Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a beach day, or a picnic in the park, everyone loves a good potluck. But what should you bring? While there are plenty of options for main dishes and desserts, sometimes it’s the side dishes that steal the show.
Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and easy summer potluck side dish recipes to choose from, perfect for feeding a crowd — or your family.
From potato salad to refreshing fruit salads, there’s something on this list for everyone. And the best part? Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and transported easily, making them perfect for any outdoor gathering.
So, whether you’re hosting the party or you’re an invited guest, try some of these classic Summer Potluck Side Dish recipes from the top food bloggers on the web.
Looking for more recipes? Check out these posts for more food ideas for your Summer BBQ!
- Meatless Recipes for a Summer Cookout
- Seafood recipes for your Summer BBQ
- Beef Recipes for your Summer Cookout
- Pork Recipes for your Summer BBQ
- Chicken and Turkey Recipes for your Summer Cookout
- Delicious Desserts for any Summer Party
Find our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Los Angeles here!
150+ Delicious and Simple Side Dish Recipes for The Ultimate Summer BBQ
Side Dish Table of Contents (types of dishes):
- Amazing Potato Dishes for a Summer Picnic
- Mouthwatering Cold Side Dish Recipes for Hot Summer Days
- Tasty Hot or Cooked Sides for Your Summer Event
- Tempting Grilled or Smoked Sides for your Summer BBQ
- Fruit Side Dish Recipes for a Summer Potluck
- Cool Salads for Outdoor Summer Gatherings
Amazing Potato Dishes for a Summer Picnic
Best Potato Salad Ever {Classic American Potato Salad}
From What a Girl Eats
No barbeque or picnic would be complete without potato salad, and we think this one is ideal. You can use this recipe to feed a crowd or cut it back if you’re making it for your family’s weekday meal.
Damn Delicious Vegan Potato Salad
From HurryTheFoodUp
Are you looking for a Vegan dish you can serve at your next outdoor event or beach party? Check out this mouthwatering potato salad recipe.
Fried Potato Salad with Bacon & Homemade Aioli
From foodworthfeed
Have you ever heard of fried potato salad? We hadn’t either — until we ran across this recipe. But we think it looks delicious!
Herbes De Provence Roasted Potatoes – GF/DF, Vegan, Top 8 Free
From The Allergen Free Kitchen
Try making these roasted potatoes for your next party or outdoor gathering. They’re dairy and gluten-free, Vegan, and a great accompaniment to almost any main dish.
Smoked Baked Potatoes
From the Kitchen Bucket List
You can smoke potatoes in about the same time it takes to cook them in an oven. And if you’re turning on the smoker or grill, why turn on the oven too? Plus, you won’t be heating up your house even more with an oven during the hot summer months!
Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon
From XOXOBella
If you’ve never had smoked potato salad, now’s your chance to give it a try. This recipe is easy and you can tweak it to make it just the way you like it.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
From Ambitious Foodie
Garlic mashed potatoes are quick and simple to make in your instant pot. They’re also full of flavor and pair with nearly any main course.
Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
From Ambitious Foodie
With only a few minutes of prep, you can make these air fryer roasted baby potatoes for your next weeknight meal or barbeque. They’re easy, fast, and cleanup is a breeze!
Pan Fried Potatoes & Onions
From The Short Order Cook
If you need a quick side dish, these fried potatoes and onions are just the ticket. You can make them in about a half hour and serve them with your favorite meat or even for breakfast.
Olivier Salad
From Three Olives Branch
When you want something a little different, this Russian potato salad is a winner. It’s loaded with potatoes, eggs, and other yummy ingredients that make it the perfect summer side dish.
Hatch Green Chile Potato Salad
From Three Olives Branch
This tasty potato salad is full of Hatch green chile peppers for a unique flavor that pairs well with Mexican food, burgers, or whatever else you’re having for supper.
Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
From Tips N Recipes
Your air fryer is the best way to make tasty, crispy potatoes and carrots without using heavy oils. Simply sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings and add a main dish and your meal is complete.
Grilled Baby Potatoes
From A Virtual Vegan
When you’re grilling meat or other foods, why not make your potatoes on the grill too? You can make several at once which is just what you need if you’re feeding a large crowd.
Shichimi Togarashi Spiced Roasted Potatoes
From Earth to Veg
These roasted potatoes have a Japanese flair and work well with many other dishes. They’re also quick to make and a wonderful switch from plain roasted potatoes.
