Finding easy-to-prepare simple weeknight summer side dishes to accompany your next main dish can seem like a hassle, especially when you’re trying to get dinner on the table fast! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best side dishes to round out your favorite summer meal ideas.
1. Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini, Squash and Tomatoes
Using a sheet pan to prepare a meal of any kind, utilizes the same simple, and useful concept of the one-pot meal, but twists it using a slightly different method. When it comes to preparing veggies, roasting on a sheet pan is the way to go, for its simplicity and incredible flavor!
This tasty combination of roasted garlic-Parmesan zucchini, squash, and tomatoes is light and easy for your weeknight summer meals. Simply slice your seasonal squash and tomatoes from your summer gardens, toss them onto your sheet pan with seasonings for a delicious, quick, and easy side dish.
2. Black Bean Salad
This incredibly versatile black bean salad is a simple and refreshing side dish that can be used as a relish for your hamburgers and hotdogs at your backyard cookout or hearty salsa for chip and dip loving guests. Jam-packed with healthy veggies, and spritzed with a bright citrus vinaigrette, this lively side dish won’t weigh you down in the summer heat!
3. Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes
Nothing beats a beautifully charred grilled steak alongside delicious, tender roasted potatoes! Turn it up a notch with the ultimate summer side dish for steak night, with these mouth-watering, crispy smashed red potatoes. Red potatoes are gently smashed, drizzled with olive oil, and coated with fresh herbs and various spices before roasted until crispy and golden brown.
4. Fresh And Easy Summer Corn Salad
Transform your boring corn on the cob to a bright and invigorating summer corn salad, in just 15 minutes! Prepare your ears of corn in an instant pot, for the fastest and easiest prep time!
Toss your corn, grape tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and red onion in a light and tangy apple cider vinaigrette and then top with basil and feta. This delicious summer side salad can be served alone as a light lunch, or with any main course.
5. Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Say goodbye to the traditional ways of preparing cauliflower, which usually results in little to no flavor. Take this bland veggie up a notch or two, by transforming the cauliflower florets into delicious buffalo cauliflower bites. Buffalo cauliflower makes for an effortless summer appetizer or a simple pairing to your summer weeknight meal.
6. Classic Macaroni Salad
Homemade Interest
Our list of easy summer side dishes wouldn’t be complete without a classic macaroni salad. Tender macaroni is blended in a creamy, tangy sauce prepared with simple ingredients such as mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and sweet pickle relish. This addicting pasta salad is guaranteed to be a go-to favorite for your summer potlucks, barbeques, and family weeknight dinners.
7. Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Serve a savory helping of cheesy asparagus casserole alongside grilled chicken or steak for a heavenly, delicious low-carb meal. Cheesy asparagus is sprinkled with garlic, and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, and then coated with an unforgettable, decadent cream cheese sauce. Indulge in this sensational simple vegetable side dish!
8. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli reigns supreme on the vegetable list! This top-tiered veggie is even better when roasted and tossed in a blend of Italian style breadcrumbs and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Parmesan roasted broccoli is a quick and easy side that can be prepared in minutes when you need a last-minute side dish to round out any weeknight meal.
9. Jiffy Corn Casserole
Summer cooking is made easy and breezy with a single box of Jiffy corn mix in this ridiculously simple Jiffy corn casserole recipe. Sweet and crunchy with a golden crumb topping, this classic summer side dish is ready for the oven in just five minutes. Grab your canned corn, sour cream and Jiffy corn mix to whip up this new family favorite.
10. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a quick and easy low carb and keto-friendly side dish for dinner, look no further, creamy garlic mushrooms are here for you! White button mushrooms are sauteed in olive oil and then tossed in a creamy garlic sauce made from a delicate vegetable broth and brie. This delicious light side will pair beautifully with grilled shrimp, salmon, or grilled chicken breast.
