try this one!

Garlic Soy Cucumber Salad

This Garlic Soy Cucumber Salad was inspired by one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes and adds a ton of flavor to your menu!

Taco Pasta Salad

Add a little Mexican flair to your spread with this Taco Pasta Salad! That creamy, savory taco-flavored dressing really puts this one over the top!

Classic Southern Deviled Eggs

No gathering in the South is complete without deviled eggs, right?! Well, these Classic Southern Deviled Eggs are my take on the old stand-by. 

Grilled Twice Baked Potato Stuffed Peppers

The name, Twice Baked Potato Stuffed Peppers, might be a mouthful, but they’re totally worth the extra syllables! These are such a fun and delicious twist on twice baked potatoes!