Healthy Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
From Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
If you like sweet potatoes, this side is sure to please you. You make these wedges in practically no time right on your grill which means you leave the mess mostly outside. Toss some burgers or steaks on the other side of your grill and you have everything you need for a great summer gathering.
Cajun Fries
From Encore and More
Another potato side dish you could try this summer is Cajun fries. They aren’t hard to make and you can make them as spicy or mild as you want.
Cheesy Aussie Potato Bake
From Cooking with Nana Ling
This dish is loaded with flaky layers of potatoes, onions, cheese, and creamy deliciousness! You can even make it ahead and reheat it the day of your event.
Baked Potatoes (Without Foil)
From Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen
While you’re cooking your main entree, let these potatoes cook in the oven and get crispy — there’s no need to wrap them in foil. They only take a couple of minutes to prepare so you can move on to make the main course or dessert!
Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes Recipe
From Veggie World Recipes
Do you know about the new way of cooking potatoes that everyone is raving about? They’re called smashed potatoes rather than mashed potatoes, and we think they look heavenly! Try serving some at your next party
Loaded Potato Salad
From Modern Honey
Who wouldn’t want yummy potatoes loaded with bacon, cheese, onions, and more? We think these potatoes look amazing and bet your family and friends will love them too.
Smoked Salmon Potato Salad Recipe
From A Tasty Kitchen
You’ll get a protein bonus with this side dish recipe. Packed with salmon, potatoes, eggs, and other fresh ingredients, it’s a great crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy salmon.
Potato Salad Without Mayo
From Aleka’s Get-Together
Are you searching for a potato salad recipe that doesn’t include mayo? This one is light and full of herbs and flavor.
Cajun Potato Salad
From A Grill for All Seasons
In about half an hour you can whip up this Cajun potato salad, which is perfect for your next picnic or potluck. Don’t forget to allow some time to chill it so the flavors blend together.
Easy Potato Salad with Peas and Mint
From It’s Not Complicated
For a fresh side that’s a bit different, give this minty potato salad a try. It’s loaded with potatoes, peas, and onions and tossed with a creamy dressing.
Mouthwatering Cold Side Dish Recipes for Hot Summer Days
Bruschetta (Italian Tomato and Basil Topped Toasts)
From Christina’s Cucina
Whether you want to eat it as an appetizer or as a side, bruschetta is a wonderful addition to any meal — inside or out! It’s colorful, yummy, and easy to make.
Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
From Kathryn’s Kitchen
There’s no need to turn on your oven and make your air conditioner work overtime during the hot summer months. Instead, whip up this dish and add it to your other barbeque fare to wow both your guests and your taste buds!
Summer Succotash Recipe
From Small Town Woman
While there is a little bit of stovetop cooking and grilling involved in the making of this recipe, and it can be served warm, it can also be served at room temperature and once again, you won’t need your oven. It’s full of good-for-you vegetables and it’s light on the dressing.
Tzatziki Dip (Greek Yoghurt, Garlic & Cucumber) TZATZIKI DIP
From The Spelt Kitchen
A cool, creamy dip for veggies or chips is a great side to serve for a picnic in the park or a backyard get-together. And this one is easy and fast to make.
Incredible 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
From Carrots and Cookies
This recipe takes only four ingredients and just a few minutes to throw together. Make just a little for a snack or make a lot to go along with the main attraction at your next tailgate party, potluck, or other gathering.
Mixed Pickles
From Two Cloves Kitchen
Pickles are a favorite for many on burgers, as a snack, or as one of several foods on a vegetable tray. But, as you may already know, you can pickle other foods besides just cucumbers. These refrigerator pickles include several different vegetables for a colorful and delicious display.
Southern Pimento Cheese
From Fea$t for a Fraction
You can serve this pimento cheese spread with veggies, crackers, chips, toast, or whatever else you can dream up. We think it will be flavorful no matter what you choose to eat it with.
Restaurant Style Vitamix Blender Salsa Recipe
From Sweet Tea & Thyme
Most people like salsa, and it can be served with so many different things, like scrambled eggs, Mexican food, vegetables… The list of foods you can eat it with is practically endless!
Green Goddess Hummus Recipe (gluten-free, nut-free, vegan)
From The Helpful GF
If you don’t eat hummus you’re missing out — at least when it comes to this recipe! It’s gluten-free and Vegan as well as being nut and soy free. At the same time, it’s full of foods that are healthy and full of flavor.
Fire-Roasted Corn Salsa Recipe (gluten-free | vegan)
From The Helpful GF
For a quick and easy salsa that uses only five ingredients, look no further than this recipe. It’ll ramp up whatever you serve it with yet it’s still gluten-free and Vegan.
