July has arrived, woo-hoo! It is officially summer. Here is a round-up of healthy and divine summer side dish recipes with lots of crunchy, creamy salads and fiery salsas and dips that are just begging for some chips.
From a swoon-worthy sweet corn and zucchini pie to a perfect pickle potato salad, these recipes celebrate summer ingredients and pack up picnic-ready no matter where this summer you roam.
I have decided that the side dishes are the unsung heroes of summer. Guacamole swoops in, time and again, to satisfy hungry guests while dinner is getting prepared. Mango salsa is that pow that wakes up taco night. Vegetarian Italian pasta salad is the perfect idea for what to bring to a picnic.
Side dishes always round out the menu and give it pizazz. What would barbeque be without coleslaw and potato salad? Side dishes are also the opportunity for fruits and vegetables to shine. And don’t I love it, when plants have their moment!
Cuban corn salad always steals the show. Salads with summer tomatoes never fail to wow guests. It is impossible not to marvel at the gorgeousness that is summer vegetables and fruits. You can just taste the sunshine and earth.
That is why I have given you in this compilation, a plethora of beautiful ways to serve up this bounty. These recipes really celebrate the flavors of corn, tomatoes, peaches, and fresh herbs. And they are combined with the ingredients that elevate and enhance their beauty. Sharp cheeses, toasted nuts, and exciting dressings all liven salads and dips to make them extra special. So, as we kick off this glorious season of frolic and fun, bookmark this list as a reference, and all throughout the season, you will have great side dishes to enhance your summer meals.
Get ready for some culinary fireworks with this spicy mango and avocado salsa. Fresh and sweet with a kick from jalapeno, this condiment is perfection with grilled meats and tacos.
Creamy ricotta cheese with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil.  Simple enough to throw together at a moment's notice, delicious enough to make over and over again.
Cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh summer flavor, this zucchini tzatziki is a delicious twist on the classic Greek sauce. Made with shredded zucchini, Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill, it’s the ultimate fresh dip, spread, or topping for just about anything.
Simply steamed artichokes made quick and easy in the Instant Pot. Yielding perfectly tender results. Ideal as a healthy appetizer, side dish or snack, paired with a healthy and delicious parmesan basil dip!
This lively Corn and Black Bean salad will be a mainstay on your summer table. A fantastic accompaniment to barbeque or seafood and pure magic when heaped into tacos or burritos. Only 7 simple wholesome ingredients, and less than 10 minutes to whip up!
You are going to LOVE this new Greek crunch salad, made with thinly sliced crunchy romaine lettuce, cucumber, fresh dill, scallions, and creamy feta cheese and then topped with a spiced super seed blend. My new favorite salad!
Perfectly charred corn and jalapeno tossed with cilantro, lime juice, red onion, and cheese. This healthy Mexican street corn salad recipe is easy to prepare with only 6 ingredients and is the perfect summer side dish or, with the addition of protein, is the perfect healthy lunch.
Crisp radishes, cool cucumbers, fresh mint, crunchy red onions, and a creamy greek yogurt lemon dressing. This healthy, refreshing creamy cucumber radish salad is exactly what you will want to enjoy on a hot summer day!
Looking for a healthy side dish for taco night? Well, look no further! This zesty Mexican-inspired vegetarian side dish is one of my favorite ways to spice up veggies and pairs perfectly with tacos.
A crunchy, briny, tangy coleslaw (mayo-free) with a probiotic boost from gut-healthy sauerkraut. This coleslaw is begging to be piled high on tacos, grain bowls, or served at your next BBQ.
This quick and easy Korean cucumber salad recipe is a family favorite! Cooling cucumbers paired with spicy Korean chili peppers and nutty sesame seeds. The perfect side dish for rich meats, bbq, or grilled fish.
You are going to LOVE this 5-ingredient Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad. This fresh zesty salad stars juicy peaches, salty halloumi cheese, and a punchy basil vinaigrette in 10 minutes you'll capture summer on a plate. Healthy, seasonal cooking at its best!
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with grilled halloumi cheese and a tangy sumac vinaigrette. Great for a quick and healthy lunch packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients!
This super healthy and delicious Thai broccoli salad is loaded with colorful veggies and a mouthwatering spicy peanut butter dressing. This healthy broccoli salad is gluten-free, vegan and makes the perfect side dish or main dish any night of the week!
A fresh heirloom tomato salad with juicy sweet peaches, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs. This healthy, simple salad is the very representation of savoring the final weeks of summer using only seasonal local produce.
Nutty chewy (and super healthy) farro meet a bounty of fresh herbs, perfectly roasted eggplant, garden fresh tomatoes, and lots of kalamata olives! All tossed together in a garlic vinaigrette. This healthy vegan grain salad is easy enough to prepare and so delicious!
Farmer’s market lentil salad with fresh cherries, sugar snap peas, and fresh oregano. A beautiful bounty of healthy local seasonal veggies and protein rich lentils. An easy to make, super delicious, vegan and gluten-free summer salad.
This bright Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad is packed with buttery Castelvetrano olives, creamy mozzarella, and peppery arugula, all tossed in a naturally creamy Sungold tomato vinaigrette.
Perfectly roasted cauliflower, roasted red pepper, tons of fresh basil, mozzarella cheese all tossed together in a zippy Italian dressing. Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad will be your new favorite pasta salad recipe!
Loaded with fresh roasted vegetables, shrimp, dill, and feta cheese this Mediterranean inspired lemony orzo salad is a quick and easy summer side dish and is fantastic served warm or cold.Â
Crunchy dill pickles tossed together with creamy red, white, and blue potatoes, a huge handful of fresh dill and scallions. Dill pickle potato salad is quite literally THE BEST potato salad you will ever eat, for pickle lovers everywhere!
A bright and healthy side dish bursting with summer flavor. Almond pesto potato salad with green beans is easy to make and loaded with good for you ingredients, the perfect alternative to a mayonnaise-based potato salad.
Looking for a fun twist on traditional potato salad? This warm (or room temperature) ramp potato salad is going to be your new go-to recipe for summer BBQs, picnics, and al fresco dinners. Tender garlicky ramps, fresh herbs, and sharp mustard this healthy potato salad contains no mayo and is packed with seasonal flavors and bursting with nutritious goodness.
The perfect veggie treat! Fresh sweet corn, shredded local zucchini, melty cheese, this pie is crust-less (hello easy), and best served with fresh slices of tomato and flaky sea salt!
I hope you love these summer side dish recipes! If you’ve tried any of these recipes snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @abrapappa or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo!
Meet Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN
Abra is a licensed nutritionist, seasoned home cook, and forever flavor-chaser. She’s spent more than two decades exploring the connection between food and health—and just as long obsessing over what makes something truly delicious. Abra’s Kitchen is where those two loves meet, with recipes that celebrate vegetables, follow the seasons, and make you excited to cook.
Affiliate Disclosure: Abra’s Kitchen (Nutritious America LLC) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Perfect for this weekend (and always!). Thanks Abra!