Summer Sides: 18 Recipes for the BBQ (2024)

1. Melon Prosciutto Salad

This refreshing Summer Melon Caprese Salad combines the sweetness of ripe honeydew and cantaloupe with creamy fresh mozzarella and savory prosciutto, topped with fresh basil and a light lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect balance of flavors for a light and elegant appetizer or side dish.

2. BBQ Baked Beans

This recipe for BBQ Beans combines the savory flavors of thick-cut bacon, sweet red onions, garlic, and a blend of beans, simmered in a sauce made with beer, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.

3. Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

This Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese combines elbow macaroni with a rich blend of white cheddar and American cheese, enhanced by subtle spices like ground mustard and paprika for a comforting, flavorful dish. Plus, this crowd-pleasing side is made in just 20 minutes!

4. Italian Chopped Salad

This Classic Italian Chopped Salad Recipe combines crisp romaine and leaf lettuce with hearty salami, spicy pepperoni, creamy baby mozzarella, tangy provolone cheese, protein-packed chickpeas, savory olives, and tangy pepperoncini, topped with freshly grated parmesan for a robust and flavorful salad.

5. Crispy Potato Wedges With Lemon Aioli

See Also

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These Baked Potato Wedges are coated in parmesan cheese and baked to perfection. Paired with a zesty lemon aioli, blending savory Italian seasoning and garlic for a deliciously seasoned side dish.

6. Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers

These Grilled Vegetable Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic BBQ fare, featuring a fresh garlic herb sauce that elevates the natural sweetness of red onion, zucchini, bell peppers, and more, perfect for those who appreciate simple, delicious veggie dishes.

7. Summer Panzanella {Italian Bread Salad}

This refreshing Summer Panzanella Bread Salad combines the tangy flavors of stale sourdough bread, juicy tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls, enhanced with a zesty vinaigrette. It's a perfect dish for using up leftover bread and celebrating the season's freshest produce.

8. Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

This Smashed Potato Salad combines creamy and crispy textures for a delicious twist on a classic. Roasted smashed potatoes are tossed in a tangy, herby dressing, making it an irresistible side dish ready in just 30 minutes.

9. Easy Grilled Italian Zucchini

This Quick Grilled Zucchini Recipe is seasoned with Italian herbs, lemon pepper, and kosher salt. Roasted to perfection with a splash of fresh lemon juice, this light and flavorful side dish is great for a Summer BBQ.

10. Savory Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn is a comforting and flavorful side dish filled with the sweet freshness of corn on the cob with savory bacon drippings, diced sweet onion, and creamy butter.

11. Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding

This Zesty Cornbread Casserole is layered with the bold flavors of jalapeño and sharp white cheddar. This twist on a class cornbread is a great side dish for BBQ and Summer cookouts.

12. Italian Tomato Salad Recipe

This Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe is filled with sweet cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and fragrant basil, all dressed in robust extra virgin olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar. Enhanced with dried oregano, this vibrant salad offers a delightful, pizza-like flavor that's perfect for Summer dining.

13. Spicy Baked Mac And Cheese Bites

Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Bites are a great appetizer or side dish with a hint of heat from jalapeños. Perfect as a side dish for all of your Summer grilled dishes!

14. Orzo Pesto Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying Summer salad. Orzo is mixed with pine nuts, lemon zest, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and red onion for a light and easy side dish.

15. Antipasto Salad

This hearty Tortellini Antipasto Salad Recipe is loaded with roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, olives, mozzarella balls, and a savory mix of salami and pepperoni, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, The best, easy make-ahead side dish for Summer!

16. Watermelon Salad

This Fresh Watermelon Salad Recipe is made with tangy tomatoes, zesty lime juice, and sweet honey, creating a vibrant Summer salad filled with contrasting flavors and textures.

17. Molasses Baked Beans

These Classic Baked Beans are made with navy beans with a savory-sweet sauce of ketchup, molasses, and bacon, slow-cooked to tender perfection.

18. Italian Celery Salad With Parmesan

This recipe for Fresh Italian Celery Salad is finished off with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. A refreshing, elegant dish perfect for Summer gatherings.

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