Pickled Red Cabbage
From Free Your Fork
Although we already talked about a few other things that can be pickled, cabbage is another vegetable to add to the list. You can put it on burgers or sandwiches, in salads, or eat it as it is.
Greek Yoghurt Feta Dip with Red Onions and Green Chillies
From The Spelt Kitchen
This is another hot weather dip that’s great with many different foods. Pair it with your favorite veggies, breads, crackers, or chips at your next BBQ for the ultimate appetizer.
Black Bean Hummus with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
From Vibrantly G-Free
Black bean hummus with sun-dried tomatoes is an amazing dish that will have everyone begging for more no matter what you serve with it.
Baba Ganoush without Tahini
From Cooking Gorgeous
I’ll bet you didn’t know you can smoke eggplant and make it into an appetizing dip that’s not only keto-friendly, but gluten-free also, did you? It’s also dairy-free, nut-free, and a great dish many vegetarians would love.
Cowboy Salsa
From End of the Fork
Cowboy salsa is filled with chopped veggies and tossed with a light, flavorful dressing. It’s ideal for a backyard party as a salad, appetizer with tortilla chips, in wraps with deli meat, or whatever other delicious way you decide to serve it.
Homemade Healthy Ranch Dip
From Perfect Pear
Classic ranch dip is so easy to make it’s ridiculous. It only takes 2 ingredients but can be eaten with lots and lots of different foods from vegetables to crackers and chips to sandwiches and even on fried chicken, hot wings, or other meats. Whip up a batch to complete your next barbeque.
Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
From The Food Blog
Roasted chili corn salsa is easy to make and would be a smash at your next picnic or weeknight meal.
Gluten Free Tabouli (Tabbouleh)
From The Allergen Free Kitchen
If you or someone you know has allergies it’s sometimes hard to find recipes they can eat that everyone will enjoy. We think this one is a great choice and it’s not hard to make.
Baba Ghanoush
From FalasteeniFoodie
This Mediterranean appetizer is creamy and full of flavor but still good for you. And it’s another recipe that goes well with so many other foods.
Sweet and Spicy Salsa
From Perfect Pear
When you want something that’s as unique as it is delicious, check out this sweet and spicy salsa. Make it the day before and let the flavors blend while it chills in your fridge until it’s time to serve it.
Peach & Tomato Salsa
From Laura Live Well
You can bring beauty and yumminess to the table when you serve this salsa at your next summer event. It’s light, cool, and a healthy food choice that’s fast and simple to make.
Refreshing Pineapple Mango Salsa
From Ramona’s Cuisine
Do you love sweet, tangy pineapple? This salsa recipe includes pineapple, plus a few other fruits, onions, herbs, and a light dressing that makes it just right for a summer cookout.
Spicy Italian Marinated Mushrooms
From Mangia with Michele
This side is a great choice when you’re short on time and trying to prepare enough food to entertain guests. It only takes about 10 minutes to make and is bursting with Italian flavor and a touch of heat.
Fruit and Cheese Platter
From Smells Like Delish
When it’s really hot outside, fruit is a wonderful side to serve with whatever else you’re having. You can make just enough for a single meal for your family or a larger amount for a big group of people. It’s a festive choice for Independence Day, but you can also add other fruits and serve it all year long.
Tasty Hot or Cooked Sides for Your Summer Event
Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon
From Peal with Zeal
Baked beans are a classic side dish choice for summer parties and barbeques. We think this recipe looks amazing but also simple enough for most people to make easily. Plus, you can do some of the work ahead of time, which can be a great time saver for a large event.
Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
From Strength & Sunshine
If you love corn, this recipe is a great alternative to serving traditional corn on the cob. It’s also creamy, delicious, Vegan, and gluten-free as well as allergy-free.
Sourdough Honey Cornbread
From Sourdough Brandon
Cornbread goes well with so many different foods — like coleslaw, baked beans, and barbequed chicken to name just a few. This recipe provides lots of tips to help you make cornbread everyone will want more of.
Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)
From Sweet Tea + Thyme
When you want a side dish that’s warm and also good for you, this one is sure to be a winner. It’s also fast, easy to make, and versatile because you can add or take away vegetables depending on your preferences. And if there are too many veggies left after your meal, just freeze them!
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
From The Short Order Cook
Cheesy, creamy mac and cheese is a side dish almost everyone loves. You can eat it plain or add veggies, meat, or toppings like the bacon that’s been added to this recipe. No matter how you choose to make it, we’re sure it will be a hit for your summer gatherings every time.
Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn
From Three Olives Branch
Hatch green chile peppers liven up this creamed corn and give it an extra boost of flavor. Not only will it be a hit at your next gathering, it’s also simple to make.
Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)
From A Taste for Travel
There’s no need to serve the same old sides at your next backyard cookout. Instead, try something different, like this Mexican green rice.
Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk
From Fluxing Well
What if you’re craving cornbread but don’t have any buttermilk on hand to make it? The answer might be this recipe that allows you to skip the extra trip to the store to pick some up.
Flaky Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
From Casual Foodist
Boring biscuits move over! These have jalapenos and cheddar in them, and are certain to have everyone requesting seconds.
Instant Pot Kisir (Spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad)
From Earth to Veg
If you’re cooking for a large group and your grill is completely full, put your instant pot to work making this salad that can be eaten warm or cold.
Cilantro Lime Rice
From Low Point Recipes
Rice doesn’t have to be boring. You can ramp it up a notch with this recipe and be a hit at your next potluck or get-together.
Delicious Roasted Vegetables
From Low Point Recipes
This side dish recipe proves that healthy, low calorie foods can still be full of flavor. It’s also easy and quick to make — and you can add or take away any vegetables you want depending on what you like and what’s in season.
Southern Summer Squash Casserole
From Monday is Meatloaf
When you have an overabundance of squash or zucchini this casserole is a great way to use it and provide a tasty side dish that accompanies nearly any main entree.
Sautéed Summer Squash
From Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
If you have squash coming out of your ears this summer, here’s another side dish you might like to try. It’s quick to make and once again, you can swap out the squash for zucchini if you have a lot of that vegetable too.
Calabacitas
From New Mexican Foodie
Here’s a colorful squash and zucchini dish with a Mexican twist. You can make it in about 20 minutes, but if you and your family aren’t crazy about the jalapenos, leave them out or sub them for green chiles instead.
Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze)
From Cooking Gorgeous
These vegetables can be made on your stovetop so you won’t have to turn on your oven. That’s a win when it’s hot outside. Just add your favorite main course for a complete meal.
Caramelized Corn and Green Bean Skillet with Cumin
From A Grateful Meal
When a plain side just won’t do, give this caramelized corn and green bean skillet a try. It’s a tasty side dish for any weeknight supper or to take to a summer potluck.
Lazy Slow Cooker Sweet Corn Spoonbread
From The Lazy Slow Cooker
Is it a bread, a side dish, or a casserole? We’re not sure, but we think this sweet corn spoonbread looks delish no matter how you choose to classify it!
Slow Cooker Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic
From The Lazy Slow Cooker
If you, your neighbors, or your friends have so many tomatoes you don’t know what to do with them all, this recipe is a winner. It takes very little prep time — just let your slow cooker do all of the hard work.
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower head (3 Ingredients)
From Our Plant-Based World
It only takes minutes to prepare a whole head of cauliflower for roasting, and it’s a great veggie choice if you need to feed several people. It also only takes 3 ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Mediterranean Honey Roasted Vegetables with Brussels Sprouts
From Our Plant-Based World
While this recipe does require the use of an oven, it is a great way to make a big quantity of vegetables for a large gathering. Plus, you can use just about any vegetable you like.
Summer Savory and Garlic Green Beans
From Life’s Ambrosia
You can pluck green beans straight from your garden and use them in this delicious recipe. And this one doesn’t use an oven — another plus when the temps outside are sweltering!
The Best Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe
From Veggie World Recipes
No matter what main course you’re making, garlic bread will nearly always go with it. This recipe tells you not only how to make yummy garlic bread, but also includes valuable tips and options that will help you make it taste amazing every time.
Simple Summer Squash Pasta
From Confessions of a Grocery Addict
If you have summer squash you need to use, this is a great recipe. You can also double it if you need a side that serves a crowd!
One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
From XOXOBella
Are you attending a potluck or a summer party? This one-pot cream cheese corn will be good to the last spoonful. And as an added bonus, you’ll only have one pot to wash once everyone has gone through the food line!
Tempting Grilled or Smoked Sides for your Summer BBQ
Grilled Vegetables Farro Salad
From Cooking My Dreams
When it’s hot outside you probably want to cook on your grill as much as possible to keep your house as cool as you can. This recipe uses a combination of the stovetop and the grill, although it can be made in the oven too.
Spicy Grilled Watermelon Salad
From Cooking with Wine
Did you know you can grill watermelon? hen combined with the other ingredients to make this salad, we think you’ll be won over.
Grilled Vegetables {Grilled Vegetable Marinade}
From What a Girl Eats
This low-carb recipe is Keto-friendly and Paleo while still being easy, quick, and tasty. To us, that makes it a winner!
Mesquite-Grilled Corn on the Cob (with Cilantro Lime Avocado Sauce & Vegan Parmesan)
From Ooh Là Là
Why run back and forth between the grill and the kitchen stove when you can grill your corn instead of boiling it? This recipe is easy, fast, and has plenty of tips to help you make flawless ears of corn for your next summer barbeque.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
From The Country Cook
For a super easy vegetable side dish you can make for several people at once, look no further. Corn on the cob pairs nicely with most other dishes, and grilling it eliminates the need for cleanup.
Grilled Cabbage Steaks
From Strength & Sunshine
Cabbage is another veggie that’s full of flavor when grilled. You can jaz it up with your favorite spices or add toppings.
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
From The Forked Spoon
Slide your favorite vegetables on skewers and fire up the grill! You can add meat if you want, but for a healthy and colorful side, these veggie skewers are great all on their own.
Easy Grilled Mushroom Skewers
From Food Wine & Love
Are you a mushroom lover? This easy summer side dish is fast and delicious!
Grits on the Grill
From Platter Talk
Be prepared to allow plenty of time to make this recipe as you will need time for the grits to chill in the refrigerator before they can be grilled. But we think they’ll be worth the wait because they look positively yummy!
Grilled Pineapple Salsa
From This Healthy Table
This versatile salsa is great on top of meat, in tacos, or with chips as a dip. But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it too, so don’t be afraid to experiment a litle.
Grilled Eggplant with Balsamic and Garlic
From Enza’s Quail Hollow Kitchen
You can eat healthy while leaving boring behind when you make this eggplant side dish. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand which means you won’t have to buy anything exotic except maybe the eggplant itself.
Easy Grilled Zucchini
From Small Town Woman
Grilled zucchini is the perfect summer barbeque side to help you use zucchini if you’ve had a bountiful harvest — or a generous neighbor! You can also make a bunch of it at once which makes it a great choice for a large gathering.
Grilled Melon Salad with Prosciutto and Burrata
From Fox and Briar
When it’s boiling outside and you want something cool to eat, this grilled fruit salad is a great choice as a side. It’s also fast to make so you can have dinner ready in a flash!
Grilled Pineapple
From Dinner at the Zoo
Sometimes you don’t need a lot of complication or fuss when you’re making a meal. This grilled pineapple is simple yet delicious and pairs well with whatever else you choose to throw on the grill.
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
From Happy Kitchen Rocks
Asparagus is easier to cook than it might look and is tender and delicious when cooked on the grill. These packets help to prevent it from ending up overcooked and shriveled, plus you won’t have it falling through the spaces on the grill grates.
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Zucchini
From Happy Kitchen Rocks
If you’re looking for something a little different for your next potluck or outdoor event, check out this grilled corn and black bean salad with zucchini. It’s also another quick recipe you can make in a hurry.
Grilled Potatoes and Onions in Foil
From The Welcoming Table
This potato recipe is already portioned to help you feed a large group of people for your next backyard gathering. Just turn on your grill and get cooking!
Grilled Broccolini
From Saporito Kitchen
It takes very few ingredients to make this zesty side dish, and it’s good for you as well as bursting with flavor.
BBQ Fruit Salad
From Every Last Bite
This fruit salad has a hint of refreshing mint and is just the thing when you need a showstopping side dish that isn’t actually complicated to make.
Smoked Baked Beans (with Optional Bourbon)
From Burrata and Bubbles
Baked beans are the quintessential summer barbeque food choice, and this smoked version has out-of-this-world flavor. The bacon and homemade BBQ sauce make this recipe stand out.
The Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese
From Burrata and Bubbles
If you love mac and cheese, this dish is rich and creamy with a boost of smoky flavor. And if you have lots to do for a party or barbeque, you can save time by doing most of the work ahead of time.
Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing
From XOXOBella
Smoked foods have a unique flavor that many people love, and if that includes you, this smoked Italian pasta salad is sure to please.
Smoked Corn On The Cob
From Whatsmoking
Smoked corn on the cob will make your mouth happy and only takes about an hour in your smoker. The recipe is easy to follow and only takes three ingredients, including the corn!
Vietnamese Grilled Corn with Scallion Oil
From Delightful Plate
For grilled corn with a Vietnamese flair, try grilling it using the instructions from this recipe. we think it looks heavenly and would be just the right thing to serve at any outdoor gathering.
Traeger Corn on the Cob
From A Grill for All Seasons
This grilled corn is easy enough to make, and you can smoke it instead of grilling it if you prefer the added smoky flavor. It does take a while to cook, but doesn’t take a lot of ingredients or prep time, and allows you to make the main entree, another side, or dessert while it’s cooking.
Fruit Side Dish Recipes for a Summer Potluck
Caprese Salad with Peaches
From ProfusionCurry
Caprese salad with peaches is a cool dish that’s just right when the temps are soaring. It’s a quick and easy side that goes together quickly, which is great if you have hungry guests or family members.
Mango, Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing
From J Cooking Odyssey
Tantalize your taste buds with this tangy summer salad. It’s a great choice for backyard barbeques or picnics at the park.
How to Make Orange Fluff Salad
From Two Kids and a Coupon
This salad is light, fruity, and sweet — in other words, everything you’d want in a fruit salad. And it’s fast and easy to make.
Peach and Prosciutto Salad
From Quiet Baking Day
Although you will use your oven for this recipe, it won’t be on long, and we think the results will be worth it.
Pear Salad Recipe
From Healthy Recipes 101
Pears are the main attraction in this side dish, but when combined with the other ingredients this salad makes a statement.
Mixed Greens Salad Recipe
From Healthy Recipes 101
If you want a salad that includes fruit and is as pretty as it is delicious and satisfying, this one fits the bill. It’s filled with oranges, strawberries, greens, and more.
Mango Cucumber Salad
From Through the Fibro Fog
You’ll find this salad to be a snap to through together in a hurry. That makes it great for summer meals when you have unexpected company.
Kale Apple Slaw
From Through the Fibro Fog
Swap your regular cole slaw for this kale apple slaw and wow your family or guests at any gathering.
Cold Asparagus Salad with Strawberries
From Carrots and Cookies
This colorful salad is not only pleasing to the eye, but it’s also tempting to your tongue! It combines fresh strawberries and asparagus with cheese, nuts, and few other ingredients for a refreshing salad you can enjoy throughout the summer months.
Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
From Midwestern HomeLife
Here’s another salad that includes strawberries along with greens, cheese, nuts, onion, and a tangy dressing for an unexpected but tasty flavor combination.
Watermelon Salad with Cucumber, Feta and Mint
From My Kitchen Love
Take advantage of it when watermelon is in season and create this salad for your summer barbeque or picnic. It’s refreshing and easy to make when you’re feeding a good sized group of people.
Orange and Fennel Salad
From A Tasty Kitchen
If citrus salads are more your thing, check out this recipe. It’s loaded with orange slices, fennel, onion, and other ingredients for a healthy side that everyone will enjoy.
Tropical Mango Salad Recipe with Coconut
From The Devil Wears Salad
There’s plenty to love in this tropical mango salad with coconut and lime dressing. It’s pleasing to the eye, sweet, and healthy — and don’t worry if you’re unsure about how to cut a mango. This recipe explains how simple it is to do.
Watermelon Panzanella Bread Salad
From The Devil Wears Salad
Who doesn’t love watermelon, crunchy bread, and cucumbers? This refreshing side includes all three for a delicious combination of flavors for your next summer cookout.
Melon Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Pine Nuts
From amycaseycooks
Slice up your favorite melon and add mozzarella, pine nuts, greens, herbs, and homemade dressing and you’ve got a melon salad fit for a king, or at least your family and any guests you’ve invited for dinner!
Strawberry Fluff Salad
From Princess Pinky Girl
This salad is so satisfying you could almost make it a dessert instead of a side dish. But it’s cool and loaded with fruit, and if you aren’t a fan of strawberries, replace them with a different fruit choice and a different jello flavor.
Mojito Watermelon Salad
From Goodie Godmother
Relax and cool off with this mojito watermelon salad at your next potluck or summer barbeque. While there’s no alcohol in the recipe, it’s inspired by mojitos, hence the name. But feel free to enjoy a mojito, if you wish, to go along with this salad and any other fare you’re having!
Summer Fruit Salad
From Joy Food Sunshine
What could be better than a bowl of plump, juicy fruit during your next evening meal or picnic? You can serve it as a side or add whipped cream or ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Melon Prosciutto Salad
From Saporito Kitchen
Have you been invited to someone’s house for an impromptu barbeque and don’t know what to bring? This salad is an ideal choice and sure to satisfy everyone there.
How to Grill Peaches
From Strength & Sunshine
Grilled peaches are versatile enough to be served as a side along with the main course or as a cool and creamy dessert with a couple of scoops of ice cream.
Strawberry Pecan Salad – Easy Strawberry Dessert Recipe
From Blondelish
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this salad is sure to be a hit and leave everyone begging for more.
Ambrosia Salad
From Modern Honey
This classic salad has been a served for years at many dinner parties, potlucks, and other events. And what’s not to love? It has fruit, whipped cream, marshmallows, sour cream, and coconut, but you can also add nuts and choose whatever fruits you like.
Watermelon Feta Basil Salad with Blueberry Balsamic
From Regain Your Sparkle
You can put this dish together in a jiffy, which is ideal if you’re pressed for time and have guests arriving at your home any minute.
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
From The Feathered Nester
Even if you aren’t serving this salad on Independence Day, it’s still pretty, cool, and a delicious way to beat the heat at your next backyard get-together.
Creamy Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe (Easy to Make)
From Movie Nights at Home
For a pool party, beach outing, or any other event that involves food, we think this salad would make a great addition. It’s fresh and light and always a hit!
Cool Salads for Outdoor Summer Gatherings
Spicy Coleslaw
From Christina’s Cucina
Another side that’s common at outdoor parties and cookouts is coleslaw. This one has a bit of a twist and we think it looks positively delish!
Easy Dairy-Free Macaroni Salad
From Fit as a Mama Bear
When you want to make macaroni salad but don’t want to use any dairy products, this recipe is a life saver. Plus, it has plenty of tips to help you make this dish a raving success.
Marinated Vegetable Salad Recipe
From Sugar & Snap Peas
If you love veggies you’ll most likely love this salad too. It’s packed with good-for-you vegetables that are as colorful as they are tasty. And it makes a lot so it’s ideal for a large gathering.
Layered Bacon Cornbread Salad
From The Savvy Mama Lifestyle
This summer salad is another classic side dish many are familiar with, but with a little twist; there’s cornbread in it! We think it would be great at any barbeque or just for a regular meal at home.
Hiyashi Chuka: Cold Japanese Noodle Salad
From Nut Free Wok
If you’re searching for a side that’s a bit different to serve to guests at a party or outdoor gathering, check out this salad recipe. It’s loaded with veggies, noodles, and protein but doesn’t have the nuts some other Asian recipes include.
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
From Laura Live Well
Do you love cowboy caviar dip? This salad is similar but has been turned into a salad that looks just as yummy and satisfying as the traditional and familiar dip.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
From Aleka’s Get-Together
When you’re busy and short on time you can whip up this salad in practically no time at all. You can also make it in advance which makes it a great side for parties, picnics, barbeques, or other gatherings.
Keto Antipasto Salad
From Joy Filled Eats
For a Keto salad that’s high on protein as well as being gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, this salad is a winner. And with all of that going for it, it’s also full of flavor and ideal for any backyard barbeque.
Easy Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad with Black Beans
From Simplifying Family
Healthy salads don’t have to be difficult to make, as this recipe proves. It’s simple to put together yet it will leave everyone asking for more.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad (Vegetarian)
From Our Love Language is Food
This is a great salad for a day at the beach, pool party, barbeque, or any other event you are hosting or attending. You can whip it up in a hurry and it’s light while still being filling and full of yumminess.
Marinated Mushroom Pasta Salad with Green Olives
From Lavender & Macarons
Mushrooms, pasta, olives, and other delicious ingredients abound in this pasta salad. It does require several different herbs and other food items to make, plus time for the mushrooms to marinate. However, we think the results will be worth the extra time and effort.
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Garlicky Crunch
From Lavender & Macarons
You’ll want heirloom tomato to make this crunchy, light salad. But whoever you serve this summer side to is sure to love the combination of colors, flavors, and texture.
Vegan Coleslaw Without Mayo — GF/DF, Vegan, Top 8 Free
From The Allergen Free Kitchen
Mayo is something not everyone can have if they are intollerant, allergic, or have dietary restrictions that require they don’t eat it. That being the case, this coleslaw comes to the rescue! It is gluten-free and dairy-free but will still be good to the last bite.
Chicken Macaroni Salad
From Dizzy Busy & Hungry
While there actually is meat in this macaroni salad, we think it’s a great summer dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish depending on the type of event you’re having and the other foods that will be available.
Broccoli Bacon Salad without Mayonnaise
From Our Wabi Sabi Life
Broccoli bacon salad is another great side you can make when you don’t want to heat up your houseor use mayonnaise in the food your family or guests will be eating.
Rainbow Salad with Chinese Inspired Dressing
From The Cinnamon Jar
We think the name of this salad is perfect considering the array of colors it has from all of the many ingredients. The dressing has an Asian flair and the foods that make up the salad are sweet while still having crunch.
Vegan Chickpea Salad
From Hoorah to Health
Who thinks foods that are good for you can’t also be satisfying and taste good? When it comes to those requirements, this salad hits the mark!
Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad
From Pattern Princess
Three bean salad is another classic salad that’s been around for a lot of years. But there’s a reason for that: it’s tangy and delicious and as perfect for an everyday meal as it is for a fancy party.
Easy Old Fashioned Pea Salad Recipe
From Two Kids and a Coupon
Not many salad recipes could be simpler than the one for this pea salad. You can throw it together lickety-split when time is of the essence, and you probably have most if not all of the ingredients on hand most of the time.
Jackfruit Tuna Salad (No Mayo, Vegan)
From LB Health & Lifestyle
Here’s another great recipe that has no mayo and replaces the tuna with jackfruit for a Vegan salad that’s good for you and quick to make.
Sprouted Buckwheat Salad with Basil Pesto
From LB Health & Lifestyle
The flavors of the Mediterranean can be found throughout this salad, along with a beautiful display of ingredients including sprouted buckwheat. If you aren’t familiar with sprouted buckwheat, the recipe includes tips about where to find it and how to make it on your own.
Southern Macaroni Salad
From The Toasty Kitchen
Macaroni salad is another side dish that’s typical for many barbeques and outdoor cookouts. This one ha the same basic ingredients as most other macaroni salads — but without tasting basic. We think anyone you serve this dish to will ask for more!
Delicious Cucumber Onion And Tomato Salad Recipe
From The Kitchen and a Latte
When you’re craving a side dish that won’t make you turn on the oven or use the stove top, this one hits the spot. It has cool cucumbers, tomatoes and onions along with a made from scratch dressing for flavor that can’t be beat.
Grilled Halloumi, Caramelised Shallots, Green Bean & Pine Nut Salad with a Lime Dressing
From Emma Eats & Explores
For a salad that’s bursting with flavor with every fork full, give this recipe a try. We predict that the guests at your next summer gathering will request that you bring it again and again.
5-Minute No Mayo Coleslaw (Egg-Free and Dairy-Free)
From Flavours Treat
When you’ve only got about 5 minutes to throw something together to compliment a main course, this recipe could save you. It’s packed with cabbage and other veggies that are healthy and delicious but doesn’t have eggs or dairy.
Corn Cucumber Tomato Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
From Flavours Treat
A rainbow of colors meet the eye when you see this summer salad. It’s full of everything delish and uses no mayo.
Iceberg Lettuce Salad with Ginger Dressing
From Delightful Plate
Cool crisp lettuce plus a few other ingredients are all you need for this salad that compliments any main attraction. Serve it for your next picnic, potluck, or other summer event.
Easy Mediterranean White Bean Salad
From Casual Foodist
You’ll find this salad to be perfect for your next summer gathering no matter what else is being served. It’s loaded with protein and veggies and drizzled with a homemade dressing.
Easy Crack Corn Salad
From In Krista’s Kitchen
Instead of corn on the cob at your next barbeque, why not serve this easy to make crack corn salad? It’s full of the flavors of summer and sure to be a hit.
Broccoli Slaw Salad
From Flavor the Moments
No need to have regular coleslaw when you can take it up a notch with this recipe. It’s also gluten-free and Vegan.
Kachumber Salad
From All Ways Delicious
Although this pretty salad is red and green like Christmas, we’re sure you can serve it any time of year. It’s packed with veggies, herbs, and veggies for a dish that’s light on everything but flavor.
Jeanne Sloan is a farm wife, mother of two, and grandmother of two who was born in Las Vegas, Nevada but was transformed into a country girl at the age of eight when her parents moved the family to Kansas. You can read more from Jeanne Sloan at mid-lifemusings.com where she writes about whatever strikes her fancy, including advice, recipes, and more.
Acknowledgment: This round-up of recipes and photos from other bloggers was made with their full and express permission to share. We’re grateful to them for sharing their creativity and talent and we encourage you to visit each of their websites for many more recipes like these.
